Nathan Benderson Park

Sarasota 2K - Alumni Watch Party
2025-03-28 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Finish Tower
Only at Nathan Benderson Park!
Brown, Harvard, Northeastern, Washington & Yale Alumni will come together for an exclusive Watch Party! Friday, March 28, 4:00-7:00 PM
Tickets: $20 includes appetizers, BBQ dinner, two drink tickets and prime race viewing with indoor and outdoor access
Alumni – Ticket sales closing soon! Purchase your tickets now.
Please note that handicapped parking is available. Event will take place on the second floor of the Benderson Family Finish Tower, accessible by elevator. Should you have any questions or need special accommodations due to handicapped/health needs, please reach out to NBP’s administrative offices at info@NathanBendersonPark.org, prior to the event.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Learn to Safety Squadron
2025-03-22 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Interested in becoming a member of the safety squad? Learn all the ins and outs of the role and make new connections. For more details and to sign up, contact programs@nathanbendersonpark.org.

Walk MS: Sarasota 2025
2025-03-22 07:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
A walk that brings together passionate people for a powerful purpose: to end MS forever.
Click here to register now

Hermitage Sunsets at Nathan Benderson Park
2025-03-20 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
This is the last installment of three programs scheduled. These outdoor events are one part of many “Hermitage North” programs, series, and collaborations planned throughout the season, spanning Sarasota County and the surrounding region. The programs feature industry-leading and award-winning playwrights, visual artists, musicians, poets, choreographers, and more — all free to the members of our community.

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Networking Event & Dragon Boat Experience
2025-03-20 16:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York)
As a chamber member, we are pleased to welcome and host the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce at Nathan Benderson Park.
Chamber members will have the option of registering to try Dragon boating with our paddlers at 3:30pm, prior to the event. Networking event begins at 5pm. Advanced registration is required. Both members and non-members of the Sarasota Chamber are welcome to attend.

March Learn to Row Classes with Sarasota Crew
2025-03-20 06:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-18 06:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-13 06:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-11 06:30 - 08:30 (America/New_York)
Learn to Row Morning Classes at Nathan Benderson Park

Already tried our Learn to Row Sunday Class? Want to keep rowing? Try our two-week morning Learn to Row sessions with an experienced master’s rowing coach

Tuesday and Thursday mornings for two weeks – $250 Total
6:30 am to 8:30 am

Tuesday 03/11
Thursday 03/13
Tuesday 03/18
Thursday 03/20

NBP Vacation Camp - Spring Recess
2025-03-17 07:00 - 2025-03-21 17:30 (America/New_York)
ALL AROUND NBP CAMP – AGES 6-13

Dive into a world of water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. This camp focuses on water safety, wildlife education, and hands-on learning. Campers will receive on-land instruction and personal flotation devices for all water activities.
Camp runs 8:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off at 7am is available for an additional fee. Pick up is 4:00-5:30pm. Space is limited. Register for your sessions now!

Sarasota Suncoast Half Marathon & 5K
2025-03-08 06:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Sign up for the Sarasota Suncoast Half Marathon & 5K in Sarasota, Florida, at Nathan Benderson Park, and take on one of the most scenic courses in the state. The race winds through the stunning Nathan Benderson Park, an award-winning venue with a 400-acre lake and world-class rowing facilities. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event offers both Half Marathon and 5K options, making it accessible for all levels of participants.
But the excitement doesn’t end when you cross the finish line! Sarasota, renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant arts scene, and lively downtown, offers plenty to see and do. After the race, indulge in a delicious meal at one of the many seafood restaurants, explore the city’s galleries, or visit the iconic Ringling Museum. Relax on the beach, soak in the Gulf’s serene waters, or head to St. Armands Circle for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

