Visit Sarasota County is promoting centennial celebrations across the region as part of its tourism strategy for 2026. The tourism bureau is using digital content, mobile passes, and media outreach to highlight neighborhoods, institutions, and landmarks that are reaching their 100-year milestones.
Guides on VisitSarasota.com provide information about countywide events and a separate guide focuses on the City of Venice’s centennial. These guides include details about special events, local history, and ways to engage with area businesses. Two new mobile experiences have been introduced: the Venice Centennial Pass and the Circus Legacy Trail. The Venice Centennial Pass was developed in partnership with the City of Venice and serves as a mobile guide to historic buildings, parks, and sites in the area. The Circus Legacy Trail features tours, shows, and sites related to Sarasota’s circus heritage. Both passes are free to use and do not require downloading an app.
The centennial promotions are intended to keep Florida’s Cultural Coast competitive while connecting with national moments 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’s Centennial began in 2025 and will continue through 2027 with commemorative programming over 18 months. In 2026, key events include the unveiling of a bronze John Nolen statue on February 18, a year-long exhibition at the Venice Museum titled “Venice Turns 100!”, a community block party in March, and Independence Day weekend celebrations.
Several cultural institutions are also marking their centennials in 2026. The Sarasota Opera House will host an open house in April along with a concert and gala reflecting on its century-long history. Art Center Sarasota will celebrate its milestone season with expanded exhibitions, educational programs, and the return of the Beaux Arts Ball in March.
Other notable locations celebrating their legacy include St. Armands Circle and the original Sarasota High School building—now home to the Sarasota Art Museum—which reflect on the county’s architectural and cultural history.
Residents can follow Visit Sarasota County’s social channels for updates about centennial events throughout the county. A comprehensive list of events, passes, and planning resources is available at https://www.visitsarasota.com/blog/sarasota-countys-centennial-celebrations.
Visit Sarasota County is responsible for marketing tourism in Sarasota County—a leading industry locally—and works with over 450 partners to support local businesses year-round.
