#IPW2023

 SARASOTA COUNTY OFFERS TRAVELERS WIDE VARIETY OF FUN EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES THIS SPRING

This spring, travelers to Sarasota County can take advantage of an array of exciting activities. From Major League Baseball Spring Training to festivals celebrating everything from shark teeth to food and the arts, travelers can find fun options throughout the destination. With 35 miles of coastline, Florida's ideal spring weather and a host of fun activities, this Southwest Florida excursion is a great option for any traveler looking for the perfect springtime destination.

Major League Baseball Spring Training

The Atlanta Braves and the Baltimore Orioles will be returning to Sarasota this spring for their Spring Training. Visitors to Sarasota can catch an Atlanta Braves game at CoolToday Park, a state-of-the-art complex that can house over 7,000 fans and features an outfield patio and bar areas, while the Baltimore Orioles play at Ed Smith Stadium, a major league facility with 8,000 seats, four additional onsite training field with one practice half-field, five offsite training fields, a clubhouse and covered batting cages and pitching mounds. Visitors can find the Braves detailed Spring Training schedule here and the Orioles Spring Training schedule here.

Moonlit Paddle – Kayaking with Mote

Take a break from the sun and join Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium for an evening paddle to explore coastal waters at dusk. Discover the animals that bring Sarasota Bay to life at night while taking a relaxing paddle on the moonlit water.  March 6, March 7, April 5, April 6, May 4

Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

The seventh installment in Selby Gardens' annual Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, which examines major artists through the lens of their connection to nature, features the artistry of Louis Comfort Tiffany. One of the most influential American artists and designers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Tiffany described his lifelong goal as “the pursuit of beauty” and he believed that inspiration for art and design should be found in nature. His celebrated stained-glass windows and lamps have inspired stunning horticultural displays in the Tropical Conservatory and throughout the Gardens, while outstanding examples of Tiffany's work in various media, on generous loan from a private collection, are on a view in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. Through June 25

Dine Along Trolley Food Tour

Get a taste of Sarasota's best food, flavors and history with a local chef and tour guide aboard Dolly the Trolley with Discover Sarasota Tours. Each food-fueled tour begins with complimentary wine or beer at Discover Sarasota's tiki bar, then visits three local restaurants offering delectable bites, food history and delicious dessert. Along the way, discover Sarasota's charming culture, architecture and hidden gems. This tour is for foodies who want a downtown global food-centered experience with a bit of history and fun.  March 8, March 22, March 29, April 5, April 12, April 19

Sarasota Welcomes Rocco's Tacos

The South Florida-based Mexican restaurant chain Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar is opening at University Town Center on March 6th. Rocco's Tacos offers a true taste of Mexico within a fun casual environment. In addition to tacos and other Mexican offerings, such as guacamole prepared table side, enchiladas, molcajete, burritos and quesadillas, the bar will feature a menu of over 300 varieties of tequila. The location will also offer happy hour at its expansive indoor-outdoor bar with drinks starting at just $5 from 4 – 7 p.m.

Art in the Park

Returning for its 23rd year, Art in the Park, hosted by the University Park County Club (UPCC) is a fine art show featuring over 150 works of art created by local artists. The pieces range from large and small-scale original paintings, mixed media, photographs, sculptures, small prints, and beautiful notecards. Admission to the show is free and there is free parking at the club.  March 11 – 12, 2023

Rotary Spring Fine Arts Festival

During this two-day event in Englewood, Fla., artists and their creations are the stars. Fine jewelry, art glass, paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, and more will be on display. In addition to the art displays, the Rotary Spring Fine Arts Festival will feature food and beverages from local restaurants and vendors, live music, and shopping throughout the popular Dearborn Street stores.  March 25-26; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Urbanite Theater premieres Backwards Forwards Back

The Urbanite Theater will be home to the world premiere of the one-man drama, Backwards Forwards Back, by Jacqueline Goldfinger. This production is about a soldier returning home from war who studies the power of healing and finding strength in vulnerability. March 24 - April 23, 2023

Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival

Now in its 16th season, Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival is Sarasota's premier food and wine festival. The event features a multi-day menu of events, ranging from University Master Classes, and a bountiful selection of wine dinners. This year is the return of the famous Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum of Art and Monday's Trade Tasting, exclusively available for local industry professionals. Forks & Corks is hosted by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and encourages locals and visitors to the area to always “Eat Like A Local.”   April 20 - 24

Sarasota Orchestra Pops: Broadway Bound

Celebrate Broadway with conductor William Waldrop and extraordinary vocalist Carmen Ruby Floyd during this performance from the Sarasota Orchestra. Enjoy beloved hits from “Chicago,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Lion King,” and “Wicked.” The concert will also highlight Broadway's classic era with music from “Carousel,” “Gypsy,” and “42nd Street.” April 21-22

Venice Shark Tooth Festival

Hosted by Venice MainStreet, the Venice Shark Tooth Festival is coming to the shark tooth capital of the world. Enjoy a weekend filled with live music, food, and fun activities for the entire family. Vendors will be selling shark teeth and other beach-themed merchandise throughout the Venice downtown area. This festival will be held in downtown Venice at Centennial Park. There is free admission and free parking, as well as a trolley available to and from offsite parking.  April 22 – 23

Sup & Run 5k

The 8th Annual SUP & RUN 5K will be held at Nathan Benderson Park to benefit Operation Second chance and RUCK9. There are three races to choose from: 5k run; 5k stand up paddle board (SUP); 5k SUP and 5k run. Athletes participating in the combination SUP & RUN will run the 5k first and then hop on their paddle board for a 5k paddle around Nathan Benderson Park. Athletes participating in the SUP must know how to swim. Walkers are encouraged to participate. May 6

International Dragon Boat Festival

The 5th annual Sarasota Dragon Boat Festival comes to Nathan Benderson Park, bringing together culture, sport, and international flavors that blend a 2,500-year-old tradition with the fun and excitement of an outdoor festival. Twenty paddlers move in unison, combining strength and teamwork in a boat whose elaborate design originates from ancient China. Admission to this family-friendly event is free; races will begin at 8:30 a.m. The festival grounds will offer a variety of activities for all participants and spectators, including the Health & Wellness Village featuring exciting products and services to assist in leading a healthy lifestyle. Grab a bite from one of the food trucks, enjoy a cold beverage in the Beer Garden or shop in the marketplace. May 20; 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Whether it is a hotel, resort, condo, vacation home, or RV park, Sarasota County provides a variety of options to suit any travel preference. Visitors can book their getaway at www.visitsarasota.org and check out even more to do on the destination's events calendar.