March Event Calendar 2026: Sarasota and Charlotte County
Your Guide to Southwest Florida Festivals, Entertainment, and Local Adventures
Experience the peak of Florida’s spring with our curated 2026 calendar, your guide to activities across Sarasota and Charlotte County. This month, the Gulf Coast comes alive with iconic traditions like the 90th Annual Sarasota County Fair and the Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival. Whether you are exploring the Port Charlotte Home & Garden Show, enjoying a sunset cruise from the Sarasota Bayfront, or discovering nature at the Florida Scrub Jay Festival in Osprey, our list highlights the essential culinary, art, and outdoor experiences of the season. Stay updated on things to do this spring and make the most of the perfect March weather with Beyond The Horizon Group.
Beyond The Horizon
Event Calendar - March 2026
Sarasota & Charlotte County
01 / Culinary Arts & Wine
March 13-22, 2026
Sarasota County Fair (90th Annual)
A massive landmark 90th-anniversary celebration! This historic event features a brand-new midway by Deggeller Attractions with cutting-edge thrill rides and family-friendly games. Beyond the rides, enjoy classic fair foods like funnel cakes, turkey legs, and deep-fried treats. The fair remains a vital agricultural hub, showcasing livestock shows, 4-H competitive exhibits, and youth auctions, including the Steer Show (March 17) and the Swine Sale (March 21).
March 20-22, 2026
Venice Blues, Rock, Reggae & BBQ Festival
A high-energy three-day feast for the senses at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds. The festival organizes music by genre each day: Friday focuses on soulful Blues, Saturday brings high-voltage Rock, and Sunday mellows out with Reggae. This event features some of the region's top BBQ pitmasters, live muralists, food trucks, and a craft vendor market. Children 12 and under are admitted free.
March 21, 2026
Sarasota Wine Festival
A sophisticated downtown event featuring an extensive selection of wines from unique vineyards worldwide. Attendees can enjoy live music, participate in expert-led tasting seminars, and sample local food truck fare. Proceeds benefit Operation Warrior Resolution, providing mental health treatments for veterans.
March 12-15, 2026
Arcadia Rodeo (The Granddaddy of 'Em All)
The 98th Annual All-Florida Championship Rodeo. This PRCA-sanctioned event draws top cowboys for bull riding, barrel racing, and tie-down roping. Expect authentic western vendors, rodeo food, and a traditional pre-show celebrating Florida's ranching history in Mosaic Arena.
Wednesdays: March 4, 11, 18, 25
Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Weekly)
A popular mid-week open-air market at historic Phillippi Estate Park. Features over 50 vendors providing fresh produce, artisanal baked goods, organic meats, and prepared local delicacies. It is an ideal spot to find native plants and handcrafted items.
March 12, 2026
Wellen Park Night Market
A curated evening market in Downtown Wellen Park. Browse local makers and handmade craft booths under the stars. Specialty food vendors offer unique bites, and the evening is set to a backdrop of live acoustic music near the Great Lawn.
Every Saturday
Sarasota Farmers Market (Weekly)
Established in 1979, the region's largest market. Spanning several downtown blocks, it features over 80 vendors including organic farmers, citrus growers, local coffee roasters, and florists. Live musicians perform at nearly every corner.
Every Saturday
Punta Gorda Farmers Market (Weekly)
Consistently voted the "Best Small Market in Florida," this downtown staple offers a high-quality selection of local honey, German pastries, fresh-caught seafood, and boutique crafts. Ideal for local Charlotte County flavor.
02 / Entertainment & St. Patrick's Day
March 17, 2026
St. Patrick's Day @ The Pub (Parking Lot Party)
Venice's premier St. Paddy's event! The pub expands into a massive outdoor festival tent featuring professional bagpipers, Irish step dancers, and live bands. Authentic corned beef and cabbage are served with plenty of Guinness.
March 7, 2026
Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival
A family-friendly celebration of Celtic culture. Enjoy traditional Irish food and craft beers while watching live performances. The highlight is the "Lucky Dog Parade" where residents dress their pets in festive green costumes.
