Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is promoting centennial celebrations across the region as a strategy to attract both visitors and residents in 2026. Several cities and cultural institutions in Sarasota County will reach their 100-year milestones, prompting VSC to highlight these anniversaries through digital content, mobile passes, and media outreach.
The organization has published detailed guides on its website for countywide centennial events and for the City of Venice’s own 100th anniversary. These guides offer information about special events, local history, and ways to support area businesses. Two new mobile experiences have been introduced: the Venice Centennial Pass, created with the City of Venice, serves as a guide to historic sites; while the Circus Legacy Trail highlights Sarasota’s circus heritage with tours and shows. Both passes are free and accessible without requiring users to download an app.
VSC considers these centennial stories an opportunity to strengthen Florida’s Cultural Coast brand and connect with larger national moments such as America’s upcoming 250th Anniversary.
“For tourism, centennials provide an invitation for visitors to be a meaningful, momentary part of our destination’s history – but for residents, they hold a more profound meaning in reminding us why we continue to love where we live,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “As we welcome 2026, we encourage you to embrace rediscovery as a hometown tourist yourself and connect with our shared history while supporting institutions that have drafted our reputation with visitors near and far and defined our quality of life for decades.”
Venice began its official centennial celebration in 2025. The festivities will continue through 2027 with various events including the unveiling of a bronze John Nolen statue on February 18, an exhibition at the Venice Museum throughout the year titled “Venice Turns 100!”, a community block party in March, and special activities during Independence Day weekend.
Several other notable institutions will also mark their centennials in 2026. The Sarasota Opera House plans a Centennial Open House in April along with concerts and additional programming reflecting on its legacy. Art Center Sarasota will celebrate its anniversary season by expanding exhibitions and educational programs as well as reviving the Beaux Arts Ball.
Other landmarks such as St. Armands Circle and the original Sarasota High School building—now housing the Sarasota Art Museum—are included among those being recognized during this period.
Residents can follow VSC’s social media channels for updates about ongoing celebrations or visit https://www.visitsarasota.com/blog/sarasota-countys-centennial-celebrations for more information about events and resources.
Visit Sarasota County serves as the official tourism marketing entity for Sarasota County. The organization collaborates with over 450 partners across local businesses while providing visitor information year-round.
