Venice MainStreet, Inc.

Discover beautiful, historic Downtown Venice... our City on the Gulf.  Home to over 100 unique and independently owned stores and restaurants, Venice holds an ambiance and charm that is unmatched in Florida. Beyond the shopping and dining, visitors find shady oak and banyan-lined avenues, palm trees swaying in the Gulf breezes, miles of pristine beach, parks dotted throughout the City, and an active arts and culture scene.  Venice is home to one of the nation's largest community theaters, The Venice Theatre, who maintain a full performance schedule throughout the year.  The Venice Art Center rotates over ten exhibits throughout the calendar year.   We are also the year-round home of world-renowned photographer Clyde Butcher, and his gallery is open to the public.  If music is what you are searching for, the Venice Beach Pavilion hosts musicians on nearly every night of the week, the Venice Symphony performs during high season, and free Friday Night Concerts hit the Gazebo stage in our beautiful Centennial Park twice a month.  Venice takes pride in it's historic significance, with our entire city plan (designed by respected planner John Nolen in 1926) being on the National Register of Historic Places.  Several local non-profits, including the Venice Area Historical Society and the Friends of the Lord-Higel House, work diligently to maintain and preserve our City.  Visit the Triangle Inn and City of Venice Archives to learn all about Venice's fascinating history, including our role in World War II.  With the completion of an overpass bridge in September of 2011, our historic Downtown will be accessible from The Legacy Trail.  The trail goes through nearby Oscar Sherer, giving travelers yet another over-night stay option (camping!).  Venice is a very bicycle-and-pedestrian-friendly community.  Venice is also home to one of Florida's few dog beaches.  If you enjoy the holiday season, Venice is the place to spend it.  The Avenues are all decorated, and City Hall displays "light sculptures" from Thanksgiving through the new year.  Our annual holiday parade takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, our Christmas Walk on the first Thursday in December and the boat parade on the first Saturday of December.  In 2011, we are adding a new tradition to the mix, with a free "Swinging Under the Stars Holiday Jazz Concert".
Come discover Venice... it truly is waiting for you Downtown! Read Less