How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sarasota
Beth Helvey December 26, 2025
Beth Helvey December 26, 2025
Say hello to 2026 at one of Sarasota’s many New Year’s Eve celebrations.
1 p.m.-1 a.m., Main Street and Lemon Avenue, downtown Sarasota, sarasotafl.gov
A 26-year tradition, downtown Sarasota celebrates New Year’s Eve with a juicy Florida twist in its midnight pineapple drop. Block party festivities begin at 1 p.m. with fun for the family, like carnival rides, live music, and plenty of food and drink.
7 p.m.-12 a.m. at Waterside Place, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota, lakewoodranch.com
Each year, Waterside Place trades traditional fireworks for a midnight high-tech drone show—a relief to pets everywhere. Join in on the fun at this year’s block party, where there will be dancing, arcade games, LED mini golf and more.
9 p.m.-1 a.m., The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, marriot.com
Soar into the new year at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s outdoor restaurant Rufa. Enjoy lounge seating and live entertainment. Reservations include a bottle of vodka or tequila with accompaniments.
9 p.m.-1 a.m., The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, marriot.com
Ring in 2026 in your highest fashion apparel at this year’s Met Gala-inspired New Year’s Eve party at the St. Regis Bar. Enjoy live music from Matt Ragas and the Stable Geniuses Big Band and a midnight balloon drop.
9 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, marriott.com
With some of the best views of downtown Sarasota’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Westin Sarasota is an ideal spot to dance, snack and socialize. This year’s offerings include a live DJ, holiday buffet and midnight champagne toast, all overlooking Sarasota Bay.
7 p.m.-1 a.m., Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, selby.org
Dust off the tuxedo for Selby Gardens’ black-tie New Year’s Eve Gala, but do consider comfortable footwear as you’ll have private access to the garden’s Lights in Bloom holiday light show. Enjoy a performance from The Sarasota Ballet’s Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, dancing to DJ Karim and prime views of the downtown fireworks display.
8 p.m.-1 a.m., Perspective Rooftop Bar at Art Ovation, 1255 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, perspectiverooftopbar.com
Be mysterious in your most fabulous mask at Perspective Rooftop Bar’s Moonlight Masquerade at the Art Ovation Hotel. They’ll even have a late-night buffet with the kind of stuff you want to eat (like chicken tenders and sliders) after indulging on plenty of Champagne.
7 p.m.-12:30 a.m., Sharky’s on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice, sharkysonthepier.com
Say farewell to 2025 with your toes in the sand and a piña colada in your hand. At Sharky’s New Year’s Eve Beach Bash, you’ll find live music, fireworks and a wide selection of Floridian fare.
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