Save these dates in 2026 for Longboat-area events

There are plenty of opportunities to explore the local flavor in the upcoming year, whether it's through art, parades or just fun community gatherings.


Bartender Sam Lastinger keeps the party going at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
Bartender Sam Lastinger keeps the party going at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
Photo by Dana Kampa
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Well, 2025 was loads of fun, but the coming year is locked and loaded with its own slate of events to look forward to. From holiday parades to foodie fun, the calendar holds plenty of opportunities to get outside and connect with fellow community members. Here is a sampling of what's ahead so you can save the date.


Garden Club New Member Reception

6 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Windward Bay Clubhouse, 4888 Gulf of Mexico Drive

New members of the Longboat Key Garden Club can connect with current members at this welcoming event. Learn about upcoming events and programs with the club. Visit LBKGardencClub.org/Events.


MLK Jr. Shabbat Service

5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road

Guest speaker Walter Gilbert extolls the perseverance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Friday Shabbat service at Temple Beth Israel.
Guest speaker Walter Gilbert extolls the perseverance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Friday Shabbat service at Temple Beth Israel.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at this special Shabbat service at Temple Beth Israel. Guest speakers include Embracing Our Differences President and CEO Sarah Wertheimer and board Chairman Charles E. Williams. An Italian dinner follows in the social hall. Lecture attendance is free to all, and optional dinner tickets are $40 per person. RSVP by Jan. 12 at LongboatKeyTemple.org/MLK or call 941-383-3428.


A Century of Cars

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 at St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive

The Sarasota Yacht Club and St. Armands Circle celebrate their centennial with this parade and car show. The YachtRodders are conducting a parade down Sarasota's Main Street to St. Armands Circle. Submit applications to participate in the showcase on the Circle to [email protected].


St. Armands Circle Winter Art Festival

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 24-25 on St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive

Admission is free to this showcase of high-end artists specializing in various media. Gallery-style booths will line the South Boulevard of the Presidents and St. Armands Circle Park. Email [email protected] with questions, or visit ArtFestival.com.


Art for the Heart Show

5 p.m. Feb. 10 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive

"Art for the Heart" attendees add their prayer intentions to a tree.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Take in works by some of Longboat Key's finest artists at this Valentine's Day art show hosted by the Women's Guild. Members are opening up the celebration to the public this year. Visit StMaryLBK.org/Womens-Guild for more.


TBI 47th Annual Gala

5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd.

Kei Sulhi and Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe receive recognition for their musical contributions to the community.
Kei Sulhi and Dr. Ann Stephenson-Moe receive recognition for their musical contributions to the community.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Temple Beth Israel's 47th annual gala celebrates the theme of "Friendship & Legacy" and honors the leadership of Barry and Suzan Friedman. The evening includes a cocktail hour, hors d'oeuvres, dinner with wine, entertainment, dancing and a live auction. Proceeds support the temple's programs and events throughout the year. Tickets are $250 per person, and space is limited. RSVP by Feb. 9 at LongboatKeyTemple.org/Gala or call 941-383-3428.


Taste of the Keys

Feb. 26 at the Harbourside Ballroom at The Resort at Longboat Key, 3000 Harbourside Drive

Paul Grothouse of Cirque St. Armands, a new luxury resort opening this month, dishes up sweets at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
Paul Grothouse of Cirque St. Armands, a new luxury resort opening this month, dishes up sweets at Taste and Tunes of the Keys.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Restaurants across the keys join in celebrating local cuisine all while helping support community beautification projects through the Longboat Key Garden Club. Tickets will be available at LBKGardenClub.org/Events.


'Nathan-ism' Film Screening

3:45 p.m. March 5 at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road

Rabbi Jessica Mates hosts a screening of the film, "Nathan-ism." This documentary shares the story of artist Nathan Hilu, explaining how the veteran of World War II uniquely captured his own experience interacting with Nazi German leaders as a prison guard during The Nuremberg Trials in the 1940s. Free and open to the public, but registration is required. Call 941-383-8222, email [email protected], or visit TBIEducationCenter.org.


Community Open House

March 7 at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road

Youngsters at the open house especially enjoyed their exclusive look into the Longboat Key Fire Department's newest rig.
Youngsters at the open house especially enjoyed their exclusive look into the Longboat Key Fire Department's newest rig.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Learn about local organizations, businesses and more at this free community event open to all. Enjoy live music, food trucks and more while connecting with neighbors. 


Fire Department Open House

March 25 at Longboat Fire Rescue Station 92, 2162 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Take the opportunity to connect with some of Longboat Key's first responders at this family-friendly event. Learn about the department's first aid equipment and more.


Artists in the Garden

Starting April 10 at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive

This celebration of art from all forms of media returns to Longboat Key. The Comedy Night, introduced last year, takes place April 16. Visit LBKGardenClub.org/Events for further details.