March 13, 2026
St. Patrick's Party at UTC (Clover's Revenge)
A high-energy outdoor concert at University Town Center featuring 'Clover's Revenge.' Known for their "dangerous" speed-folk style, blending traditional Irish tunes with a punk-rock pace. Perfect for a spring evening.
March 14, 2026
5th Annual Sarasota Shamrock Bar Crawl
A massive, organized crawl through downtown Sarasota's top Irish pubs and bars. Event includes drink specials, custom lanyards, and live DJs at multiple locations.
March 15, 2026
Gator Club St. Patrick's Day Block Party
A historic downtown tradition where the street is closed for a massive block party. Features live music on an outdoor stage and a festive atmosphere in an iconic building.
Through March 8, 2026
Circus Sarasota: EPIC
World-class aerialists, acrobats, and thrill acts performing under the iconic red and white Big Top. Honors Sarasota's "Circus Capital" legacy with international talent.
March 9-14, 2026
Sarasota Jazz Festival
A week-long celebration of jazz organized by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Features legendary headliners, jazz trolley tours, and multiple stages celebrating everything from swing to contemporary jazz.
Various Dates
VPAC: Tributes & Big Band
Mar 7: Wycliffe Gordon & The Venice Symphony Big Band. Mar 28: Tom Petty Tribute. Mar 29: Carole King Tribute matinee celebrating the 'Tapestry' album.
March 13-15, 2026
Cirque des Voix® (Superheroes vs. Supervillains)
A unique collaboration between The Venice Symphony and the Circus Arts Conservatory. A 100-voice choir and full orchestra perform cinematic scores while circus artists perform choreographed acts.
Every Sunday
Siesta Key Drum Circle (Weekly)
A long-standing Sarasota tradition. Dozens of drummers, dancers, and flow artists gather on the sand near the pavilion to celebrate the sunset in a free, family-friendly event.
Daily
Fishermen's Village Live Music (Daily)
Enjoy live music nearly every single day at Center Court. In March, the lineup leans heavily into tropical rock and acoustic guitarists by the harbor.
03 / Hiking & Outdoors
March 21, 2026
Florida Scrub Jay Festival
A celebration of Florida's only endemic bird. Features guided hikes to spot the friendly Scrub Jays, live music, and nature-themed activities for children.
March 21, 2026
Wellen Park Half Marathon & 5K
Scenic community race through Wellen Park trails and paved pathways. Finish near the downtown lake with a post-race celebration.
March 12, 2026
Walton Ranch Preserve Guided Walk
Naturalist-led exploration of North Port's largest preserve. Walk through ranch lands, flatwoods, and wetlands while learning about property history.
March 24, 2026
Manasota Scrub Preserve Guided Hike
Explore 179 acres of flatwoods with a guide identifying native flora and fauna, including gopher tortoises and migratory birds.
Daily
Legacy Trail Cycling Ride (Weekly)
Florida's premier 20-mile paved trail connecting Venice to Sarasota. Ideal March weather. Group rides often depart from the historic depot.
Daily
Myakka River State Park Canopy Walk
Walk 25 feet above ground on a suspended walkway for a bird's-eye view of the river basin and climb the 74-foot tower for panoramic views.
Daily
Yoga on Venice Beach (Daily)
World-famous donation-based yoga class open to all levels. Enjoy a guided session with the sound of Gulf waves.
04 / Nature Walks
March 18 & 25, 2026
Sunrise Beach Walks
Part of a long-standing program. Participants walk at their own pace. Complete four walks to earn a custom commemorative T-shirt.
March 30, 2026
Lemon Bay Park EcoWalk: Mangroves
A peaceful, educational walk along black mangrove forests guided by experts. Learn about coastal protection and marine life nurseries.
March 9, 2026
Celery Fields Guided Bird Walk
Spot Sandhill Cranes and Bald Eagles at this world-renowned birding site managed by the Audubon Society.
