Fresh Fridays Kicks Off 2026 with “New Year on the Block” Jan. 9
Published on January 05, 2026
SARASOTA, FLORIDA (January 5, 2026) — Downtown Sarasota will ring in the new year with energy, music, and community as the Downtown Improvement District (DID) presents “New Year on the Block”, a Fresh Fridays celebration taking place on Friday, January 9, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Main Street.
Held on the second Friday of January, New Year on the Block invites residents and visitors to start the year on a high note with an evening of live music, local flavor, and community fun in the heart of downtown. The event will feature live entertainment by Mylon & The Pop-Ups, bringing a dynamic soundtrack to the night as guests dance, mingle, and celebrate fresh beginnings.
Attendees can enjoy a curated lineup of local downtown vendors offering delicious bites and refreshments, perfect for strolling Main Street. Guests can also enjoy a variety of outdoor games, including giant Jenga, Connect 4, and cornhole, creating a playful, interactive atmosphere for friends and families. With lively crowds and the new year ahead, the event captures the spirit of Fresh Fridays.
“New Year on the Block is all about momentum, bringing people together, supporting our downtown businesses, and starting the year connected as a community,” said Ronnie Shugar, DID Board Chair. “There’s no better place to do that than right here on Main Street.”
Fresh Fridays is a free monthly event series and open to all ages, designed to showcase the charm, creativity, and hospitality of downtown Sarasota through live music, food, and an open-air atmosphere. New Year on the block continues that tradition while setting the tone for an exciting year ahead.
“Fresh Fridays has always been about creating meaningful moments,” said JT Grano, President of Next-Mark & Fresh Fridays Event Organizer. “Between the live entertainment, outdoor games, and delicious local offerings, it is the perfect way to get back into downtown after the holidays and kick off the new year.”
Guests are encouraged to bring friends and family and arrive early to claim their Fresh Fridays giveaway. Supplies are limited, so arriving early is the best way to secure your exclusive gift! Accessible and convenient parking will be available at the 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 www.downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays.
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 www.freshfridayssarasota.com 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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