Youth & Adult Rowing Classes with Sarasota Crew
2025-08-04 - 2027-08-04 | Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235, United States
Empowering Lives. One Rower At A Time.
More than a simple slogan, it is the reason Sarasota Crew was created in 2002, why we have grown into one of the largest rowing programs in the country and why we succeed in not only producing national championships, but making a positive difference with every rower we encounter. Rowers from all walks of life come to us, not because we focus on the importance of winning like other organizations, but because we create a healthy environment – socially, physically, emotionally – and teach the proper skill set to empower every rower to conquer the next challenge in their life.
Whether you are a seasoned youth or adult rower, or a novice, Sarasota Crew has a program to fit your needs, interest, and skill level.
Click here to learn more about our programs at NBP and register today!

Benderson Chase + Oktoberfest: A Day of Oars & Pours
2025-10-10 - 2025-10-12 | Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235, United States
Benderson Chase & Oktoberfest
This rowing extravaganza is one of the largest fall rowing regattas in the state, attracting hundreds of spectators and bringing together over 1,100 athletes to battle for gold and glory!
We are pleased to partner with Sarasota Crew on this event. Races will be offered in under-15, under-17, under-19, under-23, Open, and Masters (A-K), all in sweeping and sculling. Athletes ages 13-75 will be participating in 97 race events. Benderson Chase races will take place:

October 10: 9:15am – 3:30pm
October 11: 8:30am – 1:45pm

Calling all thrill-seekers, family fun enthusiasts, and food aficionados! Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart-pounding excitement of the Benderson Chase, Florida’s largest and most electrifying regatta.
Saturday, October 10 – Oktoberfest: A Day of Oars & Pours
Come one, come all for a BREW-tiful fall day at Nathan Benderson Park. Catch the action of the Benderson Chase, a rowing and paddling extravaganza around Regatta Island while enjoying cold beer, food, games, live music & more!
As the athletes battle for glory on the water, Regatta Island will transform into a vibrant hub of festivities, where you can indulge in a delightful array of culinary delights, explore our bustling vendor village, and engage in a variety of games, music and activities that will keep the whole family entertained.
Bring family and friends out to kick off the fall season at the first Sarasota Oktoberfest, presented by Nathan Benderson Park & Sarasota Crew. Advanced parking passes are NOT required. Pay upon arrival. This is a family-friendly event.
Whether you’re cheering on the rowing champions or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, the Benderson Chase promises an unforgettable day of excitement, adventure, and family fun. So, mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by the thrill of the chase!
Registration opens soon on Regatta Central!
Interested in hosting a Vendor Village booth? Click here to apply!

Register

Volunteer

Book Your Hotel

2025 USDBF Club Crew National Championships
2025-10-16 08:00 - 2025-10-19 17:00 (America/New_York)
More than 100 teams from around the nation will be competing at Nathan Benderson Park for a place in the 2025 IDBF Club Crew National Championships! Don’t miss this unforgettable event Oct. 16-19, filled with thrilling dragon boat racing and fierce competition. Mark your calendars and be part of the action! For more event information, visit: https://www.usdbf.org/club-crew/2025-ccnc/

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
2025-10-25 07:00 - 13:00 | Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235, United States
This annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society returns to NBP, bringing thousands of supporters for a 5K walk around the park and related ceremonies and activities. Learn more and sign up today!

Water Lantern Festival
2025-10-25 16:00 - 20:00
While they’re called many things such as lantern festivals, lights festivals, floating lanterns, water fest, or Chinese lanterns – only Water Lantern Festival allows you to Light The Water in a way you’ll never forget. Experience the magic of thousands of lanterns as the soft lights reflect upon the water. Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience.
Gates open at 4 p.m., with launch from 7-8 p.m. Design your own lantern, and send your own well wishes aglow across the lake. Food trucks will be on-site, along with music and fun. For more details, visit Water Lantern Festival Info

Trick Or Treat On The Lake, Presented By Alpha Law Group
2025-10-28 17:30 - 20:00 | Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235, United States
Join NBP & Sarasota County for a spook-tacular evening of trick-or-treating fun the whole family will enjoy!
Thank you to our Presenting event sponsor, Alpha Law Group – a firm of caliber, virtue and values.

We are pleased to welcome this year’s Silver event sponsors:
Sprinkles Sarasota! Sprinkles Sarasota’s diverse menu offers cupcakes, mini cupcakes, brownies, cookies, gluten-free options & more!

