Bay Fest

Start: Saturday, March 7, 2026 11:00AM
End: Saturday, March 7, 2026 2:00PM

Bay Fest returns for a third year with an immersive celebration of the Wonders of Water. This extraordinary FREE, family-friendly event invites kids of all ages to engage, explore and learn through a variety of hands-on experiences inspired by Sarasota’s local waterways. Engage with experts and exhibits to learn about local vibrant marine life, underwater habitats and innovative efforts to improve water quality above and below the surface. Dive in with marine masters as dolphins and other sea creatures come to life on a stadium-size screen through sights, sounds, and stories. Interactive presentations include: Sarasota Bay “Above & Below” (Presented at 11:30am and 12:30pm) | Join scientists from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program for a virtual fly-over and snorkel of Sarasota Bay! View the estuary from all angles. Experience up-close encounters with the marine life who call it home. “Your Dolphin Neighbors” (Presented at 12:00pm and 1:00pm) | Katie McHugh (Sr. Scientist, Brookfield Zoo Chicago's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program) shares videos and stories from studying six generations of resident bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay. Climb into a kayak and explore the restored Mangrove Bayou. Soak in live music, then refuel with bites from The Nest Café and local food trucks. Curious, playful, and full of discovery — BayFest makes a splash for all. Presented by Sarasota County, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and The Bay. Know Before You Go: The Bay park address is 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota FL 34236 Free parking is located around the site and all parking lots remain open — along Blvd of the Arts and in front of the Van Wezel, Municipal Auditorium and Blue Pagoda. Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas. Construction of the new Town Square (located between the Municipal Auditorium and Art Center) is underway and affects pedestrian routes between the parking lot along N. Tamiami Trail and venues west of Van Wezel Way (incl. The Bay park, Van Wezel, and Holley Hall). Signs are posted to direct you between these locations. Please allow extra time to walk from and to your vehicle. All pets must be non-aggressive and on a leash at all times. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets. Please report any risky or unsafe behavior to the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police 24 hours a day (941) 316-1199.