September Unveiled: Must-See Events in Sarasota

As summer fades, September in Sarasota is heating up with an array of must-see events that will keep your calendar packed with excitement! From festive Oktoberfests to lively beach parties, this month offers something for everyone to enjoy. So, mark your dates and get ready to explore all the activities Sarasota has to offer this September!

September 1, 2024: The 15th Annual Labor Day Weekend Downtown Venice Craft Festival

Dive into a world of creativity at this vibrant festival! Enjoy a range of art and craft vendors showcasing everything from functional art to unique gift items. Explore ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, metal works, and more, along with a green market featuring plants and other goodies.  10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free parking. Miami Avenue West, Venice, FL.

September 1 - 15, 2024: Florida Highwaymen Exhibition at Selby Gardens

Experience the colorful landscapes of Florida through the eyes of the Florida Highwaymen. This exhibition celebrates the legendary Black artists who captured Florida’s beauty in the 1950s.  10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Members Free, Member guests $11, Adults $26, Ages 5-17 $11, Ages 4 and under Free. Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL.

September 1 - 30, 2024: 44th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

See stunning photographs taken at Selby Gardens' campuses. This exhibition features an array of photographic talent showcasing the beauty of the Gardens. Free entry with a library card or donate a gently used family book.  10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL.

September 2, 2024: Labor Day Pig Roast with the Knights of Columbus

Enjoy a delicious pig roast with plantains, BBQ beans, potato salad, and more. The event includes an ice cream sundae bar and various beverages. $20 per person. Doors open at 3 p.m., dinner buffet at 4 p.m. Register online at epiphanyknights.org by Aug. 29. Knights of Columbus Hall, 512 Substation Road, Venice, FL.

September 6, 2024: Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

Kick off your September with an evening of indie, folk rock, and Americana music by Cassie Jean & The Fireflies. The event benefits the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation and features food vendors, beer trucks, and kid-friendly activities.  6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Lakewood Ranch, off University Parkway, east of I-75.

September 7, 2024: Literacy Under the Trees

Celebrate International Literacy Day with a family-friendly event at Oscar Scherer State Park. Enjoy literacy activities, games, and outdoor fun. Free entry with a library card or donate a gently used family book.  10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL.

September 7, 2024: Exotic Cars On The Circle

Marvel at luxury vehicles at this car show sponsored by the Ferrari Drivers of Sarasota. Proceeds benefit Flight to the North Pole, supporting terminally ill children and their families. Free admission. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL

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September 7, 2024: Sarasota Wellness Expo

Explore health and wellness with over 40 vendors at this interactive expo. From beauty to geriatrics, there's something for everyone. Free entry. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL.

September 7 - 8, 2024: Half-Off Weekends at Mote Aquarium

Enjoy discounted admission at Mote Aquarium for Florida residents. Explore exhibits featuring manatees, sharks, turtles, and more.  9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL.

September 10, 2024: Barks and Brews

Bring your furry friends to this fun event supporting Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Enjoy craft brews, live music, and pup-friendly vendors.  7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL.

September 12 - 22, 2024: Seussical the Musical

Join The Sarasota Players for their 95th Season opener with this beloved musical based on Dr. Seuss's works. Enjoy a fun exploration of friendship and community.  The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL.

September 13, 2024: Free Music Friday Night Concert

Enjoy an evening of live music by Roger Bash & Forrest Shafer in downtown Venice. Free and open to the public.  7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Centennial Park, downtown Venice, FL.

September 13 - 15, 2024: Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show

Get inspired with new ideas for your home at this home improvement expo. Meet experts and discover products for your home. $10 admission at the door, free passes online. Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Robarts Arena, Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL.

September 13 - 15, 2024: Sarasota Offshore Boat Racing Powerboat P1

Catch world-class marine motorsport action with the 40th Annual event featuring high-performance racing along Lido Beach. Races on Sept 14-15, 2024.

September 14 - 15, 2024: Half-Off Weekends at Mote Aquarium

Take advantage of discounted admission at Mote Aquarium.  9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mote Marine Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL.

September 15, 2024: Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show

Enjoy Sarasota's own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team in their fall season opener show. Free admission. 2 p.m. Ski-A-Ree Stadium, 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL.

September 20, 2024: Van Wezel's Friday Fest

Enjoy live music by Kluv & the United Funk Foundation on the Van Wezel lawn. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a sunset concert.  5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL.

September 21, 2024: International Coastal Clean-Up Day

Help keep Sarasota County beautiful by participating in this annual cleanup event. Various locations including Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and more. Registration opens in August 2024. 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (941) 861-5000.

September 21, 2024: Sarasota Farmers Market

Stock up on fresh produce, local goods, and crafts at this beloved farmers market. Open every Saturday.  7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Downtown Sarasota, Main Street, Sarasota, FL.

September 23, 2024: Fishermen’s Village 10th Annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest

Enjoy key lime and tropical delights at this festive event featuring live music, food, and vendor booths. Free admission.  12 noon - 6 p.m. Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL.

September 28, 2024: Wellen Park Oktoberfest

Celebrate Wellen Park's inaugural Oktoberfest in a traditional, family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy German dancers, a live polka band, a stein-hoisting competition, and plenty of beer, brats, and other traditional eats. Spend the day in beautiful downtown Wellen Park with the scenic backdrop of Grand Lake from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice, FL.

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September 28, 2024: Venice Beach Party

Join the Venice Beach Party for a day of bands, food trucks, and fun in the sun. Catch the free trolley shuttle from Centennial Park to Venice Beach. Enjoy live music, food trucks, beer, wine, and specialty drinks on the beach. Hosted by Venice MainStreet, this free and family-friendly event runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 101 The Esplanade South, Venice, FL.

With September bringing a fresh wave of fun and festivities, there's no shortage of things to do in Sarasota! We hope you dive into these exciting events and make the most of this vibrant month. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to follow us for the latest happenings around town. We can’t wait to see you out there enjoying all that Sarasota has to offer!