Taylor Morrison: Taylor Morrison is a prominent homebuilder and developer serving various homebuyer segments across 20 markets in the US. The company offers homes under different brands, including Taylor Morrison and Esplanade, and is known for its commitment to quality, customer service, and sustainability. They have been recognized as America’s Most Trusted® Builder from 2016-2025 and work to incorporate eco-friendly features and third-party certifications into their homes

Get into the spirit by enjoying Halloween favorites for the entire family by the lake on Regatta Island. Come dressed in your spookiest, silliest, star-studded costumes for an evening of trick-or-treating along a candy trail of over 50 themed booths, decorated by local businesses and community organizations

CLICK HERE for Event Sponsorship Opportunities
CLICK HERE to host a candy trail booth ($100 for businesses, $50 for nonprofits)

This family-friendly event is FREE and features:

Free parking, courtesy of Sarasota County, Parks & Recreation.
A haunted trail & bounce houses
Special appearances by the real, one and only, The Grinch (See Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical! performances at the Van Wezel, Nov. 14-16.)
Live music & dance performances
Pumpkin scavenger hunt for prizes
Spooky photo op & selfie station
Free Grinch Cupcake Voucher from Sprinkles!

Become an Event Sponsor

Sign Up For a Candy Trail Booth

Tidewell Foundation Remembrance Walk 2025
2025-11-01 08:00 - 12:00
Celebrate the memory of a loved one and help support the many free services the Tidewell Foundation funds at the second annual Remembrance Walk presented by Acrisure. Music, fundraising awards, a Full Life Fair, opportunities to honor the memory of someone special, and more! Registration is at 8am, walk begins at 9am.
The Remembrance Walk will feature opening ceremonies, turnarounds at any point along the 3-mile route for those who prefer a shorter distance, an awards ceremony for top fundraisers, food trucks and refreshments, and a Full Life Fair where participants can learn about Tidewell Hospice and Empath Health’s wide range of services. The Tidewell Foundation, Inc. is an independent charitable foundation established to ensure perpetual philanthropic support to Tidewell Hospice and portions of Empath Health’s family of companies. For 40 years, Tidewell Hospice has made a profound impact on the lives of thousands of patients and families across southwest Florida. A not-for-profit hospice, Tidewell’s mission is to provide care for all – even those without insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other sources of payment.

Daylight Savings Time in Effect - Park Closes at 6pm
2025-11-03 06:00 - 18:00
Park hours change due to Daylight Savings – Park will close at 6pm beginning today – March 8, 2026. Park hours daily will be 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Florida Inline Skating Marathon
2025-11-08 06:30 - 16:00 | Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235
Skaters from around the world are gearing up for this high-octane event showcasing the finest inline speedskating.
For more information and to register, visit Florida Inline Skating Marathon
NOTE: There will be traffic changes around the park for this event.

Santa's 9th Annual Grand Arrival Parade at UTC
2025-11-08 18:00 - 21:00
The holiday season will officially kick off at University Town Center on Saturday, November 8th with UTC’s annual Santa’s Grand Arrival parade down N Cattlemen Rd. Local schools, clubs and businesses are invited to join Santa Claus for a merry celebration that will feature a spectacular light show, a dazzling fireworks display, live entertainment and more!
Nathan Benderson Park will be participating. Join us for the all the holiday magic! Stop by to check out the parade and see our float.

Out Of The Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk
2025-11-09 08:00 - 12:00 | Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235, United States
Community walk for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to raise money for research, education, advocacy and support for those impacted by suicide. Benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The Community Walks, held in hundreds of communities across the country, are the core of the Out of the Darkness movement, which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost.

NBP Volunteer Appreciation Party
2025-11-12 17:30 - 19:30
Nathan Benderson Park’s annual recognition for exceptional volunteer service and commitment to the park. Invitation only.
Location: Gold Coast Eagle, 7051 Wireless Ct, Sarasota, FL 34240
If you have any questions or to RSVP, please email our Volunteer Coordinator, Renee Chacon. RSVP BY October 15

Walk To End Alzheimers
2025-11-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235, United States
Across the nation, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is full of flowers, each carried by someone committed to ending this disease. Because like flowers, our participants don’t stop when something’s in their way. They keep raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Event begins at 8 a.m. and walk begins at 9 a.m.

