Greetings from Siesta Key, Florida! This beautiful coastal town boasts breathtaking white sand beaches, pristine turquoise waters, and a serene ambiance that is truly rejuvenating. Siesta Key is much more than just a place to relax and soak up the sun, as it offers a plethora of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. Come and experience the unique energy of this island paradise for yourself!
Siesta Key has a reputation among its many annual visitors for being a place where every moment is truly unforgettable. With its stunning natural beauty and vibrant community, the island is a destination that never fails to leave a lasting impression. Furthermore, Siesta Key plays host to a variety of exciting festivals and events throughout the year, adding to the already abundant charm and excitement of this one-of-a-kind locale.
The Venice Art Festival, Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival, and Sarasota Jazz Festival are just a few examples of Siesta Key things to do regarding festivals and events throughout the year. The following are some exquisite events that will make your visit to Siesta Key memorable.
Venice Art Festival
The Venice Art Festival is a must-see for anyone visiting Siesta Key, Florida. This annual festival celebrates the area’s creative spirit and features some of the best local and international artists.
Not to mention, it’s a beautiful opportunity to learn about Siesta Key’s culture. The event features an outdoor art show with over 100 international artists, live music acts, participatory art activities, food booths, and more!
The Venice Art Festival is a must-visit event, and one of its most captivating features is its prime location on the beautiful Siesta Key Beach. Tourists can enjoy stunning views of the Gulf Coast while immersing themselves in the incredible artwork on display. With a range of exciting events and activities, visitors are sure to find plenty of entertainment to complement their vacation experience. The festival offers a perfect opportunity to fully appreciate the true beauty of art, surrounded by the natural splendor of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting activity to enjoy during your visit to Siesta Key, don’t miss the Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival! This annual event, held in nearby Lakewood Ranch, Florida, showcases an incredible array of art forms, from stunning paintings and sculptures to breathtaking photography and exquisite jewelry. Don’t miss your chance to experience the very best of the arts scene in this remarkable part of the world!
Every year, the festival attracts artists from all over the nation. Visitors can peruse a diverse collection of artwork by established and new artists. There are also live music performances throughout the day. Another exciting bit is the irresistible blend of perfection from dishes made by the local cuisines.
The Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Fair is a fantastic opportunity to see some of Florida’s finest art while experiencing the lovely Siesta Key surroundings.
Sarasota Jazz Festival
Everyone from jazz performers to local artisans is welcome at the Sarasota Jazz Festival, held yearly to honor the city’s rich musical heritage. Over 30 years, this event has become an annual tradition for tens of thousands of people.
The event showcases both established and up-and-coming jazz musicians from around the world. Throughout the day, some workshops and seminars delve into the culture and background of jazz music. Guests can also partake in activities like face painting and balloon animal making, purchase food from street vendors and explore local art galleries.
It’s no surprise that thousands of people keep returning to this event yearly; it offers something for everyone in the way of music, culture, food, and entertainment.
Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival
This festival celebrates the region’s culinary delights, showcasing some of the best chefs, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and restaurants from around the state. The event provides a one-of-a-kind chance to taste some of Florida’s best cuisine and beverages.
Live music, mouth-watering local cuisine, and refreshing beverages are just a few of the many delights in store for attendees at this event. In addition to the fantastic food and drinks on offer, visitors can also take part in a range of interactive activities, including cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to indulge your senses and explore the diverse culinary offerings of the local area, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere and engaging entertainment.
The wine-sampling activities are unquestionably the festival’s high point. Visitors can taste some of the world’s best wines while learning about their origins and flavors. You can also participate in workshops on culinary combinations or discover the best wines to match particular meals.
There are also art displays by local artists and purchasing opportunities at different merchants located throughout the event sites.
Sharks Tooth Festival
Celebrating the unique beauty of the shark tooth fossils found in the region, the Sharks Tooth Festival has been a beloved annual event for over 25 years, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The festivities kick off with a lively parade, featuring floats created by local businesses, schools, and community groups.
Once the parade ends, visitors can enjoy an exciting array of attractions, including live music performances, delicious culinary offerings, and a wide variety of arts and crafts booths. Whether you’re a fossil enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and engaging way to experience the local culture, the Sharks Tooth Festival is not to be missed.
The “Shark Tooth Hunt,” in which participants look for fossilized shark teeth along the coastline, is one of the festival’s highlights. You will be rewarded if you are lucky to be among those who find the fossil.
Further, educational events, including seminars from Shark and environmental specialists, are observed. The Sharks Tooth Festival is a fantastic opportunity to learn about sharks while having fun!
Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival
A highly anticipated event in the region, the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival celebrates the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing. This thrilling event has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering an exciting opportunity to experience the power and beauty of this historic sport. With teams from all over the world competing for top honors, the festival is a must-see for anyone looking to witness the very best of dragon boat racing. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this incredible tradition and experience the excitement of the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival for yourself!
The races are held on Hudson Bayou’s banks, providing a beautiful background for the celebration. This exciting game attracts up to 50 teams from around the globe. Typically, teams consist of 16 rowers, a percussionist, and a steersman.
Indulge your taste buds with delectable treats from food vendors, while enjoying live music performances that will keep you relaxed at the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival. Additionally, don’t forget to check out the arts and crafts booths, which offer one-of-a-kind souvenirs and handcrafted items that will make for a memorable experience. For cultural immersion, head to the Chinese culture section where you can learn about traditional practices like calligraphy, paper cutting, and kite making. This is a great opportunity for tourists to gain insight into Chinese culture and experience it firsthand.
Plan Your Next Visit!
Experience the best of Siesta Key with these must-see events! From the Venice Art Festival to the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the fun, start planning your vacation today!
My Hometown Fest
My Hometown Fest is a celebration of local culture that brings people from all over the region together for a weekend of fun and festivities. The highlight of the festival is the colorful parade that winds its way through Siesta Key, featuring floats and marching bands from the surrounding communities. Everyone gathers to applaud on their favored floats and to see the musicians march past. It’s a captivating opportunity to gather everyone together and celebrate the spirit of the community.
In addition to the procession, My Hometown Fest offers a variety of other events. There are carnival attractions, activities, face painting stands, art exhibits showing works by local artists and artisans, as well as film screenings featuring independent films made by locals for those who prefer quieter activities.
Where To Stay
Several options are available, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly Siesta Key rentals. Vacationers can choose between Siesta Key condo rentals and Siesta Key cottage villas with furnished kitchens, ideal for families or parties looking for a relaxation spot. Siesta Key rentals have something brilliant for everyone, regardless of your preferred accommodation style.
Crystal Sands offers a wide variety of Siesta Key vacation condos with one to four bedrooms, so you can easily find the ideal accommodation to suit your needs. The Crystal Sands rentals, located near Siesta Key, provide modern amenities like fully equipped kitchens, large living areas, private balconies or patios, and so much more. Book your stay today!
