The year-round sun and warmth of Florida makes it the ideal destination any time of year you need a break. Pack your bags and gather your loved ones for a fun and exciting fall vacation full of sand, water, and sun, as well as a special event or two added to the itinerary. The Sarasota and Bradenton area has a myriad of 2023 Florida spring festivals and events for you to enjoy during your well-deserved spring break.

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Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival

Celebrating 16 years in 2023, the festival is considered the area’s premier food and wine festival. The four-day event consists off several events that include wine dinners, university master classes led by a panel of world-renowned wine industry professionals, and more. Take part in the Grand Tasting, where over 40 members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurant come together and sample from a selection of over 350 wines from across the globe. The Grand Tasting also features live music and a wine retail tent where you can purchase the wines tasted during the event. The event runs April 20-23, with an online food and wine auction that starts on April 17 and runs through the event.

5th Annual Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival

The family-friendly event is free! Held annually at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, the event combines culture, sport, and international flavor along with 2,500-year-old tradition. Watch as boats of 20 paddlers – friends, family, and even college rowing teams – move in unison to propel the boat with a design that originates in ancient China. There will also be plenty of activities for all ages, including a Health & Wellness Village, food trucks, a beer garden, marketplace, and more. The event runs 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on May 20th.

41st Annual Englewood Fine Arts Festival

Olde Englewood Village is the location of the annual event. Join locals and other tourists on the pedestrian-only street of West Dearborn Street to take in the beautiful work of the artists. Take a break and pop into a restaurant or shop along the way.

25th Annual Sarasota Film Festival

Celebrating a quarter century of presenting quality films, the festival returns this March. It features over 200 films each year, including features, documentaries, shorts, and even kid-friendly films. Tickets are available on the festival website and include tickets to the live events. There is also a virtual festival full pass that gets you access to all the films available through the virtual event website. Both the live and virtual events run March 24 – April 2.

Sarasota Jazz Festival

Celebrate jazz music with visitors and locals alike at the annual festival in Nathan Benderson Park. The festival features five stages that will host international, national, regional, and local musicians. Buy tickets and get more information about performers, schedule, and other details at the festival website.

Hernando De Soto Historical Society Children’s Parade

Each year the society puts on a beautiful and fun parade that puts kids in charge oof the entertainment. Watch as floats that were engineered, built, and decorated at local schools or even a child’s own home travel the historic avenues of Palmetto, starting at the Manatee County Fairgrounds and ending at Lamb Park. After the parade, you’ll find plenty of food, fun, activities, games, and more at the “Party in the Park.” This year’s event takes place April 7 starting at 10 a.m.

Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training

Baseball fans treat every spring training game as an event not to be missed. Many MLB teams migrate to warmer temperatures when it’s time to start warming up for a new season. Bradenton plays host to the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM park. You can check their calendar and buy tickets on the team website so you can make a game or two part of your spring trip.

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Celebrate with Florida Spring Festivals

Enhance your spring festival or event experience with a private vacation rental provided by Anchor Down Vacation Rentals. We offer units as small as one bedroom all the way up to eight bedrooms so you can invite all of your family and friends to enjoy the event and the beautiful Florida weather. You’ll be spending most of your time at your event, but you’ll want to build in plenty of time for lounging around your rental. After a long day of festival fun, make a home-cooked meal in your unit’s fully equipped kitchen, and enjoy it in the spacious living/dining areas, or in a private outdoor space. Relax in a private bedroom, or gather the group, pop some popcorn, and watch your favorite movie. Choose a premium unit for perks like a fireplace, double ovens, flat screen TVs, private pool and more. Include the whole family by inquiring about select rentals that allow your fur babies to stay.

Contact us today to book your stay for a spring vacation you’ll never forget!