Dinner and a Movie

April 24 at Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Ken Bennett, Bob Carlisle and Mike Seamon share a laugh at the Dinner and a Movie fundraiser.
Ken Bennett, Bob Carlisle and Mike Seamon share a laugh at the Dinner and a Movie fundraiser.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Join the Longboat Key Garden Club for its fundraiser movie night in the park. Visit LBKGardenClub.org/Events for further details.


Corvettes on the Circle

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2 at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle

Corvettes on the Circle featured about 170 entries this year.
Corvettes on the Circle featured about 170 entries this year.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Check out impressive hot rods and support the Honor Flight of West Central Florida at this car show featuring views of vehicles of both classic and modern models. Sponsored by the Skyway Corvette Club of Sarasota/Bradenton and Sunset Chevrolet.


St. Armands Craft Festival

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 6-7 on St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive

More than 100 artisans are expected to share their crafts at this outdoor event. Admission is free, and patrons will have unique opportunities to connect with artists. Visit ArtFestival.com for more.


Freedom Fest

9-11 a.m. July 4 at Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road

Charlie Metzler, Samantha Trotter, Mimi Kruk, JoDene Moneuse, Kelsie Rokicki and 6-month-old puppy Nova held out hope that Freedom Fest and other Fourth of July activities on Longboat Key would continue. However, lightning forced officials to cancel.
Charlie Metzler, Samantha Trotter, Mimi Kruk, JoDene Moneuse, Kelsie Rokicki and 6-month-old puppy Nova held out hope that Freedom Fest and other Fourth of July activities on Longboat Key would continue. However, lightning forced officials to cancel.
Photo by Dana Kampa

Bust out your best red, white and blue attire for the annual parade down Bay Isles Road. Family-friendly festivities to follow in the park. Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com for more.


Bicentennial Park Rededication

July 4 at Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road

Join the town of Longboat Key in celebrating the United States of America's 250th anniversary. Festivities will include the rededication of Bicentennial Park. Visit LongboatKey.org.


Exotic Cars on the Circle

9 a.m. on Sept. 5 at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle

Admire new, vintage and rare performance cars of all brands at this annual car show that supports the Flight to the North Pole. The organization supports families of terminally ill children and brings youngsters some cheer at the holidays. A minimum donation of $25 to show a car is requested. For additional information or to register, contact Joe Gliksman at [email protected] or 863-860-1053.



Jaguar Festival d'Elegance

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 10 at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle

All things Jaguar come to St. Armands Circle for this annual car show hosted by the Suncoast Jaguar Club, which will be coordinating awards in a variety of classes. Attendance is free. Register at SuncoastJaguarClub.com.


Trip to Thailand

Oct. 22-31 starting in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is leading a group trip to Thailand this year. The 10-day trip starts in the northern part of the country and includes stops at sacred temples, markets, a tea plantation and an ethical elephant sanctuary. Open to all. Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com for more.


Fright Night on St. Armands Circle

6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive

Melody and David Colicchio and John Akers dole out candy on one of the busiest blocks at Fright Night on St. Armands Circle.
Melody and David Colicchio and John Akers dole out candy on one of the busiest blocks at Fright Night on St. Armands Circle.
Photo by Dana Kampa

It's never too early to start planning a Halloween costume, and holiday celebrants have the perfect venue to show off their creations. Check out the spooky storefronts and trick-or-treating spots around St. Armands Circle at this family-friendly Halloween event. Free to attend.


Ferraris on the Circle

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle

It's Ferrari versus Ferrari at this annual car show. Check out the latest and greatest models at the show supporting Flight to the North Pole. A minimum donation of $25 to show a car is requested. For additional information or to register, contact Joe Gliksman at [email protected] or 863-860-1053.


Light Up Longboat

5-7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road

Carlyn Vigil and Cyndi Seamon snap a picture with Santa Claus before he makes his way to the Karon Family Pavilion for the tree lighting at Light Up Longboat.
Carlyn Vigil and Cyndi Seamon snap a picture with Santa Claus before he makes his way to the Karon Family Pavilion for the tree lighting at Light Up Longboat.
Photo by Dana Kampa

This holiday celebration features local vendors, live music, food trucks, festive raffles, a holiday tree lighting, visits with Santa and a best-dressed costume contest. For vendor information and more, contact the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-383-2466, visit LongboatKeyChamber.com or stop in at 5390 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 102.


Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle

5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive

Witness the lighting of St. Armands Circle's 60-foot Christmas tree to kick off the holiday season. Join in the Christmas carol sing-along in the park, watch the Sarasota Academy of the Arts dancers perform, and help Santa count down to the tree lighting. See StArmandsCircleAssoc.com for more.

 

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.

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