November in Sarasota and the surrounding areas is packed with incredible events, offering something for everyone—from food lovers and art enthusiasts to music fans and history buffs. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities or exciting evening entertainment, there’s no shortage of options this month. Here’s your ultimate guide to November 2024:
November 1: North Jetty Park Food Truck Rally
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Kick off November at the North Jetty Park Food Truck Rally! Enjoy delicious food from a variety of trucks, entertainment, and games. This rally offers a fun, laid-back environment for families to gather, eat, and relax while enjoying the beautiful beach park.
Location: North Jetty Park, 1000 S. Casey Key Road, Nokomis, FL
November 1: Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch brings back “Music on Main,” where the Trevor Bystrom Band will perform a lively blend of world music. With food vendors, beer trucks, rides for the kids, and an overflow of parking at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Don’t forget your chairs (no coolers allowed), and feel free to bring your dog on a leash!
Location: Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL
November 2: Le Marché Bohémien
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Transport yourself to a Parisian-style open-air marketplace at Five Points Park. This unique market features vintage and handmade creations, from clothing and jewelry to repurposed furniture and home accessories. Live music adds to the vibrant bohemian atmosphere.
Location: Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL
November 2: Free Family Day at The Ringling Museum
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Ringling Museum welcomes families for a day of free admission and creative art projects. Inspired by the museum’s collections, the MakerSpace will offer hands-on activities using botanical debris from Hurricane Milton. Admission includes access to both the Museum of Art and the Circus Museum.
Location: The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL
November 2: 11th Annual Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Sharky’s on the Pier is hosting a sunset beach party with lobster delicacies, live music, and a relaxing lounge setting. This annual event benefits Children First families and promises an unforgettable evening of fun.
Location: Sharky’s On the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice, FL
November 2 – 3: Venice Art Fest
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (both days)
Discover the creativity of over 150 artists at the 36th Annual Venice Art Fest in Downtown Venice. This free event showcases artwork across multiple mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted pieces.
Location: West Venice Avenue, Downtown Venice, FL
November 2 – 3: Sarasota Medieval Fair
10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (both days)
Step back in time at the 20th Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair! Enjoy knights, jesters, full-contact jousting, human chess tournaments, and medieval-themed food like turkey legs and ale. The fair takes place in the picturesque Woods of Mallaranny.
Location: Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 FL-70 E., Myakka City, FL
November 3: Brunch on the Bay at USF Sarasota-Manatee
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy a gourmet brunch while supporting student scholarships at USF Sarasota-Manatee. Area restaurants will provide the cuisine, making this brunch a delicious and meaningful experience.
Location: University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
November 4: Venice Concert Band – “Home of the Brave”
7 p.m.
The Venice Concert Band honors veterans and celebrates patriotism with their “Home of the Brave” performance. Tickets are $14, and doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Location: Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Avenue, Venice, FL
November 8 – 10: Dusty’s All-Star Circus
Various show times
Dusty’s All-Star Circus brings world-renowned artists for an intimate circus experience. Expect a variety of acts that are perfect for the whole family, with tickets starting at $12.99.
Location: Sahib Shrine Temple, 600 N. Beneva, Sarasota, FL
November 8 – 10: Sarasota Chalk Festival
All weekend, the streets of downtown Sarasota will come to life as national and international artists create beautiful chalk masterpieces. There’s also a “Young and Young at Heart” zone for anyone to get creative with chalk.
Location: Downtown Sarasota, Burns Square, S. Pineapple & S. Orange Avenues, Sarasota, FL
November 9: Vets for Vets Music Festival
12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Celebrate and honor veterans and first responders at this free event with live performances, veteran-owned businesses, and family-friendly fun.
Location: Centennial Park, 200 Venice Ave W, Venice, FL
November 9: UTC Food Truck Festival and Holiday Parade
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
With over 50 food trucks and a holiday parade, UTC’s festival is a must-see. The event wraps up with fireworks and an after-party to celebrate Santa’s arrival!
Location: The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL
November 11: Veterans Day Ceremony
11 a.m.
Join the American Legion in honoring veterans with a patriotic ceremony. Bring chairs and water for this free event.
Location: Patriots Park, 800 Venetia Bay Blvd, Venice, FL
November 14: Downtown Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season at Selby Five Points Park with festive music, refreshments, and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Location: Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL
November 14 – 17: Englewood Beach Waterfest
Get ready for the ultimate offshore racing fest with high-speed boats and thrilling races. The Englewood Beach Waterfest also includes parties and family activities.
Location: Englewood Beach, Manasota Key, FL
November 15 – 18: Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition
Master sand sculptors compete for top prizes in this world-renowned event. Enjoy sand sculpting lessons, demonstrations, and live entertainment.
Location: Siesta Key Beach, FL
November 16: Wellen Park Wine Festival
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Wine lovers, unite! Taste exquisite wines and enjoy culinary delights from Wellen Park’s finest restaurateurs at this inaugural wine festival.
Location: Downtown Wellen Park, Venice, FL
November 17 – December 31: Festival of Lights at Fisherman’s Village
Explore over one million lights and themed holiday decorations at this magical light display.
Location: Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda, FL
November 23: Grilled Cheese Festival
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Foodies, rejoice! The Grilled Cheese Festival offers gourmet grilled cheese creations, live music, and a beer garden.
Location: CoolToday Park, Venice, FL
November 25 – December 17: UTC Festival of Trees
Admire creatively decorated holiday trees, vote for your favorites, and support local charities in this holiday showcase.
Location: The Mall at University Town Center, Sarasota, FL
November 28: Florida Turkey Trot
8 a.m.
Start your Thanksgiving with a fun 5K run/walk at Nathan Benderson Park. There’s even a Kids Dash for the little ones!
Location: Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, FL
November 29: Mayor’s Hometown Christmas
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Gather at Centennial Park in Venice for the annual Christmas tree lighting, carols, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Location: Centennial Park, Downtown Venice, FL
November 30: Breakfast with the Sharks
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Get up close with Mote Aquarium’s resident sharks while enjoying a light breakfast. This family-friendly event includes a guided tour of the aquarium.
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota, FL
November 30: City of Venice Holiday Parade
6:30 p.m.
For over 45 years, the City of Venice Holiday Parade has brought festive joy to the community. Enjoy pre-parade activities, nearly 100 floats, and refreshments sold by local groups along the route. The parade route stretches about one mile, viewable from Venice and Nokomis avenues. Arrive early to secure your spot!
Location: Parade route stretches along Venice and Nokomis avenues, Venice, FL
Exciting Addition to the City of Venice Holiday Parade: The Elf Dash!
This year, the City of Venice Holiday Parade has a new, festive kick-off event: the Elf Dash, sponsored by My Favorite Race Events! Runners dressed as elves will make their way down the parade route, creating a lively start to the festivities. The race will conclude at W. Blalock Park, where participants can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Here’s what you need to know:
- Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 30, 5:45 p.m.
- Registration: $25 per person, register online before Nov. 28
- Race Time Limit: Elves must cross the finish line within 20 minutes
- Start Location: Harbor Drive and Venice Avenue intersection
- Parking: Elf Dash participants should park at the Venice Community Center’s south lot with a visible parking pass
With so many incredible events, November is the perfect time to explore the Sarasota area. Whether you’re in the mood for food festivals, art fairs, or family fun, there’s an event for you!