Things to Do in Sarasota This Weekend (February 7 – February 8)
Darren Dowling
Darren Dowling
Looking for fun and engaging activities around Sarasota this weekend? From art and nature to races and plant shows, here are some of the top events worth marking on your calendar for February 7–8, 2026:
📅 Feb. 7–8 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 Downtown Sarasota – Main Street
Celebrate creativity at one of the Top 100 art festivals in the country! Stroll along Main Street and enjoy more than 200 national and regional artists displaying paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and more. This free, outdoor event is perfect for art lovers and families alike.
👉 Learn more: https://www.sarasotafl.gov/Events-directory/Downtown-Sarasota-Festival-of-the-Arts
📅 Feb. 7 | 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 Potter Building, Sarasota County Fairgrounds
Dive into one of the largest shell shows in the world! From exotic and rare shells to rocks, minerals, and shell‑inspired arts & crafts, this festival is fascinating for all ages. Admission is affordable, and every guest receives a free bag of shells with paid entry.
👉 Event details: https://sarasotashellclub.com/2026-shell-show/
📅 Feb. 7 | Starting around 8:30 AM
📍 Nathan Benderson Park
Get active (and heroic) at this spirited 5K run and fun run where participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superheroes! This event blends healthy activity with community support and includes music, food options, a kids’ zone, and a welcoming atmosphere for participants of all ages.
👉 More info: (Search local race listings closer to event date; typical organizer page will have registration details)
📅 Feb. 7–8 | Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM | Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM
📍 Venice Community Center, Venice, FL
Just a short drive from Sarasota, this vibrant orchid show and sale is one of Florida’s favorites. Discover thousands of blooming orchids, floral arrangements, artwork, jewelry, accessories, and orchid supplies — plus free orchid culture classes both days.
👉 Event info: Local listings at escape‑to‑sarasota.com/events.html (search Venice Area Orchid Society)
📅 Feb. 7–8 | Various Times
📍 Asolo Repertory Theatre & Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Sarasota’s theatre scene offers plenty this weekend:
Asolo Repertory Theatre features productions like The Mirror Crack’d and A Wolf at the Door with performances on both days.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hosts Broadway shows including MJ – The Musical (playing through Feb. 8).
👉 Asolo Rep: https://www.asolorep.org/
👉 Van Wezel: https://www.vanwezel.org/
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts | Feb. 7–8 | 10 AM–5 PM | Downtown Sarasota |
| SHELLABRATION Shell Show | Feb. 7 | 10 AM–5 PM | Sarasota County Fairgrounds |
| Superhero 5K & Fun Run | Feb. 7 | ~8:30 AM | Nathan Benderson Park |
| Venice Area Orchid Society | Feb. 7–8 | 10 AM–5 PM Sat / 10 AM–4 PM Sun | Venice Community Center |
| Asolo Rep & Van Wezel Shows | Feb. 7–8 | Various | Sarasota Theatre Venues |
🌞 Whether you’re into art, nature, fitness, or theatre, this weekend in Sarasota has something memorable in store. From vibrant fine art festivals and rare shell & marine exhibits to a superhero-themed fun run, stunning orchid displays, and world-class live performances, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the area’s culture and lifestyle.
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