Rent The Keys Blog

The Cape’s biggest night of the summer is back. Red, White & BOOM! returns to Bernice Braden Park on Saturday, July 4, 2026 for an all-evening, all-free Independence Day celebration — culminating in what’s regularly billed as the largest fireworks show on Florida’s southwest coast. If you’ve ever wondered why locals start asking about beach-house bookings the moment April rolls around, this is one of the reasons. Plant yourself in...

Every year, the Venice Symphony turns Memorial Day weekend into the kind of event that ends up in your photo album for years. Star Spangled Spectacular: A Patriotic Pops Concert returns to CoolToday Park on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and it remains one of our absolute favorite ways to kick off summer on the Gulf Coast. If you came to last year’s “Salute to the Greatest Generation,” you know the...

Plenty of people fly into Sarasota for the beach. Some come for the music. And once a year, a different crowd shows up — capes packed, foam swords stowed in checked bags — for SiestaCon, Sarasota’s homegrown comic book and pop culture convention. SiestaCon 2026 lands at Robarts Arena on Saturday, May 9, and if you’ve got kids in the comics-and-cosplay age range (roughly 6 to 16, but really, ageless),...

If you’ve spent any time in downtown Sarasota on a Saturday night in early May, you already know the secret: the streets close, the string lights come on, and what looks like a quiet stretch of Main Street turns into one of the best block parties on the Gulf Coast. Rock De Mayo is back on Saturday, May 5, 2026, and it’s absolutely worth building a long weekend around. What...

An Unforgettable Day of Racing, Culture, and Community Spirit Mark your calendars — the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival is returning to the breathtaking Nathan Benderson Park on Saturday, April 18, 2026! This premier paddling event is one of the most exciting outdoor festivals on Florida’s Gulf Coast, drawing competitive athletes, recreational paddlers, families, and spectators from across the country for a full day of high-energy racing, cultural celebration, and...

A World-Class Art Experience Right on the Gulf Coast If you’re looking for the perfect reason to visit Sarasota this spring, look no further than the St. Armands Fine Art Festival, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, May 23–24, 2026, at the iconic St. Armands Circle Park, 434 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL. Running from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days, this beloved outdoor art festival transforms one of...

Rainy Day Indoor Fun Around Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota & Tampa Florida’s Gulf Coast may be famed for sunshine, but a little rain doesn’t have to dampen your vacation! Our area offers plenty of indoor activities to keep families, couples, and seniors entertained on a soggy day. Below we’ve organized the best rainy-day attractions by location – from Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island to Sarasota, Bradenton, and...

Bradenton Marauders Under the Sea Night: Dive into Fun! Experience a splash of fun at the Bradenton Marauders Under the Sea Night on August 22, 2025. Held at the iconic LECOM Park in Bradenton, this event promises an ocean of excitement for baseball and sea life enthusiasts alike. With gates opening at 5:30 PM and the first pitch at 6:30 PM, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Check...

Join the Excitement at ‘Party with Marty’ in Bradenton Get ready for an unforgettable day full of lively entertainment and community spirit at the ‘Party with Marty’ event! Hosted by the Bradenton Marauders, this annual celebration promises a mix of fun, laughter, and baseball magic for fans of all ages. This spectacular event is centered around Marty the Marauder, the beloved mascot of the Bradenton Marauders. Marty will be there...

Discover ‘Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old’ in Sarasota Get ready to experience a mesmerizing art exhibition as the renowned visual artist Chris Friday presents ‘Where We Never Grow Old’ in Sarasota. This captivating event will take you on a journey through innovative artwork, exploring themes of nostalgia and timelessness, blending the past with contemporary cultural critiques. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts in the Sarasota and Bradenton area....