There are lots of fun and exciting things to do this weekend in Sarasota, both indoors and out and for everyone in the family! This weekend’s events include great performances and a fun yoga class you might attend, as well as an arts and crafts festival the entire family is sure to enjoy.

As always, the city also offers plenty of outdoor spaces to visit, including local beaches, bike tours, and much more. If you’re ready to take out the boat or kayak, or are ready to get pedaling and enjoy some biking on the beach, note a few tips on where to go and how to ensure an amazing weekend in the beautiful city of Sarasota!

Friday April 23rd through Sunday April 25th: 2021 Suncoast Boat Show

No list of Sarasota events for 2021 is complete without at least one boat show! If you’re in the market for a new vessel or just want to check out prices so you know how much to save for your dream ship, be sure to check out the 2021 Suncoast Boat Show, scheduled this weekend at Marina Jack.

At this year’s show, you can browse boats offered by private sellers and dealers, and check out a wide range of secondary items including electronics, accessories, and even clothes and jewelry! You can also meet experts ready to discuss your boating needs and help you find the perfect craft that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. To find out more, visit https://www.galatiyachts.com/events/boat-show/2021-sarasota-boat-show/.

Saturday April 24th and Sunday April 25th: Sarasota Art & Craft Festival

There are always lots of artsy things to do in downtown Sarasota, and this weekend is no exception! If you’re looking for unique jewelry, handmade soaps, home décor, or other beautiful items, check out the Sarasota Art & Craft Festival, held Saturday and Sunday on Central Avenue in downtown Sarasota.

Admission is free to this weekend’s event, and every year’s schedule always brings in a crowd as their vendors feature a wide range of beautiful items sure to please. Organizers are mandating masks and social distancing, so it’s suggested you reserve a spot online so they can ensure proper crowd control. To find out more, visit http://www.artfestival.com/festivals/downtown-sarasota-art-craft-festival.

Saturday April 24th: Yoga with Butterflies

Are you looking for upcoming events in Sarasota that will get you out of the house and back into a fitness routine? If so, check out Yoga With Butterflies, this Saturday the 24th at the Fruitville Grove Farm Market. Starting at 9:30 a.m. and lasting about an hour, your yoga instructors will guide you through a gentle yet challenging routine while surrounded by beautiful, peaceful butterflies from their sanctuary.

Admission is $25 per person and you do need to bring your own mat and other equipment. You can also visit the market after class and load up on healthy, homegrown foods sure to help you detox from a long year of lockdowns! To find out more about the yoga class, visit their Facebook events page at https://www.facebook.com/events/521091159050055/.

Saturday April 24th: Riverdance

If you need some indoor things to do this weekend in Sarasota, check out Riverdance, the classic Irish step dance performance that’s perfect for everyone in the family. This enthusiastic, energetic dance routine incorporates several classic themes, including Celtic mythology, nature, hope, and many aspects of Irish culture.

The show is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in Sarasota. For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit https://eventseeker.com/sarasota/apr-24-2021/396769463-riverdance.

Sunday April 25th: Sarasota Opera

For some classical upcoming events in Sarasota, check out this weekend’s performance of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, an hour-long show featuring the classic story of the doomed queen and Trojan warrior. The opera is performed in Italian with English subtitles above the stage, for an authentic experience you’re sure to love.

This weekend’s performance runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. For ticket pricing and more information, visit the website https://sarasotaarts.org/calendar/opera-henry-purcells-dido-and-aeneas/2021-04-25/.

Enjoy Some Outdoor Fun This Weekend

With the warmer weather finally settling over the area, you might be eager to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and exercise. There is, of course, no better place for enjoying the warm weather and cool breezes than Sarasota and surrounding areas! Note a few quick tips of where you might go and how to stay safe and comfortable when outside this weekend.  

Checking Red Tide Warnings in Sarasota

Since red tide warnings change daily, it’s vital that Sarasota beachgoers check on warnings before heading to any beach in the area. Low levels of toxins creating red tide are not always dangerous, while higher levels might mean a closed beach, even for sunbathers!

If you’re thinking of hitting a Sarasota beach this weekend or anytime over the summer, first check the Florida Health website at http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/county-detail.html?County=Sarasota&Zip=34237. This site has updated warnings and advisories for area beaches, so you can adjust your plans as needed!

Electric Bike Siesta Key Sunset Tour

If you love biking along the beach, check out the electric bike tours on Siesta Key, offered by Endless Summer Eco Tours and Rentals. This two-hour long ride uses hybrid bikes designed for use on the sand, and offers both pedal and throttle power so you can put in as much or as little effort as you prefer!

A bike tour is an excellent way to enjoy the sunset along the Gulf while still getting a bit of exercise, and electric bikes allow you to bring along everyone in the family no matter their fitness levels! To find out more or to book your tour, visit the TripAdvisor page at https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g34618-d17244112-Electric_Bike_Siesta_Key_Sunset_Tour-Sarasota_Florida.html.

Parasailing on Siesta Key

There is probably no greater thrill than getting a bird’s-eye view of Sarasota and its surrounding waters, and you can enjoy that view when you try parasailing along Siesta Key with Parasail Siesta! If you’ve never tried parasailing, this sport straps you into a sail and then pulls you behind a boat at varying speeds, so you can skim your feet across the water or enjoy a gentle liftoff and the rush of sailing in the air.

It’s best if you make a reservation for your parasailing experience as this tour does book up fast. For more information on what to expect and what’s required, and to book your tickets, visit the TripAdvisor page at https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g34636-d20925576-Parasailing_on_Siesta_Key_Island-Siesta_Key_Florida.html.

Hopefully you’ve found this list of upcoming events in Sarasota helpful and, as always, be sure to stay safe no matter your plans. Check back next week for even more exciting and fun things to do on the weekend in Sarasota and, in the meantime, share this list with family and friends so everyone can enjoy their weekends in this beautiful city!