Events in Sarasota, FL

Explore the Chinese movement arts of tai chi and qigong with Gail at Bayfront Community Center. These mindful, flowing practices help participants step back from everyday stress while supporting overall well-being in both body and mind. Gail Pettit, a Level 3 Graduate and Certified Teacher of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi, has more than a decade of teaching experience in Sarasota and emphasizes community building through movement for health, vitality, and inner calm. Free parking is available around the site, and nearby lots remain open, though designated Sarasota Orchestra spaces should be avoided. Construction around the new Town Square is affecting some pedestrian routes between parking areas and nearby venues, with signs posted to guide the way, so allow extra time to walk. All pets must be non-aggressive, kept on a leash, and cleaned up after. To report risky or unsafe behavior, contact the Sarasota Non-Emergency Police at (941) 316-1199. This program takes place rain or shine. Location decisions may be made close to the event, and in inclement weather the session will move indoors. If an indoor space is not available, it will be canceled. Any updates or cancellations will be shared via The Bay’s website calendar, Eventbrite, Facebook, and Instagram. Support from Friends of The Bay helps care for the park and sustains many free community offerings.

Guided by Ryan Weston, this power vinyasa session moves in a seamless, energizing flow that links movement and breath to generate warmth, develop strength, and sharpen concentration. Clear, supportive cueing offers ways to tailor each posture, whether you want gentle modifications or more intensity, making it welcoming for newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike. Expect a blend of fluid sequences, strength-focused poses, and intentional breathwork that supports flexibility, balance, endurance, and overall stability. Mats are available, and you are welcome to bring your own.

Drink and Draw Sarasota turns Fogartyville into a relaxed studio setting with a live, costumed model. Bring whatever art tools you like and invite friends to sketch, mingle, and unwind. Host artists Sean Andrew Murray and Sarafina Murphy-Gibson will pick music that pairs with the model’s outfits and offer playful drawing prompts to get ideas flowing. The Fogartyville Bar will be open with snacks plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Expect a welcoming, cabaret-style atmosphere that encourages creativity and conversation.

The final concert of the Midsummer Night Music Festival 2026 features soprano Michelle Giglio. With a radiant voice and deeply felt delivery, she brings the season to a moving close.

At The Makery SRQ, this adult pottery class centers on hand-building rather than wheel work. With guidance from Sabine, participants practice techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab construction while shaping both useful and decorative pieces such as mugs, bowls, planters, trays, and small sculptural works. The format welcomes newcomers and also supports experienced makers who want to develop personal projects. Clear demonstrations are paired with time to experiment and problem-solve, leading to finished pieces and a stronger command of clay. Materials, firing, and glazing are included, and completed work will be available for pickup after firing. Registration is non-refundable because it secures materials, staffing, and studio space. Groups can arrange birthdays, private sessions, or classes in the studio or at an off-site location with a minimum of ten participants.

Coffee and donuts set the tone for conversation followed by a friendly dive at Bird Key. This monthly Donut Dive offers a chance to meet new dive buddies, practice buoyancy control, look for fossils, and have fun. The plan includes gearing up with a briefing before entering the water, then exiting and checking in afterward. If you need rental gear, contact the shop ahead of time to reserve it, and rentals can be picked up on the day of the dive. Be sure to have your certification card with you.

Enjoy free outdoor yoga guided by certified instructor Erin Collins, offered as a gift to the community. All levels are welcome, whether you are stepping onto a mat for the first time or continuing a long-time practice. The gathering focuses on breath, mindful movement, and a gentle shift toward everyday gratitude, building on a community tradition that has grown over the years. Expect encouraging reminders that life is beautiful, that you are worthy, and that shame does not serve you. Take an hour to be outside, connect with others, move with intention, and return to yourself. Make your well-being a priority, arrive just as you are, and give yourself this time. Please bring a mat, water, and an open heart.

This hands-on kids clay class invites young makers to explore the fundamentals of ceramics. Participants practice shaping and sculpting, then learn how to add details that make their pieces uniquely their own. The session blends playful exploration with guided instruction, encouraging creativity while building confidence and an appreciation for working with clay. Children take home the artworks they create. Designed for ages 6 and up, the class is beginner friendly and welcoming to families, and all materials are provided. Registration secures materials, staffing, and space and is nonrefundable. Birthday parties, group sessions, and private classes can be arranged in the studio or at an off-site location with a minimum of 10 students. The Makery is located at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime.

