This weekend in Sarasota County, FL

This group road ride sets out from Bicycles International and follows an out and back route to Manasota Key for a scenic spin along the Gulf Coast. Riders can choose a pace that suits their ability. The B group typically covers about 12 to 20 miles at roughly 15 to 20 miles per hour, while the A group aims for about 25 to 30 miles at 20 miles per hour or faster. Actual distance and routing may shift depending on the group, traffic, weather, and road conditions. With larger groups expected, the emphasis is on safe, predictable riding and clear communication. Participants are encouraged to follow traffic laws and signals, call out turns, stops, hazards and vehicles, hold a steady line without sudden movements, avoid overlapping wheels, give others space, and stay with the group that matches their pace. Courtesy to motorists, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists is a priority. Helmets are required, and front and rear lights are strongly recommended. This is a group ride, not a race. New and seasonal riders, locals, and visitors are welcome. Weather or road conditions may occasionally affect the ride.

Spectators are welcome. Admission works on the honor system at $10 per person. Please stop by the show office, which is located next to the cafe. The cafe will be open while the show is in progress.

Ongoing outdoor yoga sessions led by certified instructor Erin Collins are offered each week at no cost to the community. Everyone is welcome, whether trying yoga for the first time or returning with years of practice. Classes weave mindful breathing with intentional movement and light reflections that nurture gratitude, reinforce a sense of worth, and encourage releasing unhelpful self-judgment. The atmosphere invites time outside, connection with others, and a chance to move with purpose and feel at home in your own skin. Please bring a mat and water, and arrive with a receptive spirit.

Families Unplugged encourages families to put away electronics and reconnect through simple, screen-free time together. Offered by the Y and grounded in the idea that healthy habits start at home, it provides a welcome break from daily routines and a chance to focus on one another. Most activities are included with a YMCA membership.

Move to the music with a lively Zumba session led by Yaël Campbell at The Bay. Expect upbeat rhythms and an energizing group that will have you dancing, smiling, jumping, shaking and maybe even singing. Bring a friend, bring the kids, and meet new Zumba companions along the way. Free parking is available in the lots in front of the Van Wezel and in front of the Municipal Auditorium, Art Center and Blue Pagoda. Some entrances, walkways and parking areas are affected by construction, so follow posted signs for vehicle and pedestrian access and allow extra time. The park remains open, and most paths, the Ibis Playground and the living resilient shoreline can be enjoyed. Crowds can be large, so plan ahead and be patient. Pets must be on a leash, non aggressive and cleaned up after. To report unsafe behavior, contact the Sarasota Non Emergency Police at (941) 316-1199. Friends of The Bay support the park’s programs and help keep many events free for everyone.

Celebrate a free neighborhood festival by the water with food, music, environmental demonstrations, guided e-bike activities, kayak tours, and a raffle overlooking Alligator Creek at Lemon Bay. Organized by the local nonprofit Science and Environment Council in partnership with Sarasota County Stormwater and hosted by the South Venice Yacht Club, the event brings together environmental organizations and green business partners to share information and hands-on ways to support the health of Alligator Creek and Lemon Bay. Lunch is offered at no cost on a first come, first served basis while supplies last, and registration is requested to help plan for meals. On arrival, attendees can register on site for complimentary guided kayak tours of Alligator Creek and self-guided e-bike rides, with all gear provided including kayaks, paddles, life vests, and e-bikes. To reduce the festival footprint, walking or biking is encouraged due to limited street parking. Attendees are asked to bring a reusable water bottle to use at the refill station, as the festival is plastic free and aims for zero landfill waste.

Design dazzling pumpkins in a hands-on class that welcomes all skill levels. Choose a two and a half hour option with one large pumpkin for $55 or go for a set of five mini pumpkins for $50. All materials are provided, along with a splash of liquid inspiration. Begin by painting in your favorite colors, then add shells, pearls, and plenty of sparkle to finish your creations. To reserve a spot, call Yvonne at (941)238-7617. A $10 deposit is required to hold your reservation.

The 10th Annual Big Mama’s Collard Greens Fest brings Newtown’s spirit to the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex with a day dedicated to food, culture, music, and plenty of collard green pride. Launched in 2016 to honor family recipes and community connection, it has grown into a signature gathering for the neighborhood. A centerpiece of the celebration is the Collard Green Cook-Off, where home cooks and professional chefs compete for prizes, bragging rights, and the coveted Big Mama title. Entries are judged blind by a selected panel, keeping the focus squarely on flavor, with awards for first, second, and third place. This family-friendly, alcohol-free event welcomes all ages. Guests can enjoy soul food favorites, support local vendors, take in live entertainment, and celebrate how collard greens continue to bring people together across generations. Lawn chairs, blankets, family, friends, and healthy appetites all fit right in for a relaxed day of community celebration. The festival supports the mission of Newtown Nation and the Newtown Farmers Market by promoting food access, healthy eating, local entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity, with every vendor, sponsor, volunteer, cook, performer, and guest helping move that work forward. Presented by Newtown Nation and Newtown Farmers Market. Please note an official scam alert from the organizers: fraudulent comments may appear on social posts. Official registration for vendors, sponsors, and entertainers is handled only through the organizers’ official channels, and money or personal information should not be sent to anyone via Facebook comments or Messenger. Fraudulent comments are actively removed, though some may appear briefly.

Guided by Paula Rowe, this breathwork workshop centers on personal growth and the release of limiting patterns. It offers a deeper experience than a typical group session, with guidance on recognizing unconscious thoughts and outdated programming so new, empowered choices can emerge. Paula shares approaches she has taught to face challenges, address both past and present issues, and cultivate higher awareness for the good of all. The experience emphasizes a sense of unified consciousness inspired by the idea of One Breath, inviting a renewed relationship with self.

Presented by Bayside Pet Resort, this Halloween edition of Venice Night Market & Music brings a festive evening by the water to Maxine Barritt Park. Expect local vendors, food trucks, live music, and a friendly community atmosphere. Costumes are welcome for all ages, with costume photo spots for kids, pets getting in on the dress-up fun, and a parade through the park. Stroll the market, try something tasty, and catch performances from Rock Candy Arena Rock Experience and Scott Lawrence. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages.

Experience a coastal tradition on Nokomis Beach where a welcoming drum circle brings together rhythm, community, and the colors of sunset. Drummers, dancers, and spectators gather near the main beach access to share lively beats and beachside energy. This recurring gathering happens on Wednesdays and Saturdays around sunset, with music kicking off before sundown and continuing afterward. Bring a chair, a blanket, or a drum if you have one, and take part by playing or dancing, or simply relax and enjoy the scene. Everyone is welcome, and the timing of sunset changes with the season.

This fall-themed gathering offers a nostalgic trip to the 1960s, embracing the season with a retro vibe and a playful look back at that iconic decade.

Back for a second year, this pajama glam gala at The Westin Sarasota in Sarasota, FL features dinner, dancing, auctions, and mission moments. Organized by Teen Court of Sarasota, it supports local youth and families through restorative justice, prevention, counseling, and second chances. Following a sold out debut that raised more than $300,000, the celebration returns with an emphasis on community impact. Attendees are encouraged to embrace pajama glam style, from elevated sleepwear and chic robes to stylish slippers, silk sets, smoking jackets, sparkle, feathers, and other creative loungewear. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available.

A full-throttle Bon Jovi tribute takes the stage at Venice Community Center as Shot Thru the Heart celebrates the band’s biggest anthems with arena-style energy. Presented by MarEmil Music in collaboration with the venue, the performance channels the charisma of Jon Bon Jovi and the guitar firepower of Richie Sambora with powerhouse vocals, dynamic showmanship, and plenty of sing-along moments. The set spans fan favorites including Livin’ on a Prayer, Wanted Dead or Alive, You Give Love a Bad Name, Bad Medicine, Runaway, I’ll Be There for You, It’s My Life, and more. The venue offers refreshments, adult beverages, and snacks, and does not permit coolers, outside food or drink, or pets. VIP tickets are $40 plus fees with reserved seating in the first four rows, and they invariably sell out. Advanced general admission is $30 plus fees for a total of $34.40, or $35 plus tax and fees at the show. For additional information, contact Maremil Music Productions at 360-878-3474.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac brings a faithful celebration of Fleetwood Mac to Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, presented with the personal endorsement of founding member Mick Fleetwood. The performance captures the feel of the band in top form, inviting both longtime followers and newcomers to revisit the songs and stagecraft that helped make Fleetwood Mac one of rock’s most beloved groups.

Queens' sixth annual All Shades of Purple Gala features a live performance by saxophonist Marlon Boone. The event includes dinner and a cash bar, with cocktails available before the program begins for an evening of live music and dining.

Summer brings a relaxed continuation of the Sunday taco ride along the Legacy Trail. 3 Bridges Brewing and Pigfish, located inside Calusa Brewing, serve tacos on Sundays throughout the season, giving riders the choice to cap a longer morning spin with a well-earned bite or meet friends for tacos first before cruising to a few other refreshment stops. The open format welcomes every pace and experience level, letting each group shape the outing to match their plans and enjoy a simple Sunday tradition centered on bikes and tacos.

Explore the restorative vibrations of crystal bowls in a workshop led by Robert Austin. Learn how sound can align the chakras, calm the nervous system, support healing, and elevate your energy. Robert provides guidance on choosing a bowl that suits you and offers instruction in playing techniques for personal self healing and group sessions. Participants gain a clear understanding of how crystal bowls work and how to apply different frequencies for the body. No experience is required, and an open heart is encouraged.

A multi-decade showcase of music and dance unfolds as talented students and professionals bring favorites from across the years to the stage. Expect energetic performances, creative choreography, and a mix of timeless classics and modern hits that celebrate the sounds and styles of different eras. Seating is open at Venice Performing Arts Center.