Know Before You Go

This year, all events, including all concerts, will be held in The Bay park (1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, 34236).

The primary vehicle entrance is located off of 10th Street to the west of the Roundabout at 10th Street and N. Tamiami Trail.

• The primary pedestrian entrance is located on Blvd of the Arts (6th Street).

• NOTE: The southern portion of Van Wezel Way will be closed from 12pm on Friday, October 18 and will re-open by 6pm on Sunday October 20.

• Be kind to the environment (and the traffic) — please walk, carpool, RideShare, bike or scooter to The Bay.

• Some events attract large crowds. Arrive early, be kind, and please be patient.

Parking for Events:

Free parking is located on a first-come, first-served basis:

• Along Blvd of the Arts and Van Wezel Way (excluding Oct 18-20)

• In front of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

• In front of the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236)

• Street parking in nearby Rosemary District (east of N. Tamiami Trail)

• Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.

• Note: Some parking spaces are occupied with Milton Relief vehicles and vehicles of those applying for FEMA services (inside the Municipal Auditorium).

Handicapped Parking is available in front of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236).

IMPORTANT PARKING INFO FOR THE HEADLINER CONCERTS ON OCT 18 & 19

Due to the impact from Hurricane Milton, the parking lot in front of the Van Wezel will NOT be available for parking this weekend.

Nearby FREE parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations:

Less than a 5-minute Walk to The Bay:

• Centennial Park and Public Boat Ramp (1059 N. Tamiami Trail)

5-10 minute Walk to The Bay (just east of N. Tamiami Trail):

• 9th Street

• Rosemary District streets

10-20 minute Walk to The Bay (all FREE throughout the weekend):

• Downtown Sarasota streets

• Palm Avenue Parking Garage (1297 N. Palm Avenue)

• State Street Parking Garage (1538 State Street)

Important for those with Mobility Challenges: A drop-off area will be available at 1055 Blvd of the Arts near the concert area in the park.

Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra parking areas.

To minimize vehicular traffic, please walk, Carpool, use RideShare (e.g., Uber, Lyft), and come via VEO scooter/ bike (use VEO PROMO CODE Veo2Bay to get a $5 off ride credit).

Please give yourself plenty of time to park, walk and get to The Bay and stop by one of the local food and beverage trucks before the concert begins!

The spirit of the evening is for everyone to come together for this incredible concert… to experience a bit of “normalcy” post-Milton.

The Bay is designed to be “one park for all” and is built to full ADA compliance. The Bay is committed to providing an open and accessible, free and welcoming experience for all park guests.

Handicapped Parking is available in the following locations:

1. The parking lot located at 1055 Blvd of the Arts (next to the park)

2. On the north side of Blvd of the Arts, near the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

3. By the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236)

NOTE: On the evenings of October 18 and 19, a drop-off area for those with mobility challenges will be available on the north side of Blvd of the Arts near the concert area.

• All park entrances, lawns, playgrounds, walkways and bridges are accessible. All restrooms are accessible for guests using wheelchairs – including those requiring companions.

• Please remember to bring your own seat as seating is not provided for Headliner Concerts on October 18 and 19.

Yes! Come early and come hungry!

• Food and drinks, as well as The Bay merchandise (t-shirts, ball caps, reusable beverage tumblers) are available for purchase at The Nest Café (Click here for menu)

An assortment of Sarasota’s favorite Food Trucks will be on hand serving delicious food beginning at 5pm on:

• Friday, Oct 25 for Boo! at The Bay Family Halloween event.

• Friday, Oct 18 for the Average White Band (with opener Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe “Sistas in the Name of Soul”) concert

• Saturday, Oct 19 for The Breakers: A Tribute to Tom Petty concert; and

• For the Headliner Concerts on Friday, Oct 18 and Saturday, Oct 19, a Beverage Truck will be serving assorted beer, wine, and cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

• Please see each event description for a list of specific Food Trucks.

No outside alcohol may be brought on premises. Alcohol may not be removed from the park grounds. Alcohol will be sold at most events. A Photo ID will be required for purchase.

• Yes. Veo hubs are conveniently located on Blvd of the Arts and at 655 N. Tamiami Trail.

• Get a $5 discount on a Veo Scooter or Bike to or from The Bay. Use Promo Code "veo2bay" on the Veo app.

  • (Offer good Oct 16-20. Up to the first 500 people).

YES! You will need to bring your own chair. Seating will not be provided. 

Please bring a lawn chair to ensure you have a comfortable seat.

• For the Headliner Concerts on Oct 18 & 19, coolers and large umbrellas are not permitted.

• For the Headliner Concerts on Oct 18 & 19, Please make sure to stop by the Relief, Recovery & Resilience Station by The Nest Café to learn more about how various organizations can help you and others in the community.

• For outdoor concerts and movies, please bring a chair to ensure you have a comfortable seat.

• All pets must be non-aggressive and on up to a 6-foot leash at all times. Owners are expected to pick up after their pets.

• Bring a reusable water bottle to help keep The Bay green. A water station is available near The Nest Café.

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

• Protect yourself from the sun – wear SPF/ UV protection, sunglasses and a hat.