Settle in for a relaxed session of pottery glazing. Bring in your own pieces to finish, or choose from a selection of handmade, ready to paint ceramics. A new themed item is featured each week, or you can pick something different. This experience welcomes ages 6 and up. All materials are included, and it is friendly for beginners and families. Customers returning to complete previously created work can glaze for free. If you prefer to paint one of the ready made items, pricing varies by piece. Registration reserves materials, staffing, and space, and is non refundable. Groups of at least 10 can arrange birthdays, private classes, or sessions at your location. The Makery is located inside The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, home to over 40 local artisans, with a shaded courtyard and a bar close by.

The Queerlastic Book Fair rekindles the nostalgic feel of grade-school book fairs with a vibrant queer focus. Attendees can explore tables of books curated by local independent booksellers, connect with LGBTQ+ authors from the wider region, and discover artwork, zines, prints, stickers, and other creations by local artists and makers. Presented in partnership with the literary arts initiative Wordier Than Thou and its pop-up bookstore, This Bookstore Kills Fascists, this gathering celebrates LGBTQ+ literature, creativity, and community. Open to all ages.

Under the soft glow of candlelight, St. Boniface Episcopal Church hosts an intimate, multi-sensory concert where the Listeso String Quartet celebrates the music of Queen and ABBA. A tentative program includes favorites like Dancing Queen, SOS, Money, Money, Money, Voulez-Vous, Waterloo, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, and Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, along with Queen staples such as Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want to Break Free, Killer Queen, Don't Stop Me Now, We Will Rock You, and We Are the Champions. The experience runs 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the music begins, and late entry is not permitted. Seating is assigned within each zone in the order of arrival. The venue is ADA accessible. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and those under 16 must attend with an adult. In celebration of Candlelight Spring, some sessions feature a floral backdrop, while others follow the classic Candlelight arrangement.

The Sunday Taco Ride rolls into the summer season on the Legacy Trail. 3 Bridges Brewing and Pigfish, located inside Calusa Brewing, will be serving tacos every Sunday throughout the summer. Choose your own approach, whether that means wrapping up a long morning ride with well-earned tacos or meeting friends for tacos first before pedaling to a few other refreshment stops. This open format welcomes riders of all kinds to shape a new Sunday tradition on the trail. A Legacy Taco Ride group page is available to connect with others, find groups to ride with, or invite people to yours.

This afternoon event brings REALTORS together for networking, food, giveaways, and relationship building with trusted Business Partners at RASM's REALTOR expo. Attendees can meet all-star Business Partners, discover products and services that support their work, and build new connections that may lead to future opportunities. Completing the Expo Passport provides a chance to win a $200 gift card grand prize. Advance registration costs $5, and REALTOR members who pre-register are entered for a $50 gift card drawing. Admission at the door is $10. Canned food donations support Harvest House. For every five cans contributed, attendees receive one raffle ticket toward a gift basket filled with local goodies, with unlimited entries available. Considered the association's largest networking event of the year, the focus is on connecting, discovering new resources, and growing your business.

Jazz vocalist Suzanne Lucas brings an intimate night of music and story to Asolo Repertory Theatre. With a deeply soulful voice and a gift for shaping narratives through song, she offers a live performance that centers on love, life, and the bonds that connect us. The evening pairs expressive jazz with personal storytelling, encouraging unhurried listening and genuine feeling. Grounded in heartfelt sincerity, this concert is crafted to linger long after the final note.

Celebrating 16 years, the Fabulous Independent Film Festival highlights LGBTQ+ cinema on the Suncoast with a dual-venue format. Screenings of independent films take place at the historic Burns Court Cinema, then special events continue at the 925 Maddox LGBTQ+ Center with opening night receptions and filmmaker panels. An all-access festival pass reserves seats at the most anticipated films and provides exclusive entry to all center events. Pass sales support independent queer creators and help sustain a year-round community space. Passes are limited.

The Strider Cup World Championship returns to Sarasota, Florida, marking 15 years since the inaugural event held there in 2009. Hundreds of young riders from around the world will take on the Sarasota BMX course, racing on Genuine Strider Bikes only, as other balance bike brands are not permitted. Children ages 2 to 4, regardless of experience, are invited to experience the excitement of friendly competition and the camaraderie of the Strider community. The event adds extra fun with local vendors, swag bags, and cheer stations. Festivities continue with a special 15th anniversary beach celebration the following day, bringing families and riders together to share a love of balance bikes.

The annual Jaguar Festival d’Elegance brings a standout collection of Jaguar automobiles to St. Armands Circle Park, featuring treasured antiques, current classics, and striking modified prototypes. This free event from the Suncoast Jaguar Club invites Jaguar owners to register their vehicles, with awards presented across a range of classes. Special recognition and club winners will be announced in the park.

Silver Thunder returns to Hot Sands Oasis Tiki Bar and Grill for a second live show, leaning into the tiki lights, the breeze, and a relaxed beach-bar vibe that suits the band. After a first visit that combined cold drinks with an energetic crowd, they are set to plug in, turn it up, and let the night unfold.

