Sarasota Weekend Events | February 27 – March 1, 2026

Sarasota Weekend Events | February 27 – March 1, 2026

Art Festivals, Spring Training Baseball, Waterfront Seafood & Live Theater on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Looking for the best things to do in Sarasota this weekend? February 27 through March 1, 2026 is packed with outdoor festivals, professional baseball, fresh Gulf seafood, and live performances throughout Sarasota and Venice.

Here’s your complete local guide from Beyond Realty.

🎨 Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts

Location: Main Street & Gulf Stream Avenue, Downtown Sarasota
Dates: February 28 – March 1, 2026 | 10 AM – 5 PM

Downtown Sarasota transforms into an open-air gallery during this nationally recognized juried art festival. Artists from across the country showcase:

• Fine art paintings

• Sculpture and glasswork

• Photography

• Jewelry and mixed media

• Contemporary and coastal-inspired works

Live music, local cafés, and walkable downtown energy make this one of Sarasota’s most anticipated cultural weekends of the season. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Florida’s mild winter weather while supporting working artists.

⚾ Baltimore Orioles Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium

Location: 2700 12th Street, Sarasota
Dates: Multiple home games Feb. 27 – March 1, 2026

Spring Training season is in full swing. Sarasota is the proud spring home of the Baltimore Orioles, bringing Grapefruit League baseball to the Gulf Coast.

Ed Smith Stadium offers:

• An intimate MLB experience

• Affordable ticket options

• Sunny afternoon and evening games

• Easy access from downtown and Lakewood Ranch

For residents and visitors alike, spring baseball in Sarasota is a tradition that signals peak season has arrived.

🦞 Sharky's Music Festival & Lobster Bake

Location: Sharky's on the Pier, Venice
Date: February 28, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM

Head south to Venice for a waterfront celebration of seafood and live music. This annual lobster bake features:

• Fresh Maine lobster

• Gulf shrimp and seafood favorites

• All-day live music

• Beach views and sunset dining

It’s a laid-back coastal experience that showcases the lifestyle many buyers relocate to Sarasota for.

🎭 Live Performances by The Sarasota Players

Location: The Crossings at Siesta Key
Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2026

One of Florida’s oldest community theaters continues its season with weekend performances including Friday and Saturday evening shows and Sunday matinees.

Expect engaging productions ranging from classic musicals to contemporary plays perfect for a cultured night out close to home.

🎬 Special Screenings with the Sarasota Film Festival

Location: Various Sarasota venues
Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2026

As Sarasota moves into peak arts season, independent screenings and filmmaker events bring thought-provoking cinema to local theaters. Film enthusiasts can enjoy documentaries, international films, and intimate Q&A discussions.

Why This Weekend Highlights Sarasota Living

Late February is prime season in Sarasota County. Outdoor events fill downtown streets, Spring Training energizes local businesses, and waterfront venues buzz with activity.

This vibrant event calendar reflects why so many people choose to call Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities home.

Thinking About Making Sarasota Home?

If you’re buying or selling in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County, Beyond Realty provides strategic, data-driven guidance to help you make confident, informed decisions.

Beyond Realty
2170 Main Street, Suite 103
Sarasota, FL 34237
941-204-0493

Darren Dowling is a Sarasota-based real estate broker-owner specializing in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch residential real estate, new construction, and relocation.