The Drum Circle on Siesta Key Beach is an experience you won’t want to miss. This long-time Florida drum circle is loved by locals and visitors alike.
Get ready for some dancing after a restful day of lazing on the beach.
Would you like to know the best part? There’s no need to leave the beautiful white powdery sand to feel the rhythm in Sarasota.
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What is the Siesta Key Drum Circle?
The Siesta Key drum circle is a local tradition that has taken place for almost 25 years now.
This lively event has become a beloved tradition for locals and tourists alike, adding a rhythmic touch to the already enchanting beach experience.
Musicians, dancers, and onlookers gather on the beach and form a circle.
The percussionists perform and people dance or observe and watch the sun go down.
They will bring out tambourines, bells, hand drums, and shakers. There will be hula hoops, costumes, and plenty of free-spirited souls.
The improvised music and dancing are a shared experience to let go and celebrate life.
The essence of the Drum Circle at Siesta Key Beach is community, creativity, and a shared love for music.
It’s a free-spirited celebration where people from all walks of life come together to connect, express themselves, and bask in the positive energy of the moment.
The setting is informal.
Just crystal clear blue water of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
People gather on beach chairs and towels or sit directly on the soft white quartz sand.
A backdrop of an orange, red-pink sky as the sun sets over the Gulf.
When Does the Drum Circle Happen on Siesta Key?
All year round people gather to participate in this communal musical experience.
Every Sunday evening beachgoers gather and begin to form a circle around an hour before sunset.
If you are visiting Sarasota make sure to check with your host or hotel desk to confirm the status.
Still looking for a place to stay for your Florida beach vacation? Here’s a list of places to stay on Siesta Key.
Weather may sometimes affect the event so make sure to check here for the current weather forecast for Siesta Key.
Who Can Join In?
Anyone who feels compelled can dance and participate in the Siesta Key Beach Drum Circle.
The spirit of the drum circle is one of equality and the celebration of being alive.
You can also just sit back and enjoy watching.
It’s your choice. Nobody’s judging you here.
The Siesta Key Drum Circle is a collaborative experience where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to create music.
Connecting with others and creating community through the rhythm and beat of the music.
This is the spirit of a drum circle.
Locals and tourists alike look forward to the Sunday night tradition. From children to grandparents and everyone in between. You will find a warm, inclusive atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome.
Many of the musicians who attend have been coming for over 20 years now.
Don’t let that stop you from bringing your own drum if you feel the desire to.
Joining in music-making is part of the experience as well.
How Long Will the Drum Circle Last?
The Siesta Key Drum Circle usually lasts about 2 to 3 hours.
The music ends when everyone is done dancing. Which usually is not too long after the sun goes down.
Afterwards, why not try some of the yummy food Florida is famous for in nearby Siesta Key Village.
Or head into downtown Sarasota to check out all the cool restaurants and cultural activities it has to offer.
CHECK OUT THIS LIST OF ACCOMMODATIONS ON SIESTA KEY
Sarasota County Drum Circles
The Siesta Key Drum Circle is held on the public beach. It is between lifeguard stands three and four which is just south of the main pavilion. It takes place all year round.
Although the crowds will be smaller with rainy weather, even that doesn’t stop it from happening. It is a long-loved Sunday evening tradition.
If one night a week is not enough for you, Siesta Key Beach is just only one of several locations that Florida drum circles take place in Sarasota County.
- Englewood Drum Circle: Sunday evenings year round. On Beach Road, across the street from Lock & Key and The Waverly Restaurants. Just to the right of the pavilion.
- Nokomis Beach Drum Circle: Casey Key Rd. Every Wednesday and Saturday beginning around 4:30 on the main beach area.
- Venice Beach Drum Circle: Every Sunday about 1 1/2 hours before sunset. On Venice Beach. West of the pavilion.
Expanding the Beat: Drum Circles Across Florida
While the Siesta Key Drum Circle holds a special place in the hearts of many, it’s not the only one of its kind in Florida.
- Delray Beach Drum Circle: Downtown Delray Beach at historic Old School Square Park. It takes place all year long on Wednesdays and Sundays begins at 7pm.
- Treasure Island Drum Circle: St. Pete’s drum circle gathers on Treasure Island on the beach, behind Sloppy Joe’s, across from Publix, look for the big blue slide.
- Miami Beach Drum Circle: Held on the sands of Miami Beach at the 8th lifeguard stand. Begins each Tuesday at 5:55 pm.
If you are vacationing in Florida, drum circles on the beach are a captivating part of the Florida beach culture.
You won’t want to miss Sunday evenings at Siesta Key or any of the fun activities you can do while visiting Sarasota.
While visiting the Sunshine State don’t pass up the chance to try some of the food Florida is famous for. Read about the yummy treats and edible souvenirs you can take home.
Can’t get enough of the beach life? Read about the beach culture on Fire Island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Siesta Key
Yes, children are welcome. The Siesta Key Drum Circle is a family-friendly event. Drum circles are an excellent opportunity for children to experience the joy of music and dance.
The busiest months to visit Siesta Key are February, March, and April.
The best time to swim at Siesta Key is from May through October because the water temperature is warm. People who don’t mind colder water temperatures still like to swim from November through April.
No. People of all skill levels are welcome, and many attendees bring their own percussion instruments to join in the groove. The Siesta Key Drum Circle is all about having fun and connecting through rhythm.
Yes, you can bring your own instrument to a drum circle. There are sometimes ones available for sharing but it will be limited. Feel free to bring any handheld percussion instrument, such as drums, shakers, tambourines, or even a pair of spoons if that’s your thing.
The drum circle typically starts about an hour before sunset and continues until after sunset.
Drum circles are open to all ages. People of all generations can participate and enjoy the rhythmic experience.
While the core of drum circles revolves around percussion instruments, some circles might be open to other acoustic instruments, such as guitars or flutes. Its a good idea just to ask when you arrive.
Everyone is welcome to join in and dance at a drum circle. Feel free to let loose and dance along with the beat.
It’s a good idea to bring a foldable chair or a beach blanket to sit on, as most drum circles will not provide seating.
The sand on SiestaKey Beach is so white because it is made up of 99% crushed quartz. As a result, the sand of Siesta Key Beach is sparkling white and powdery soft.
Yes. Siesta Key Beach does close at night. Park hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 7 days a week.
Yes. You can bring your own food and drink to Siesta Key Beach in a cooler.
Yes, drinking alcohol on Siesta Key Beach is allowed.
RESOURCES
“Drum Circle.” Wikipedia, 16 Feb. 2022. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Drum_circle&oldid=1072213387.
Feel the Beat: Siesta Key Drum Circle | Visit Sarasota. https://www.visitsarasota.com/article/feel-beat-siesta-key-drum-circle-0. Accessed 27 Nov. 2022.
Manney, Nancy-jo. “Drum Circle – Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce – Siesta Key, FL.” Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, 2 Oct. 2020, https://www.siestakeychamber.com/drum-circle/.
