Hooray for March in Siesta Key! This is such a fun month in the Sarasota area. Our guests from colder climates are always smiling happily as they thaw out in the Florida sunshine. Siesta Key’s famous beaches are just steps from your doorway at Midnight Cove, so you can enjoy all the sun and fun while savoring the comforts of home. This March, we’ve got a lot to look forward to: a county fair, berry festival, arts events, and some exciting new museum exhibitions. And don’t forget St. Patrick’s Day -- here on Siesta Key, we always celebrate in Irish style. If you’re LUCKY enough to be coming our way this March, here are some of our can’t-miss events.

March 7-8: Fruitville Grove Berry Fest

It's that time to celebrate Spring with our fourth annual Berry Fest, an event suitable for all ages. The Berry Fest will be March 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd and hours are 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. There is no charge for admission or parking at this event. Live demonstrations, music, shows and interactions throughout the festival and different activities are offered each day. Check out local vendors in the craft show with their one-of-a-kind crafts, or visit the Food Truck Rally with berry themed treats. DAILY ACTIVITIES include: Kids fun zone (with zip line), pony rides, Snuggle, a skunk with Florida Skunk Rescue, face painting, authentic henna tattoos, mini train ride, NERF shooting range, DIY wood signs with Create U DIY, hay rides, hug-a-goat, enchanted unicorn encounter, hold-a-pig, butterfly garden experience, and so much more to do throughout the day! https://www.facebook.com/events/2227180077575955/

March 11: Dali Nights Featuring The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Margaret Barbieri Conservatory

In presenting the artistic world of Salvador Dali at Selby Gardens, there is an intention for visitors to experience the grounds and exhibit using all of their five senses. To add to the sights and senses of the horticultural and art displays of the exhibition, sounds and visually palpable experiences created by the Sarasota Ballet will add to the sensory experience. The evening performance will include full access to the Gardens, light bites, and wine and beer in Michael’s on the Bay. https://selby.org/events/event/dali-nights/

March 9: Rodney Shenk Live

Gilligan’s Island Bar in Siesta Key Village hosts live music with Rodney Shenk from 6 p.m. -10 p.m. At 10 p m., Key Games starts up some friendly competitions in Cornhole and Beer Pong. Competitors enjoy drink specials and no cover charge. https://www.facebook.com/events/476900179860561/

Through March 8: Light My Fire

This laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, including their hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” and “Vacation,” plus Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.” A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction — only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.

March 13-22: 2020 Sarasota County Fair

The annual Sarasota County Fair features 4-H and FFA exhibits, rides, great fair food, entertainment, vendors and community exhibits. https://www.facebook.com/events/395600801319543/

March 21: Siesta Key Beach Party

This is the raddest, baddest beach party on the PLANET! Come join NextHome Excellence as they kick off spring in style. Enjoy burgers, hot dogs, side dishes, games, music, and FUN. This party is happening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Siesta Key’s Sunset Pavilion, which is on the most southern side of the public beach by the playgrounds and the tennis courts. You won't be able to miss it.
https://www.facebook.com/events/183876236296586/

NEW ONGOING EXHIBITS AND SHOWS

Long ago in an ocean not so far away, turtles had 12-foot shells, seabirds had teeth, and “sea monsters” with powerful jaws prowled beneath the waves. Now through May 31st, Mote Aquarium visitors can peek into this ancient world — 87-70 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous — thanks to the special exhibit, “Savage Ancient Seas,” featuring replicated skeletons cast from the real fossils of extinct ocean animals. The exhibit is included with normal admission to the aquarium. https://mote.org/ancientseas

The Automotive Art of Ferdinand Porsche and Enzo Ferrari is an enticing new exhibit, featuring the life work of two incredible classic car engineers and the legacy that followed thereafter. The exhibit is open at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum now through May 1st and is included in the price of admission to the museum. https://exhibit.sarasotacarmuseum.org