Nathan Benderson Park

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!

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!

American Youth Cup I Regatta
2025-02-14 08:00 - 2025-02-15 17:00, 2025-02-15 08:00 - 2025-02-16 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

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.

Learn to Row with Sarasota Crew
2025-03-02 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

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!

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

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.

March Learn to Row Classes with Sarasota Crew
2025-03-11 06:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-13 06:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-18 06:30 - 08:30, 2025-03-20 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 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.

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.

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

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.

Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Assn. Championships/Sunshine State Invitational (FIRA)
2025-03-28 08:00 - 2025-03-30 17:00 UTC
Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Assn. Championships/Sunshine State Invitational: March 28-30. More info coming soon!

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

My Hometown Fest
2025-03-29 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Each year, My Hometown Fest draws thousands of people from Florida’s Suncoast for a day of fun featuring food from dozens of area restaurants, craft beer samples from around the country, and live music from the region’s best bands. The event features plenty of family friendly activities as well.
To purchase your tickets, please visit https://myhometownfest.com/

Walk to End Summer Hunger
2025-03-30 08:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join All Faiths Food Bank to kick off the 2025 Campaign Against Summer Hunger with a walk around Nathan Benderson Park. The walk will mark the start of a six-week-long campaign to raise funds to feed children at risk of hunger over the summer. Register today!

USA Swimming Open Water Nationals & Juniors
2025-04-04 - 2025-04-06
Watch the best open water national and junior national swimmers take the waters of Nathan Benderson Park as they swim for the national championship titles in various distances.
Click here for Schedules & Maps for the event.

FSRA West Districts
2025-04-05 - 2025-04-06
Hosted by Florida Scholastic Rowing Association & Sarasota Crew. To learn more and register, please visit their events page

Florida Scholastic Rowing Assn. Sculling Championships
2025-04-12 08:00 - 2025-04-13 17:00 UTC
Florida Scholastic Rowing Assn. Sculling: April 12-13. Watch as thousands of youth compete in the sculling championships.
For specific details and the most up to date info during the event, please visit: www.nathanbendersonpark.org/event-information or scan the QR code posted around the park.
Can’t make it to Nathan Benderson Park? No Problem! Watch FSRA Sculling Championships LIVE STREAM on RHStv at www.rhstv.com
Available to download FREE on Roku, Amazon Fire, AppleTV, Samsung, LG, mobile devices and www.rhstv.com.
Immerse yourself in the action with our LIVE CHAT available during the event; accessible on mobile devices for you to cheer on YOUR team and send shoutouts! 📣
After our live broadcast ends, the event will be available Video on Demand. Watch anywhere, any time!
Follow @watchrhstv and share your favorite highlights with us! #FSRASarasota

B1G Ten Women's Rowing Invitational Regatta
2025-04-18 08:00 - 2025-04-19 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join us to cheer for B1G 10 and collegiate rowers as they race along our world-class course.
Big Ten Invites:
Big Ten
1. Washington
2. Michigan
3. Ohio State
4. Rutgers
5. Indiana
6. USC
7. UCLA
8. Minnesota
9. Wisconsin
10. Michigan State
11. Iowa
Guest
1. Tennessee
2. Brown
3. Penn
4. Duke
5. Oregon State
6. Alabama
7. Notre Dame
8. Harvard/Radcliffe
9. Miami
10. SMU
11. Oklahoma
12. Clemson

Sunshine State Conference Rowing Championships (NCAA Div. II women)
2025-04-25
The 2025 Sunshine State Conference Women’s Rowing Championship will be hosted by Embry-Riddle at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota on Friday, April 25th. This year marks the 12th consecutive SSC Rowing championship at Nathan Benderson Park.
NCAA Postseason: The NCAA Regatta will be held at Lake Mercer in West Windsor, New Jersey from May 30th to May 31st. Qualifiers for the regatta will be announced by the NCAA on Monday, May 19th.
2023-24 SSC Champion: Embry-Riddle
2023-24 SSC V8 Champion: Embry-Riddle
2023-24 SSC V4 Champion: Tampa

Florida Scholastic Rowing Assn. Sweeps Championships
2025-04-26 08:00 - 2025-04-27 17:00 UTC
Florida Scholastic Rowing Assn. Championships: April 26-27
Watch thousands of youth compete on the water at the Sweeps Championship. Catch the free livestream all weekend on RHSTV at www.rhstv.com or download the app.
For the most up-to-date information during the event, visit www.nathanbendersonpark.org/event-information or scan the QR code posted around the park.

SUP & Run 5K
2025-05-03 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Three great races, world-class venue, awesome shirts, custom 4″ finisher medals, CHALLENGE coins, great prizes, spectacular post-race party and more!
The 10th Annual SUP & RUN 5K event will be held at Nathan Benderson Park to benefit RUCK9 (www.RUCK9.com) with partial proceeds going to Operation Second Chance (www.OperationSecondChance/com).
The SUP & RUN 5K gives athletes three great races in one to choose from.

5K RUN
5K Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) OR
5K SUP & 5K RUN
(There is a start line mat (chip) for the combination SUP & RUN)

Athletes participating in the combination SUP & RUN will run the 5K first and then hop on their paddle board for a 5K paddle around Nathan Benderson Park. The SUP & RUN 5K draws top runners and SUP’ers who compete for cash prizes but it’s our not-so-serious athletes who have the most prominent place in the event.

Athletes participating in the SUP portion of the race MUST know how to swim. If you are not able to swim, you may not participate in the SUP portion.

The SUP & RUN 5K is a family style event.

WALKERS ARE WELCOME and encouraged to attend.

Why choose the SUP & RUN 5K?

Every finisher receives a custom finisher medal.
The race shirts are AMAZING!
AWARDS GO 6 DEEP IN EACH 5 YEAR AGE GROUP!
SWAG, to quote a participant, “this race SWAG is truly head and shoulders above most races“
The food & post-race celebration party is FUN! FUN!
Whoa! There is a beer garden, a SIP & RUM station and AMAZING VENDORS where you can buy really cool stuff AND
The Athletes, Vendors, Sponsors, and Spectators: ALL CELEBRATING OUR Uniquely Created Canines and our VETERANS!

RACE DAY/TIME
Saturday, May 3, 2025
All Races Start at 8 AM sharp!
If renting a paddleboard, please arrive by 7 AM to secure your board & paddle.
2025 Packet Pick-Up Times, Dates and Locations
Wednesday, April 30th | 4PM – 7PM | Fleet Feet Sarasota | 711 S. Osprey Avenue, Sarasota (34236)
Thursday, May 1st | 4PM – 7PM | Big Top Brewing Company | 3045 Fruitville Commons Blvd. (Cooper’s Hawk Plaza) Sarasota (34240)
Friday, May 2nd | 4PM – 7PM | Nathan Benderson Park (at the Finishing Tower) | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle (34235)
Need more reasons? Visit our Facebook page for regular updates: SUP & RUN 5K or our website: www.SUPandRUN.org
