Sarasota and Manatee New Year’s Eve 2016: Fireworks, Events Ring In 2017

SARASOTA, FL – From family-friendly to sophisticated, there are plenty of activities across Sarasota and Manatee counties for revelers to welcome 2017 on New Year’s Eve.

Whether it’s an all-day affair or a family-friendly event that ends before midnight, there’s plenty to do to celebrate the end of 2016.

Here’s a list of events for residents and out-of-town guests looking to say goodbye to 2016 and hello to 2017 in Sarasota and Manatee counties:

Sarasota County

2016 Sarasota Pineapple Drop – In one of the largest celebrations in the Tampa Bay area, downtown Sarasota will turn into a huge block party during the annual Pineapple Drop, set to begin around 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 and ending around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1. The event features live music, games, rides, attractions and other entertainment. A lighted pineapple will drop to mark the arrival of 2017. Click here for more information about the Sarasota Pineapple Drop.

Starlight and Fire Family New Year’s Eve Party – Historic Spanish Point will host its Starlight and Fire Family New Year’s Eve Party at White Cottage on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. The event features snow falling on the white cottage, bonfires, marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate, crafts for children and more. Live music will be provided by Sean Phillips. Tickets are $8 and $4 for children 12 and younger for members and $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger for non-members. Historic Spanish Point is located at 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. For more information, visit http://www.historicspanishpoint.org/.

New Year’s Eve at Selby Gardens – For those looking for a high-class way to ring in the New Year, The Walsh Family will host New Year’s Eve at Selby Gardens on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. This black-tie event features a private ride through the holiday lights displays, a seated dinner and dancing at Michael’s On the Bay at Selby Gardens, a special performance by the Sarasota Ballet and fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay. Selby Gardens is located at 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota.

All-inclusive tickets are $250 per person. Advance registration is required at http://selby.org/events/event/new-years-eve-selby-gardens/.

New Year’s Eve at the Speakeasy – The Crosley Estate will host its annual New Year’s Eve at the Speakeasy on Saturday, Dec. 31. Tickets to the dinner party have already sold out, but tickets still remain for the After Party, which runs from 9:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. The After Party features card games and music. All guests will be given a speakeasy password to enter the estate, which is located at 8374 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Ticket are $38 and pre-registration is required at http://www.crosleysupperclub.com/home.html.

Manatee County

Main Street Live – Downtown Bradenton will come alive with music to ring in the New Year during Main Street Live, the New Year’s Eve 2016 Celebration, on Saturday, Dec. 31. Live music will take place throughout the evening on Old Main Street between Manatee and Third avenues. Normal street traffic closes at 3:30 p.m. and the event begins at 5 with the party going until midnight. The Dram will take the stage at 6 p.m. opening for the headliners Have Gun, Will Travel, who will take the stage at 10 p.m. There will also be food, beverage and arts and crafts vendors.

Main Street Live features free admission but patrons must be at least 21 to enter the bars.

Riverhouse Waterfront New Year’s Eve Bash – The annual Riverhouse Reef & Grill New Year’s Eve Bash will take place Saturday, Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1. The event features an all-you-can-eat buffet, party favors, a live DJ, dancing, plus a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. New this year will be prizes for the best dressed attendees. The Riverhouse Reef & Grill is located at 995 Riverside Drive in Palmetto. Call (941) 729-0616 to make reservations.

The Shack’s Best Shuckin’ NYE Party Ever – The Seafood Shack Restaurant and Marina will host its second annual Best Shuckin’ NYE Party Ever on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1. The event will take place in The Neptune Room, and feature party favors, multiple cash bars, drink specials appetizers and live music with the Eric Von Band. The Seafood Shack is located at 4110 127th St. W. in Cortez. Tickets start at $15. For more information, visit http://www.seafoodshack.com/.

Image via Shutterstock