Things to Do in Venice, Florida: Late July 2026
Written by Kim Donahue, REALTOR® with Medway Realty | 30+ Years of Real Estate Experience · Updated July 20, 2026
Venice is one of those Florida towns that catches people off guard. It has the beaches, the sunshine, and the relaxed Gulf Coast pace, but it also has a historic downtown that feels like a small Italian piazza, a network of trails that rivals anything in the region, and a calendar of events that keeps the community connected through every season. If you have not spent time in Venice lately, late July is a great time to rediscover it.
Here is your local's guide to what is happening in and around Venice, Florida for the second half of July 2026, plus the spots worth visiting any time of year.
Events in Venice: July 18-31, 2026
Christmas in July Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday, July 18 | Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Avenue | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This annual arts and crafts show, hosted by Sarasota County Parks, brings together local vendors selling handmade items, holiday decorations, and unique gifts. It is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon, browse local craftsmanship, and get a head start on holiday shopping. Free admission.
Christmas in July Downtown Venice
Through late July | Downtown Venice along Venice Avenue
Organized by Venice MainStreet, the Christmas in July promotion runs throughout the month, with participating downtown shops and restaurants offering special discounts and festive touches. Santa makes appearances, trolley rides run along Venice Avenue, and storefronts dress up with holiday decor. It is a playful way to experience downtown Venice in the summer, especially if you are looking for an excuse to explore the boutiques and cafes along the avenue.
Friday Night Concert Series at Centennial Park
Friday, July 24 | Centennial Park Gazebo, 200 W. Venice Avenue | 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | Free
Every second and fourth Friday through the summer, the Centennial Park gazebo hosts live music under the evening sky. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, grab takeout from a nearby downtown restaurant, and settle in for a relaxed evening of music. It is one of those community traditions that defines the Venice lifestyle.
Live Music at Sharky's on the Pier
Multiple nights through July | Sharky's on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive South
Sharky's keeps the summer calendar full with live bands on the pier. Upcoming shows include Deep Blu (July 25, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM) and Trinidudes (July 26, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM). The combination of live music, cold drinks, and an unobstructed view of the Gulf sunset is hard to beat. Arrive early for dinner — their seafood menu pairs well with the ocean breeze.
Live Music at TJ Carney's
Weekly | TJ Carney's, 339 W. Venice Avenue
This downtown Venice staple features live music and open jam sessions throughout the week. It is a relaxed, no-frills spot where locals gather for a drink and some live entertainment. Check their weekly schedule for the latest lineup.
Venice's Best Beaches and Outdoor Activities
Venice sits on some of the most beautiful coastline in Sarasota County, but the beaches here feel different from the more commercialized stretches to the north. They are quieter, more natural, and each one has its own personality.
Venice Beach
1600 Harbor Drive South. Certified Blue Wave beach with a fishing pier, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. The beach is wide and well-maintained, and the pier is one of the best spots on the Gulf Coast for sunset views. Sharky's on the Pier sits right at the beach entrance, making it easy to pair a beach day with a meal or a drink.
Caspersen Beach
1700 Harbor Drive South. Caspersen Beach is a different experience from Venice Beach. It is wilder, less developed, and covered with driftwood and shells. It is also one of the best places on Florida's Gulf Coast for fossilized shark tooth hunting. Bring a sifter and some patience, and you are likely to walk away with a handful of ancient shark teeth. The beach stretches for miles, so there is plenty of room to find your own quiet spot.
Venice Fishing Pier
The pier at Venice Beach is a popular spot for fishing and people-watching. No license is required to fish from the pier. Whether you cast a line or just walk to the end for the view, it is worth the trip.
Venetian Waterway Park
A paved multi-use trail that runs along the Intracoastal Waterway, connecting Venice Beach to downtown and beyond. It is popular for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading. The shade from the Australian pines keeps things cool even on hot summer mornings. Several access points make it easy to pick up the trail wherever is most convenient for you.
Legacy Trail
The Legacy Trail is a 19-mile paved rail-trail that connects Venice to Sarasota. It passes through some of the most scenic stretches of Sarasota County, including shaded oak canopies, wetlands, and rural farm country. You can access the trail from several points in Venice. It is a favorite among cyclists, runners, and walkers who want a longer route than the Venetian Waterway Park provides.
Snook Haven County Park
5000 E. Venice Avenue. A hidden gem on the Myakka River. Snook Haven offers canoe and kayak rentals, a shaded picnic area, and a rustic riverside BBQ restaurant that has been a local institution for decades. The Myakka River is a designated Florida Wild and Scenic River, and paddling it gives you a view of Florida that feels far removed from the developed coastline. The restaurant serves smoked meats, cold beer, and live music on weekends.
