- January 7, 2026
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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.
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.
5:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road

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

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.
5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd.
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.
Feb. 26 at the Harbourside Ballroom at The Resort at Longboat Key, 3000 Harbourside Drive

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.
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.
March 7 at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road
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.
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.
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.
April 24 at Bayfront Park, 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Join the Longboat Key Garden Club for its fundraiser movie night in the park. Visit LBKGardenClub.org/Events for further details.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2 at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle
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.
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.
9-11 a.m. July 4 at Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at St. Armands Circle, 300 Madison Drive
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.
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.
5-7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road
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.
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.