Explore the Exciting Events Happening This September in Sarasota County
As summer winds down and the school year kicks into full swing, Sarasota County is buzzing with a variety of events to keep you entertained throughout September. From art exhibitions and craft festivals to lively parades and Oktoberfest celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of some must-attend events this month:
September 1, 2024: 15th Annual Labor Day Weekend Downtown Venice Craft Festival
Start your September with a visit to the Downtown Venice Craft Festival. This annual event is perfect for art enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, and metal works. Explore the green market with plants and other unique items. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Miami Avenue West in Venice, FL, and offers free parking.
September 1 – 15, 2024: Selby Gardens Featuring the Florida Highwaymen
Step into the vibrant world of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of Black landscape artists who captured the beauty of Florida’s landscapes in the 1950s. This exhibition at Selby Gardens in Sarasota is a must-see, showcasing the works of these self-taught artists who sold their paintings from the trunks of their cars. The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Downtown Sarasota Campus, with various admission fees.
September 2, 2024: Englewood Pioneer Days Parade & Festivities
Celebrate Labor Day at the Englewood Pioneer Days Parade, a cherished community event with a 1950s theme. The parade begins at 9 a.m., followed by a day of festivities at Pioneer Park, including a diaper derby, pie-eating contest, and live music. The event is free and runs throughout the day in Englewood, FL.
September 2, 2024: Labor Day Pig Roast with the Knights of Columbus
Enjoy a traditional Labor Day Pig Roast at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Venice, FL. The menu includes roasted pig, plantains, BBQ beans, and more. Tickets are $20 per person, with doors opening at 3 p.m. and dinner served at 4 p.m. Be sure to register online by August 29th.
September 6, 2024: Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch
Kick off the weekend with Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live indie, folk rock, and Americana music by Cassie Jean & The Fireflies. This family-friendly event includes food vendors, beer trucks, and activities for kids. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
September 7, 2024: Literacy Under the Trees at Oscar Scherer State Park
Celebrate International Literacy Day at Oscar Scherer State Park with Literacy Under the Trees. This event offers various literacy activities, readings, and games for all ages. Entry is free with a library card or a donated book, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Osprey, FL.
September 7, 2024: Exotic Cars on The Circle
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss Exotic Cars on The Circle at St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota, FL. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., admire a display of high-end vehicles while supporting Flight to the North Pole, a charity for terminally ill children. Admission is free.
September 7, 2024: Sarasota Wellness Expo at The Mall at UTC
The Sarasota Wellness Expo returns to The Mall at University Town Center for its sixth year. This interactive expo features over 40 vendors offering products and services for all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. The expo runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free entry.
September 7 – 8, 2024: Half-Off Weekends at Mote Aquarium
Florida residents can enjoy half-off admission to Mote Aquarium in Sarasota, FL, every weekend in September. Explore marine life exhibits, including manatees, sharks, and turtles. The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
September 10, 2024: Barks and Brews at The Mall at UTC
Join a tail-waggin’ good time at Barks and Brews, a monthly event supporting Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., bring your furry friends to enjoy craft brews, live music, and more at The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota, FL.
September 11, 2024: 9/11 Remembrance Events
Sarasota County will host several ceremonies to honor the victims and heroes of September 11, 2001. Events include:
- University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s Remembrance Event at Sarasota National Cemetery at 8:30 a.m.
- State College of Florida’s 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at SCF Venice from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and SCF Bradenton from 9 to 10 a.m.
- Sarasota County Fire Department’s Commemoration at Fire Station #23 in Nokomis, FL, at 9:30 a.m.
- 9/11 Victims & Fallen Heroes Memorial Ceremony at Patriots Park in Venice, FL, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
September 12 – 22, 2024: Seussical the Musical at The Players Centre
Experience the magic of Dr. Seuss with “Seussical the Musical” at The Players Centre in Sarasota, FL. Running from September 12th to 22nd, this musical brings beloved characters to life, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and community.
September 13, 2024: Free Music Friday Night Concert in Venice
Enjoy a free concert by Roger Bash & Forrest Shafer at Centennial Park in downtown Venice, FL, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets for a relaxing evening of music under the stars.
September 13 – 15, 2024: Sarasota Offshore Boat Racing Powerboat P1
Get ready for high-speed excitement as Powerboat P1 races come to Sarasota. The event, part of the 2024 APBA National and UIM World Championships, will feature world-class marine motorsport action along Lido Beach. Races will take place on September 14th and 15th.
September 15, 2024: Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show
Watch Sarasota’s Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team perform their first show of the fall season at Ski-A-Ree Stadium, near Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota, FL. The show starts at 2 p.m. and is free to attend.
September 21, 2024: International Coastal Cleanup Day
Join the annual International Coastal Cleanup Day and help keep Sarasota County’s beaches beautiful. Volunteers are needed at various locations, including Sarasota, Venice, and North Port, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Register early to secure your spot.
September 21, 2024: Fishermen’s Village Key Lime & Tropical Fest
Indulge in all things tropical at the 10th annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, FL. Enjoy live music, tropical food, and unique vendors from noon to 9 p.m.
September 21, 2024: Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival
Formerly known as Taste of Downtown, the Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival offers a delightful afternoon of food, wine, and live performances in support of Sarasota Youth Opera. The event takes place at Sarasota Opera House, with doors opening at 1 p.m. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door.
September 21 – 22, 2024: St. Armand’s Craft Festival
St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota, FL, hosts its 2nd Annual Craft Festival, featuring over 175 artisans displaying a wide range of crafts. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend.
September 28, 2024: National Public Lands Day at Oscar Scherer State Park
Give back to your public lands by volunteering for a service project at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, FL. Volunteers will receive free park entry and lunch. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
September 28, 2024: Wellen Park Oktoberfest
Celebrate Wellen Park’s inaugural Oktoberfest with traditional German dancers, a live polka band, and plenty of beer and bratwurst. The event runs from noon to 8 p.m. in Venice, FL.
September 28, 2024: Venice Beach Party
End the month with a beach party at Venice Beach, FL, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. A free trolley shuttle will run from Centennial Park to the beach.
With such a wide variety of events, September in Sarasota County promises to be a month full of excitement, culture, and community. Whether you’re looking for family fun, live music, or a chance to give back, there’s something for everyone. Mark your calendars and get ready to explore all that this vibrant region has to offer!