With the holiday season coming to an end, now is the time to get out of the house and check out some amazing local events in our area!
January 1 – 2, 2020: Selby Gardens 16th annual “Lights in Bloom” celebration Explore and view life-size garden-themed holiday lights that transform the gardens into a tropical wonderland. The tropical holiday paradise includes children’s arts and crafts activities and games, plus live entertainment. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. nightly. Admission: $20 Member Adults; $25 Non-Member Adults; $7 children 5 – 12; Free for those under 5. 811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL.
January 1, 2020 – February 8, 2020: “The Fence” at Nathan Benderson Park The largest public photo exhibition in North America returns to Sarasota and includes a showcase of the best from Gulf Coast photographers. Participating artists’ work spans the categories of creatures, home, people, streets, nature, food and play and will appear on both sides of a fence between the island’s twin bridges. Admission is free. 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota FL.
January 3 – 5, 2020: Bradenton Boat Show Complete with boats, accessories, fishing equipment and more along with fishing seminars. Adults $5, 12 and under are free. Fri and Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto, FL.
January 4, 2020: Touch a Truck A fun, free family event, enabling kids to touch, sit in, and explore a wide variety of all size trucks. Free admission. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Manatee County Public Library 1301 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL
January 10, 2020: Music on Main Enjoy live music, balloon twisters, face painting, good food and drinks at Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short leash. 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
January 10, 2020: Moon Over Myakka Concert Series Bring a chair and a picnic while you enjoy live music at the South Pavilion at the Myakka River State Park. Park entrance fees will be waived after 5pm. Tickets for this event are $15-$20.
January 11, 2020: Scrub jay 5k & 10K Run The Oscar Sherer State Park will be hosting a 5k run that starts at 8:10am and the 10k run will begin at 8am. Stay after the race to enjoy scrub jay festival from 10am-2pm featuring speakers, guided walks, tram tours, live music, games, and a fire demonstration.
January 11 – 12, 2020: The 24th Annual Anna Maria Island-Fest Arts & Crafts Show This arts and crafts show is right at City Hall in the heart of Anna Maria/Holmes Beach. Featuring artists and crafts people from all over. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free admission. 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
January 16 – 26, 2020: The Annual Manatee County Fair Indulge in fair rides, games, fair food, and exhibits. Taking place at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, General admission: $9 for ages 13 and older, $8 for seniors 55 and older, $6 for kids 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL.
January 17-19, 2020: Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival Come to JD Hamel Park in downtown Sarasota at Gulfstream Ave and Main Street to enjoy fresh seafood and live musical performance. This event begins Friday night at 4pm-10pm, Saturday from 11am-10pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. General admission is free.
January 18, 2020: Sarasota Beer & Burger Throw Down Enjoy 30 different burgers from some of the best restaurants and food trucks. Celebrity guest judges will be rating each of the best burgers. Enjoy craft beer samplings and live music. This event will be taking place at the UTC Mall at 6pm.
January 20, 2020: Ringling by the Bay Enjoy live music and dancing from 6pm-9pm. Food and drinks will be available for purchase tickets cost $-$15. This event will take place at the Ringling Museum Grounds.
January 24 – 26, 2020: The13th Annual Sarasota Native American Indian Festival Experience the culture and artistry of the of the Native American people including authentic, handmade, fine arts and crafts, paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, bead work and leather work along with story telling, dance and Native American food. Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Discount tickets on line until January 15, 2020. Tickets at the gate: $10 adult, $5 ages 6 – 12, 5 and under are free. Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL.
January 25, 2020: S.A.F.E. Day, This free event features local safety and safety education presented by Sarasota Fire Department, Sarasota Police Department, Health Department, CPC, and more. There will be many interactive vendors and courses during the event including a KidZone that will feature rock climbing, laser tag, bounce houses, and bungee trampolines, as well as face painting, and other activities. S.A.F.E. Day will also feature many local food trucks and other food vendors. Free giveaways, bicycle rodeo, rides and games for kids, meet a rescue dog, climb in a firetruck, check out a police boat and much more. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL.