Selby Gardens Hosts Enchanted Family Festival

Unicorn rides, bubble show, and more draw crowds to botanical gardens' annual event

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:10pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of children's silhouettes playing in a vibrant, blurred garden setting, conveying a sense of wonder and enchantment.Families immerse themselves in the whimsical, nature-filled world of Selby Gardens' annual Enchanted Garden Festival.Sarasota Today

Selby Botanical Gardens' Historic Spanish Point campus in Sarasota, Florida hosted its fifth annual Enchanted Garden Family Festival over the weekend, offering a variety of kid-friendly activities and live entertainment. The two-day event featured unicorn rides, crafts, storytelling, face painting, balloon artists, and a performance by the Spheres Bubble Show, as well as specialty food vendors.

Why it matters

The Enchanted Garden Family Festival is part of Selby Gardens' ongoing efforts to engage the local community and attract families to experience its 30-acre bayfront preserve. The annual event has grown in popularity, with last year's festival being a "tremendous success" according to the organization's president.

The details

The festival included a range of activities for children and families, such as unicorn rides, crafts, storytelling, face painting, balloon artists, and a performance by the Spheres Bubble Show. Specialty food vendors were also on site to provide refreshments. The event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Beverly Koski and Koski Family Foundation.

  • The Enchanted Garden Family Festival took place over the weekend of March 28-29, 2026.

The players

Jennifer Rominiecki

President and CEO of Selby Gardens.

Blaise Ryndes

Performer of the Spheres Bubble Show.

Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Sponsor of the Enchanted Garden Family Festival.

Beverly Koski and Koski Family Foundation

Sponsor of the Enchanted Garden Family Festival.

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What they’re saying

“The Enchanted Garden Family Festival returns for its fifth year at Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point campus. Last year's festival was a tremendous success with our visitors, and we're thrilled to once again invite families to experience the magic of our beautiful 30-acre bayfront preserve during two days of fun for all ages.”

— Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens

The takeaway

Selby Gardens' annual Enchanted Garden Family Festival continues to be a popular draw for families in the Sarasota area, offering a diverse array of activities and entertainment that allow visitors to experience the beauty and magic of the botanical gardens' 30-acre bayfront preserve.