Spring has Sprung! It’s the perfect time to visit Siesta Key with the amazing weather and so many great events to attend.

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in and around Sarasota this month.

The 24th Annual Sarasota Film Festival - April 1- 10

Founded in 1998, the Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) has grown to be a ten-day festival that plays independent and international narratives, docs and shorts that are programmed into a schedule of over 200 films. Festival events include socially-driven parties and private receptions to honor guest filmmakers, community-wide street festivals, and the black-tie Filmmakers Tribute Dinner. SFF patrons have enjoyed intimate performances from Aerosmith and The B52’s as well as a host of special appearances by local and international musicians. https://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com/

International Chalk Festival - April 1- 3

It’s a museum in motion as professional pavement artists from around the world use chalk as their medium and the pavement as their surface with a few pushing mind-boggling boundaries. You are an integral part of the creative process as the viewer witnessing each artist’s creative process, turning the pavement into a museum in motion while creating oversized masterpieces in chalk! Each day arts and craft vendors, food vendors, and beverages and spirits of all kinds are available so you can spend a few hours or all day lunching, listening to music, shopping with vendors, having a drink, and taking your time strolling the artwork. https://chalkfestival.org/

The summer season is in full swing and there are many ways to make memories and have fun on Siesta Key.

We’ve rounded up a bunch of fun things to do this August for the whole family..

Summer Circus Spectacular - August 1 - 14

The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling are happy to partner once again to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater. Don’t miss this family-friendly show that runs Friday, August 1 through Saturday, August 14! The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages.
https://www.ringling.org/events/summer-circus-spectacular

2021 SARASOTA SLAM - August 3 – 7

Join in the 2021 Sarasota Slam at Marina Jack; Leg II of the Florida West Coast Bluewater Series. This event has become one of Southwest Florida’s most endeared fishing tournaments. More than 1,000 anglers competed and reeled in over $700,000 in cash prizes over the years. This year, partial proceeds from the Sarasota Slam will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
https://www.sarasotaslam.com/

The 8th Annual Summer Cabaret Festival - August 1 - 8

Venice Theatre is delighted to invite audiences to its 8th Annual Summer Cabaret Festival. This popular event keeps music lovers and theatre goers entertained during the summer with a variety of music in a night club setting. Eight different acts - some new, some returning - will be performing throughout the festival. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. https://venicetheatre.org/

Back to School Bash - August 21

Join Music Compound for their annual FREE Back to School Bash on Saturday, August 21st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy live music, food truck, crafts, face painting, giveaways and more! All ages welcome, open to the public. https://www.musiccompound.com/events/back-to-school-bash/

Sarasota Art Museum - All Year Long

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

Don't let those mid-winter blues get you down! Join us here on Siesta Key where the white sand glistens and the sun is shining.

There are plenty of festivals, concerts and activities to do this month -- it’s the perfect time to visit! Here is a roundup of some of the fun in store in February.

Cirque Ma’Ceo  - February 1st and 2nd

Experience the Magic of Ma’Ceo!

Described by the Ocala Star- Banner as an “Equine Cirque du Soleil”, the renowned show has recently performed in Las Vegas, NV, Honolulu, HI and all over Canada. Under the Big Top, a European feel is in the air and intimate red misty lighting sets the toneas the performance begins seamlessly through the gypsy music, aerial dancing, and heart-pounding acrobatic feats on galloping horseback. Passionately illustrating the effortless extraordinary bond between horse and man, the entertainment to behold is unlike any other traveling show in the world! It’s a completely original experience appealing to all age groups, with exotic breeds of horses and breathtaking images. From daredevil Cossack riding to the beautiful aerial chandelier, we invite you to take a step back in time and experience the enchanting world of Cirque Ma’Ceo.
https://www.cirquemaceotickets.com/category/sarasota 

Music Matinee: Harry Miedema and The Blue Heron Sextet - February 11th

The Sarasota Concert Association's free Music Matinees series presents Harry Miedema and The Blue Heron Sextet, this February at 12 noon in David Cohen Hall at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. From 1976 to 1998, Harry Miedema was the musical director and saxophonist for the O’Jays, who received a gold record in 1991 for their album Emotionally Yours. He has made appearances on many TV programs, including NBC’s Today Show, Oprah, UPN’s Vibe, Sinbad’s Summer Jam, and the Showtime special, The Beach Boys. https://scasarasota.org/music-matinees/

Thunder by the Bay - February 14th- 16th

Looking for some local color and action? February 14th through 16th, experience the 22nd Annual Thunder by The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival held at the Sarasota Fairgrounds to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy continuous live music featuring national recording artist WARRANT performing on the 15th at 8:00 p.m. This year's Festival includes a Sunday charity ride, vendors, freestyle acts, a motorcycle show, burnout competition, great food, and much more! Admission is $5 - 12 and under free. www.ThunderByTheBay.Org

Rocket Man - February 24th and 25th

February 24th and 25th at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., experience a re-enactment of an early Elton John concert. Rus Anderson has spent years perfecting the piano playing, vocals, and mannerisms of Elton John and has traveled the world over with thousands of performances to his credit. This insanely energetic tribute is endorsed by the official Elton John Fan Club! https://venicetheatre.org/calendar/?month=Feb-2020 

Goodwill Manasota's Mardi Gras Gala  - February 29th

February 29th from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., experience Goodwill Manasota's Mardi Gras Gala, which features lively Dixieland music and dancing, authentic New Orleans cuisine, open bar, fabulous live auction items, and an amazing array of circus performers - from stilt walkers to jugglers and more! Guests are encouraged to wear fun and festive Mardi Gras attire. Tickets are $175 per person and all proceeds support Goodwill's local mission of "changing lives through the power of work." By the way, if you love to shop for great finds, Goodwill’s local stores boast some of the country’s best selections for all ages! https://experiencegoodwill.org/events/2020/02/29/goodwill-events/mardi-gras-gala 

We hope you enjoy the festivities this month around Midnight Cove! If you have any suggestions of more great events, please leave a comment below!