Instead of watching the ball drop in New York from a television screen, celebrate New Year’s Eve in pure Floridian style. The annual Pineapple Drop Block Party returns for its 25th iteration. This charming Sarasota tradition offers a robust carnival, multiple stages and performances, food, drinks and, of course, a giant, illuminated pineapple and countdown to the New Year.
This free event kicks off on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 1 p.m., at 5 Points Park (1 Central Ave.), where you can feel the rush of carnival rides and the glory of victory playing the games. All along Main Street and Lemon Ave., the party will continue with live music and bar concessions and bump well into the night, ending at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.
Free concerts and stages at Pineapple Drop Block Party
- Cross Fire Creek: 9 p.m. – stage three. Crossfire Creek is a five-piece New Country and Top 40 Country band based out of Tampa/Clearwater, Fla., that is bursting onto the country music scene with its unique flair and one-of-a-kind performances.
- Gashouse Gorillas: 9 p.m. – stage one. The GAS HOUSE GORILLAS are a four-piece female-fronted rock band out of the Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Playing the best dance, rock, pop and classic rock songs, in some amazing costumes.
- SRQ Beats: 8:30 p.m. – stage two. SRQ Beats’ unique performance is designed to take you on a journey filled with love and good vibes, showcasing the exceptional sound quality of our Funktion One system.
- BYNGE: 4 p.m. – stage one. BYNGE consists of five professional musicians popping off the most popular dance-rock hits that jump-start the party. REAL PROS – Each talented musician in BYNGE came from a successful, top-performing band in their hometown state, so you get a professional show.
- Daniel Marshall: 1 p.m. – stage three. With his craft of refreshing melodies and sing-along lyrics, Daniel B. Marshall’s music welcomes you to dance in the sunshine, to repair your broken heart and to lift your head up. Listeners can easily find themselves in his songs of everyday love, summertime fun, self-inflicted heartbreak and tough times.
