Art events in Sarasota County: July

Get a taste of the cultural activities that Sarasota County offers. Enjoy our July picks spanning theatre, music, modern dance, art galleries and more in this monthly round-up of events in the area. With so much to choose from, it’s no wonder why this destination is considered Florida’s Cultural Coast ™.

Stroll and enjoy: Art & Music Festivals

Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Enjoy music, food, shopping and family fun 6 to 9 p.m. during Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch July 7 (the first Friday of every month.) This is a free concert series and block party with family friendly activities. July’s music act is Ari & the Alibis Band, featuring funk, jazz, samba and blues.

Palm Avenue District, Sarasota

First Friday Art Walk is 6-9 p.m. July 7 (the first Friday of every month.) This is a great chance to view some outstanding art and special artists’ openings. Galleries are open to the public and artists are often in attendance. Sip and savor tasty treats and wine in most of the galleries, while music fills all of Palm Avenue, the galleries, and part of Main Street as well. Make an evening of the event and enjoy great people-watching at this Sarasota main event every month.

The Historic Downtown Village of Sarasota

Celebrate the end of July in the Historic Downtown Village of Sarasota with “Fourth Friday at the Downtown Village” 5 to 9 p.m., July 28. Located on the 1800 block of Fruitville Road (just northwest of the corner of Fruitville Road and Washington Boulevard), this event includes live music, food trucks, guest vendors and art demonstrations.

Towles Court Artist Colony, Sarasota

Enjoy “Third Friday Artwalks” at Towles Court with music and refreshments 6 to 10 p.m. July 21. All the galleries are open in this truly festive atmosphere every month. Artists are often on hand to chat and lots of items are available to look at and purchase as well.

Dance

Sarasota Contemporary Dance

Experience riveting and unexpected dance with Timeline on July 20, In The Round on July 28 at 2 and 7. Both shows are at the New College of Florida Black Box Theater. 941-359-0099,

Sarasota Ballet

Enjoy the International Intensive Summer Showcase, with performances by up-and-coming students of dance July 28 and 29 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. 941 359-0099, [email protected].

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

Sarasota’s best kept dance secret! Enjoy the Summer Intensive Program Showcase 2 p.m. Saturday, July 29 at the Sarasota Opera House and the On Stage Performance 7 p.m. July 29 at the Opera House. Box office at 941-328-1300. 501 N. Beneva Rd. 941-365-8400 [email protected] 

Museums

The Ringling

Witness amazing gravity-defying performances at “IncrediBello!” through July 29 at the Historic Asolo Theater at the Museum in The Ringling. Then, stroll through the newest exhibits, “Eternal Offerings: Chinese Ritual Bronzes” from the Minneapolis Institute of Art, “Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration,” and “Portraits.” 941-360-7399.

Sarasota Opera

In the summer the Sarasota Opera House transforms into a movie theater featuring your favorite operas. Enjoy HD at the Opera House Series in July with MacBeth, the play, July 2, MacBeth, the opera, July 9, Madama Butterfly, July 10, Show Boat, July 23, Love’s Labours Lost, July 30, all at 1:30 p.m. Box Office at 941-328-1300, .

Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre

Theater stays strong through the summer with performances at Florida Studio Theatre. See The Jersey Tenors through July 16; SRQ Improv Festival July 13-15; The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, July 5-Aug. 6; Doublewide, Aug. 2-20; and The Blue-Eyed Bettys, July 18-Aug. 20. 941-366-9000.

Dog Days Theatre

Dog Days Theatre is the newest theatrical venture in Sarasota, presented in the Cook Theatre by the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. See “Relatively Speaking” by Alan Ayckbourn, July 11 through 30 and “Double Indemnity” by James M. Cain, Aug. 8 through 27. Catch some of the best plays ever written performed by future stars. These student productions are still my absolute favorite evenings of theatre. Box office is 941-351-8000.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts (Players Theatre)

Summer Sizzlers! July schedule at The Players Centre for Performing Arts includes America The Beautiful: A Patriotic Celebration featuring Brian Gurl, July1; Once On This Island, Jr., a summer camp showcase, July 7; STAR (Story Time at the Ranch) Revolutionary War on Wednesday, July 8 at Polo Field Club House; The Marvelous Wonderettes, July 12-23; The Players New Play Festival, July 31-Aug. 4. Check out the Players Theatre Art Gallery in the lobby 838 North Tamiami Trl Sarasota 34236. 941-365-2494,

Urbanite Theatre

Be sure to get your tickets for Pilgrims by Claire Kiechel, the last of summer series at the Urbanite Theatre. Performances run Aug. 4 to Sept. 10. 1487 Second Street. Box Office and information 941-321-1397,

Van Wezel

Don’t miss one of the largest summer events: Fridayfest, free outdoor concert on Friday July 21 featuring Kettle of Fish. 941- 953-3368, vanwezel.org 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) presents Broadway in Black through July 23. WBTT salutes Broadway musicals with favorite songs from award-winning shows. Come and sing along. 1646 10^th Way. 941-366-1505

Visual Arts

Art Center Sarasota

Enjoy a gallery of work from Florida residents titled “Florida’s Finest.” On View July 6 through Aug. 11. 941-365-2032.

Art Uptown

Art Uptown features a new showing of art each month. Monthly shows also at Bird Key Yacht Club. July features Cecile Moran. Symbolic representations of power in Nature. The show is open to the public at Bird Key on Thursday, July 6 at 6 p.m. with a champagne reception. Also enjoy Dog Days Juried Exhibit, July 29-Aug. 25. 1367 Main Street. 941-955-5409. 

Dabbert Gallery

The Dabbert Gallery Summer Showcase runs now through Sept. 30. This exhibit features 6 sculptors, a printmaker, 20 painters, 1 pastel artist and 1 photographer. Diverse award-winning group including 9 of Sarasota’s best. Beautiful gallery. Wide variety of art work. 76 South Palm Avenue. 941-955-1315.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Catch the end of “Marc Chagall, Flowers, and the French Riviera.” This gallery featuring a masterwork painting The Lovers (1937) will end July 31. Two additional paintings loaned from a private collector have not been publicly exhibited before. 941-366-5731

Festival Alert!

Get your tickets now for the Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF) Oct 18-21. This festival of internationally-acclaimed musicians, actors and dancers sells out regularly.

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