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.

Click here for a downloadable event parking map.

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.

  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).

  • 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.

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! 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.

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 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

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

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

• 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.

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.

• For outdoor concerts and movies only, 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.

• For the larger outdoor concerts on Oct 18 and Oct 19, coolers and large umbrellas are not permitted.

• 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.