In true island fashion, New Year’s Eve on Siesta Key tends to be laid back. With a few local bars, restaurants, and clubs open for the night, there are some great options for both families and groups of friends on a beach vacation. For those looking for a next-level party, there are plenty of options a short drive from Siesta Key vacation rentals in Sarasota.
The Block Party: Main Street Pineapple Drop
Location: Main Street at Lemon Avenue, Sarasota, FL
Year after year, this annual block party is the most popular way to ring in the new year in the Sarasota area.
The party starts at 2 p.m. with a family-friend carnival, that includes rides, games, fair treats, street vendors, and beer stations. Restaurants and bars will be open all night, serving up special dishes and drinks to usher in 2019. Music, both live and DJ, begins at 8 p.m. Past performances include live reggae and Latin funk, and fresh DJ mixes at the nearby Gator Club.
Of course, it wouldn’t be NYE without a countdown. At midnight, a large, illuminated pineapple (forget New York City’s crystal ball) will be dropped as toasts are made and kisses are shared. The party will continue until 1:30 a.m.
The Waterfront Fireworks: Marina Jack Restaurant
Location: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL
The skies light up on December 31 at Marina Jack, Sarasota’s premier marina, restaurant, and sightseeing hub in one. This is going to be the best place for waterfront dining on New Year’s Eve. The Dining Room will be serving a special four-course menu (from 8:45 p.m.) that includes a midnight champagne toast and some fun party favors. A four-course dinner will also be served at the restaurant’s Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar (from 7:30 p.m.), and a live music, advanced reservation seating is available at the Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill (7 p.m.).
For those looking to ring in 2019 on the water, a cruise will board at 8 p.m. for a special dinner and dance party that includes a buffet, champagne toast, and party favors. Fireworks will illuminate the bay as the clock ticks midnight and glasses clink.
Call 941-365-4232 for reservations.
The Masquerade Ball: Beach Club Siesta Key
Location: 5151 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL
If you’re looking to party near Siesta Key vacation rentals, the Beach Club’s New Year’s Eve party might be for you. This masquerade “ball,” features a champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, party favors, and a money balloon drop. A contest for “best mask” will be held, with $800 in cash prizes awarded to the winners. Great DJ music will keep the place bumping to the wee hours of the morning, lowering the volume only to for the midnight countdown to ring in 2019.
The Classy Dinner Party: New Year’s Eve at Selby Gardens
Location: 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL
Romance and elegance come together for this black-tie event at the beautiful Selby Botanical Gardens. This event includes a private tour of the holiday exhibit “Lights in Bloom,” a magical walkway lit up by thousands of Christmas lights adorning trees, bushes, and flowers, appetizers in the garden, and a four-course dinner at the garden’s renowned restaurant overlooking Sarasota Bay. The night culminates with a New Year’s countdown, champagne toast, and fantastic view of fireworks on the bay.
Tickets can be purchased in advance.
For a casual New Year’s Eve on Siesta Key, check out some of the great bars and restaurants on both the north and south ends of the islands. Gilligan’s, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Captain Curt’s, Crescent Club (well-loved for its jukebox) are well known for hosting a great party and many are within walking distance from our Siesta Key vacation rentals. Be sure to call ahead for details and reservations.
