May Events in Sarasota: Your Guide to What's Happening This Month

Welcome to May in Sarasota! This month is packed with a variety of exciting events for all ages. Whether you’re looking for something to do with the family or just want to experience the unique culture and entertainment the city has to offer, there are plenty of events in Sarasota for you to explore. From outdoor festivals to music concerts and art shows, there’s something for everyone this May. Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Sarasota this month!

El Melvin’s Cinco De Mayo Block Party

May 5th, 11am | El Melvin

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this May with El Melvin’s Cinco De Mayo Block Party! This festive event will have a wide array of things to do for all ages. Music from The Bri Rivera Band, beats by SRQ Beats, street food, Cinco de Mayo cocktails and more will be sure to make this a day to remember. Bring your family and friends and join the party to enjoy amazing music and delicious food starting at 11am and continuing through the night. Don't miss out on one of the most exciting events in Sarasota this May!

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Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch

May 5th, 6pm - 9pm | Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Music on Main is a free monthly concert series and block party held on the first Friday of every month. This month, Memphis Rub Band will fill the air with dynamic blues, R&B and rock n’ roll music and the event will benefit the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund. Held on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, Music on Main draws crowds from far and wide to enjoy an evening of live music and festivities!

There are food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and plenty of games and activities for the kids. As if that wasn't enough, the proceeds from each Music on Main event benefit a different local non-profit organization every month. This makes Music on Main the perfect event for individuals looking to enjoy a fun night out in Lakewood Ranch while helping to make a difference in the local community!

Taco Fest

May 6th, 12pm - 8pm | Manatee County Fairgrounds

Don’t miss this fun-filled day of eating, drinking, and dancing at Taco Fest in Palmetto! With tacos and margaritas ranging from classic flavors to bold combinations, there will be something for everyone at Taco Fest. Plus, there are a variety of beers and other drinks available, so everyone can enjoy the festivities. Kids will have a great time playing in the bounce houses and competing in contests, while adults can enjoy all the delicious offerings. For dessert, there will be cakes, ice cream, and other sweet treats. Finally, there will be music playing in the background, perfect for people who want to dance while they eat and drink. Don't miss out on this amazing event!

8th Annual SUP & RUN 5K

May 6th, 8am | Nathan Benderson Park

If you're looking for things to do in Sarasota, don't miss out on the 8th Annual SUP & RUN 5K event at Nathan Benderson Park! This event will benefit Operation Second Chance and RUCK9. Athletes have the option to choose from three races: a 5K run, a 5K paddle, or a combination of the two. Those participating in the SUP (stand up paddle) portion of the race must know how to swim, and those paddling for the first time must attend a free clinic the evening before the event. Walkers are welcome and encouraged to attend!

3rd Annual Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair

May 6th & 7th, 10am - 5pm | Selby Five Points Park

The 3rd Annual Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair is back and taking place in beautiful Selby Five Points Park! The craft fair will feature an array of handmade items ranging from just $15 to $3,000. Enjoy perusing through jewelry, leather goods, handmade clothing, and more. There will also be a Green Market with a variety of plants and orchids, as well as exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices, and freshly popped kettle corn. So come on down and get your shop on at the 3rd Annual Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair!

7th Annual Manatee County Pet Expo Adopt-A-Palooza

May 13th, 11am - 3pm | Bradenton Area Convention Center

If you're looking for things to do in Sarasota this May, mark your calendars for the 7th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza! On Saturday, May 13th, head over to the Bradenton Area Convention Center for a free event full of adoptable puppies, dogs, cats, and kittens from Manatee County Animal Welfare, local shelters and animal rescues. In addition, there will be vendors selling pet products and pet information tables with special pricing on services.

Plus, the Adopt-A-Palooza Market Place will feature a variety of raffle and silent auction items with proceeds benefiting Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. Don't miss this exciting event and a chance to find your fur-ever friend!

Breakfast with the Sharks

May 13th, 8am - 9:30am | Mote Aquarium

Head over to Mote Aquarium to learn about sharks while you eat breakfast! This program offered by Mote Marine Laboratory allows you to explore the lives of sharks and Mote’s breakthrough shark research. A light continental breakfast is included while you learn about our finned friends and you'll watch a narrated feeding of bonnetheads. General admission tickets to the aquarium are not included and must be purchased separately. Also, all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity this May!

