| Living on an arts and cultural coast has its advantages. The New College campus can be tons of fun, but it’s nice to get out and take advantage of all that Sarasota and Bradenton have to offer. Check out what’s happening at one of the many performing arts venues in town. There’s a thriving visual arts scene here, as well as numerous history, science and nature attractions. There are plenty of fairs and festivals to keep you busy, or if you just want to stroll the Saturday Farmers Market or kick back and relax, spend a day at one of Sarasota’s world-famous beaches. Many of the area’s cultural attractions offer student discounts, and New College students ride the bus for free with their ID, so there are no excuses not to experience Sarasota! Beautiful Beaches Siesta Key Beach, named America's #1 beach and known for its powdery white sand, has volleyball nets, tennis courts and picnic area. Every Sunday at sunset there’s a drum circle. Siesta Village offers restaurants and nightlife. Turtle Beach, on the southern end of the island, is quieter with coarser sand and beach dunes. Or head up north to Anna Maria Island for a change of scenery. There are many restaurants and funky shops along the beautiful beaches. Check out the island’s annual Bayfest, too. Performing Arts & Entertainment Visual Arts History, Science & Nature Fairs & Festivals Ringling International Arts Festival (October): Organized by the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York, the Ringling International Arts Festival brings cutting-edge dance, music and theater performances to Sarasota. Sarasota Chalk Festival (October): The 500-year old European performance art tradition comes to Sarasota as artists paint the streets of Historic Burns Square. Sarasota Medieval Fair (November): The Sarasota Medieval Fair takes place over two weekends in November and features jousts, shows, human chess tournaments, rides, games and Celtic music as well as an artisan marketplace with more than 100 shops, food and snack booths. Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpture Contest (November): Sculptors from around the country create masterpieces out of Siesta Key sand to benefit Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program. Atomic Holiday Bazaar (December): Shop for unique handmade gifts at Sarasota’s original indie crafts show. Greek Glendi (February): The annual Greek Glendi offers authentic Greek food, dancing, live bands, a Greek marketplace and raffle prizes. La Musica (April): La Musica brings outstanding European and American chamber musicians together in Sarasota to present exciting programs of familiar and seldom-heard chamber music. Festival includes open rehearsals, pre-concert lectures, youth activities and five concerts performed at the historic Sarasota Opera House. Sarasota Film Festival (April): The Sarasota Film Festival is an international film festival offering film screenings, talks with filmmakers and various events. Local Event Calendars | ||
| Office of Student Affairs Phone: (941) 487-4250 | ||
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New College of Florida • 5800 Bay Shore Road • Sarasota, FL 34243 • (941) 487-5000