Visit Sarasota County is using local centennial celebrations as a strategy to attract visitors and engage residents in 2026. The tourism bureau is focusing on neighborhoods, institutions, and landmarks that are reaching their 100-year anniversaries throughout the county.
To promote these milestones, Visit Sarasota County (VSC) has published detailed guides on its website. One guide covers countywide events, while another focuses specifically on the City of Venice’s centennial. These resources outline special events, historical information, and ways for people to participate in the celebrations. Two mobile passes have been introduced: the Venice Centennial Pass, which highlights historic sites around Venice, and the Circus Legacy Trail, which features tours and shows connected to Sarasota’s circus heritage.
The Circus Legacy Trail pass will also be part of public relations efforts aimed at national and international media ahead of 2027—the centenary of John Ringling moving the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus to Sarasota. Both mobile passes are free and do not require users to download an app.
VSC sees these centennial stories as a way to keep Florida’s Cultural Coast competitive with other destinations and aligned with national commemorations such as America’s 250th Anniversary.
“For tourism, centennials provide an invitation for visitors to be a meaningful, momentary part of our destination’s history – but for residents, they hold a more profound meaning in reminding us why we continue to love where we live,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “As we welcome 2026, we encourage you to embrace rediscovery as a hometown tourist yourself and connect with our shared history while supporting institutions that have drafted our reputation with visitors near and far and defined our quality of life for decades.”
The City of Venice began its official centennial programming in 2025; events will continue through 2027. Highlights for 2026 include unveiling a bronze statue of city planner John Nolen on February 18, a year-long exhibition at the Venice Museum titled “Venice Turns 100!”, a community block party in March, and Independence Day festivities.
Other major cultural organizations marking their own centennials include the Sarasota Opera House—which will host an open house event in April along with concerts—and Art Center Sarasota, which plans expanded exhibitions and educational programs during its anniversary season.
Additional notable locations such as St. Armands Circle and the original Sarasota High School building (now home to the Sarasota Art Museum) are also celebrating significant anniversaries this year.
Residents can stay informed about ongoing centennial activities by following VSC’s social media channels or visiting https://www.visitsarasota.com/blog/sarasota-countys-centennial-celebrations for more information about events and planning resources.
Visit Sarasota County serves as the official tourism marketing organization for Sarasota County. The agency works with over 450 partners across various sectors to support local businesses through tourism initiatives year-round.
