There are plenty of festivals and events here in Sarasota for your potential guests to experience. It’s one of the many things that make the area a huge vacation draw for people. So if you want to take advantage of the potential renters coming to the area for these events, we suggest familiarizing yourself with the local arts, entertainment, sports, and festival scenes. This way, you can stay on top of any significant events and make sure your property is available for rental. So which events are the biggest? Here are five major festivals and events that consistently bring in large crowds throughout the year!
Catch a Film at The International Sarasota Film Festival
The Sarasota Film Festival started in 1998 with only eight films and six actors, but it’s sure grown since then. Now the festival brings in major movies and stars each year. This past April’s 10-day festival, a mix of virtual and in-person screenings, featured several acclaimed films and artists. The festival opened with the drama “Porcupine,” starring Jena Malone as a woman who puts herself up for adoption. Malone was also honored with the festival’s Excellence in Acting Award and participated in an ‘In Conversation” panel. The festival also features a wide range of documentaries and other film genres. The documentary centerpiece this past April was ‘Listening to Kenny G” which explored the life and career of saxophonist Kenny G. Each year, this festival brings in amazing artists and stars like this to the area to talk about their projects and art. It’s a big draw for the area, so keep it open on your calendar for future bookings!
Show your pride at the Harvey Milk Fine Arts Festival
In celebration of the local LGBTQ+ community, the Harvey Milk Fine Arts Festival is held each year in May. This fantastic festival is known not only for its inclusiveness but also for its celebration of visual and performance arts, fine art, dance, and music. Named for the first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk, this inspiring festival is a family-friendly event that features an outdoor concert and art displays. The inaugural festival, started in 2010 by activist Shannon Fortner has only grown since it started. Now held in the J.D. Hamel Park, it’s a fantastic event to celebrate inclusion, love, and art!
Treat your tastebuds to the Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival
If you want your guests to experience the amazing cuisine of the Sarasota area, the Fork & Corks Food, and Wine Festival is just the ticket. Over 60 restaurants participate in this amazing showcase of the different cuisine in the area. Your guests can try their hand at online food and wine auctions, book in at a University Master Tasting Class, or book tickets for one of the many curated Food and Wine dining experiences. The 2023 Festival is being planned for April next year!
Families love the Sarasota Chalk Festival
The Sarasota Chalk Festival is a one-of-a-kind event. It started in 2010 as the country’s first international pavement art festival and now draws many artists yearly. Artists arrive from around the world to create unique 3D chalk paintings while amused visitors watch. There is also a music festival, food trucks, beer gardens, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Held In Venice, this amazing event has been selected as the Sarasota Magazine Reader Choice for Best Event in Sarasota County several times. The festival regularly brings in over 200 000 visitors each year!
Catch the racing action at the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix
Check out the powerboats as they race through the courses at the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix. This fantastic event typically features crews from around the world racing for the top prize. Visitors can watch all the action from the comfort of the white sandy beach as they watch championship boaters zip through the water. This year’s event, which was held from July 1-3, once again featured international racing teams for the first time since 2019 due to pandemic restrictions. We expect that next year the event will be even bigger and louder!
These are just a few major events held each year in the Sarasota area. There are even more that people come to see and experience. With our help, you can have your vacation rental booked solid for these major events each year. So give us a call, and let’s start promoting your property as a vacation rental!
