March Madness in Sarasota: Your Guide to the Exciting Events this March 2024

As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, Sarasota comes alive with a plethora of events and festivities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy! From thrilling rodeos to cultural celebrations and everything in between, March in Sarasota promises something for everyone. Here's your comprehensive guide to the exciting events happening this March 2024:

Circus Sarasota

March 6 - 10, Showtimes Vary | Nathan Benderson Park

Step right up to Circus Sarasota and experience the thrill of the big top! With thrilling performances by international circus artists, it's a spectacle not to be missed. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

The 96th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

March 7 - 10, 2024, 2pm | Rodeo Arena in Arcadia, FL

Saddle up for some Wild West excitement at the 96th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo! Held at the Rodeo Arena in Arcadia, just an hour's drive east of Sarasota, this event features thrilling rodeo competitions including bareback riding, barrel racing, and bull riding. With various ticket prices and pre-show events starting at 1 p.m., it's an event not to be missed for cowboy enthusiasts and families alike! Gates open at 11 a.m. Pre-show events begin at 1 p.m. Rodeo begins at 2 p.m.

11th Annual Sarasota Cigar Box Festival

March 9, 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. | Big Top Brewing

For aficionados of live music, the 11th Annual Sarasota Cigar Box Festival at Big Top Brewing is the place to be. Featuring performances by John Nickel and Steve Arvey, along with cigar box vendors, workshops, and food trucks, this event promises a full day of fun. General admission is free, so come and enjoy the music!

18th Annual Firestone Grand Prix

March 8 - 10, Race Times Vary | St. Petersburg, FL

Rev up your engines for the 18th Annual Firestone Grand Prix in nearby St. Petersburg. Experience Indy Car style racing through the streets, with three days of adrenaline-pumping action and entertainment. With ticket prices starting at $25, this event is a must-see for motorsport enthusiasts. Click here to see the full event schedule.

Annual Irish Celtic Festival & Lucky Dog Parade

March 9, 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Greenbrook Adventure Park

Celebrate all things Irish at the Annual Irish Celtic Festival & Lucky Dog Parade in Lakewood Ranch! Enjoy traditional food, live music, and entertainment, along with a lucky dog parade and artisan booths. With free admission and $5 parking, it's a family-friendly event not to be missed.

5th Annual Lakewood Ranch Winter Fine Art Festival

March 9 - 10, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Immerse yourself in creativity at the 5th Annual Lakewood Ranch Winter Fine Art Festival. Featuring an outdoor gallery of original, handmade works by artisans from across America, this event showcases a wide variety of artistic mediums. Admission is free, so come and be inspired by the beauty of handmade art.

Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team Show

Every Sunday, 2 p.m. | Ski-A-Ree Stadium

Enjoy a thrilling water ski show every Sunday afternoon courtesy of Sarasota's own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team! Held at Ski-A-Ree Stadium near Mote Marine Aquarium, this free show is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon by the water.

Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival

March 15 - 17, Hours Vary | Coquina Beach

Indulge in the freshest seafood and live music at the Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival. With three days of feasting and entertainment on the stunning shores of Coquina Beach, this event promises to delight all your senses. Times: Friday 4 p.m. - 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

87th Annual Sarasota County Fair

March 15 - 24, Hours Vary | Sarasota County Fairgrounds

Experience the excitement of the annual Sarasota County Fair at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds. With exhibits, midway rides, and fair food, it's a fun-filled outing for the whole family. Click here for the full Sarasota County Fair events calendar.

Wellen Park Half Marathon and 5K

March 16, 6:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Downtown Wellen, Venice, FL

Get your running shoes on for the Wellen Park Half Marathon and 5K! With live music, post-race food, and scenic routes through downtown Wellen Park, it's a race day experience like no other.

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

March 17, Various Times | Various Locations

McCabe's Irish Pub: Opens at 10 a.m. Location: 302 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL.
Lynches Pub & Grub: Opens at 12 p.m. Location: 19B Boulevard of the Presidents, St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL.
Clancy's: Starts at 11 a.m. Location: 6218 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, FL.
T.J. Carney's: Opens at 11 a.m. Location: 231 W. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL.
McGrath’s Irish Ale House: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Location: Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL.
Paddywagon Irish Pub Bradenton: Opens at 12 p.m. Location: 4402 E State Road 64, Bradenton, FL.
Paddywagon Irish Pub Cortez: Opens at 12 p.m. Location: 6690 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL.
Annual Anna Maria Island St Patrick's Day Parade: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Holmes Beach to Anna Maria Island Community Center

EGGstravaganza at Waterside Park

March 23, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Waterside Park, Lakewood Ranch, FL

Join in the Easter celebrations at EGGstravaganza at Waterside Park! With fun activities, entertainment, and an egg hunt, it's the perfect way to kick off the Easter weekend. 9:30 a.m.- 10:15 a.m.: Check-in, 10:30 a.m.: egg hunt for children with disabilities & 5 years and under, 10:45 a.m.: egg hunt for children 6 years and up.

Aqua Egg Hunt

March 23, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex

Hunt for eggs at the Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex! Meet the Easter bunny and hunt for eggs at Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex! Our pools will be filled with eggs for kids to dive in and hunt. Children will be divided into groups by age to ensure each child can hunt for eggs safely. Special prizes will be awarded to those who find the "golden" eggs, and all kids will get to take home a goody bag. Registration is required for this event, and the cost is $5 per child.

Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt

March 30, 9 a.m. - Noon | Siesta Key Chapel

Hop on over to the Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt for a morning of fun-filled activities! With games and activities, goodie bags, and photos with the Easter Bunny, it's a delightful event for children and families.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at The Children's Garden

March 30, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. | The Children's Garden

Join in the Easter fun at The Children's Garden with an annual Easter Egg Hunt. With prizes to be won and special appearances by the Easter Bunny, it's a magical experience for children of all ages. Doors open at 9:45 a.m.

Repticon Sarasota 2024

March 30, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Sahib Shrine Center

Explore the fascinating world of reptiles at Repticon Sarasota 2024! With live reptile shows, exhibits, and sales, it's a must-visit event for reptile enthusiasts.

9th Annual My Hometown Fest

March 30, Noon - 5 p.m. | Nathan Benderson Park

Wrap up the month with the 9th Annual My Hometown Fest, Southwest Florida's biggest neighborhood block party. With food, music, and family-friendly activities, it's a day of fun for a good cause.

Sunday Polo at the Sarasota Polo Club – Easter Eggstravaganza

March 31, 1 p.m. | Sarasota Polo Club

End the month on a high note with Sunday Polo at the Sarasota Polo Club. With an Easter Eggstravaganza featuring the Easter Bunny, tailgate contests, and helicopter egg drop halftime show, it's a day of family fun on the polo grounds. Gates open at 10 a.m., matches start at 1 p.m.

With so much to see and do, March in Sarasota is shaping up to be an unforgettable month of excitement and entertainment. Whether you're a fan of rodeos, art festivals, or Easter egg hunts, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the Sunshine State this March!