Sarasota always manages to pack a lot of excitement for New Year’s Eve, with several event options to choose from. There may be no better place to ring in the new year.
While enjoying some of the finest beaches in the country on Siesta Key, and the surrounding communities of Sarasota and Bradenton offer exuberant and big events for the New Year to spend a fun-filled holiday evening out.
Staying on the Island
Many visitors stay on the island for New Year’s Eve. The obvious benefit is that you won’t have to go very far from our Siesta Key resort hotel, which is great if you have the kids along or are just trying to avoid traffic at all costs.
You certainly don’t have to drive anywhere or go far if you want to have an amazing time. There are quite a few restaurants and small clubs hosting some fantastic New Years Eve on Siesta Key events. Below is a brief overview of three parties right here on the island.
Gilligan’s Island Bar and Grill
Location: 5253 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242
Gilligan’s Island Bar is bombastic and upbeat on New Year’s
The tiki-inspired atmosphere gives the bar a casual edge. Torches and lights will likely surround the main eating area, and a full bar with specialty cocktails and late night deals will be open to about 2am. DJ Tuesday will start at 10pm, and continue on throughout the night.
The Beach Club
Location: 5151 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242
Just a few blocks over from Gilligan’s you can find Siesta Key’s premiere club. This is quite a different kind of atmosphere than Gilligan’s or most other places offering New Year’s Eve events. For the clubgoer in you, this is where you want to be.
The Beach Club’s Masquerade Ball features some truly wild activities, including the Money Ball drop (which is exactly what it sounds) and the open bar. For $35, guests have unlimited access to well drinks, domestic drafts, and house wine. Take it up to $55 and you open yourself and some friends to the premium options.
Guests are treated to a champagne toast and music from DJ Xtreme and Stereo-FM. It will undoubtedly be Siesta Key’s best night out for visitors looking to introduce the New Year without holding anything back.
Daiquiri Deck
Location: 5250 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242
The Daiquiri Deck is Siesta’s Key beach-themed gem. The restaurant is all about the frozen daiquiris, but it may be the full raw bar and the wide list of seafood choices, including mahi bites, crab fritters, and lobster, that keep people coming over and over.
Live music is a standard nearly every night including reggae and rock. The music for Dec 31st is not yet announced. The Daiquiri Deck will be hopping until 2am, and standard hours are 11am to 2am every day.
Visiting Sarasota for New Year’s Eve
If you want a clear look at the fireworks, you can head up to see the popular New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Bay at Marina Jack (2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL). Various events will be held near Marina Jack, including activities for families and many attractions up and down Main Street in downtown Sarasota. The events surround the famous Pineapple Drop, a neon-covered pineapple that drops from the sky at midnight.
Book Your Hotel on Siesta Key
You’ll get to enjoy plenty of fun, drink specials, and delicious food near our Siesta key resort hotel, after spending a long day at nearby Siesta Beach and knowing you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
