Category Archives: Family Activities

Siesta Key Crystal Classic – More than Sand


 
The Annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic will return to Siesta Beach on November 13 – 17, 2015. Come out and see international sand sculptors turn our soft white sand into works of art. And there’s more than sand at this event. Check out this video to see the variety of fun things to do.
See information about this year’s event on the Crystal Classic website.

 
See the winning scuptures from the 2014 event in this video.

 
This is the sixth annual sand sculpting competition held on Siesta Key. To see more videos about the event, visit the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Youtube channel.

Siesta Beach 4th of July

2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the Siesta Key Fourth of July fireworks display on Siesta Beach. This annual free event is sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, chamber members and volunteers.
Ticket sales for a pre-fireworks VIP party contributed to the annual fund raising for this free public event. First Watch was the presenting sponsor for the celebration.

The fireworks display from Zambelli Fireworks is one of the largest in Florida. Chamber members and volunteers put on the big event for over 800 attendees, which included a catered dinner, bar, live music and a preferred viewing area. Live music was provided by Ted Stevens and the Doo Shots.

 

Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks 2014

Annual spectacular fireworks on Siesta Key Beach, the #1 beach in Florida.  Be there for the fun.  Sponsored by the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, this family event is the best place in Sarasota to see fireworks.

Be a VIP – get reserved parking, a gourmet meal, open bar, live entertainment and more.  Call the SKCC chamber and buy your VIP tickets now!  Only $150 per couple.  Party starts at 5:30 PM on the 4th.    Tickets are on sale now!  Call the Chamber at 941-349-3800 or visit the website: http://www.siestakeychamber.com

 

Sarasota County Horse Shows at Fox Lea Farms

Fox Lea Farm is a 46 acre horse show facility in Venice, Florida. Less than a 30 minute drive from downtown Sarasota, it hosts more than 30 horse shows annually.
Spectators are welcome, and the admission fee is only $5 per person (no charge for parking).  The facility has bleachers and a viewing pavilion for spectators. Seats can fill up quickly at big events, so spectators are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs. There’s even a cafe onsite for food and beverages.
This is a great Sarasota County location for a fun, family event.  You can see exciting shows most weekends.  See the current event calendar at the Fox Lea Farm website.  Call: 941-484-4321 for additional information.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic – Magic in the Sand

Make your plans now to attend the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition.  Get an up-close look as international sculptors compete for prizes on the crystal white sand of the best beach in the US!
There’s a legend that the pure, fine white sand on Siesta Key has magical properties.  Come and see it shaped into ethereal works of art.  Talk to the artists, watch demonstrations, get free sand carving lessons, hear live music and visit vendors stands where you can shop, eat and drink.  There’s fun for children and adults at this 4 day event.
Enjoy the art and support the Mote Marine Sea Turtle Program at this year’s event – November 9-12, 2012.  Get more information at the Crystal Classic website or call the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-349-3800.  Make sure you use the off site shuttle service for the easiest access.

Sarasota Towles Court Kite Day Fun

Children and adults had fun making kites at Artists on the Court, a new gallery in Towles Court.  Since things to do in Sarasota slow down during summer, this free community art event was a welcome activity.
Kathleen Johnson invited the community to come and help decorate her gallery by creating kites to decorate the gallery on opening night.

Siesta Key Drum Circle

Every Sunday evening, a circle forms on the beach at Siesta Key. Drummers begin, both talented local players and visitors with small percussion instruments. Belly dancers, hoop dancers and gymnasts join in. No special talent is required, just enthusiasm. Everyone is welcome to join the circle – from toddlers to retirees. When you’re in the circle, it’s almost impossible to be still! Locals do this year round, and – during tourist season – the circle grows tremendously. It’s fun, free and relaxing, so come on over when you’re in Sarasota.

Sarasota Payne Skate Park

The Sarasota Payne Park skating facility is now operated by Sk8skool. In 2010, they took over operation of the skate park from the city of Sarasota. Sk8skool operates it as a not-for-profit organization. Sofia Maldonado is a New York muralist and a skater. Recently she designed a mural and worked with students from Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, Booker High School and Southeast High School to execute the design in the Payne Skate Park bowl. This new mural is a vibrant addition to a park that already has skater inspired art. Extended hours and lower rates draw local skaters. And if you’re vacationing in Sarasota, add the skateboarding at the park to your list of things to do.

Sarasota Downtown Friday Night

Live Downtown, It’s Friday Night! The 1st Friday night each month, you should be  downtown Sarasota for live music, dancing, gallery shows and shopping. This is a free event that attracts locals and visitors to browse our wonderful art galleries to the accompaniment of a wide range of entertainment.  On this Friday, you could hear an incredible local string duo Bard and Mustache – Erin Murphy (the Equines) and Greg Bortnichak (Sparta Philharmonic).  Just down the street, you could see the Sarasota Ballet’s students at Studio 20.  In the mood for something Latin?  The exciting Duente duo of Joe Matsagos and Dean Johanesen offered flamenco while Wilsons DanceSport dancers entertained the crowd.  And, just for fun, Ollie and the Garbage Men, local teenagers who play instruments made from garbage and recycled materials.  I’d say there was something for everyone!