7th Annual Everything Buffalo Party
2025-03-05 17:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
The 7th Annual Everything Buffalo Party will be March 5, 2025
This event features all the foods, drinks and favorite things of Buffalo, NY brought to Sarasota for you to enjoy! Hope Rises will be the WNY Charity of Choice again this year as Kate Glaser has done and continues to support and help so many families and charities in Buffalo area. Wagner Realty is back as the Exclusive Real Estate Company Sponsor. We’re here to help YOU with any of your Commercial & Residential needs. www.BUF2SRQ.com

Tickets include entry, parking, entertainment & food buffet, all from Buffalo, a drink ticket, opportunity to see almost 500 fellow Buffalonians and know a portion of proceeds are going to WNY non-profit, Hope Rises!
Ticket on Sale soon! www.EverythingBuffaloParty.com

RoboBoat 2025
2025-03-03 - 2025-03-09 | Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235
Watch the 2025 RoboBoat competition with entries from around the world! High school, undergraduate and graduate students will compete. RoboBoat is an international student program established to generate, cultivate, and enhance a community of innovators capable of making substantive contributions to the Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) domain. Student teams design and build Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASV) and compete in an international competition. RoboBoat competitions unite an enhanced community of innovators, with results capable of making substantive contributions to the maritime field.
Click here to view RoboBoat in action!

Learn to Row with Sarasota Crew
2025-03-02 09:00 - 11:00, 2025-02-02 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Want to learn how to row or continue your rowing journey? Experience the benefits of a total body, low-impact workout while building community and trying something new! It’s never been easier to join Sarasota Crew:
Learn to Row Sundays at Nathan Benderson Park

Try rowing for a day! If the weather allows, we will get you into a boat and onto an erg to learn proper rowing technique and get you into the swing of things!

9:00 am to 11:00 am on the first Sunday of every month
October through March
Maximum 18 rowers per class, sign up today!

Learn to Row Morning Classes at Nathan Benderson Park

Already tried our Learn to Row Sunday Class? Want to keep rowing? Try our two-week morning Learn to Row sessions with an experienced master’s rowing coach

Tuesday and Thursday mornings for two weeks
6:30 am to 8:30 am
See registration plans at the bottom of the page for key dates and details

Private Lessons at Nathan Benderson Park

Learn to row or develop your skills with a 1:1 private lesson with an experienced coach

All lessons will be conducted in sculling boats (two oars)
Please fill out the Private Lesson Interest Form to be matched with a Sarasota Crew Coach! Once the form has been completed a coach will reach out to you via text or email
Want to take a lesson with a friend? Now offering two-person lessons for $200. One person lesson, $120

Questions? Contact our experienced Master’s rowing coach, Megan at megan@sarasotacrew.org

Sarasota Invitational Regatta
2025-02-22 08:00 - 2025-02-24 17:00 (America/New_York) | Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235
Host club for this annual regatta is the Sarasota County Rowing Club.
Experience the excitement of sprint racing on one of the best rowing venues in the country! The annual Sarasota Invitational Regatta (SIR), held in February, features three days of youth and masters rowing at Nathan Benderson Park – the site of the 2018 Masters World Rowing and the 2017 World Rowing Championships.
In it’s inaugural year, SIR had a little over 300 boat entries and 600 competitors. Just ten years later, there were almost 800 boat entries and over 1,500 individual competitors and the numbers are growing!SCRC is proud to host the Sarasota Invitational Regatta and greatly appreciates the more than 200 volunteers, numerous sponsors and over 1500 participants who help make this event possible.

American Youth Cup I Regatta
2025-02-15 08:00 - 2025-02-16 17:00, 2025-02-14 08:00 - 2025-02-15 17:00 (America/New_York)
FOR HEATS, LIVESTREAMING, MAPS & MORE ON EVENT DAYS, CLICK HERE
The first of four AYC regattas, this series is a not-for-profit series of regattas leading up to the USRowing Southeast Youth Championships. The series works to give back to the athletes, giving crews opportunities to experience competitive, 2000-meter racing throughout the spring, ultimately preparing them to excel at the USRowing Youth National Championships in June at NBP.
Competing well consistently at the AYC regattas not only helps crews prepare to qualify for the Youth National Championships, but has the added bonus of a possible financial stipend towards their trip to the championships. At the end of the series, the team with the most points for an event is declared the AYC series winner for that event. A team will earn a monetary travel stipend towards their trip to the USRowing Youth National Championships should they be declared the winner of an event, and qualify for Youth Nationals in that event.

