From plunging into the Gulf's chilly waters on New Year's Day to dancing under the stars at outdoor concerts, Sarasota is kicking off 2025 with an incredible array of events for everyone. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, nature lover, or foodie, this month promises unforgettable experiences!

Here’s your January events:

January 1, 2025: Annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge
Clancy's Irish Pub sponsors this charity plunge with volunteers braving the chilly Gulf of Mexico waters at Bradenton Beach. Proceeds benefit local non-profits helping disadvantaged children in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. A post-plunge party follows at Clancy’s.
Bradenton Beach at Gulf Drive between 4th Street South and 12th Street South. Post-plunge party at Clancy’s, 6218 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, FL.

January 1, 2025: Lights in Bloom at Selby Gardens
Explore more than two million lights during this tropical wonderland transformation. Enjoy holiday-themed lights, photo opportunities, family-friendly activities, and entertainment. Food and beverages available for purchase.
1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL. 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. nightly (early entry at 5:30 p.m.). Various ticket prices and packages. Free for ages 4 and under.

January 1 - 5, 2025: Wonderland Illuminate
Join Nik Wallenda and the Circus Arts Conservatory for this dazzling production that blends thrilling circus acts with enchanting holiday storytelling. Featuring fan favorites like Johnny Rockett and Ty McFarlan.
Circus Sarasota Big Top, 195 UTC Dr., Sarasota, FL. Tickets: $35 - $100. Doors open 1 hour prior to showtime.

January 1 - 5, 2025: The Rink at UTC
Enjoy winter fun at the real ice rink in the West District at UTC. Tickets include skate rental and must be reserved online. Hours vary by day and holiday schedule.
University Town Center Sarasota, 210 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL. Tickets: $17 per skater.

January 1 - 30, 2025: When I Rise Up: The Power of Black Artists
This exhibition celebrates the resilience, creativity, and freedom of Harlem Renaissance artists. Presented by the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition.
Leonard Reid House, 2529 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, FL. Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

January 3, 2025: Music on Main
Dance along to live music, enjoy beer, wine, and food, and check out fun activities like balloon twisting and face painting. Bring your chairs, but no coolers, please! Dogs are welcome on short leashes. Overflow parking available at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.
Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Free admission.

January 4, 2025: Sidewalk Astronomy at Celery Fields
Explore the stars with telescopes provided by the Deep Sky Observers. Telescopes will be set up in the parking lot on the east side of the Nature Center (not on the hill). Weather permitting.
Sarasota’s Celery Fields Park, 6893 Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, FL. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Free admission.

January 4 - 5, 2025: Annual Orchids Expo Show and Sale
Experience the vibrant world of orchids with over 20 vendors selling blooming plants, accessories, and growing supplies. Enjoy stunning displays, educational classes, and expert advice. Theme: "Orchid Delirium."
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Sat: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: $5.

January 10, 2025: Moon Over Myakka Fundraising Concert
Enjoy live music from Ben Prestage on the South Pavilion lawn. Bring a chair and a picnic, or purchase food and drinks on-site. Park entrance fee waived with a concert ticket.
Myakka River State Park, 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL. 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 ($20 for members). North gate open 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

January 10, 2025: Free Music Friday Night Concert
Relax under the stars with live music by Johnny Rawls at Centennial Park. Bring your chairs and blankets. Alcohol is not permitted, and CDC guidelines are encouraged.
Centennial Park, downtown Venice, FL. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Free admission.

January 10, 2025: New Year on the Block
Keep the New Year’s party going with Fresh Fridays at a new location on State Street! Celebrate with live music by The Danny Bub Combo and explore local restaurants. Parking available nearby.
State Street, Downtown Sarasota, FL. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Free admission.

January 10 - 12, 2025: Sarasota Bradenton Home Show
If you're a weekend D.I.Y'er, you'll want to check out the Sarasota Bradenton Home Show. Featuring everything from kitchens and baths to landscapers and pools, solar, builders, contractors, and more, you'll pick up great ideas or find the experts to help with your home projects.
Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL. Fri & Sat: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission with online registration or $10 at the door. Free parking.

January 10 - 12, 2025: Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival
It’s the Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival! Enjoy local bands, food vendors, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, magicians, and face painters. Live music includes genres like jazz, rock, R&B, calypso, and more. Shop for unique art, jewelry, and gourmet products.
Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL. Fri: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., Sat: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free admission. Parking where available.