Ride the Dragon - A Breast Cancer Survivor Wellness Event
2025-11-22 08:00 - 13:00
Join us from 8am-1pm to learn about the benefits of paddling in a dragon boat. Enjoy a morning of information speakers and fellowship then suit up to paddle on a dragon boat!
Are you a Breast Cancer Survivor? Find resources and support within our “Survivors In Sync” Sisterhood. We offer health and wellness information, personal stories and advocacy for those surviving a breast cancer diagnosis.

Florida Turkey Trot
2025-11-27 07:15 - 11:00
Join nearly 4,000 of your closest friends Thanksgiving morning for the annual Florida Turkey Trot, Presented By Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
The 5K run/walk begins at 8 a.m., with the Kids Dash at 7:15 a.m.
This event brings runners, joggers and walkers from across the Suncoast and beyond for what’s become a new Thanksgiving tradition. All participants receive a finisher medal and race shirt, as well as food and drink at the after-race party.
This event is a partnership of Fit2Run, The Runners Superstore, and the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, and benefits the Conservancy and the Big Bill Foundation. The Big Bill Foundation is named for former NBP Conservancy board chairman and legendary area businessman Bill Robinson, who began Fit2Run with his son, Parks.

REGISTER

BE A SPONSOR

Gobble Gauntlet
2025-11-29 08:00 - 12:00 | Finish Tower
With three challenge laps, 1,026 stairs to climb, weights to carry, and a Thanksgiving dinner to burn off, Camp Gladiator Sarasota‘s Gobble Gauntlet is a great way to work off the holiday!
Registration link with more information coming soon!

Camp Gladiator
2025-12-01 - 2026-12-01
Adult outdoor group fitness, led by certified personal trainers to provide a dynamic & challenging workout for all levels. Offered on M, W, F. Classes at:
Mondays: 5:15am, 9:30am, 6:15pm
Wednesdays: 5:15am, 9:30am, 6:15pm
Fridays: 5:15am, 9:30am

For more info & To Register

Specials

Hermitage Sunsets at Nathan Benderson Park
2025-12-03 17:00 - 18:00
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.

Plant High Winter Sprints
2025-12-06 08:00 - 17:00
The Plant High Winter Sprints is a youth rowing regatta held annually. It’s a one-day sprint race, with high school rowers competing in various boat classes on a 1500-meter course. The event attracts teams from across the region
More details coming soon

Bound for Boston Marathon & Half Marathon Qualifier Event
2025-12-07 06:30 - 13:00
Have you been dreaming of running the Boston Marathon? Need to shave a few minutes off your time to qualify? Looking for the perfect course to set a PR? Regardless, if you want to run Boston or not, THIS is the event for you! We’re racing around The Meadows in Sarasota, FL, and the course is a 1-mile super flat & super fast loop! Both the Full Marathon & Half Marathon are USATF certified. The Full Marathon is a Boston Qualifier.

VOTE NBP - Festival of Trees at UTC
2025-12-10 08:00 - 2025-12-18 17:00 | UTC – 257 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL, USA, 257 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL, 34235
The 6th Annual Festival of Trees at UTC has begun! The staff at Nathan Benderson Park have meticulously and thoughtfully decorated our tree with elements of nature and colorful blue and brown accents that will be sure to warm your heart this holiday season!
Votes and silent auction bids will be collected through an online platform, called GiveSmart. One of the biggest advantages is that you can vote and bid anytime, from anywhere. You will also receive text messages with reminders and updates on your bid item(s).
To access the event site, go to https://utctrees.givesmart.com or text UTCTREES to 76278. Make sure to vote for tree #127. Love this tree so much and want to take it home? In addition to voting our tree as your favorite, you can bid on purchasing the tree. To place your bid, choose our tree at #126. Bids start at $150 and money raised will go to support Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy.
Thank you for your participation and support! Wishing you a very Happy Holiday!

