Nathan Benderson Park

Zumba
2025-07-05 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-08-02 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-08-09 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-09-06 08:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Finish Tower
Join Yael Campbell for a total workout set to Latin rhythms, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome. Located at the base of the finish tower. Pre-registration is required.

All Around NBP Summer Camp
2025-07-07 09:00 - 2025-07-11 16:00, 2025-07-21 09:00 - 2025-07-25 16:00, 2025-08-04 09:00 - 2025-08-08 16:00
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 9:00am-4:00pm. Choose a half day or full day option. Early drop-off at 8am is available for an additional fee. Space is limited. Register now!

Special Olympics - West Coast Region Stand Up Paddle Competition
2025-07-11 - 2025-07-12
Time: Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Saturday 7:00 AM – 2:00PM
Sports Contact: Danyelle Jones, danyellejones@sofl.org, 813-392-8107
Volunteer Contact: Savannah Rock, savannahrock@soff.org, 689-348-0332

All Around NBP Summer Camp
2025-07-14 09:00 - 2025-07-18 16:00, 2025-07-28 09:00 - 2025-08-01 16:00
ALL AROUND NBP
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 9:00am-4:00pm. Early drop-off at 8am is available for an additional fee. Space is limited. Register now!

Spirit of America (Boaters Safety Power Paddle)
2025-07-14 09:00 - 2025-07-18 17:00
THIS CAMP IS FOR CHILDREN AGED 10-14 ONLY AND WILL HAVE OFF-SITE VISITS

Spirit of America offers a unique, safe, comprehensive water-based educational and recreational program. The Spirit of America Foundation instills confidence and fosters the Spirit of teamwork in our nation’s youth. Our underlying goals include developing self-esteem while nurturing responsible behavior and positive, lifelong ambitions.
Spaces are very limited! Register now.

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!

Leadership Academy Presented by LWRBA
2025-08-15 08:30 - 12:30
Register now for the Leadership Academy, in partnership with Game On Nation and hosted at Nathan Benderson Park. This is a fun and interactive 6-week program, designed for leaders in the upper levels of the organization, as well as mid-level and emerging talent on a fast-track toward a leadership role. If you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, then this program is for you!

Leadership Academy begins August 15th and runs August 22, and September 5, 12, and 19 from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA 2025 STATE STAND UP PADDLE COMPETITION
2025-08-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235
Contact: BJ Mealy, 352-933-3720

New Paddler Day - Free & Open to All
2025-09-13 08:30 - 10:30
Join us for New Paddler Day – open to everyone. It’s FREE! Try out paddling with no strings attached — if you’re ages 11 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! See RSVP form below to register.

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Free Pilates Outdoor Mat Classes, hosted by Club Pilates
2025-09-18 09:00 - 10:00 | Playground and Event Pavilion
Pilates by the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park – Free!
Come join us for a relaxing Pilates session by the lake at Nathan Benderson Park! Take in the serene views of the water while getting a great workout in. This in-person event is perfect for all fitness levels, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Bring a mat, some water, and get ready to strengthen your core and improve your flexibility in this beautiful outdoor setting. Don’t miss out! Perfect for ages 15+. You can sign up in advance on eventbrite or just show up!
Join us on the following dates:

No Class in July or August
September 18

Centerstone Life;story 5K/10K
2025-09-20 08:00 - 12:00
Help spread the message that every life is valued and suicide may be prevented. There is more to every life; there is more to every story.
Centerstone’s 23rd Annual Life;Story 5K/10K Run and Walk for Suicide Prevention follows a scenic route around the lake and back. Learn more and register

2025 Suncoast Walk for Wishes
2025-10-04 08:00 - 11:00
2025 Suncoast Walk For Wishes
Contact: Emily Rickerson
(941) 378-9474 | erickerson@sfla.wish.org

Walk For Wishes® is a nationwide Make-A-Wish fundraiser that supports granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. It’s a family-friendly event powered by wish families, volunteers, companies, donors and friends. By joining this caring community of people at one of the many walks across the U.S., you will help ensure that no child waits even one unnecessary day to experience the hope and joy that a wish brings!!!!

Register. Sign up today and invite friends, family and colleagues to join your team.
Fundraise. Tell people why you are supporting Make-A-Wish and ask for their support. Make it personal to make it powerful.
Walk Day. See the Make-A-Wish mission come to life and celebrate your fundraising success.

5k Run & 1 Mile Walk for Mothers Helping Mothers
2025-10-05 08:00 - 12:00
Annual Community In Motion event, presented by LeLa V, a heartwarming 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk designed to bring our community together for a cause that touches us all: benefiting Mothers Helping Mothers. This event is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels – from competitive runners to families enjoying a leisurely stroll. Your participation raises vital funds that empower vulnerable families, providing them with essential resources, guidance, and a renewed sense of hope. Let’s make this inaugural event unforgettable and build a lasting tradition of compassion in our community!

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
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
