What is the Longest Standing Arts Festival in Siesta Key?

Just off the coast of Sarasota, you’ll find Siesta Key, a breathtaking stretch of land that remains one of Florida’s most well-kept secrets. With stunning beaches, performing arts shows, and close proximity to several amazing day trips, Siesta Key has it all. One of the most popular attractions for locals and tourists alike is the Siesta Fiesta Arts and Crafts Show, bringing in thousands of visitors to witness the unique and fun pieces made by some of the nation’s top artists.

History

2019 brings in the 41st Annual Siesta Fiesta, hosted by Howard Alan Events. Howard Alan left his career as a chiropractor to venture into retail, featuring 40-50 artists in the beginning. A memorable addition to his selection that is still alive and well today is Magilla, a 6-foot 4-inch gorilla that actually got Alan arrested by being used to make fun of the town’s Mayor. However, it did wonders for publicity, landing Alan on national media outlets and helping him realize his knacks for public relations and advertising. From there, he created Howard Alan Events as we know it today.

Today, Howard Alan Events hosts 45 juried art shows and 40 craft shows each year, and they are all continually growing, with many festivals (including Siesta Fiesta!) consistently being named in the top events in the country. Thanks to the dedication of the staff and visitors, Siesta Fiesta has quickly become the best arts festival on Siesta Key. Locals and tourists alike come from miles around to the beautiful Key to experience some of the most special artistic ventures in the area.

Festival Details

Siesta Fiesta is traditionally held in late April. In 2019, the arts and crafts festival will be held on Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28. Each day, the festival will be open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The festival will take place at 5124 Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key. This event is especially appealing to travelers on a budget, as there is no admission fee!

While roaming around the Siesta Fiesta Arts and Crafts Festival, you will be able to explore over 200 vendor booths full of unique arts and crafts from around the country. No matter where your artistic interests lie, you’ll find something you adore. From handmade ceramics to fine jewelry, stunning photography to life-size sculptures, there’s something new around every turn. You’ll also find a green market with tons of plants, dips, and body products.

You can easily spend the entire day browsing at this Siesta Key arts and crafts festival. Take your time strolling through the streets, enjoying the late April weather, and try all the delicious food you can eat! While the festival is expected to bring in around 60,000 visitors, there is plenty of room for everyone. In past years, the boulevard has been shut down to traffic to allow ample room for the festival.

When you arrive at the festival, parking may be a challenge. There is a small free public lot, but it does fill up quickly. If you can’t find a spot, your best option may be to park in another nearby location and walk or bike to the festival. It’s easy to get to the festival this way, and you can enjoy a lovely sea breeze and gaze at the adorable, quaint cottages along the way.

With all this information, it’s easy to see that Siesta Fiesta in Siesta Key, Florida, is one of the area’s top attractions. If you’re planning a getaway for late April, this is an event that is simply not to be missed. Ready to plan your dream vacation? Contact us today for more information about the area and to learn about our Siesta Key beachfront vacation rentals. We are proud to serve the Siesta Key area with the highest quality rental properties.