Circus Sarasota
2025-02-15 - 2025-03-09 | Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235, United States
Big Top at Regatta Island on Nathan Benderson Park (5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota).
Each year, the Circus Arts Conservatory’s professional arm, Circus Sarasota, offers a showcase of top global circus artists performing in a one-ring traditional circus setting. Featuring new and innovative acts, Circus Sarasota’s 2025 production will offer high-flying action, heart-stopping thrills, laugh-out-loud comedic antics, and acts that defy both expectations and the boundaries of physical limitations. Tickets are $30-$100; parking is $10
Saturday, Feb 15 – Sunday, March 9, 2025
Under the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park
For easiest access, please arrive 40 minutes prior to show time.
Food, beverages, beer and wine available.
See the circus website for exact dates, times and tickets

YogaSix at the Pavilion - Free Class
2025-02-08 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Playground and Event Pavilion
Join us for our next pop-up flow in this gorgeous setting of Nathan Benderson Park at the Pavilion. More movement, more connection, more of what makes this community amazing. Meet us this Saturday, February 8 at 10am – let’s flow together!

New Paddler Day - Open to All
2025-02-08 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for New Paddler Day – open to everyone. It’s FREE! Try out paddling with no strings attached — if you’re ages 14 and older, there’s a seat in the boat for you!
The NBP Paddling Program uses dragon boats, outrigger canoes and more. Whether you’re interested in recreational paddling or you want to be competitive, we have a place for you. Learn the basics of dragon boating
We provide the life jackets and paddles, so bring your sense of adventure and teamwork! You’ll start with on-land training, proper fit of a personal flotation device and paddle, and then get an on-the-water orientation.

NBP has several Dragon Boat Teams (Survivors in Sync know as SIS), All Cancer Team, NBP Dragons with a womens and mixed team, and the NBP VETERANS Team of Military Veterans). We will have a SEAT IN THE BOAT for anyone interested.
It is recommended to arrive 20 minutes early to get your provided gear on. Come check us out.
Tickets aren’t needed, but we prefer you RSVP!

Reserve your spot here today!

Bridge A Life Superhero 5K
2025-02-08 08:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The 14th Annual Superhero 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run will start and finish be ON THE ISLAND near the finish tower. This is a Foster Care Awareness Event. In-person and virtual racing options are available.
The Kids’ Fun Run starts at 8:30am. The 5K will be on a CHIP START between 9-9:05am. You will receive an official chip time and place. Master and Overall timed at gun time 9am. USATF Rules.
More than just a race, the Superhero race brings together child welfare agencies and the community to highlight the 1500+ youth who are in local foster care in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties, while providing a family-friendly event with music, a kiddie zone, food, and giveaways.

Gulf Coast Games For Life
2025-02-01 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
36th Annual Gulf Coast Games For Life: Feb 1, 9 a.m. at NBP. This event is a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games, and encourages and promote healthy lifestyles, gives seniors the opportunity to compete at the local, state and national level, and provides an affordable and quality multi-sport festival that seniors can call their own. Events at NBP include coastal rowing, Olympic-style rowing, sit-on-top recreational kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

