There is something special about a Florida spring weekend filled with live music, good food, and the kind of easygoing atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer. That is exactly what the Sarasota Country Music & Food Festival promises when it returns to the Sarasota Fairgrounds on Ringling Boulevard from Friday, March 27 through Sunday, March 29, 2026. Admission is free, making it one of the more appealing and budget-friendly event options on the Suncoast this month.
Produced by Paragon Festivals, the Suncoast’s premier boutique event producer, the three-day outdoor event blends live country music with a wide selection of freshly prepared food, beverages, shopping, and a relaxed, family-friendly setting. It is the kind of festival where you can come for a favorite band, stay for dinner, browse local vendors, and turn a simple outing into a full afternoon or evening with friends and family.
Festival Hours and What to Know
The Sarasota Country Music & Food Festival will run on the following schedule:
- Friday, March 27: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday, March 28: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday, March 29: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The event is pet-friendly, though animals must remain leashed. Outside food and beverages are not permitted. Seating is provided, but attendees are also welcome to bring their own chairs.
Food, Drinks, and the Festival Experience
Food is a major part of the weekend experience. Festivalgoers can expect a diverse menu featuring barbecue and meat dishes, along with seafood, vegetarian options, side dishes, desserts, and a range of drinks including alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments. That mix of live entertainment and festival-style dining has become a signature of Paragon events across Florida, and it makes this Sarasota stop especially attractive for locals looking for something fun to do without leaving town.
If you are looking for more ways to enjoy the Suncoast this weekend, check out our roundup of the top things to do in Venice this weekend — there is plenty happening across the region right now.
2026 Music Lineup
The entertainment lineup features performers across all three days, covering country, country rock, southern rock, and pop-influenced sounds. Note that bands and performance times are subject to change — check the event page before attending.
Friday, March 27
- Teresa Faris Band — 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Blackwater Jack — 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Chris Anderson Band — 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Saturday, March 28
- Justin Black — 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
- The Billy Rice Band — 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
- Westbound and Down — 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
- Second Rodeo — 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Derek Lersch — 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Sunday, March 29
- Scarlet Drive — 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
- Highway 41 — 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
- Soul Circus Cowboys — 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
(Music lineup subject to change)
Vendors and More
In addition to the music and food, visitors can browse a marketplace featuring arts, crafts, specialty products, and food items, adding another layer to the overall experience. The Sarasota Fairgrounds has become a go-to venue for large-scale outdoor events — it is the same location that hosted the Thunder By The Bay 2026 festival earlier this season.
Plan Your Visit
For Sarasota-area residents, seasonal visitors, and country music fans across the Suncoast, this festival checks a lot of boxes. It is affordable, outdoors, easy to enjoy at your own pace, and packed with enough music and food to turn a regular weekend into something more memorable. Whether you stop in for an hour or make a day of it, the Sarasota Country Music & Food Festival looks like one more reason to celebrate spring on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
For more information, visit the official Paragon Festivals event page.
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