2024 Megalodon Challenge | March 2 - 3
If you are a runner and a fan of sharks, we’ve found the perfect event for you. Participate in the 10K or the 5K on a course throughout the beautiful city of Venice, with some portions even running on the beach! The 10K race registration is $50, and comes with a commemorative medal and t-shirt. Both races can be done virtually if you can’t make it the day-of! The 5K registration fee is $40, and begins at 8AM on March 3rd. The 10K will start at 7:15AM on March 2nd.
For more information and to register, visit the event website here.
Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo | March 7 - 10
Experience Florida like never before at the All-Florida Championship Rodeo weekend! The rodeo begins at 2PM each day, and participants are competing for a chance to win a seat at the National competition in Las Vegas. This is Florida’s oldest rodeo that operates as a nonprofit.
Ticket prices vary, so be sure to check their website for ticket information. Participating events include bull riding, barrel racing, and more, so be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind event on your visit.
Firestone Grand Prix | March 8 - 10
If race cars are more your style, skip the rodeo and check out the Firestone Grand Prix happening in St. Petersburg! This is the 18th annual Indy-style race through the streets of St. Pete. With 1.8 miles of track, this three-day racing palooza will have you and the whole family entertained! Tickets start at $25. Over 150,000 attendees are expected, so visit their website and secure your tickets before they are gone!
Sarasota County Fair | March 15 - 24
Experience the true magic that comes with a local fair at the Sarasota County Fair. Here you’ll find all of the happenings that come with a traditional fair, including fun rides and delicious food. This is the 100th anniversary of the fair, so it’s sure to be a special one! Enjoy show-stopping local entertainment and feel like a kid again. For more information on this year’s fair, check out the website here.
St. Patrick’s Day | March 16
The luck of the Irish also applies in Florida, and there’s so many events happening to celebrate we thought we’d mention them all! For a traditional, party scene, visit Old Main Street for their St. Paddy’s Day celebration. Here you’ll find vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. For a late-night celebration, the Sarasota Gator Club is hosting a block party to celebrate the holiday, featuring local performers starting at 9PM.
Local pubs and bars participating include Crow’s Nest, McGrath’s Irish Ale House, T.J. Carney’s, Lynches Pub and Grub, McCabe’s Irish Pub, and Molly Malone’s Irish Pub. Rock your favorite green shirt and celebrate!
Circus Sarasota | March 16 - 29
The circus beloved by many is back for its annual stop in Sarasota! You’ll see impressive tricks and spins from an international cast filled with various talents. Some of these performers have been featured on hit television shows like America’s Got Talent, so this will be a circus unlike any other! You won’t want to miss it, and luckily there are a variety of showtimes throughout the circus’s show run for you and your family to choose from.
For more information, visit the circus website here.
Venice Book Fair and Writers’ Festival | March 22 - 23
Attention book lovers, this fest is for you! Visit the Venice Public Library from 10AM - 3PM on Friday for different seminars and workshops for writers. The book fair is on Saturday from 9AM - 3PM, featuring dozens of authors autographing their books!
For more information, visit their website here.
Easter Sunday | March 31
If you find yourself in the area on Easter and would like to participate in a local service, here is a list of churches and organizations offering services:
Pine Shores Presbyterian Church - 6:30AM
Manatee County Public Beach - 6:30AM
The Church of the Palms - 6:30AM
Lakefront Campus of First Baptist Church of Venice - 7AM
Easter Morning Celebration at Sunrise Service - 7AM
However you choose to spend your time in Siesta Key, we hope you choose to stay with us at Tropical Beach. Our private beach access, cozy rooms, and walkable local amenities are perfect for you and your family trying to explore all that the area has to offer! Be sure to stay up to date with Tropical Beach on social media, and check our website for specials before booking.