March 8-11, 2018: Sarasota Balloon Festival with dozens of hot air balloons taking the skies and performing spectacular night glows each evening. The event is a combination of mass balloon ascents, competition flying, static displays and tethered rides. In addition to the balloon activities, the event features a large carnival, entertainment on stage, retail vendors, food vendors, an arts and craft area plus many more activities, including a Carnival, Classic Car Show, Craft Beers, Kids Zone Retail Vendors and Wine Garden. Tethered rides are available each evening at 6 p.m. ($20 per person). Gates open at 5 p.m. daily. Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL
March 8-11, 2018: The 90th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo at the Rodeo Arena in Arcadia. Events include bareback riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Tickets are from $19-$31. Tickets are not refundable or exchangeable. Mosaic Arena, 2450 NE Roan Street. Arcadia, FL. 800-749-7633.
March 10, 2018: Irish Celtic Festival Lucky Dog Parade. Lion Rampant Pipers will lead our Lucky Dog Parade at 12:30pm, led by our Grand Marshall Mike Greer from the New World Celts. Our event wanted to give our canine friends the chance to be wearing the green, strut their stuff and win prizes. The categories are Cutest, Most Irish-decorated, and our favorite Dog-Owner Look Alike. Registration for the dog parade is $5 in advance and $10 the day of the event. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. Location: Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13040 Adventure Way, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
March 10- 11, 2018: Fruitville Grove's annual Berry Festival! First 3 weekends in March! FREE admission & FREE parking! 10am - 4pm. Featuring local strawberries and blueberries! Tons of fun for the whole family! Pony rides, face painting, food trucks, mini train rides, Crafters, games, rock wall, and the opportunity to hand feed or animals or bottle feed spring baby goats!
March 10-11, 2018: The 5th Annual Sarasota Spring Fine Art Festival- The art festival transforms Gulf Stream into an outdoor gallery of original handmade artwork in painting, glass, mixed-media, ceramics, sculpture, photography, metalwork, digital art, fiber art, woodworking and more. Within each medium explore a diversity of styles, materials and creative vision. All the artisans creating these magnificent works of art are present at the event, many with pieces in the most prestigious public art institutions and private collections in America. Downtown Sarasota on Gulf Stream, between Cocoanut Ave. and McAnsh Square. The event is a ‘boutique’ fine art festival of approximately 130 of Florida’s and America’s top fine artisans.