2025 CSCAA Open Water National Championship
2025-12-13
The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is excited to announce that the 2025 CSCAA Open Water National Championship will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the world-class Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. USA Swimming has once again designated this event as an approved qualifying event. The top five finishers for each gender earn invites to the USA Swimming 5K Open Water Championships.
The move to Sarasota marks an exciting new chapter for the championship, which began in Kansas thanks to the vision of Clark Campbell and has most recently been hosted by Florida International University (FIU). The CSCAA extends its sincere gratitude to Randy Horner and the entire FIU team for their years of exceptional support and hospitality at the Biscayne Bay Campus the last few years.
This year, the event will be hosted in partnership with Visit Sarasota, whose enthusiasm and commitment to making this event a success have been tremendous. Nathan Benderson Park, a premier open water venue, offers an ideal setting for student-athletes and fans to experience top-tier competition in a beautiful, vibrant community. From first-rate racing facilities to exciting local attractions and hotel options, Sarasota is a perfect backdrop for this national championship.
As in previous years, the championship is open to all CSCAA member institutions, and participation details—including registration information and hotel accommodations—will be shared on the CSCAA website in the coming weeks. Teams are encouraged to begin planning now and mark their calendars for this can’t-miss event.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase collegiate open water swimming in one of the nation’s best venues,” said CSCAA Executive Director Samantha Barany. “We’re thrilled to bring this championship to Sarasota and are grateful for our partners at Visit Sarasota for helping make it possible.”
Start training, spread the word, and get ready for the 2025 CSCAA Open Water National Championship in Sarasota!
About CSCAA:
Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) – the first organization of college coaches in America -is a professional organization of college swimming and diving coaches dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming & diving at the collegiate level. With a mission to protect, preserve and expand college swimming and diving opportunities, the CSCAA provides valuable resources, educational opportunities, and leadership development to its members, fostering a thriving and competitive collegiate swimming and diving community.

Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K
2025-12-13 18:00 - 20:00
This fun, family-friendly festive event features dozens of Christmas decorations at the start and finish line and music that creates an atmosphere that will get your Christmas season started off right! This professionally chip-timed night glow run will be a memorable experience like no other. Athletes run or walk the lakeside Christmas themed course at night. Athletes add to the atmosphere with their complimentary glow products that are included with registration. Spectators will enjoy free live runner tracking with the ​Elite Events Tracker App. …and YES, there is 100% chance of pretty snowfall at the finish!​
National anthem and pre-race instructions are at 5:50 p.m., and the race begins at 6 p.m. .

Sarasota Half Marathon & 5K
2025-12-14 07:00 - 11:00
Sign up for the Sarasota Half Marathon & 5k run in Sarasota, Florida at Nathan Benderson Park and experience one of the most picturesque and challenging runs in the state. The course takes you through the beautiful Nathan Benderson Park, an award-winning park that features a 400-acre lake, and a world-class rowing facility. You’ll finish in front of the iconic scoring tower. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event has something to offer for everyone with both Half marathon and 5k options.

National Anthem and Pre-Race Instructions start at 6:50 a.m. Both races start at 7 a.m.

The Market at NBP - Every Tuesday, 9am-2pm
2025-12-16 09:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-23 09:00 - 14:00, 2025-12-30 09:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-06 09:00 - 14:00
Check out the latest and greatest weekly market in the area – The Market at NBP
Eat, Drink, and Shop with us at this brand new, mid-week market conveniently located right at Nathan Benderson Park in our drop-off loop! This is a community market featuring over 30 local artists, small businesses, coffee and infused drinks, produce, fresh baked good, gluten-free options, and crafters from all walks of life.

In addition, there will be food trucks, live music and themed events.

Interested in being a vendor? Contact My Promotions to sign up.

NBP Winter Recess Adventure Camp - Ages 6 - 13
2025-12-22 08:00 - 2025-12-26 17:00
Make a Splash this winter at Nathan Benderson Park with full and half-day Water Adventure Camps, ages 6–13!
These camps are packed with fun activities on and off the water, designed to build skills, confidence, and water safety knowledge in a supportive, adventurous environment.

Highlights include:-Kayaking and paddleboarding-Team games and outdoor challenges
Don’t miss out, spots fill quickly! Register today and give your child an unforgettable experience.

Other camp dates:
Winter Break: 12/29-12/31 & 1/2Spring Break: 3/16 – 3/20

NBP Winter Recess Adventure Camp
2025-12-29 08:00 - 2026-01-02 17:00
Make a Splash this winter at Nathan Benderson Park with full and half-day Water Adventure Camps, ages 6–13!
These camps are packed with fun activities on and off the water, designed to build skills, confidence, and water safety knowledge in a supportive, adventurous environment.

Highlights include:-Kayaking and paddleboarding-Team games and outdoor challenges
Don’t miss out, spots fill quickly! Register today and give your child an unforgettable experience.

Other camp dates: Spring Break: 3/16 – 3/20
