Are you eager to get out and enjoy some great things to do this weekend in Sarasota? If so, you certainly have a lot of opportunities from which to choose, both indoors and out. Of course, the warm and sunny weather also means that it’s a great time to hit the beach for some tanning, or dust off the kayak and relax on the water.

Check out this list of upcoming events in Sarasota that you’re sure to love and, as always, give a quick click to their website or otherwise check before heading out, in case of unexpected closures. Bring masks for indoor events as well, so you stay safe and enjoy every minute of this weekend’s amazing events!

Thursday, April 29th through Monday, May 3rd – The 14th Annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival

The Annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival is always such a success that it can’t be contained in just one weekend! This festival brings together some 60 local restaurants as well as wineries and winemakers, and showcases an amazing array of delicious dishes and drinks you’re sure to love.

The festival was originally scheduled for January but, like many Sarasota events for 2021, was postponed until this weekend. It provides an excellent opportunity for residents to support restaurant owners who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic so severely. To find out more about the event including location and directions, visit https://www.941area.com/florida/sarasota/events/440370/the-14th-annual-forks-_-corks-food-and-wine-festival-2021.htm.

Saturday, May 1st – Beach’N Food Truck & Music Festival

Held on Anna Maria Island this Saturday, the Beach’N Food Truck & Music Festival is an excellent choice if you’re looking for upcoming events in Sarasota for the kids and entire family! This festival includes a classic car show, arts and crafts vendors, live music, and of course a number of food trucks offering all your favorites.

The festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information including a lineup of performers, visit the Facebook events page at https://m.facebook.com/events/450202326193707.

Friday, April 30th through Sunday, May 2nd – The 23rd Annual Sarasota Film Festival

If you love film and are eager to get back into the theaters, be sure to check out the 23rd Annual Sarasota Film Festival this weekend! Out of an abundance of caution, this year’s festival offers a “hybrid” experience, mixing outdoor showings with virtual cinema and limited crowds for indoor films.

As always, you can expect some celebrities on hand to introduce their films and mix with their fans, and will find a full catalog of films from virtually every genre. To find out more and browse their updated calendar, visit the website https://sarasotafilmfestival.com/sarasota-film-festival-2021/.

Friday, April 30th through Sunday, May 2nd – Cinco de Mayo Festival

Celebrate Hispanic culture with Sarasota’s annual Cinco de Mayo festival, at JD Hamel park this weekend. The festival includes lots of Hispanic food cooked fresh onsite, and plenty of live music as well.

The event is scheduled for 4-10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and then Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Organizers have stated that the festival might face cancellation depending on COVID-19 restrictions, so be sure to check the website at https://www.seafoodfestivals.com/S-72-Sarasota+Cinco+de+Mayo+Festival.html before heading out.

Saturday, May 1st – Sailor Circus Spring Show

There’s no better way to support the arts and its students than by visiting the Sailor Circus Spring Show this weekend! The Sailor Circus features students age 8-18, showcasing their talents in a dazzling array of acrobatics, juggling, roller skating, and much more.

Choose between two showtimes this weekend, 2-3:30 or 7-8:30 p.m. The show is held at the Sailor Circus arena in Sarasota. To find out more or get your tickets in advance, visit their website at https://circusarts.org/calendar/sailor-circus-72nd-annual-spring-show/2021-05-01/.

Friday, April 30th through Sunday, May 2nd – Sarasota Ballet

Check out the Sarasota Ballet: Terrace Program 2 this weekend, for a bit of culture and ambience! Held at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, you’re sure to enjoy this classical performance featuring some of the area’s best dancers and choreographers. For tickets, visit https://www.balletherald.com/event/sarasota-ballet-terrace-program-2-april-2021/.

Saturday, May 1st – Soul Train Saturday Disco Party

If you’re looking for some lively upcoming events in Sarasota, dust off the platform shoes and slip into your favorite white suit to join the fun at the Soul Train Saturday Disco Party. Held at Yvette’s Health & Fitness Center from 6 to 8 p.m., this party offers dance instruction, a costume contest, and much more.

Admission is $10 which covers wine/beer and light refreshments. For more information, check out their website at https://stayhappening.com/e/soul-train-saturday-disco-party-E2ISTJVSUTX.

Saturday, May 1st – Cars and Coffee on Cattlemen

If you’re a car enthusiast but don’t enjoy the drama of oversized events and a “showoff” crowd, check out Cars and Coffee on Cattlemen this Saturday. This relaxed event is open to anyone and prides itself on offering a laid back atmosphere without competitions, burnouts, and other distractions.

The event runs from 7:30-10:30 a.m. and is free to attend or participate. Join the fun and meet other car enthusiasts at Elite Motor Works, to just chat and make new friends. For more information including a map, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cars-and-coffee-on-cattlemen-tickets-144019260485.

Finding the Best Sarasota Beaches

When you need to wind down from enjoying all these great upcoming events in Sarasota, there’s no better option than hitting the beach! Many tourists and even longtime residents don’t realize that there are a number of options from which to choose when it comes to Sarasota beaches, all offering their own unique appeal.

• Siesta Beach is an excellent choice if you love building sandcastles, as the beach is comprised of over 90% pure quartz sand, for a unique look and feel underfoot.
• Brohard Beach is the best choice for bringing your four-legged friend, as it includes a paw park they’re sure to love!
• Turtle Beach offers a quiet spot perfect for kayaking and finding lots of great turtles while you glide on the water.

Of course, there are lots more beaches from which to choose! To find out more, check the city’s Must Do Visitor Guides page at https://www.mustdo.com/fl/sarasota-gulf-islands-venice-bradenton/beaches/.

Hopefully this list of things to do this weekend in Sarasota gave you lots to consider and helps fill your calendar with some entertaining options! If you found it helpful, be sure to share with family and friends and post it to social media as well, and bookmark our site so you can come back next weekend and find more great way to enjoy your time in this beautiful city.