UTC 2025 Recap: Reflecting on the year’s best moments

And with that, 2025 has come to an end. As we look back on an incredible year, we’re so grateful to everyone who visited and helped create so many memorable moments along the way. Together, we supported small businesses, gave back to the community, and enjoyed new experiences across the UTC District.

From hosting more than 400 events, celebrating the opening of the new Mote Science Education Aquarium, and welcoming exciting brands like Coach, Vuori, L.L.Bean, Florence & the Spice Boys, Zōto, Design Within Reach, City Furniture, and more, 2025 was a year filled with excitement and unforgettable experiences.

Community at the Core

Giving back remained at the heart of everything we did in 2025, with events that brought people together while supporting meaningful causes throughout our community.

• Sarasota Cars & Coffee drove impact all year long, raising more than $40,000 for local charities and collecting thousands of unwrapped toys in December.
• Charity Cornhole Tournaments raised over $18,000 for the Sarasota Police Foundation, SRQ Vets and Blue Knights FL XVIII.
• UTC Pumpkin Patch generated over $15,000 in support of Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center.
• Rocktoberfest, in partnership with iHeart Radio, brought live music to seven venues at UTC while raising more than $4,500 for Suncoast Charities for Children.
• UTC Night Market spotlighted more than 100 small businesses throughout the year.
• Festival of Trees was a tree-mendous success, raising more than $26,000 for 36 local charities through a festive showcase and silent auction.
• Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade welcomed 22,000 guests and awarded $75,000 to local schools, nonprofits, and businesses, including $10,000 to Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program.  

Moments That Brought Us Together

The Green at UTC continued to be a favorite gathering place for connection and celebration. New programming like Family Game Night and Zumba on The Green brought fresh energy to the calendar, while the Halloween Dance Party, Karaoke, Music Bingo, Paint & Sip, and more kept the fun going all year long.

And of course, we had the very best time celebrating with you this season during Holidays at UTC – a season filled with festive fun and unforgettable memories.

Looking Ahead

As we turn the page to 2026, we’re excited to bring even more events, experiences, and opportunities to connect. Thank you for being part of another incredible year at UTC—we can’t wait to see you again soon and make even more memories together in the year ahead.

Stay tuned… there’s so much more to come.