Four years ago, Sarasota rolled out a new vision for public space, and The Bay quickly became more than just a park; it’s a slice of daily life for people all over the city. Since opening in October 2022, The Bay has welcomed over 1.2 million visitors. Now, it’s marking its fourth anniversary with a packed month of celebrations: over 70 free events, running from October 1 to November 1, all under the banner “One Park FOUR All.”
The original promise was simple but ambitious: create a park that’s accessible and free, inviting everybody in, no matter their age, ability, or background. Today, locals have truly made The Bay their own. Some fueled its early days, helping dream it up, fund it, design it, and bring it to life. Others show up for a walk, exercise, family time, the sunset, or just a breath of fresh air in a spot that feels welcoming and familiar.
AG Lafley, The Bay Park Conservancy’s founding CEO, puts it plainly: “The best measure of The Bay is how people use it.” Over 1.2 million visits in just four years says it all. Folks from every corner of the community have found their own reasons, and their own ways, to make The Bay part of their routine. This anniversary isn’t just about looking back; it’s about the possibilities ahead as the park’s 53-acre vision keeps taking shape.
Six big events anchor the month-long celebration, each with its own flavor:
— Salsa & Sunsets Community Celebration kicks things off on Oct. 7. Picture live music, a toast, and a dance party with plenty of Latin flair.
— The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns Oct. 9. It’s a star-lit, cult-classic screening. If you know, you know.
— Park-toberfest happens Oct. 11. Think live music, a steinhoisting contest, chicken dancing, German-inspired snacks, the whole Oktoberfest vibe, The Bay style.
— Boo! at The Bay Family Halloween brings costumes, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a family movie, and not-too-scary fun for all ages on Oct. 17.
— Taste of The Bay Food Festival lands Oct. 25, featuring signature dishes from locally owned restaurants, curated by Sarasota-Manatee Originals.
— The month wraps up with Best of The Bay Music Fest on Nov. 1: a day-long celebration of top local talent and surprise guests.
Beyond these six signature events, you can catch dozens more free happenings, live music, movies, dance, opera at The Bay, fitness classes, family activities, guided kayak tours, and more.
You can check out the full calendar at TheBaySarasota.org/Calendar.
What is The Bay? It’s Sarasota’s signature public park, stretching over 53 acres along Sarasota Bay. The Bay has transformed what used to be mostly a parking lot into a lush blue-and-green space open to everyone, providing a sustainable bayfront gathering spot loaded with park activities, free programs, and community events.
The first 10-acre chunk opened in October 2022. With a $65 million budget, Phase 2, covering an additional 14 acres, has full funding and is underway, with its completion set for 2027. The entire park, finished, will cost about $200 million and come together over four or more phases, taking around eight to ten years.
Guiding this effort is The Bay Park Conservancy, the 501c3 non-profit behind the park’s master plan. The Conservancy works hand-in-hand with the City of Sarasota, driving the funding, development, operation, maintenance, and programming, ensuring The Bay remains an open, sustainable space for everyone, now and for generations yet to come.
View the full schedule of 4th Anniversary events.
For the complete schedule of upcoming FREE events at The Bay, visit TheBaySarasota.org/Calendar.