Marking 26 years of spicy firefighter rivalry, this chili cook-off brings together more than a dozen local firehouses vying for bragging rights as Best Firehouse Chili. The festivities include live music, a panel of celebrity judges, raffle prizes, cold beer, and activities for kids. Tickets are expected to be available soon. All proceeds support the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund, and sponsorship opportunities are noted by the organizers.

Boz Scaggs brings his unmistakable voice and guitar work to Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, sharing music from a career that stretches from his solo debut in 1969 to his most recent release. He first made waves with Silk Degrees, the 1976 album that reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and featured favorites like Lido Shuffle and Lowdown. He followed with the platinum albums Down Two Then Left and Middle Man, adding singles including Breakdown Dead Ahead and Jojo. After a brief break in the 1980s, he returned in 1988 and has continued to record and tour, with Out of the Blues arriving in 2018. His path also connects with the formation of Toto, as work on Silk Degrees brought together David Paich, David Hungate, and Jeff Porcaro. That collaboration helped launch the band, and its members have continued working with Scaggs over the years.

Enjoy craft beer and New Haven style pizza under the shade of the oak trees at Sun King Sarasota as Bill Vinhage provides the music. This stop is one of his select Friday sets, offering an inviting mix of flavors and live tunes.

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.

The sixth annual Queens gala, presented as the All Shades of Purple Gala, features a performance by saxophonist Marlon Boone. The evening includes dinner, with cocktails offered before the program and a cash bar available.

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.

This dark, high-energy production blends circus, cabaret, and theater into a fast-paced spectacle that nods to the gothic imagination of Tim Burton and the grand-scale artistry of Cirque du Soleil. An international ensemble delivers acrobatics, dance, comedic moments, and illusions in a 90-minute immersive experience. Set in 19th century Bohemia, the tale follows Count Dracula masking his sinister designs behind a traveling circus. Daring feats, mystery, and constant surprises shape a world where the unexpected waits at every turn.

Unleashed in the Kitchen is the Humane Society’s inaugural interactive dinner, bringing culinary creativity together with compassion for animals. Guests will enter an immersive setting for a chef-guided, multi-course meal, with each course offering hands-on elements that awaken the senses, encourage connection, and spotlight the organization’s lifesaving work. Throughout the evening, storytelling, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and thoughtful moments will illuminate the mission in new and memorable ways. The experience celebrates the bond between people and animals and highlights the impact a community can make together. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available.

Reptiday Sarasota brings a condensed take on the full Repticon experience to the Sahib Shrine Auditorium in a single-day expo. Explore a diverse showcase of live reptiles and other exotic animals, meet knowledgeable exhibitors, and shop for pets and supplies straight from the experts with special show pricing. Learn more about reptiles and exotics as you browse the floor and connect with the people who know them best.

Celebrating its 18th anniversary, Fright Night transforms St. Armands Circle from its signature island charm into a lively Halloween scene for kids and anyone who enjoys a playful scare. Storefronts are decked out with decorations while roaming characters help conjure the Circle's spirited past. Adults and children can trick or treat around the Circle as many shops and restaurants contribute candy, games, and special promotions.

Respect to the Ancestors is a free community ecstatic dance gathering in Sarasota guided by DJ Kat, set amid the natural surroundings of the Lime Light Community Garden. The evening opens with quiet time to arrive, explore the garden, and connect with the land and one another. An intentional musical journey follows, inviting free movement, authentic expression, and deep presence. After the dance, participants share a communal meal and stories, then close with a drum circle that celebrates rhythm, remembrance, and the cycles of life. All are welcome.

Ferrari's on the Circle fills St. Armands Circle Park with an array of new, vintage, and rare Ferraris in a free public showcase. Stroll among standout models and discover favorites throughout the park. Registration details will be updated soon. A minimum donation is requested to display a car, and all proceeds benefit Flight to the North Pole, a charity that provides financial and emotional support to terminally ill children and their families in Sarasota and Manatee counties. For additional information or to register, contact Joe Gliksman at joegnsx@gmail.com or 863-860-1053.

Celebrating its 20th year, this Hungarian festival welcomes everyone to immerse themselves in Hungarian heritage.

Michelle Malone showcases a fearless blend of folk, roots rock, Americana, and country blues, the product of four decades of fiercely independent songwriting. Known for candid lyrics and commanding vocals, she crafts songs that carry both grit and tenderness. A revered figure in Georgia’s music community, she has collaborated in a satellite role with the Indigo Girls, played guitar with The Kristian Bush Band of Sugarland, and appeared with the Atlanta Symphony alongside Gregg Allman and Chuck Leavell of the Rolling Stones. Her path has taken her around the world, including the rare distinction of touring with both ZZ Top and Ellen DeGeneres. Across 17 studio albums her music spans roadhouse swagger, bluesy grooves, and folk-rooted reflection. On stage she delivers an energetic, genuine, and emotionally rich performance that draws listeners in from the first note.

