Venice, FL

Venice's story starts before its famous planned city ever broke ground. The area was cattle country first, and in 1910 Chicago socialite Bertha Palmer bought 140,000 acres across what's now south Sarasota County, including most of present-day Venice. Then in 1925, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Fred H. Albee purchased 2,916 acres and hired renowned city planner John Nolen to design a city — but before he could build it, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers bought the land from him on October 6, 1925, looking to grow the union's assets during the Florida land boom.

The BLE kept Nolen's vision and built fast. The first street, Nassau Street, opened June 10, 1926, and crews were soon putting up Mediterranean Revival buildings, wide boulevards, parks, and hotels — the San Marco Hotel went up in just 90 days. Venice was incorporated by the Florida Legislature in 1927. The Nolen plan was so well done it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010, and those 1926 streets and buildings still shape the downtown's character today.

Venice's claim to fame is its beaches. It's known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, thanks to the fossilized shark teeth — including million-year-old megalodon teeth — that wash up on Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach. The city celebrates with the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival every April. Earlier history lingers too: the Venice Army Air Base trained pilots during World War II, and the Kentucky Military Institute ran its winter campus here from 1932 to 1970.

Sun Fiesta — Oct 2026 (dates TBA; typically mid-October), Centennial Park and downtown Venice. Venice's signature fall festival since 1973, organized by the Women's Sertoma Club, with bed races, a parade, arts and crafts, and live entertainment.

Downtown Venice Halloween Strut — Oct 31, 2026: a free family-friendly afternoon of costumed fun for children along West Venice Avenue.

38th Annual Downtown Venice Art Festival — Oct 31–Nov 1, 2026: a juried fine-art show filling the 100–300 blocks of Venice Avenue with national artists and exhibitors.

Venice Nights Market — Nov 21, 2026: an evening waterfront market with 50-plus vendors, food trucks, and live music at Maxine Barritt Park by Sharky's on the Pier.

The Venice Symphony Holiday Concerts — Dec 18–20, 2026: a family-friendly seasonal program including the premiere of "The 12 Days of Venice Christmas" at the Venice Performing Arts Center.

Venice Nights: Christmas Carols in Venice — Dec 19, 2026: a free holiday evening of vendor shopping and live Christmas carol performances at Maxine Barritt Park.

19th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival — Jan 30–31, 2027: one of Venice's most popular craft festivals, with 150 artisans and a full green market on West Venice Avenue.

AACA Antique Car Show — Feb 2027 (dates TBA; typically the second Sunday in February), Centennial Park and downtown Venice. An Antique Automobile Club of America show of classic cars on display.

Venice Sharks Tooth Festival — Apr 10–11, 2027: a free two-day festival celebrating the Shark Tooth Capital of the World with fossil vendors, live music, food trucks, and a kids' area at Centennial Park.

(Festival dates change — confirm with event organizers before making plans.)