Fresh Fridays goes 'Back To The 80s' on May 1
Downtown Improvement District hosts Fresh Fridays, May 1st
SARASOTA, FLORIDA (April 27, 2026) — Fresh Fridays Back To The 80s, is the most anticipated night of the season. Join us on May 1st on S. Palm Ave. from 7 pm – 10 pm. This event is expected to draw one of the largest crowds yet. Known for bringing the community together through music, local vendors, and interactive experiences, Fresh Fridays continues to be a standout monthly event in downtown Sarasota.
The Back To The 80s theme will transform S. Palm Ave. into a vibrant, high-energy destination filled with music, bold neon fashion, and an electric dance floor. Guests can enjoy live music by Careless Whisper, a high-energy 80s tribute band that brings the decade’s most iconic hits back to life.
Explore a selection of local food vendors featuring light bites, refreshments, and stop by our welcome table for unique giveaways that add to the overall experience. The event will also feature a special photo opportunity with the DeLorean! Giving guests the chance to step into an iconic piece of 80s nostalgia and capture a memorable moment. A must-visit experience.
“Each Fresh Fridays event continues to build momentum, and we’re excited to bring one of our most engaging themes to the community,” said JT Grano, President of Next-Mark & Fresh Fridays Event Organizer. “Back To The 80s is all about nostalgia, high energy, and creating an experience that the community looks forward to throughout the season.”
As the Fresh Fridays season is nearing the end, with only 1 event remaining, make sure not to miss this one. Back To The 80s is free to attend and open to all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring friends and family for an unforgettable night of community celebration. Be sure to come early to claim your Fresh Fridays giveaway and take home a memento. Supplies are limited, so arriving early is the best way to secure your exclusive gift and start the night off right! Accessible and convenient parking will be available at Palm Avenue and State Street parking garages. Guests can stay up to date by following Fresh Fridays on their social media channels or by visiting their website at downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays.
Media contact: JT Grano, 941-587-1055 | jtg@next-mark.com
Careless Whisper will perform at Fresh Fridays on May 1.
ABOUT FRESH FRIDAYS
Fresh Fridays is a first-Friday outdoor event series made possible by the City of Sarasota and the DID in collaboration with Next-Mark, LLC. Yahoo ranked Sarasota as the fourth-best party city in the country for nightlife and entertainment. By highlighting easy accessibility, available parking, and a vibrant downtown core; Sarasota continues to be a cultural hub. These pedestrian-only events serve to showcase all the dining options, merchants, and recreational assets located within the city. These events are inclusive and always free, providing an opportunity for all members of our community to connect, socialize, and enjoy their city in new and dynamic ways. Visit their website at downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays to learn more.
ABOUT THE SARASOTA DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (DID)
The mission of the Downtown Improvement District (DID) is to foster a vibrant, competitive, and thriving downtown that attracts and retains businesses, employees, residents, and visitors. Established in 2008 as a self-taxing dependent special district of downtown commercial property owners, the DID strives to elevate Downtown Sarasota as an exciting place to live, work, and invest. Visit downtownsarasotadid.com to learn more.
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