20 Things to Do In & Around Sarasota This February 2026

February is one of the most exciting months of the year in Sarasota, packed with festivals, food events, art shows, live music, and outdoor fun across the region. Whether you’re a local or visiting during peak season, these 20 events happening in and around Sarasota this February 2026 deserve a spot on your calendar.

1. Temple Sinai’s 18th Annual Sarasota Jewish Food Festival

February 1, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Temple Sinai, 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota
Food lovers can indulge in classic Jewish favorites like corned beef and pastrami from Carnegie Deli, fresh bagels with cream cheese, matzo ball soup, blintzes, kugel, and stuffed cabbage. Save room for homemade desserts including cakes, pies, cookies, and pastries. Admission is free, making this a must-visit culinary event.

2. Sarasota Open Air Fine Art Show

February 1, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This juried fine art and fine craft show brings award-winning artists from around the world to Sarasota. Browse original paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass, wood, fiber art, and more. Admission is free, with $5 parking supporting the Institute for the Arts & Education.

3. Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show

February 1, 2026 | 2 p.m.
Ski-A-Ree Stadium, 1602 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota
Kick off the Ski-A-Rees’ new season with their first Sunday afternoon water ski show. This free performance features impressive tricks, jumps, and choreography set against Sarasota’s scenic waterfront near Mote Marine Aquarium.

4. Charlotte County Fair

February 1 – 8, 2026
2333 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte
The Charlotte County Fair delivers classic fair fun with rides, games, live entertainment, and plenty of traditional fair food. It’s a family-friendly event perfect for all ages, offering a full week of entertainment.

5. Suncoast Cigar Box Guitar Festival

February 5 – 8, 2026
Village of the Arts, Bradenton
This four-day festival celebrates the raw, soulful sound of cigar box guitars with live performances, workshops, handmade instruments, and artisan vendors. Held in the heart of the Village of the Arts, it combines music with the creative energy of one of the area’s most vibrant districts.

6. Florida State Fair

February 5 – 16, 2026
Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N, Tampa
A beloved Florida tradition, the Florida State Fair features thrill rides, live concerts, agricultural exhibits, competitions, and iconic fair food. Gates open daily, making it easy to plan a day trip from Sarasota.

7. SHELLABRATION: Sarasota Shell Show & Marine Life Festival

February 6 – 7, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Potter Building, Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota
One of the largest shell shows in the world, this festival showcases exotic, rare, and common shells, along with rocks, minerals, jewelry, crafts, and educational exhibits. Guests receive a free bag of shells with paid admission, and raffle prizes include coastal-inspired items.

8. Superhero 5K & Fun Run

February 7, 2026 | Starting at 8:30 a.m.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota
This family-friendly race supports foster care awareness across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties. Participants are encouraged to dress as superheroes and enjoy music, food, a kiddie zone, and giveaways. In-person and virtual options are available.

9. Venice Area Orchid Society Show & Sale

February 7 – 8, 2026
Venice, FL
Thousands of blooming orchids will be on display and for sale, along with floral arrangements, artwork, jewelry, and orchid supplies. Free orchid culture classes are offered both days, making this a favorite event just before Valentine’s Day.

10. Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts

February 7 – 8, 2026
Downtown Sarasota
Ranked among the Top 100 Fine Arts Shows in the country, this long-running festival features life-size sculptures, stunning paintings, photography, and handcrafted jewelry. It’s a great opportunity to meet artists and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.

11. Wine and Chocolate Walk

February 12, 2026 | 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Historic Downtown Venice
Sip and stroll through downtown Venice while sampling wine tastings and indulging in chocolate treats, desserts, ice cream, and themed items. Wristband tickets are required for wine tastings, with one-ounce pours at participating locations.

12. Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival

February 13 – 15, 2026
Sarasota, FL
This outdoor biker festival combines custom motorcycles, food vendors, and major live music headliners. It’s a high-energy weekend filled with bikes, entertainment, and festival fun.

13. Say “I Do Again” Vow Renewal

February 14, 2026 | Begins at 5 p.m.
Nokomis Beach & Siesta Key Beach
Celebrate love with a sunset vow renewal ceremony on the beach. Couples receive a commemorative certificate, a gift, a flower, music, and light refreshments during this romantic Valentine’s Day event.

14. Circus Sarasota Big Top Performances

February 14 – March 8, 2026
Nathan Benderson Park, Regatta Island, Sarasota
Circus Sarasota returns with an intimate, European-style Big Top featuring an international cast of performers. Expect thrilling acts, high-wire stunts, and family-friendly entertainment, with multiple showtimes and ticket options.

15. Venice Italian Feast & Carnival

February 19 – 22, 2026
Venice Airport Paved Midway, Venice
Enjoy four days of Italian favorites like sausage and peppers, ravioli, and chicken alongside carnival rides, dancers, and live entertainment. The festival offers free parking and fun for the whole family.

16. Bradenton Area River Regatta

February 20 – 21, 2026 | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Manatee River, Bradenton & Palmetto
This massive waterfront event features Formula 2 powerboat racing, live music on multiple stages, food vendors, stunt dogs, and a kid zone. Opening night includes a drone and fireworks show along the Riverwalk.

17. St. Barbara Greek Festival

February 20 – 22, 2026
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota
Experience Greek culture with traditional food, pastries, live music, and dancing. Free parking and shuttle service make this popular festival easy to attend.

18. Sarasota Florida Antiques Show

February 24 – 25, 2026
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Browse outstanding booths featuring antiques, fine jewelry, art, Americana, antique lighting, and rare collectibles. This show attracts serious collectors and casual browsers alike.

19. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

February 27 – March 1, 2026
Downtown St. Petersburg
IndyCar-style racing takes over the streets of St. Pete on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn course. With three days of racing, entertainment, and festival events, it’s one of Florida’s biggest motorsports weekends.

20. Cornhole Fundraiser for SRQ Vets

February 28, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The Green at UTC, 125 N. Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota
This competitive cornhole tournament offers guaranteed games, big payouts, and cash prizes while raising money for SRQ Vets. Players and spectators can enjoy raffles, food, and a full day of community fun.