Events

Winter is once again upon us, and that means it's time to enjoy some of the most popular annual festivals throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. From fine wine to art, music, heritage, and family fun, there's an upcoming festival to suit every interest. Our REALTORS® know local fun, and we've got the details on 7 festivals to visit in Manatee and Sarasota Counties in January 2020.

1. Forks & Corks – Jan. 23 – 27 – 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234
   If you've lived around Sarasota homes for sale, then you already know that our area is home to an amazing collection of restaurants and wineries. The Forks & Corks festival is a celebration of the local culinary scene, with four days of fun at Sarasota and Manatee dining spots. There will be a reception in the scenic courtyard of the Ringling Museum, along with tastings of wine from around the world and classes on making wine.

2. Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival – Jan. 11 – 12 – 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
   With free admission and a scenic location at JD Hamel Park, the Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival is an excellent opportunity to explore the work of local artists. The park will be transformed into one huge outdoor art gallery, showcasing the work of both local and national artists. Shop for paintings, jewelry, mixed media, glass, sculptures, ceramics, and more.

3. Native American Indian Festival – Jan. 24 – 26 – 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237
   Founded by the late, local artist and educator Rex Begaye, the Sarasota Native American Indian Festival is a celebration of our area's Native American heritage. Learn about the culture and history of Native Americans in the Sarasota area at the 13th annual edition of this popular local festival. There will be opportunities to shop for one-of-a-kind Native American crafts, hear stories, sing songs, and dance to traditional music.

4. Seafood & Music Festival – Jan. 17 – 19 – 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
   The fun at JD Hamel Park continues with another exciting weekend at the Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival. General admission is free, with plenty to see, hear, and taste throughout the weekend. Enjoy seafood from legendary local dining spots, and listen to live music all weekend long. In between meals and shows, you can shop at the bustling marketplace filled with art, food, and more.

5. Manatee County Fair – Jan. 16 – 26 – 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL 34221
   It's easy to enjoy family fun close to Palmetto homes for sale, thanks to local events like the Manatee County Fair. The fair features rides, live entertainment, tons of great food, and fun for all ages. Learn more about local agriculture and heritage, with a packed schedule of events spread over 11 days.

6. Music on Main – Jan. 10 – 8100 Lakewood Main St., Bradenton, FL 34202
   There's always a celebration from 6-9 PM on the first Friday of each month at Lakewood Ranch with Music on Main, a free concert series and block party for the public! In January, The Reality Band will be taking the stage and showcasing their Jamtronica & Reggae music stylings. There's always plenty of food vendors and beer trucks to keep the party going! Plus, proceeds from the event benefit a different non-profit in the area each month. Be sure to stop by after checking out Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. Please note that for January, the event will be on the 10th. 

7. 17th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival – Jan. 25 – 26 – St Armands Cir., Sarasota, FL 34236
   Every January, St. Armands Circle turns into a free art gallery for the public to enjoy. During the 17th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival, over 200 artists from around the world will be displaying their works of art along the Boulevard of Presidents and St. Armands Circle. Meet the artists and ask about their creations or ask them to commission an original piece just for you! 

When you call Southwest Florida home, the festival season never truly ends. Contact us to make this vibrant area your home.

Get started on your Halloween festivities early by celebrating National Pumpkin Day on October 26th. Give in to your pumpkin obsession by picking out the perfect pumpkin to carve, eating pumpkin-flavored foods, and participating in fun-filled activities for the whole family at these great pumpkin patches and events around Sarasota and Manatee Counties.  

• 28th Annual Pumpkin Festival — Hunsader Farms 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton, FL 34211 
  There's nothing quite like an afternoon at Hunsader Farms. Their exciting Pumpkin Festival returns this October and just so happens to have an event date on National Pumpkin Day. Join your family, friends, and our REALTORS® for a fun-filled day of live music, games, pony rides, crafts, activities for kids, a petting zoo, face painting, zip lining and, of course, plenty of delicious farm-fresh food. This event lasts from 9 am until 5 pm, so there's ample time to stop by after browsing Lakewood Ranch homes for sale.
  
  
• Rubber Duckie Contest and Race — Jiggs Landing Outpost 6106 63rd St E, Bradenton, FL 34203
  Trade in your pumpkin for a rubber duck when you attend the 1st Annual Rubber Duckie Decorating Contest and Race. Drop off your decorated duckie before 10/31 where the best decorated duck will win a prize. Then come back and watch them race on November 2, at 2:00 PM down the Braden River. The event is the perfect excuse to check out nearby Bradenton homes for sale. 
  
• Pumpkin Splash — Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex 2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota, FL 34239
  Splash into the harvest season at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex. Their Pumpkin Splash event has floating pumpkins ready for kids 12 and under to swim to and pick. Although there is plenty to do in the area when viewing Sarasota homes for sale, this event does require prior registration. Also, little ones under the age of 5 must be supervised at all times. 
  
  
• 31st Annual Pumpkin Festival — Fruitville Grove 7410 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 34240 
  The 31st Annual Pumpkin Festival is carving yet another year of fun into their long history. Enjoy this free event in between your appointments to walk Sarasota homes for sale. The event features a petting zoo, playground, fun photo ops, and special Halloween-themed contests. On National Pumpkin Day, there will be live music, a children's costume contest, and a performance by the Torres Family Circus with the Globe of Death.
  
  
• Pumpkin Patch Express — Florida Rail Road Museum 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish, FL 34219 
  All aboard the Pumpkin Patch Express at the Florida Rail Road Museum! Treat your children to an exciting ride after you've spent the morning looking at Parrish homes for sale. The Pumpkin Patch Express and Pumpkin Patch Caboose will take you to a patch where children can pick their own pumpkins. There are other activities throughout the afternoon as well, including hayrides and crafts!
  
  
• 43rd Annual Pumpkin Patch — Jesse P. Miller School 4201 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 
  Their 43rd Annual Pumpkin Patch at the Jesse P. Miller School will be open on National Pumpkin Day for young ones to explore. Not only can you pick a great gourd, but proceeds from each pumpkin will be donated to community charities and scholarships. The event lasts from 10 am until 9 pm, so there's no reason to rush through your Bradenton homes for sale visits.
  
  
• Fox Squirrel Corn Maze — 3002 Charlie Taylor Rd N, Plant City, FL 33565
  Get your pumpkin and corn maze fix when you venture slightly out of Bradenton and Sarasota Counties to the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. The festival features plenty of fall fun for the whole family and is a short drive from Plant City homes for sale. The corn maze is open until October 27th on weekends only. Take your whole family to pick a pumpkin and see how long it takes you to get out of the maze.

After you've picked the perfect pumpkin, it's time to pick the perfect home. Contact us to view our best homes for sale in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.