As the leaves turn and the air gets a little cooler, November brings an exciting array of events that celebrate the vibrant spirit of our Sarasota community! From captivating festivals to delightful family gatherings, this month is packed with opportunities to enjoy local culture, savor delicious food, and connect with neighbors. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy. So grab your calendar and get ready to mark down these must-attend events that promise to make your November unforgettable!

November 1, 2024: Music on Main
Live music, beer, wine, and food on the first Friday of each month. Enjoy the Trevor Bystrom Band performances, and don't forget to bring your chairs! Dogs are welcome, but coolers must stay at home.
6 p.m. - 9 p.m., Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL. Free

November 1, 2024: Free Music Friday Night Concert
Relax under the stars while listening to Patchouli & Terra Guitarra in downtown Venice. Bring your chairs and blankets. No alcohol allowed.
7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Centennial Park, Venice, FL. Free

November 1 - 2, 2024: Festival of the Skeletons
Join the 20th Annual Dia de los Muertos celebration with shrines, altars, music, pop-up vendors, and more! Flaunt your Día de los Muertos costume and experience the vibrant cultural festivities.
Friday 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Village of the Arts, 1227 12th St. W, Bradenton, FL. Free

November 2, 2024: Ringling Museum Free Family Day
Families are invited to enjoy free museum admission and art-making activities using botanical debris from Hurricane Milton. FAM wristbands are provided at check-in.
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL. Free (Tickets required)

November 3, 2024: Brunch on the Bay
Enjoy fine cuisine from local restaurants while supporting student scholarships and campus expansion at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Call (941) 359-4603 for ticket info

November 3 - 5, 2024: Sarasota Boat Expo
Explore new boats, fishing gear, and more at the Sarasota Boat Expo!
Fri & Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL. Adults $6, 12 & under Free. Free Parking

November 8 - 10, 2024: Sarasota Chalk Festival
Join over 500 national and international artists for this unique event, with interactive zones for all ages. Witness incredible street art at Burns Square.
Downtown Sarasota at Burns Square, S. Pineapple & S. Orange Avenues, Sarasota, FL. Free

November 9, 2024: Vets for Vets in Venice
Celebrate veterans, first responders, and heroes with music from FM Station FLA and others. Expect great tunes, info booths, and family-friendly fun.
12 p.m. - 10 p.m., Centennial Park, 200 Venice Ave W, Venice, FL. Free

November 9, 2024: Suncoast's Largest Food Truck Festival
Indulge in a food lover's paradise with 50+ food trucks. Enjoy the holiday parade, fireworks, and an after-party.
11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Food Trucks), 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Parade & Fireworks), The Mall at University Town Center, Sarasota, FL. Free

November 9, 2024: UTC Christmas Parade with Santa
Kick off the holiday season with a magical parade, a light show, and fireworks. Santa officially arrives in Sarasota!
6 p.m. - 10 p.m., The Mall at University Town Center, Sarasota, FL. Free

November 9 - 10, 2024: St. Armand's Circle Fall Art Festival
Admire the works of artists from across the nation at this outdoor festival, located around Circle Park.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days, St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL. Free admission and parking

November 9 - 10, 2024: 12th Annual Stone Crab & Music Festival
Enjoy fresh stone crabs, live music, food, drinks, and a Kid’s Zone at this two-day event.
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. both days, Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar, 4628 119th St W., Cortez, FL. Admission $5, 12 & under Free. Parking $5

November 15 - 17, 2024: 4th Annual Fall Festival & Carnival
Carnival rides, a pumpkin patch for charity, a pet costume contest, trunk or treat, live performances, food trucks, fall-themed vendors, selfie stops, and more! 

Saturday, November 19 & Sunday, November 20: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Mall at University Town Center, Parking Lot 4, Sarasota, FL. 

November 15 - 18, 2024: 15th Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic
Watch master sand sculptors from across the U.S. compete for prizes. Enjoy lessons, demonstrations, live music, and a Vendor Village with food and retail vendors. 

Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday & Monday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Siesta Key Beach, Siesta Key, FL. 

November 16, 2024: Inaugural Wellen Park Wine Festival
Sip and sample a variety of wines while enjoying small bites from local restaurants. 

1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Downtown Wellen Park, Venice, FL. General Admission: $85. 

November 17 - December 31, 2024: Fisherman’s Village Festival of Lights
Over one million lights and themed decorations create a festive experience inside and outside the village. 

Daily, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fisherman's Village, Punta Gorda, FL. Free admission. 

November 22, 2024: Free Music Friday Night Concert
Enjoy the music of Kraig Kenning in the park. 

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Centennial Park, Venice, FL. Free admission. 

November 23, 2024: 4th Annual Grilled Cheese Festival
Savor gourmet grilled cheese creations from food trucks, along with live music, a beer garden, and kids' activities. 

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. CoolToday Park, Venice, FL. Free admission. 

November 24, 2024: 32nd Annual Ponies Under the Palms
Mustang and Ford-powered cars and trucks on display to benefit local charities. 

8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL. Free admission. 

November 25 - December 17, 2024: UTC Festival of Trees
Vote for your favorite holiday tree and bid in a silent auction to support local charities. 

Mall hours. The Mall at University Town Center, Sarasota, FL. Free admission. 

November 29 - December 1, 2024: Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival
Enjoy fresh seafood, live music, and local arts and crafts vendors. 

Friday: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sarasota Fairgrounds, Sarasota, FL. Free admission. 

November 29 - December 1, 2024: Fall Classic Sports Collectors Show
Buy and sell sports cards and memorabilia from the 19th century. 

Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Hotel Venezia Banquet Center, Venice, FL. Admission: $3. 

November 30, 2024: Light Up Siesta Key & Village Holiday Parade
Enjoy holiday décor and festive fun with Santa. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. 

Santa Photos: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Siesta Key Village, Siesta Key, FL. Free admission.

November 30 - December 22, 2024: North Pole Express
Take a magical train ride to the North Pole to visit Santa with cookies and hot chocolate included. 

Check link for specific dates/times/ticket prices. Florida Railroad Museum, Parrish, FL.

Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the heart of Sarasota this November! These events not only offer fun and entertainment but also provide a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends, family, and fellow community members. So, come out, enjoy the festivities, and create lasting memories while supporting our local businesses and artists. Make sure to follow us on social media for updates and share your favorite moments from these events with us! We can't wait to see you there!