Sarasota Weekend of March 12th to March 14th, Have Fun in the Sun!

Warm spring weather has finally arrived in Florida and doesn’t look as if it’s leaving anytime soon, which means there is no shortage of upcoming events in Sarasota this weekend! If you’re like many residents and snowbirds, you’re probably ready to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and Florida sunshine, and find some great things to do in Sarasota with the kids or just for yourself.

While making your plans for this weekend, don’t forget that Sunday also marks the start of daylight savings time! Be sure to set your clocks ahead an hour before climbing into bed on Saturday, so you don’t miss out on anything to do this weekend in Sarasota because of the time change. As always, bring masks for indoor events and stay safe no matter your plans, so nothing gets in the way of you enjoying this weekend in our beautiful city.

Friday-Sunday, March 12th-14th: Hunsander Farms U-Pick Strawberries

There is no better way to get some exercise and fresh air than by picking your own produce! This weekend you can pick strawberries at Hunsander Farms in Bradenton, an excellent way to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh fruit afterward. Hunsander Farms also offers a petting zoo as well as an antique barn and eatery so there’s something to do for everyone in the family.

This weekend the farm is only allowing u-pick strawberries but they do have other handpicked items you can buy by the pint or flat, including tomatoes, sweet onions, turnips, and many other fresh options. To find out more including current pricing and hours, and for added events throughout the year, visit their website at https://www.hunsaderfarms.com/.

Saturday and Sunday, March 13th-14th: Lakewood Ranch Spring Fine Art Festival

With more than 100 artists and vendors to visit, you’re sure to find something you’ll love at the annual Lakewood Ranch Spring Fine Art Festival. Art exhibits and items this year include sculptures, stained glass, painting, photography, jewelry, wood crafts, and much more.

One of the best weekend events in 2021 for fine art lovers, be sure to plan ahead so you can spend plenty of time browsing all the exhibits and displays. Admission is free and hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information and pictures of past events, visit their website at https://www.paragonartevents.com/S-89-Lakewood+Ranch+Fine+Art+Festival.html or Facebook events page at https://www.facebook.com/events/844506939730386/.

Saturday, March 13th: Lucky Leprechaun 5K & 10K

If you’re looking for Sarasota events in 2021 that are sure to keep you fit and active, check out this year’s Lucky Leprechaun 5K & 10K, held at the Nathan Benderson Park. Starting Saturday the 13th at 7:00 a.m., this event will feature both a 5K and 10K run, allowing 50 participants to start every 5 minutes in order to maintain safe social distancing!

This year’s beneficiary of the run is the Big Bill Foundation, which provides funding for extracurricular activities for children who have battled cancer. To find out more or to sign up so you don’t lose out on your spot, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sarasota/LuckyLeprechaun5K10K?aflt_token=GXnZyRPOxQaYu2xZzovTHAZdrcyRYAmv.

Saturday, March 13th: Barking Bazaar

If you’re looking for things to do in Sarasota with the kids or the dog lover in your family, don’t miss this year’s Barking Bazaar! This annual event features lots of pets vendors and local animal rescues, perfect for those with four-legged friends in the home or who are ready to adopt.

The event is free to attend and is being held outdoors, so bring your dog if you already have one and let it get some exercise while you mix and mingle with other pet lovers and vendors. The bazaar is held at Apricot and Lime; for more information and a map, visit https://www.visitsarasota.com/barking-bazaar.

Sunday, March 14th: Spring Time GOAT YOGA SRQ

goat yoga at local fruitville grove market

Check out goat yoga at local Fruitville Grove happening this coming Sunday at 10:30 AM. It’s a trend that hasn’t gone away! People of all ages love yoga with goats. It’s a beginner class welcome to ages 9+ (ages 9-16 must be accompanied by an adult). Bring your own mat or blanket and get comfy with the adorable, friendly goats! More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/488593668947557/?active_tab=about

Sunday, March 14th: Start of “Eat Local Week 2021”

Not all upcoming events in Sarasota require you head outdoors, or even leave your own home! “Eat Local Week 2021” kicks off this year on Sunday, March 14th. This virtual event encourages residents to enjoy cuisine and food grown and harvested locally, including farm fresh produce and dairy as well as items made by local artisans, such as jams and jellies and fresh baked goods.

To help encourage residents to eat locally and support this year’s Eat Local Week, many farms and vineyards are offering tours, expos, and other events open to the public, most of which are free with suggested donations. To find out more about how you can support local farmers and growers, visit https://www.visitsarasota.com/eat-local-week-2021 and https://www.transitionsrq.org/events.

While this is just a quick list of upcoming events in Sarasota, hopefully you’ll find plenty to do this weekend whether by yourself or with the entire family! Of course, with the warmer weather you can always head down to the beach and enjoy the water or pack up a lunch and the kids and visit one of the city’s many local parks.

There is also no better time than this weekend to bring out the bike, give the tires a quick check, and hit one of the city’s many bike trails, especially the lovely Legacy Trail! Sarasota and surrounding areas offer lots of trails that range from wide, paved paths perfect for a leisurely ride, to rough and rugged trails meant for the experienced rider. To find out more about different bike trails near you, visit https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/arts-and-entertainment/2019/05/five-bike-trails-to-please-any-kind-of-rider.