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Sarasota’s Many Venue and Event Spaces

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onJanuary 26, 2019 in Events, General, News.

From tried-and-true event venues like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art to unexpected party spots (Siesta Beach Pavilions) the area is full of places to host your gathering.  Remember, many restaurants—too many to list here—have private rooms, too – and a few are very close to the Best Western Plus Siesta Key Gateway Hotel where you can book a room block for your guests.

Hot Spots

Powel Crosley Estate

The enchanting Mediterranean Revival bayfront estate built by inventor Powel Crosley in 1929 is a lovely site for all kinds of private parties, with a Great Room right out of a movie set and a bayfront lawn that leads to a pavilion perfect for your wedding ceremony. One Seagate Drive; 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Historic Spanish Point

From the beautifully restored pioneer-era Mary’s Chapel to the White Cottage Lawn and sunken garden and even the rustic packing house, this 30-acre outdoor museum has unusual spaces galore for your special day. 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey

Michael’s On East Ballroom 

This venerable party space, so popular that it often hosts three events a day, got a bright facelift last summer. But the consistently excellent food and service are why party givers keep coming back. For more intimate gatherings, check out the adjacent Michael’s Wine Cellar. 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota

The Ringling Museum

Wedding receptions and other milestone events on the Cá d’Zan Terrace or in the museum courtyard are true works of art. Or consider the Circus Museum’s Tibbals Learning Center; cocktails outdoors under the Big Top tent, and your guests can slip in to tour the amazing miniature circus. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

Selby Gardens

The almost-too-beautiful-to-be-true tropical garden on Sarasota Bay has been a coveted party spot for decades, but it really upped its game a couple of years ago when the Michael’s On East team took over its activities center and transformed it into a sophisticated event venue. 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota

The Newest 

Highgarden at Sage

The former Ceviche (and 100 years ago the Sarasota Times) has been reimagined as a restaurant and rooftop bar called Sage, with a private event space they’re calling Highgarden, for you Game of Thrones fans. Executive chef is Christopher Covelli, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute of New York. It is set to open sometime this month. 1216 First St., Sarasota

And don’t forget…

Sarasota Sailing Squadron

The membership-based boating organization rents out its open-air bayfront pavilion to nonmembers for parties from May through August (the rest of the year is its busy regatta season). Be forewarned: It’s not air-conditioned, so you might want to aim for a May event. Booking is appreciated three to four months in advance; call (941) 388-2355.

Siesta Beach Pavilions

Those modern new pavilions at Siesta Key Public Beach make great parties. The three large pavilions—Sea Turtle, Sunset and Gulf Waves—can be reserved for four hours at $160, or all day at $320; they hold 75 people. The eight smaller shelters, with a 20-person capacity, can be reserved for $75 for four hours or $150 all
day. Call Sarasota County central reservations at (941) 861-7275. (Special events open to the public need additional permitting.)

The Devyn

Located just south of Stickney Pt. Rd and US 41 is a multi-event space venue with a flair all its own.  Welcome to The Devyn which provides a fully customizable event and exhibition venue with the sole purpose of making your event a success.  7113 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota