• NBP Veterans New Paddler Day

    Regatta Island 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, United States

    If you're a military veteran, whether abled, disabled or wounded, there's room for you on the NBP Veterans paddling team — so fall in and get in sync with us! Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Guardians and Coast Guardsmen alike, come try out paddling and contemplate being part of a team.   Cost: Try your first session for FREE! Learn about Nathan Benderson Park's world-class paddling program for veterans   Location: Meet us on Regatta Island, down near the boat storage area/launch docks.   You'll start with on-land training, proper fit of a personal flotation device and paddle, and then get an on-the-water orientation.   Reserve your spot today!

    FREE
  • Sarasota Half Marathon & 5k

    Join in on all the excitement at the Sarasota Half Marathon and 5k at Nathan Benderson Park. The scenic course takes runners through and around the University Town Center area with nearly constant water views.   National Anthem and Pre-Race Instructions start at 6:50 a.m.  Both races start at 7 a.m.

  • Weather Date Change – Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K

    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. Parking is $10 per car.  

  • Alpha Win Triathlon

    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.  

  • **Date change** – Learn to Outrigger Canoe

    Learn the Outrigger Canoe Learn all the basics of this unique sport and techniques to help you perform to your fullest! This sport is a great full body workout, as well as a ton of fun! Sign up for our 5-hour course, divided into 3 sessions: (See new dates below that were changed due to inclement weather) Friday, Jan. 12 from 6-7pm via zoom Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10am-12pm Sunday, Jan. 14 from 10am-12pm Cost: $150  To register, click here History of the Outrigger Canoe: Outrigger canoe racing evolved as a natural extension of the peoples of Oceania’s use of these amazing craft for their everyday survival in fishing the oceans and in traveling between island groups, culminating in epic journeys of up to and over 3000 miles. These people journeyed in double hulled voyaging canoes which still exist today. Canoe racing became an important part of island life, as much pride and prestige was placed on victory. During the European occupation of many of the islands, specifically in Hawaii in 1820, canoe racing was effectively banned and paddles were replaced with bibles. Later in 1876 King David Kalakaua reinstated the sport. By 1908 the first two outrigger canoe clubs […]

  • Big Bounce America

    Big Bounce America is 25,000 square feet of crazy inflatable fun & action-packed entertainment for all ages. Learn more and purchase tickets on their website: https://thebigbounceamerica.com/event/sarasota/

  • Matt Abel Speed Fiesta

    Hosted by Florida Scholastic Rowing Association. For full details and to register, please visit their event website  

  • Blood Drive

    January is blood donor month!  Join us at our Blood Drive on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9am-2pm. One Blood will here and will thank donors for saving lives  with eGift Cards and special One Blood gift rewards for their donations. No need to register in advance - just show up and they will take care of the rest!

  • Hermitage Sunsets at Nathan Benderson Park

    This is the second 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.  “Hermitage Sunsets @ Nathan Benderson Park: Theater on the Lake” showcases the talents of Hermitage Fellows Terry Guest and James Anthony Tyler. These two talents split the bill to share some of their latest work and discuss the creative process as the sun goes down over the lake.  Admission is free, but registration is required ($5/person) at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Confirmed 2024 dates for this first official season of “Hermitage Sunsets @ Nathan Benderson Park” include: ·      Friday, February 2, 2024, at 5pm ·      Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 6:30pm

  • RoboNation

    Watch the 2024 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! 

  • Bridge A Life Superhero 5K

    The 13th 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.