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Road 72, Sarasota (about a 20-minute drive from Venice). One of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, Myakka River State Park offers airboat tours, tram tours, hiking trails, and a canopy walkway that lets you walk among the treetops. It is an easy day trip from Venice and gives you a taste of Old Florida that you cannot get anywhere else in the region.
Dining in Venice: Where Locals Eat
Venice punches above its weight when it comes to dining. The downtown restaurant scene has grown significantly in recent years, and the waterfront spots along the Intracoastal and the Gulf deliver the kind of Florida dining experiences that visitors drive miles to find.
Sharky's on the Pier
1600 Harbor Drive South. The anchor of Venice's beachfront dining scene. Fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and a view of the Gulf from every table. The grouper sandwich and the key lime pie are reliable choices. Arrive at sunset for the full effect.
Fins at Sharky's
Next door to Sharky's, Fins offers a more upscale beachside dining experience with a broader wine list and a menu that leans into coastal cuisine. It is a good choice for a date night or a celebration dinner.
Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina
1968 Tarpon Center Drive. Waterfront dining on the Intracoastal Waterway with a rooftop bar that has one of the best sunset views in Venice. The menu covers steaks, seafood, and pasta. The marina setting and the working fishing boats tied up at the dock give it an authentic Gulf Coast feel.
Snook Haven
5000 E. Venice Avenue. Rustic riverside BBQ on the Myakka River. The pulled pork, smoked brisket, and ribs are the standouts. Eat outside on the deck overlooking the river, and keep an eye out for alligators and manatees.
Made in Italy
125 W. Venice Avenue. Authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of downtown Venice. The handmade pasta and the relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among locals who want a reliable Italian meal without the tourist markup.
Dockside Waterfront Grill
1250 N. Harbor Drive. Casual waterfront dining on the Intracoastal with a menu of seafood, burgers, and sandwiches. The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly and the view of the water traffic makes for good people-watching.
Pop's Sunset Grill
2019 Harbor Drive South. A casual, family-friendly spot on the water with a menu that covers everything from peel-and-eat shrimp to burgers and tacos. The outdoor deck is a great spot for a casual dinner with a view.
Why Venice Draws People In
Venice has a way of growing on people. It starts with the beaches and the historic downtown, but what keeps people here is the pace of life. The town was planned from the beginning as a place to settle down, with wide streets, park spaces woven into the neighborhoods, and a downtown designed to be walked, not driven through. It is no accident that Venice consistently ranks as one of the top retirement destinations in Florida.
For home buyers, Venice offers a range of options you do not always find in other coastal towns: historic bungalows in the central neighborhoods, newer construction in master-planned communities like Venice East and Wellen Park, waterfront homes along the Intracoastal, and maintenance-free villas in active adult communities. The price range is broad enough that a first-time buyer and a downsizer can both find something that works.
If you are thinking about making Venice your home, I know the neighborhoods, the market, and the lifestyle differences that make each part of town distinct. I would be happy to help you explore what is available and find the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venice, Florida
What is the best beach in Venice for shark tooth hunting?
Caspersen Beach is the best beach in Venice for shark tooth hunting. It is less developed than Venice Beach, and the combination of currents and gravel beds along the shoreline concentrates fossilized shark teeth in the sand. Bring a sifter (you can buy one at local bait shops) and look in the shell beds near the waterline. Early morning after a high tide is the best time to go. Fossilized megalodon teeth are rare but have been found here.
What free events are happening in Venice in late July 2026?
Several free events are on the calendar. The Christmas in July Arts & Crafts Show at the Venice Community Center on July 18 is free to attend. The Friday Night Concert Series at Centennial Park on July 24 is free, and Centennial Park itself is a lovely spot to spend an evening regardless of the event schedule. Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, the Venice Fishing Pier, and the Venetian Waterway Park are all free and open to the public. And downtown Venice is always free to wander.
What is the best time of year to visit Venice, Florida?
Every season offers something different. Late fall through early spring (November through April) is peak season with the best weather and the most events, but also the highest crowds and prices. Summer (June through August) brings heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and lower seasonal crowds, but many of the best community events happen during the summer months. Late July in particular offers a quieter beach experience, strong sunset viewing, and a full calendar of local events like the Friday Night Concert Series and Christmas in July festivities.
Thinking about making Venice your home?
I work with buyers and sellers across Venice, from the historic downtown bungalows to the waterfront communities along the Intracoastal. If you are considering a move to this area, I can help you understand what each neighborhood is really like, what your budget will get you, and how the process works from first conversation to closing. I know the market, and I know the lifestyle.
Schedule a ConsultationI'm Kim Donahue, your realtor with a heart to serve. For more guides to things to do across the region, visit my Things to Do page.