Early March signals the transition to spring in Florida, as communities roll out a full schedule of fairs, concerts, festivals, and other seasonal events. Our real estate agents love Florida's mild winters, but they can't help looking forward to the events that usually crop up in the springtime.  

Spring 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest seasons we've had yet. If you want to fit everything in, now is the time to start planning. Let's begin by taking a look at some of the many must-see events happening near our Bradenton and Sarasota homes for sale over the next few weeks.  

5 Must-See Spring Events Coming Up in Sarasota and Bradenton

Manatee County Seafood & Music Festival 

Address: 2910 51st St.W., Bradenton, FL 34209 

Whether you love fishing, feasting, or fantastic performances, you'll have a great time at Bradenton's upcoming Manatee County Seafood & Music Festival. This three-day weekend event is scheduled for March 13-15 and is sure to help you start your spring off with a bang.  

Some of the best restaurants and food vendors near our Bradenton homes for sale will be serving up: 

• Fresh seafood dishes made with local catches, including lobster, shrimp, and stone crabs 
• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly entrees 
• Side dishes and desserts 
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks 

As for the music, you'll hear live performances from hit Florida artists like: 

• Undr8ed Band 
• Jack'D Up 
• The Billy Rice Band 
• Phenomenal Animal 

The festival will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. on March 13, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on March 14, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 15. Admission is free but does not include food.  

Sarasota Country Music & Food Festival 

Address: 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237 

If you like the sound of the Manatee County festival but prefer country tunes over rock and pop, you're in luck. The Sarasota Country Music & Food Festival is coming to the Sarasota Fairgrounds March 27-29. Local vendors will be on-site selling mouthwatering homestyle comfort foods, including: 

• Finger-licking barbecue meats 
• Vegetarian and seafood entrees 
• Classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, and collard greens 
• Alcoholic drinks, fruit juice, sodas, and bottled water 

After you've eaten your fill, you'll enjoy live tunes from some of the biggest stars in Florida's country music scene. Look out for exciting headliners like: 

• Westbound and Down 
• Second Rodeo 
• Blackwater Jack 
• Scarlet Drive 

You can visit from 4 to 10 p.m. on March 27, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on March 28, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 29. Admission is free on all three days, but food must be purchased separately.  

Spring 2026 Music in the Park Season 

Address: 452 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205 

Music in the Park is a free concert series held every spring by Realize Bradenton, a local non-profit dedicated to bringing the community together through art and creative expression. Bring your blanket or lawn chair to the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion to listen to live tunes from local artists like: 

• The Fulcos 
• Dr. Dave Band 
• The Doodz 
• Karen & Jimmy Band 

The first show will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 3. After that, stay tuned for a new show every Friday evening (same time, same place) until May 22. All shows are free to attend, and local restaurants and food trucks will be ready with treats, hot meals, and refreshments if you want them.  

Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair 

Address: 1718 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236 

The Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair is coming to town for the fourth year this March. Spanning a full five blocks around Main Street, this event celebrates the work of the many inventive artists working in the Sunshine State. You'll get to browse hundreds of works of art from some of Florida's most talented creative professionals, including: 

• Paintings and sketches 
• Sculptures 
• High-quality photography prints 
• Handmade jewelry and accessories 
• Pottery and ceramics 

The fair will be in town from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 14-15. Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to buy some art to support the event and the artists it showcases.  

Sarasota Jazz Festival 

Address: 801 Tamiami Trail N, Sarasota, FL 34236 

The Sarasota Jazz Festival is back for another week of smooth and sultry jazz tunes. Running from March 9 to 14, this year's three-part event includes: 

• A special dinner and jazz cabaret performance by musician Danny Sinoff on March 9 
• The Trolley Pub Crawl, a special four-hour tour of 12 local bars and pubs with live jazz music on March 10 
• Main Stage performances from local jazz artists like the Terell Stafford Quintet from March 12 to 14  

Tickets for the Trolley Pub Crawl cost $32.25 if purchased in advance. Tickets to the cabaret dinner cost $40.16 per person but do not include food and drinks. 

Get a Fresh Start This Spring in Bradenton and Sarasota 

Spring is bursting with promise and opportunity, but only you can make those wonderful possibilities a reality. Our team would be happy to help you find your dream home here in sunny southern Florida. Contact us today to learn more about our Bradenton and Sarasota homes for sale and start setting up your home base for a fruitful 2026.