Top 5 fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this New Year’s Eve weekend: Dec. 29-31

Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

For our final Top 5 of the year, we focus on the best New Year's Eve events happening in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. All of these are free and highly recommended for an evening of family-friendly or adults-only fun.

Downtown Sarasota and downtown Bradenton each host the rowdiest parties on the list, especially as the night progresses, with University Town Center's family-friendly bash ending at 9 p.m. with fireworks.

Looking for something other than New Year's Eve options this weekend? Consider the Free Fallin' concert tribute to Tom Petty at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Big Top Brewing Company. Another option is Sailor Circus' annual holiday show, "Candyland," taking place today through Sunday at the Sailor Circus Arena.

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1. New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop Party in downtown Sarasota

The New Year's Eve Block Party and Pineapple Drop, seen here last year, returns to downtown Sarasota.
The New Year's Eve Block Party and Pineapple Drop, seen here last year, returns to downtown Sarasota.

Expect a full afternoon of fun in downtown Sarasota ahead of everyone's favorite, giant glowing pineapple dropping at midnight at the intersection of Main Street and Lemon Avenue, followed by fireworks bursting over Sarasota Bay. Carnival rides begin at 1 p.m., surrounded by various vendors, with live music then playing on several stages starting at 8:30 p.m. 1 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday; intersection of Lemon Avenue and Main Street, downtown Sarasota; destinationdowntownsarasota.com

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2. Bradenton Alive New Year's Eve Celebration

The Derek Lersch Band, seen here performing July 3, 2022 at the Nathan Benderson Park Fireworks on the Lake festival, is performing Sunday at the Bradenton Alive New Year's Eve Celebration.
The Derek Lersch Band, seen here performing July 3, 2022 at the Nathan Benderson Park Fireworks on the Lake festival, is performing Sunday at the Bradenton Alive New Year's Eve Celebration.

The Derek Lersch Band, which impressed me and many others with a set of country and classic rock covers goosed by radio-ready, self-penned country originals at a 2022 Music in the Park concert series performance on Bradenton Riverwalk, will headline the Friendly City's New Year's Eve celebration in downtown Bradenton. There will also be food trucks, vendors, party favors and fireworks. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday; Old Main Street, Bradenton; facebook.com/bradentonsalive

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3. New Year's Eve at Waterside Place

Ring in the new year in style at The Plaza in Waterside Place on Sunday, Dec. 31, starting from 6 p.m. until the clock strikes midnight.
Ring in the new year in style at The Plaza in Waterside Place on Sunday, Dec. 31, starting from 6 p.m. until the clock strikes midnight.

The upscale new Waterside Place neighborhood of Lakewood Ranch, which includes Kingfisher Lake and a collection of impressive condos, shops, and restaurants such as Osteria 500, will host a New Year's Eve celebration that diverges from the traditional loud and noisy fireworks. Instead, it will be a trendy drone light show — a choice that should particularly appeal to us pet lovers. There will also be food trucks, drinks, music by DJ Truth, games and activities for all ages. 6 p.m.-midnight Sunday; Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch; lwrca.org

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4. New Year’s Eve at University Town Center

New Year’s Eve at University Town Center is a family-friendly event that concludes with fireworks at 9 p.m.
New Year’s Eve at University Town Center is a family-friendly event that concludes with fireworks at 9 p.m.

Perfect for those of us with young children (or just early bedtimes ourselves!), University Town Center's family-friendly New Year’s Eve event features a 9 p.m. fireworks show. Held on The Green at UTC, located near Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, partygoers of all ages can enjoy an evening of fun with a live DJ, face painting, games, and entertainment. 7-9 p.m. Sunday; The Green at UTC, 125 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; utcsarasota.com

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5. New Year's Eve at Fishermen's Village

Fishermen’s Village is on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda.
Fishermen’s Village is on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda.

Home to an adorable hotel, shops and restaurants overlooking Charlotte Harbor, Fishermen's Village will host this celebration featuring family-friendly activities, live music and a fireworks display to ring in the New Year, with the best viewing area at the beach of the Sunset Beach Club tiki bar. 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday; Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; 941-639-8721; fishermensvillage.com

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Looking for more New Year Eve events?

Here's our complete list.

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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best fun things to do this New Year’s Eve weekend in Sarasota area