14 Things to Do In & Around Sarasota This March 2026

March brings festival season into full swing across Sarasota and the Suncoast! From art shows and seafood festivals to rodeos and racing, here are 14 standout events happening in and around Sarasota this March 2026.

1. Sarasota Festival of Arts

March 1, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL
More than 70 artisans transform the park into an outdoor gallery filled with paintings, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics, fiber art, metalwork, woodworking and more. Meet the artists, browse original handcrafted pieces, and enjoy free admission along the bayfront.

2. Englewood Seafood & Music Festival

March 1, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dearborn Street Plaza, 348 W. Green St., Englewood, FL
Fresh seafood, live music, and artisan shopping take over downtown Englewood. Enjoy seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes cooked on-site while listening to Florida’s top R&B, blues, jazz, rock and Caribbean bands.

3. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

March 1, 2026
Downtown St. Petersburg, FL
IndyCar-style racing roars through the streets of St. Pete on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn course. More than 150,000 fans are expected for three days of racing, entertainment and festival events, with tickets starting at $25.

4. Show Jumping Under the Stars – Venice Equestrian Tour

March 4-8 & 11-15, 2026 (Friday Night Events)
Fox Lea Farm, 800 N. Auburn Rd, Venice, FL
Part of the Venice Equestrian Tour Winter Horse Show Series, this Grand Prix event features world-class show jumping under the lights. Watch top riders compete for a $25,000 purse with close-up rail-side viewing for $10 admission.

5. 34th Annual Pinecraft Days Arts & Crafts Festival

March 5 – 7, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3713 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL
Browse handmade goods from more than 30 Amish, Mennonite and local artisans. Shop wood bowls, jewelry, candles, soaps, artwork, crafts and unique finds. Free admission.

6. Tampa Bay Boat Show

March 6 – 8, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Tampa, FL
The largest boating event in the Tampa Bay area showcases everything from yachts and cruisers to kayaks and paddleboards. Compare millions of dollars in boating inventory in one place and explore the latest fishing gear and accessories.

7. Le Marché Bohème

March 7, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Selby Five Points Park, 100 Central Blvd, Sarasota, FL
This Parisian-inspired open-air marketplace features eclectic art, vintage goods, coastal décor and artisanal treats. Browse curated booths from local artists while enjoying a charming European market atmosphere in downtown Sarasota.

8. Irish Celtic Festival & Lucky Dog Parade

March 7, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure Pl, Bradenton, FL
Celebrate Irish culture with traditional food, craft beers, whiskey, dancers and live entertainment. Bring your dog for the Lucky Dog Parade and compete for fun awards including Most Irish and Dog/Owner Look Alike.

9. Megalodon Challenge – Shark’s Tooth 10K & Shark Fin 5K

March 7 – 8, 2026 | 7:15 a.m. & 8 a.m. Starts
Venice Airport Festival Grounds, 610 Airport Ave E, Venice, FL
Run along one of the area’s most scenic race routes, stretching from the Venice Airport to Caspersen Beach Park and back. Participants receive custom medals and race shirts, with options for both in-person and virtual racing.

10. Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival

March 7 – 8, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Main St, Bradenton, FL
This outdoor gallery showcases original, handmade works including painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography and more. Meet artists from across the country and even commission a custom piece.

11. 98th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

March 12 – 15, 2026 | Rodeo begins at 2 p.m.
Mosaic Arena, 2450 NE Roan St, Arcadia, FL
One of Florida’s longest-running rodeos features bareback riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Gates open at 11 a.m. with pre-show events starting at 1 p.m., and all seats are covered rain or shine.

12. Manatee County Seafood & Music Festival

March 13 – 15, 2026
G.T. Bray Park, 2910 51st St W, Bradenton, FL
Enjoy fresh seafood including grouper, mahi mahi, stone crabs, oysters and shrimp, all cooked on-site. Live music, artisan vendors and a relaxed Gulf Coast atmosphere make this a weekend favorite.

13. St. Patrick’s Day at Fishermen’s Village

March 17, 2026 | Noon – 9 p.m.
Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with authentic Irish music throughout the day, featuring high-energy performances and traditional folk songs. Enjoy face painting, festive activities and waterfront views with free entry.

14. St. Patrick’s Day Party at T.J. Carney’s

March 17, 2026 | Opens 10 a.m. – Close
T.J. Carney’s, 231 W. Venice Ave, Venice, FL
Downtown Venice goes green with Irish dancers, bagpipers, green beer and live music. Feast on corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and Irish cocktail specials while celebrating all weekend long.

March 2026 is packed with art, racing, seafood, culture and classic Florida festivals. Whether you’re staying local or exploring the surrounding Suncoast communities, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your calendar!