Summertime is a great time to take the family out to a festival.
Summer is a time for celebration. Schools let out, beautiful, sunny weather arrives (though it's the norm here) and art, music and food fests abound. Sarasota's summer festivals are free or cheap and sure to remind you why it's everyone's favorite season.
The Downtown Sarasota Craft Fair takes place May 19-20, 2012. More than hundred crafters will show and sell their creations along Main St. Expect to find everything from jewelry to soap. The festival is free and runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Sarasota Music Festival takes place June 4-23, 2012. Presented by the Sarasota Orchestra, the festival brings together guest artists and students from all over the world. The students come from top college and conservatory music programs to work with music masters. The process is highly selective, so the best of the best are chosen. Since 1965, attendees have been treated to the festival's sounds at artist showcases, chamber concerts and festival orchestra concerts. Complete passes are $75, week passes are $30 and day passes are $10. Guests get in for $5. Visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org/sarasotamusicfestival/festival.cfm for the calendar and more information.
Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week is held for two weeks, June 1-14, 2012. Enjoy three-course prix fixe meals (dinners are just $25 per person and lunches are $15 and generally include appetizers, entrees and desserts). Savor fine cuisine, from casual eateries to high-end restaurants, all across Sarasota. Visit www.savorsarasota.com for menus, stories and more information.
The St. Armands Circle Craft Festival will take place June 9-10, 2012. Jewelry, ceramics and other pieces of art will be up for sale and display. The location on St. Armands Circle makes it great for a walk-through before shopping at the many boutiques and galleries. Lido Beach is just steps away. The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and it is free.
The Downtown Venice Craft Festival is happening June 16-17, 2012. The event will take place on Miami Avenue downtown. It's free and runs from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Check out handmade crafts and much more.
The Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival takes place June 23-July 4, 2012, with race day Sunday, July 1. Enjoy events including the exciting powerboat races, all leading up to the 4th of July fireworks celebration at Island Park.
The Sarasota Stars and Stripes Celebration takes place July 1-2, 2012, at the Players Theatre. The family-oriented event includes live entertainment, fun activities for the kids and food and drinks. The Players is located at 838 N. Tamiami Trl. The event is free and runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information or to learn more about the Players, visit www.theplayers.org.
Sarasota's festivals continue well into the fall. Check www.sarasotafl.org for more exciting details on what comes next. Enjoy the summer!
