10+ Events to Attend in Sarasota This January

Welcome to Sarasota, Florida! Whether you’re a resident of this beautiful city or just visiting for a short stay, there are plenty of exciting events taking place in January that you don’t want to miss. From art and culture festivals to food and music celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10+ events to attend in Sarasota this January.

Back to the 80s Block Party

January 6th, 7pm-10pm | Downtown Sarasota, State Street

Welcome to the decade of neon and jelly shoes! Join Downtown Improvement District in Sarasota for a far-out 80s party that will take you back to one of the most vibrant decades ever. Hosted on State Street, this event will have special headliner Stereotomy, party favors, delicious bites and beverage offerings. Enjoy a night of dancing and reminiscence of the good ole days of 80s culture. Bring your friends and family and make sure to dress up in your best 80s gear to really get into the groove!

Shake, Rattle & Soul Fest

January 6th-7th | Robarts Arena

The Shake, Rattle & Soul Fest is the perfect event for music fans in the Sarasota area! This festival will take place over the weekend and will feature tribute concerts honoring some of music’s most beloved artists. This year’s lineup includes performances from tribute bands honoring Elvis, Little Richard, Rod Steward, and more. Attendees can expect to hear some of their favorite songs from these iconic bands and singers, as well as enjoy some delicious food and drinks from local vendors. In addition to the tribute concerts, the festival will also feature artist meet-and-greets and a variety of interactive activities.

Manatee County Fair 

January 12th-22nd, Hours Vary | Manatee County Fairgrounds

The Manatee County Fair is an annual event that has been providing family fun for generations. From the exciting carnival rides to the various attractions, there's something for everyone at the fair. Youth attractions, creative arts, exhibit buildings, horticulture, entertainment, fair food, livestock arena and Belle City amusements are just a few of the activities offered. Held each January at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto, Florida, the eleven-day event provides plenty of family-friendly entertainment to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the Manatee County Fair for an unforgettable experience of entertainment and education for the whole family!

Sarasota Winter Carnival

January 12th-16th, Hours Vary | The Mall at UTC

The Sarasota Winter Carnival is a free annual event that is held in the city of Sarasota, Florida. It is an exciting and fun event that is held at the Mall at UTC. Visitors can enjoy the many rides such as the Super Cyclone Roller Coaster, Dream Wheel, Mulligan Swing, and more. There are also plenty of games to play such as Skee Ball, Basketball, Balloons, Break a Bottle, and more. Plus, there's lots of great food available such as sausage/cheesesteak, ice cream, funnel cakes, fried dough, and more. So if you're looking for some winter fun, be sure to check out the Sarasota Winter Carnival!

Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival

January 15th, 12pm-8pm | The Mall at UTC

At the Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival, held during the Sarasota Winter Carnival, you can sample craft beers from local breweries, plus purchase burgers from 14 different burger food trucks. Plus, enjoy live music, activities, vendors, and more at The Mall at UTC east grand entrance. From 12-4pm sample beers from 3 Daughters Brewing, If I Brewed The World, and Big Storm Brewing. Beer sampling ends at 4pm while supplies last, and the winner will be announced on stage at 5:30pm. Then from 12-6pm purchase burgers from the various food trucks, and the winner of the “Peoples Choice Burger” will be announced on stage at 6:30pm. Don't miss out on the fun at the Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival!

Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival

January 27th-29th, Hours Vary | J.D. Hamel Park

It's time to get outside and enjoy a weekend of great food and live music! The 7th Annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival is taking place from January 27-29, 2023 in JD Hamel Park. This festival is produced by Paragon Festivals and hosted by the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association, with the Humane Society of Sarasota County as the event’s Special Guest. General admission is free, so come out and enjoy the festivities!

At this seafood & music festival, you can indulge in a variety of delicious entrees including seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes cooked fresh onsite. There will also be a wide selection of side dishes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and delectable desserts to enjoy. Bring your friends and family and make a day out of it!

Gasparilla Pirate Fest

January 28th | Tampa, FL

The Tampa Bay area celebrates the legacy of infamous pirate Jose Gasparilla with the annual Gasparilla Pirate Fest. The festivities start with a spectacular invasion of Tampa Bay by a magnificent pirate ship, followed by a four-mile long Parade of Pirates. Over 750 swashbucklers take over the city, dispensing untold treasures for onlookers to plunder.

The fun continues into the night with the Gasparilla Pirate Fest Street Festival, which features live music, food, and entertainment for all ages. With an attendance of 300,000 people and period-themed pirate garb abound, the celebration is a must-attend event for those visiting or living in Tampa Bay.

Sarasota Jewish Food Festival

January 29th, 10am-2pm | Temple Sinai

The Sarasota Jewish Food Festival is one of the most talked about events in the Sarasota-Manatee Area. Held rain or shine, this indoor event is a great way to enjoy traditional Jewish cuisine. Thousands of people come from Sarasota and its surrounding areas to partake in this festival every year. The menu includes mouth-watering dishes like corned beef and pastrami, bagels and cream cheese, kugel, blintzes, knishes and stuffed cabbage, plus delectable home-baked cakes, pies, pastries and cookies. Best of all, admission to the festival is free for everyone!

Art Festivals This January

Sarasota is an artistic mecca in the south, and that means that art festivals abound! This January, there are three great opportunities to get out and explore the artistry of the area.

The Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival takes place on January 7th and 8th, at the JD Hamel Park. The event features over 100 local, regional, and national artists, all showcasing their work for sale. Local food vendors will be on hand to provide a variety of delicious bites. Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day as well.

The St Armands Circle Art Festival is held on January 28th and 29th in the heart of St Armands Circle. Here you’ll find nearly 200 artists from around the country exhibiting their fine art and craftwork, including paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, photography and more. In addition to shopping, guests can enjoy live entertainment, kids activities, and food trucks.

The Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival takes place on January 21st and 22nd on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Visitors can explore work from over 100 local, regional and national artists specializing in painting, photography, sculpture, glasswork and more. There will also be live music and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.