84 Years of Mixon Memories

May 13th, 5:30pm - 9:30pm | The Grand Pavilion at Mixon Fruit Farms

It's an event that Sarasota locals won't want to miss! After 84 years of business, Mixon Fruit Farms will be closing its doors on July 29th, 2023 and they're celebrating their legacy with a special event. Join the Mixons at The Grand Pavilion at Mixon Fruit Farms for a night of celebration, entertainment, and reminiscing. Tickets are $75 per ticket for ages 13 and up, $40 per ticket for ages 4-12, and free for 3 and under. The evening includes live entertainment by The Billy Rice Band, delicious food, hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine. Hosted by Dean and Janet Mixon, this is sure to be a memorable event.

Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival

May 20th, 8:30am | Nathan Benderson Park

The Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival is a celebration of culture, sport and international flavors, featuring twenty paddlers in a boat that originated from ancient China. Taking place on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, the event is free and races will begin at 8:30am. In addition to the exciting race atmosphere, there will be a Health & Wellness Village, Food Trucks, Beer Garden, and Marketplace to enjoy. For those looking for things to do in Sarasota this May, the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival is not to be missed!

Parrish Small Business Market

May 20th, 9am - 12pm | 83rd St. Station Plaza in Parrish, FL

Looking for something to do on May 20th in Sarasota? Head over to the Parrish Small Business Market! This monthly market is a great opportunity to get to know the small businesses of Parrish, Florida. Every third Saturday of the month, local vendors, makers and artisans offer their products and services at the market. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and home decor to food and plants. This month’s market is extra special as it will be the last one before the summer reset in June and July. After this month’s market, it will resume in August, so make sure to check it out!

Veganfest Sarasota

May 21st, 11am - 5pm | Nathan Benderson Park

Veganfest Sarasota is the perfect place to spend your day this May! This event will have something for everyone, including live music, a family fun zone, vendors, food trucks, education, and lots of vegan food. It’s an opportunity to learn about veganism and try some delicious food.

One of the highlights of Veganfest Sarasota is the Be-Ve Kids' Family Fun Zone, where kids of all ages can join in on the fun. The fun zone includes life-sized games, coloring, and a basketball hoop game. Come explore the wonders of veganism with your family at Veganfest Sarasota this May!

The festival has two VIP ticket options: $25 for a reusable goody bag and access to the VIP Floor in the Tower, and $35 for a reusable bag, the newest shirt design, and access to the VIP Floor in the Tower. The suggested donation for the festival is $5 or more.

AquaPalooza 2023

May 28th, 10am - 4pm | New Pass Sandbar

Are you looking for an exciting event to take part in this May? If so, then AquaPalooza 2023 is the event for you! This thrilling event for boaters and friends will be taking place on May 28th from 10 am to 4 pm at New Pass Sandbar, located in front of MarineMax Sarasota. At AquaPalooza, you can look forward to rafting, live music, and plenty of giveaways. Don't miss out on this sandbar party!

2023 Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade

May 28th, 6pm - 8pm | Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Join in the fun at the 2023 Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade on Lakewood Main Street! This event is free and open to all, so come one and come all! The pre-block party fun starts at 6:00pm, with the parade starting at 7:00pm, so don't forget to arrive early for a good spot on the street. Food and drinks, activities for the kids, and more will be available. Chairs and leashed pets are allowed, but no coolers or outside food and drink. All proceeds benefit local veteran groups and organizations, so come out and show your support!

Sarasota Memorial Day Parade

May 29th, 8am | Downtown Sarasota

The annual Memorial Day Parade in Sarasota, FL is set to take place on May 29th, 2023. This annual parade honors our fallen heroes and Veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The parade will feature numerous Veterans groups, the Sarasota Military Academy, Sarasota Police Department (SPD), Sheriff's Department, Sarasota County Fire Department (SCFD), and Micah Adams. Additionally, 135 jeeps from the Vets with Jeeps group, local Girl Scout units, the Antique Car Association, local elected officials, the local H.O.G. Association, the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, the local POW/MIA association, and VWF chapters will be in the parade.

The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Osprey and Main in downtown Sarasota, FL. At the end of Main Street at 11:00 a.m., a Memorial Day Ceremony will be conducted at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park. Everyone is encouraged to come out to celebrate our fallen heroes and show their support for those who have served our country!