Circus Sarasota (annual Big Top season) (Mid-February through early March (2026 edition: February 14 - March 8)). Annual professional one-ring circus under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, produced by the Circus Arts Conservatory. Features world-record-holding international performers. Tickets $30-$100.
Sarasota Film Festival (April (10 days; 2026 edition: April 10-19)). Florida's premier independent film festival, running annually since 1999. Held across multiple Sarasota venues including New College Sainer Pavillion. Features filmmaker Q&As, panels, and world/US premieres.
Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling (June through August (2025 edition: June 13 - August 9)). Annual family circus show at the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, produced in collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling.
Ringling International Arts Festival (Third week of October). Annual international performing arts festival on the grounds of The Ringling (John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art), running since 2009. Features visiting companies from around the world.
Sarasota International Chalk Festival (November (typically second weekend; annual dates announced each year)). Annual outdoor pavement art festival founded in 2007, now one of the world's largest gatherings of pavement artists. Attracts more than 30 international chalk artists. Historically held at Burns Square, Sarasota.