Community professionals gather at Roseandivysrq for a Community Leader Social featuring guest community leader Paul Hoback, CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The program includes purposeful networking, a brief presentation from the guest, and time for questions afterward. Casual business attire is requested. Admission is $25 in advance, with a higher rate on the day of the event. A cash bar will be available and hors d’oeuvres are included. An optional $250 annual membership provides admission for one person to ten socials each year, admission for two to a member-only event, recognition at the socials, inclusion in a group photo, an engraved name badge with lapel pin, access to an online directory, and priority invitations to the Community Leader Introductions and Mayoral Ball events. A nonprofit program is available to financially benefit an organization with the capacity to successfully promote these events. Sponsorship support is acknowledged. This series focuses on business events that connect the Bay Area and encourage collaboration among community professionals across Florida cities.

Selah Freedom presents its annual gala, Roaring & Restored: Hidden No More, an evening devoted to breaking the silence around trafficking and celebrating survivors who are restored and resilient. Hosted at The Westin Sarasota and sponsored by True Fitness, the event features semi-formal attire with a Roaring 20s twist, a seated dinner and cash bar, silent and live auctions, a raffle, and a survivor speaker. The focus is on empowerment, restoration, and voices brought into the light.

Gain hands-on skills during a two day Original Thai Yoga Massage training in Sarasota, Florida that centers on easing low back tension through supine, side lying, and prone sequences. Open to yoga teachers and students, massage therapists, bodyworkers, and anyone interested in this centuries old modality, the course introduces a floor based, fully clothed approach that weaves assisted stretches, rhythmic pressure, conscious breath, and attentive touch to reduce tightness, improve range of motion, and support overall balance. Over the two days, participants practice essential techniques that make use of the hands, forearms, elbows, knees, and body weight to deliver effective sessions while maintaining healthy body mechanics. Instruction also covers the role of energy lines, movement, and therapeutic touch to build a thoughtful, safe practice. Sometimes called lazy person's yoga, Thai Yoga Massage can feel deeply restorative for both giver and receiver. Whether the aim is to expand professional offerings, deepen knowledge of the body, or care for loved ones, attendees leave with practical methods they can start using immediately. No previous experience is needed, and the training highlights relaxation, mobility, connection, and well being throughout.

GA-20 delivers a raw, vintage-rooted mix of blues, country, and rock and roll shaped by classic influences and a live in-the-room recording style. Guitarist Matt Stubbs, guitarist and vocalist Cody Nilsen, and drummer Josh Kiggans build their sound around storytelling, melody, and atmosphere, drawing inspiration from artists like Otis Rush, Howlin' Wolf, and Hound Dog Taylor. The trio has earned multiple number one placements on the Billboard Blues chart, four Boston Music Awards for Best Blues Act, and nominations at the Blues Music Awards, while gaining global traction on radio and streaming platforms. They have toured and shared bills with Tab Benoit, Tommy Castro, George Thorogood, The Black Crowes, and Devon Allman. Their work also includes Blues Now, a collaborative studio album with Charlie Musselwhite on New West Records.

Floyd Nation brings the Inner Light Tour back to the stage with an immersive concert shaped around music that defined a generation. Moving beyond a standard tribute, the performance captures the sound, emotion, and atmosphere fans associate with these classics while reaching into new territory. Signature songs such as Wish You Were Here, Comfortably Numb, Time, and Another Brick in the Wall anchor the set, blending the familiar with moments that surprise. Instead of a note-for-note replay, the show focuses on delivering a resonant experience that lingers after the final chord.

Experience the original Rocky on the big screen as a full orchestra performs Bill Conti’s powerful score live, featuring the well known anthem Gonna Fly Now. Produced by TCG Entertainment, this blend of film and live music brings the story’s grit, setbacks, and victories into sharp focus. The franchise it celebrates has earned more than $1.3 billion worldwide at the box office, along with three Academy Award wins and 10 nominations. Presented at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

A musical comedy pays tribute to the holiday films you know so well, following Holly, an overworked Big City executive who heads back to her quirky hometown to save Christmas. As she navigates an old romance, a high stakes corporate merger, a suspicious cookie contest and even a moose on the loose, the chaos turns festive. The show brims with familiar seasonal tropes and brand-new pop songs, including “Judge That Cookie” and “It Feels Like Christmas (Because It Is Literally Christmas),” offering a witty spin on cherished holiday stories.