05/23/2026
Sarasota • Venice • Bradenton Memorial Day Weekend Guide
Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25, 2026
This weekend is packed with festivals, parades, farmers markets, beach events, live music, theater, family fun, patriotic celebrations, and waterfront entertainment throughout Sarasota, Siesta Key, Venice, Nokomis, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey, and Bradenton.
Major Festivals, Parades & Community Events
St. Armands Fine Art Festival
St. Armands Fine Art Festival
📍 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
📅 Saturday & Sunday, May 23–24
🕙 10 AM – 5 PM
💵 Free admission
A juried outdoor art festival featuring fine art, jewelry, sculpture, photography, ceramics, crafts, and artisan vendors. Great for browsing and shopping with live entertainment and restaurants nearby.
Official site: Paragon Festivals – St. Armands Fine Art Festival
Sarasota Memorial Day Parade
2026 Memorial Day Parade
📍 Downtown Sarasota
📅 Monday, May 25
🕙 Parade begins 10 AM
💵 Free
The annual patriotic parade honoring fallen service members travels through downtown Sarasota followed by a remembrance ceremony near Bayfront Park/J.D. Hamel Park.
Official site: City of Sarasota Events Calendar
Venice Brew Bash
Venice Brew Bash
📍 Centennial Park, Venice
📅 Saturday, May 23
🕒 3 PM – 7 PM
💵 Ticketed b**r festival
Craft b**r tastings, food vendors, music, and downtown Venice atmosphere.
Official site: Venice MainStreet Events
Siesta Key Drum Circle
Siesta Key Drum Circle
📍 Siesta Beach
📅 Sunday, May 24
🕖 Around sunset (~6:30–8 PM)
💵 Free
One of Sarasota’s iconic beach traditions with drummers, dancers, fire performers, and sunset celebration vibes.
Official info: Visit Sarasota – Siesta Key Drum Circle
AquaPalooza 2026
AquaPalooza 2026
📍 New Pass Sandbar / MarineMax Sarasota
📅 Sunday, May 24
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM
💵 Free boating event
Huge Memorial Day boating flotilla with live music by Jah Movement, Dr. Dave Band, and Zach Regan & the 776.
Official site: MarineMax AquaPalooza
Farmers Markets
Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market
Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market
📍 Main Street, Sarasota
📅 Saturday, May 23
🕖 7 AM – 1 PM
💵 Free
Fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, flowers, artisan foods, crafts, and live music downtown.
Official site: Sarasota Farmers Market
Bradenton Public Market
Bradenton Public Market
📍 Old Main Street, Bradenton
📅 Saturday, May 23
🕘 9 AM – 2 PM
💵 Free
Local vendors, crafts, produce, live music, and family activities along Old Main Street.
Official site: Bradenton Public Market
Lakewood Ranch Waterside Events
Waterside Place Live Music Series
📍 Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
📅 Saturday evening
💵 Free
Outdoor music, waterfront strolling, dining, and vendors.
Official site: Waterside Place
Theater • Performing Arts • Museums
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Major regional theater company presenting Broadway-quality productions.
Official site: Asolo Rep
Florida Studio Theatre
Comedy, cabaret, contemporary plays, and musical revues downtown.
Official site: Florida Studio Theatre
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Planetarium laser shows and family science exhibits.
Weekend Laser Shows
Laser Michael Jackson — Friday night
Laser Queen — Saturday evening
Official site: The Bishop Museum
Venice Theatre
Community theater with musicals, comedy, concerts, and drama productions.
Official site: Venice Theatre
Venice Performing Arts Center
Hosts concerts, touring productions, and symphony events.
Official site: Venice Performing Arts Center
Venice Symphony: Star Spangled Spectacular
Star Spangled Spectacular
📍 CoolToday Park, Venice
📅 Saturday, May 23
🕢 7:30 PM
💵 Ticketed event
Patriotic orchestral favorites with aerial drone light show finale.
Official site: The Venice Symphony
Family Fun & Sporting Events
SRQ VETS Memorial Day Hike
SRQ VETS Memorial Day Hike
📍 J.D. Hamel Park
📅 Saturday, May 23
🕗 8 AM – Noon
💵 About $10+
5K memorial hike across Ringling Bridge with live music, food, and family activities.
SUPERCOPA+ Soccer Tournament
SUPERCOPA+
📍 Premier Sports Campus, Lakewood Ranch
📅 Monday, May 25
🕗 All day
💵 Spectator pricing varies
Youth soccer championship tournament.
Official site: Premier Sports Campus