Daily
Historic Spanish Point Walking Tour
Now part of Selby Gardens, walk through 5,000 years of Florida history including shell middens, pioneer homesteads, and formal gardens.
March 11, 2026
Red Bug Slough EcoWalk: Meditation
A quiet 1.5-mile guided meditation walk through a shaded urban oasis loop to practice mindfulness.
Every Wednesday
History Park Guided Tours (Weekly)
Walk through Punta Gorda History Park's gardens and buildings preserved to show Florida life in the late 1800s.
05 / Home & Garden
Ends March 1, 2026
Venice Home & Garden Show (Final Day)
Meet hundreds of local experts for home remodeling, Florida-friendly landscaping, and hurricane protection. Perfect for a spring refresh.
March 21, 2026
Sarasota Fair Plant Sale
Unique opportunity to purchase prize-winning plants cultivated by local 4-H and FFA youth, including high-quality ornamentals and fruit trees.
All Month
Marie Selby Gardens: The Orchid Show
Breathtaking display of rare orchids themed "Historical Botanical Explorers," highlighting discoveries through artistic displays.
Every Saturday in March
Native Plant Nursery Days (Weekly)
Learn to build bird-friendly gardens using native Florida species that require less water and fertilizer.
06 / Boat Shows & Tours
March 6-8, 2026
Tampa Bay Boat Show
Massive event featuring latest models, luxury cruisers, and fishing vessels. Includes a "Fishing School" with seminars from captains.
Daily
LeBarge Tropical Cruises (Daily)
Sarasota icon with live music on a palm-tree boat. Features dolphin sighting tours and famous sunset skyline cruises.
Every Sunday in March
Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show (Weekly)
Free professional-quality show with human pyramids and barefoot skiing right on the water behind Mote Marine Laboratory.
March 25-29, 2026
Palm Beach International Boat Show
One of the top shows in the world with over $1.2 billion in superyachts plus luxury lifestyle exhibits.
07 / Art & Design
Ends March 1, 2026
Venice Art Classic (Final Day)
Downtown Venice becomes an art gallery for two days with over 200 artists showcasing oil painting, jewelry, and coastal glass.
March 14-15, 2026
Sarasota Fine Art & Craft Fair
Spans five blocks of Main Street with a mix of high-end fine art and practical crafts like handmade soaps and functional pottery.
March 27-28, 2026
Venice Book Fair & Writers Festival
Meet authors for signings and attend workshops on writing. Browse independent publishers; benefits Venice heritage projects.
March 27-29, 2026
Florida's Fine Gem & Mineral Show
Explore exotic stones, custom jewelry, and rare fossils. Includes gem-cutting demonstrations and educational displays for children.
08 / The Planter's Almanac
Citrus Care & "The Spring Flush"
March marks the most critical nutritional period for citrus in Florida. Trees enter their "spring flush," where foliage and buds emerge simultaneously. Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer (8-8-8 or 10-10-10 ratio) to the canopy drip line, rake lightly, and water deeply for 20 minutes to reach feeder roots.
Post-Frost Pruning & Rejuvenation
Statistically safe after March 15 in Zone 9b/10a, it is time to cut back leggy Hibiscus and Bougainvillea by one-third for bushier growth. Important: Wait to prune Azaleas until after their current bloom cycle finishes to save next year's flower buds.
Mulching for Dry Season Retention
Refresh mulch to 2-3 inches to prevent moisture evaporation during Florida's driest month. Use Pine Bark, Melaleuca, or Eucalyptus. Always use the "donut" method, keeping mulch 2 inches away from trunks to prevent bark rot.
Lunar Planting & Heat Transition
Early March focus on root crops like carrots and beets in loose soil. Mid-month, transition vegetable gardens to heat-lovers like Peppers, Eggplants, and Okra. Choose "Heat-Set" tomato varieties as nighttime temperatures climb toward 70°F.
Disclaimer: Event dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. Beyond The Horizon Group is not responsible for cancellations or schedule modifications made by event organizers. We recommend verifying details with the specific venue or official event website prior to attending.