NBP Paddle-a-Thon: A Community Event in Support of Our New OC6 Boat
2025-02-01 06:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
Join Us for the NBP Paddle-a-Thon: A Community Event in Support of Our New OC6 Boat!
The NBP Paddling Outrigger Club is thrilled to announce our upcoming Paddle-a-Thon on February 1st, taking place at the picturesque Nathan Benderson Park from 6 am to 6 pm. This exciting event will last for 12 hours as we strive to complete 15 laps of 5k each in our OC6, with a new lap every 45 minutes!
Paddlers from various team divisions will be representing Women, Men, Military Veterans, Breast Cancer Survivors, All Cancer Survivors, Seniors, and Premier paddlers. The Paddle-a-Thon is not only an opportunity for friendly competition but also a chance to unite our community in support of a vital cause—the purchase of our new OC6 boat, which will enhance our paddling capabilities and foster inclusivity in our club.
Spectators are welcome to come out, cheer on the participants, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. We encourage everyone to consider making a donation to support our cause. Donations can be made online at https://nathanbendersonpark.org/give-to-nbp/, selecting the “Paddle Program” in the donation category.
This Paddle-a-Thon not only highlights the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork within the NBP Paddling Outrigger Club but also serves as a platform to raise awareness and funds for our mission.
Join us at Nathan Benderson Park to share in the excitement, support our paddlers, and help us achieve our goal of acquiring the new OC6. Together, we can make a difference in our community!
For more information, please contact Angela Long at 941-232-3470 or along@nathanbendersonpark.org
What does paddling on an OC look like? Check out the video: https://youtu.be/NzL09mg7uG8?si=6fUsjZDD348387gL

Unleash the Dragons - Dragon Boat Festival & Leadership Camp
2025-01-22 - 2025-01-25
UNLEASH THE DRAGONS – Dragon Boat Festival & Leadership Camp is being presented by Nathan Benderson Park & Linked in Pinks. Event is being sponsored by ALPHA LAW GROUP, a law firm of caliber, virtue & values.
This event is for Breast Cancer & All Cancer Survivors and features the keynote speaker, Dr. Don McKenzie. Sponsorship opportunities are available!
Schedule for the week: (NEW! See Bulletin #3)
Leadership Camp:

Jan 22-25: Dates for BCP and ACP team leaders (captains, coaches, etc)
Leader’s clinics: Jan 23
On Water: Coaching, Helm, Drum (small & standard boats)
Off Water: Team Management, Racing Rules, Festival Planning

Paddlers Schedule:

Jan 24-25: BCP & ACP Paddlers Compete
Jan 24: Practices & Fun Paddle Races
Jan 25: Races- IDBF Rules & Regulations apply

Bulletin #1

Bulletin #2

NEW! Bulletin #3

EVENT REGISTRATION

Book Your Hotel

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Frequently Asked Questions

Matt Abel Speed Fiesta
2025-01-18 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Hosted by Florida Scholastic Rowing Association. For full details and to register, please visit their event website

Alpha Win Triathlon
2025-01-12 06:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Boasting of “a distance for everyone,” this event has sprint, Olympic and 70.3 triathlons. It’s a USA Triathlon-sanctioned event. Click here for the schedule.

Hermitage Sunsets at Nathan Benderson Park
2025-01-09 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
This is the first installment of three programs scheduled. These outdoor events are one part of many “Hermitage North” programs, series, and collaborations planned throughout the season, spanning Sarasota County and the surrounding region. The programs feature industry-leading and award-winning playwrights, visual artists, musicians, poets, choreographers, and more — all free to the members of our community.
Confirmed 2024-25 dates for this season of “Hermitage Sunsets @ Nathan Benderson Park” include:
· Thursday, Jan 9, 2025, at 5pm
· Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6:30pm

NBP Winter Recess Camp
2024-12-30 07:00 - 2025-01-03 17:30 (America/New_York)
ALL AROUND NBP CAMP – AGES 6-13

Dive into a world of water sports including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. This camp focuses on water safety, wildlife education, and hands-on learning. Campers will receive on-land instruction and personal flotation devices for all water activities.
Camp runs 8:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off at 7am is available for an additional fee. Pick up is 4:00-5:30pm. Space is limited. Register now!

NBP December Holiday Camp
2024-12-23 07:00 - 2024-12-27 17:30 (America/New_York)
