Ring In 2022 At These Sarasota New Year’s Eve Parties, Events

SARASOTA, FL — Where do you plan to ring in 2022? From extravagant galas to live music to cozy cocktail parties, there’s something for everyone in the Sarasota area this New Year’s Eve.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, some celebrations may be going virtual again even as 205 million Americans are fully vaccinated and more than 67 million have received booster doses — something health officials say is critical to protect yourself and others around you from the virus.

Still, there are likely to be more in-person celebrations this year, and if you’re among those hoping to get out this New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of events happening right here in Sarasota County:

New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop and Downtown Sarasota Block Party

Various locations, Downtown Sarasota

This event kicks off at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and runs until 1 a.m. Enjoy amusement rides and games at Five Points Park, live music on stages located on Main Street and Lemon Avenue and throughout the Downtown core. Food and drink concessions will be available throughout the site. The night ends with the pineapple drop at midnight and a fantastic fireworks display over Sarasota Bay.

FST Improv Presents: Resolution Rewind

Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 1st Street, Sarasota

Before going to watch the Pineapple drop downtown, join FST Improv for the best games, sketches and more of 2021! The cast has put together a line-up of the audience’s favorite games of the year to provide a unique retrospective. Tickets are $20-25 per person.

New Year’s Eve Cash Bash

American Legion Auxiliary Post 266, 5201 Richardson Road, Sarasota

From 8 p.m. to midnight, you’ll have a chance to win cash prizes, from $250 to $1,000, every 15 minutes. At midnight, the grand prize winner of $3,000 will be drawn. There will also be 50/50, raffles and bar specials throughout the night. Tickets are $25 each and include a spaghetti dinner and live music.

New Year’s Eve Cosplay Masquerade

Arcade Monsters Lido Beach, 326 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota

All ages are welcome at this cosplay party, which runs from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Guests are encouraged to wear cosplay. Costume contest winners will be announced at 11 p.m. The event also includes a live DJ, a dance party, face painting and tournaments.

Beach Club NYE 2021

The Beach Club, 5151 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key

This New Year’s Eve party features an open bar from 8 to 11 p.m., as well as live music from the Nightbreakers. DJ Coz from 94.1 will take over from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Basic open bar tickets are $40, while premium open bar tickets are $65.

New Year’s Eve at Big Top Brewing

Big Top Brewing, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota

This New Year’s Eve party at the brewery kicks off at 7 p.m. and features Big Top’s annual keg drop at midnight.

New Year’s Eve with the Whole Band

The Blasé Café & Martini Bar, 5263 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key

The Whole Band will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight to welcome the new year.

Joyland Live New Year’s Eve Party

Joyland, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota

Reverand Barry and the Funk will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple in advance, and $35 per person and $60 per couple day of the show. Ticket includes a free champagne toast, a balloon drop and live music.

New Year’s Eve at Selby Gardens

Marie Selby Gardens downtown campus, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota

This black-tie New Year’s Eve experience, which runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., offers private access to Lights in Bloom open-air, holiday light show. Tickets are $300 each and includes a four-course dinner, open bar, entertainment by Sarasota ballet and a view of fireworks over the bay.

Sharky’s New Year’s Eve Beach Bash

Sharky’s on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice

Starting at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, guests will enjoy live music from Scarlet Drive. The evening also includes a fireworks display at midnight. Food and drinks are available to purchase at food trucks and bars set up. General admission is $25 per person. VIP tickets are also available.

New Year’s Eve at Art Ovation Hotel

Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

Ring in 2022 with two New Year’s Eve parties at Art Ovation Hotel. In the ballroom, doors open at 7 p.m. for you to enjoy dinner, cocktails and a jazz-funk band featuring Matt Frost. Tickets are $10. You can also head up to Perspective Rooftop Bar at 7 p.m. for music, fireworks and drinks. Tickets will be sold at the bar based on capacity. VIP seating and cabanas are available.

New Year’s Eve at City Grille

Mattison’s City Grille, 1 N Lemon Ave., Sarasota

This street party features Big Night Out on the Lemon Avenue stage, food, drinks, dancing and more.

Despite this year’s planned festivities, many Sarasota residents may opt to stay home as the state experiences a surge in daily coronavirus cases thanks to the fast-spreading omicron variant.

Just shy of 47,000 new cases were reported in Florida Wednesday, breaking the state's record for the number of cases reported in a single day, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to data from the Florida Department of Health, the state saw a new case positivity rate of 13.8 percent and 125,201 new coronavirus cases from Dec. 17-23.

Still, if you’re vaccinated and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to gather this New Year’s Eve safely.

To stay safe this holiday season, including New Year's Eve, the CDC recommends that those who are eligible get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Those who aren't vaccinated should wear well-fitting masks that cover your nose and mouth when indoors. And for people in a community with a high transmission rate, the agency recommends those who are vaccinated wear a mask indoors, as well.

Additionally, New Year's Eve revelers should opt for outdoor gatherings, if possible, and avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.

The CDC also suggests that those who are sick should stay home to prevent the spread of the virus.

Know of another New Year’s Eve celebration that should make this list? Email Tiffany.Razzano@Patch.com.