New Paddler Day – Open to All

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!

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER – Benderson Chase

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

This two-day 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!

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER – Oktoberfest – A Day of Oars & Pours at NBP

Come one, come all to the first ever Oktoberfest - A Day of Oars & Pours at NBP!  Enjoy authentic German food, music, dancing and of course, refreshing beers! Enjoy a BREW-TIFUL Day at Nathan Benderson Park. Catch the thrill of the Benderson Chase regatta on the lake while quenching your thirst on land. Admission is free. Parking is $20 per car.  Advanced parking passes are NOT required. Pay upon arrival. This is a family friendly event. Interested in being a food or service vendor at this event?  Contact our events coordinator, Jason Greenspan. 

Water Lantern Festival

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

Out Of The Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk

Regatta Island 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 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.

Florida Inline Skating Marathon

Nathan Benderson Park 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL

Florida Inline Skating Marathon: Whether you consider yourself a pro or just enjoy skating in your free time, the Florida Inline Skating Marathon welcomes skaters of all ages and skill levels! For more information and to register, visit Florida Inline Skating Marathon NOTE: There will be traffic changes around the park for this event.

Trick Or Treat On The Lake Presented by Oak & Stone

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

Join us for a spook-tacular evening of trick-or-treating fun the whole family will enjoy! Presented by Oak & Stone. 
Thank you to our Gold event sponsor, Alpha Law Group - a firm of caliber, virtue and values and silver sponsor, Meadows Dental Associates

Walk To End Alzheimers

Regatta Island 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 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.

Robot X Challenge 2024

Ahoy explorers! It's time to take maritime robotics and autonomy to the next level. Let us introduce you to the Maritime RobotX Challenge. The Maritime RobotX Challenge is an international competition designed to foster student interest in autonomous robotic systems operating in the maritime domain, with an emphasis on the science and engineering of cooperative autonomy. This competition facilitates the building of international relationships between students, academic institutions, and industry partners. Join us at NBP to watch these inventors put their creations into high gear on the water!

Tidewell Foundation Remembrance Walk 2024

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.

Santa’s 8th annual Grand Arrival Parade at UTC

The holiday season will officially kick off at University Town Center on Saturday, November 9th 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.