January 11, 2025: Sarasota Half Marathon
It’s the only half marathon in Sarasota! Participants can choose between the half marathon, 10k, or 5k and enjoy finisher medals, music, food, and awards in all age groups.
4081 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Sarasota, FL. 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Entry fees: $40 - $85.

January 11 - 12, 2025: Venice Antiques Show
Explore over 50 exhibitors showcasing art glass, fine art, jewelry, furniture, pottery, toys, sterling, Tiffany lamps, and more. Whether you’re a collector or just browsing, there’s something for everyone.
Venice Community Center, 326 S Nokomis Ave., Venice, FL. Sat: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: $8.

January 11 - 12, 2025: Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival
Experience stunning creations from 120 of America’s top artisans in painting, jewelry, sculpting, ceramics, photography, woodworking, and more. Meet the artists and learn about their inspiration and techniques.
JD Hamel Park, Gulfstream Ave. & Main St., Sarasota, FL. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission.

January 14, 2025 - April 8, 2025: Acoustic Sunsets at The Ringling
Enjoy a serene evening on Ca’ d’Zan Terrace with live solo musicians and stunning views of Sarasota Bay. Sandwiches, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase. Open to members only.
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL. Check website for specific times and ticketing details.

January 15, 2025: Performances at the Point – Future Joy
Join Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for world-class outdoor performances! Future Joy blends DJing, singing, saxophone, and keyboard for a unique and energetic show. Food and beverages from Michael’s on East available for purchase.
Historic Spanish Point, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL. Doors open at 6 p.m., performance from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25 members, $35 non-members, $15 ages 5-17.

January 16 - 19, 2025: St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show
Explore the Gulf Coast’s largest boat show featuring powerboats and sailboats, plus a 40,000 sq. ft. tent packed with marine gear and accessories. A must-see for boating enthusiasts!
Duke Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin & Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg, FL. Thur - Sat: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: $23 (kids under 15 and military/veterans free with ID). Tickets online only.

January 16 - 20, 2025: The Sarasota Winter Carnival
Enjoy midway fun for the whole family with rides, games for all ages, and favorite fair food. The carnival is part of the annual Sarasota Winter Festival and includes food trucks, beer samples, craft beer, and vendors.
The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, FL. Carnival hours: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, noon-9 p.m. Monday (no unaccompanied minors). Admission and parking are free.

January 16 - 26, 2025: The Annual Manatee County Fair
Get ready for cotton candy, elephant ears, and all your favorite fair fun at the Manatee County Fairgrounds! General admission: $10 for ages 13+, $6 for military and kids 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. Parking is $10.
303 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL.

January 17, 2025: Movies in the Park
Catch a free family movie, Narnia. Bring your chairs and blankets for a cozy evening.
Centennial Park Gazebo, 200 West Venice Avenue, downtown Venice, FL. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission.

January 18, 2025: Siesta Beach Community Cleanup
Join this community effort to keep Siesta Beach beautiful. All supplies (grabbers, vests, gloves) provided. Participants will sign a brief county waiver. Free.
8 a.m. Sea Turtle Pavilion, Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL.

January 19 - April 13, 2025: Embracing Our Differences
This outdoor exhibition celebrates diversity with larger-than-life canvases featuring powerful imagery and thought-provoking messages. The Grand Opening Celebration is on Sunday, January 19, from noon - 3 p.m. Free.
Bayfront Park, Sarasota, FL. Open daily from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

January 23 - 27, 2025: The 18th Annual Forks and Corks
Enjoy winemaker events, upscale dinners, and casual tastings at this food and wine extravaganza. The Grand Tasting on January 26 takes place at the Ringling Museum Courtyard. Various dates, events, costs, times, and locations.
Various Sarasota locations.

January 25, 2025: Scrub Jay 5K & 10K Run
Join hundreds of runners for the 25th annual race at Oscar Scherer State Park. All proceeds support Florida Scrub-Jay conservation and habitat restoration. Registration required. 8 a.m.
Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL.

January 25, 2025: Gasparilla Festival
Enjoy Tampa's historic pirate-themed invasion and parade. The Gasparilla Invasion is from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., followed by the Parade of Pirates from 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Free.
Tampa, FL. Parade begins at Bay to Bay & Bayshore Boulevard, continuing along Bayshore Blvd. to Brorein Street, and ends at Cass Street & Ashley Drive.

January 25 - 26, 2025: Sarasota Florida Antiques Show
Featuring antiques, jewelry, and collectibles.
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. Sat: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: $8.

Mark your calendars and bundle up (yes, even in Florida!) – these winter events are sure to make January one of the most exciting months of the year. See you out there!