Sarasota Summers: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Fundays
Mark your calendars for fun each weekend of the summer in Sarasota Florida
Sarasota abounds with festive fun to fill your calendar every weekend of the summer, embracing every moment of the free-spirited season.
June 9-11, 2017
Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads
Check out the new Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads exhibit at Ringling Art Museum, on view beginning today. Located on the grounds of the museum, they are open to the public for no fee.
Summer Live Music Sessions
Café in the Park hosts their Summer Live Music Sessions with Music in the Park featuring Scone Train beginning at 7:30. Arrive early at 6pm to enjoy some of their shockingly delicious goodies before enjoying the outdoor concert.
Savor Sarasota
Choosing what and where to dine is much easier during Savor Sarasota week. Prime restaurants showcase their best dishes with prix fixe menus at impossible to beat prices. Fewer decisions with better options? Count me in.
License-Free Freshwater Fishing Days
The second Saturday and Sunday of June are License-free Saltwater Fishing Days, perfect for lake boaters hoping to give catching dinner a try.
Splashin’ Saturdays
From 10am until noon, bring the kids or grandkids to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for their Splashin’ Saturdays. Kids ages toddler through 10 will enjoy the water activities while adults bask in the stunning beauty of the Gardens.
Full Moon Siesta Yoga
Full moon Siesta Yoga merges sea and sky into the ultimate zen.
St. Armands Craft Festival
The 16th annual St. Armands Craft Festival gathers the works of over 175 artists to one mega center of crafty consumption. Simultaneously, the St. Armand’s Summer Sidewalk Sale features deals too good to pass up.
June 16-18, 2017
The Free Outdoor Music Series at Van Wezel Performance Hall
This free event features Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones on the Bayfront Lawn behind the hall, overlooking Sarasota Bay. Family friendly, the event spans from 5-9pm. Outdoor music with a water view? Yes, please.
The Venice Craft Festival
The Venice Craft Festival specializes in sea-centric arts.
Splashin’ Saturdays
From 10am until noon, bring the kids or grandkids to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for their Splashin’ Saturdays. Kids ages toddler through 10 will enjoy the water activities while adults bask in the stunning beauty of the Gardens. Stick around for lunch at the Café and to enjoy the Children’s Rainforest Garden.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Today is Family Day at the Asolo Rep’s showing of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, an immersive experience based on the classic 1870 Jules Verne book. For a less child-centric viewing, attend any of the “trippy underwater wonderland” performances spanning through the end of the month.
Garden Music Series
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosts International guitarist Kafkasso for their Garden Music Series event. Local favorite Michael’s on East will be selling grilled food as well as Bloody Marys and Mimosas. The show spans from 1pm-3pm and is included in the price of admission.
Father’s Day
It’s Father’s Day! Don’t forget to call that special patriarch in your life. For a little togetherness, treat him to Gospel Brunch at the Blue Rooster, followed by a docent-led tour at the Historic Spanish Point. Dads get in free today. A gift certificate for a round of golf at the University Park Country Club will guarantee papa gets a great day.
June 23-25, 2017
Splashin’ Saturdays
From 10am until noon, bring the kids or grandkids to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for their Splashin’ Saturdays. Kids ages toddler through 10 will enjoy the water activities while adults bask in the stunning beauty of the Gardens. Stick around for lunch at the Café and to enjoy the Children’s Rainforest Garden.
Suncoast Grand Prix Car Show
Main Street in Lakewood Ranch transforms for their Suncoast Grand Prix Car Show, featuring dozens of antique vehicles for your eye candy enjoyment. Viewing is free. 10am-3pm.
JR’s Old Packinghouse Music Festival
JR’s Old Packinghouse Café hosts their 1st Annual Music Festival, with hours upon hours of live music on two stages. Pair the tunes with some Southern fare and a cool drink and it’s a day in paradise.
Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza
Get ready to get your laugh on at the Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza at McCurdy’s Comedy Café in Downtown Sarasota. The interactive evening, described as “delightfully naughty experience” runs from 8-10pm.
June 30 – July 2
Grand Prix Powerboat Races
Other areas have their car races, dirt bike races, snowmobile races. Here we have Grand Prix Powerboat Races. Watching these sleek vessels zip through the water, be it from land or sea (I suggest the Old Salty Dog), is a rush, Florida-style.
Splashin’ Saturdays
From 10am until noon, bring the kids or grandkids to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for their Splashin’ Saturdays. Kids ages toddler through 10 will enjoy the water activities while adults bask in the stunning beauty of the Gardens. Stick around for lunch at the Café and to enjoy the Children’s Rainforest Garden.
Shark Days
Shark Days at Mote reaches is conclusion this week with their Fins Fun Family Festival. From 10-1pm, celebrate these majestic sea creatures, from hammerhead to bonnethead, sandbar to nurse.
Fireworks at Benderson
Start honoring America’s freedom a few days early with the Fireworks at Benderson. Perfect for getting into the spirit and in case you need to work or fly home on the 4th itself.
July 7-9
First Friday
The workweek is finally over and it’s time to unwind. For music, friends, and food, check out the First Friday Downtown Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch’s Music on Main. Both are guaranteed to make Monday seem like a lifetime away.
First on Palm
The First on Palm event in Downtown Sarasota gives art lovers a backdoor peek without the hustle and bustle of the crowds but with the cool breeze and moonlight sky the evening brings.
Lionfish Derby
Lionfish, though stunningly beautiful, are invasive and damaging our seas, leading to increased consumption and events such as the annual Lionfish Derby. Watch the event and enjoy savoring these tasty little beauties.
Splashin’ Saturdays
From 10am until noon, bring the kids or grandkids to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for their Splashin’ Saturdays. Kids ages toddler through 10 will enjoy the water activities while adults bask in the stunning beauty of the Gardens. Stick around for lunch at the Café and to enjoy the Children’s Rainforest Garden.
Blue Rooster’s Ben Prestage
Blue Rooster’s live music calendar never lags, but seeing Ben Prestage play while noshing on fried chicken is a guaranteed memorable great time.
July 14-16
Garden Music Series
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosts eclectic group SoulRcoaster for their Garden Music Series event. Local favorite Michael’s on East will be selling grilled food as well as Bloody Marys and Mimosas. The show spans from 1pm-3pm and is included in the price of admission.
National Ice Cream Day
In honor of National Ice Cream Day, take a tour around St. Armand’s Circle and try any – or all – of their many ice cream shops (there is also gelato and frozen yogurt, but on International Ice Cream Day, it’s best to honor the real deal). Kilwin’s is a resounding favorite in our house.
July 21-23
Outdoor Music Series at the Van Wezel
Kick off the weekend with a live show by Kettle of Fish as part of the Free Van Wezel Outdoor Music Series. Music, water views, bay breezes, dancing, and happy faces make the ultimate combination.
Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market
Visit the Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market for some breakfast, coffee, crafts, flowers, live entertainment, and goodies for later.
July 28-30
IncrediBello!
If you haven’t yet seen comedic daredevil Bello Nock’s performance IncrediBello! at the Asolo, hurry before this hair-raising event passes you by. Prepare to laugh and gasp at Bello’s shocking endeavors.
Manatee? Please!
Take to the seas in search of some manatee spotting. The warm waters are mega-inviting to these mammals. Manatees, the friendly vegetarian giants of the sea, enjoy warmer water and can be seen frequently throughout the Bay, Gulf, Intercoastal, Phillippi Creek, and more. Kayak or SUP guarantee no prop scars for these friendly fellows.
Siesta Key Farmer’s Market
A visit to the Siesta Key Farmer’s Market kicks off the day with fresh produce, friendly faces, and salty air. Grab those goodies to go and enjoy them on the sand as the sun rises.
August 4-6
Lakewood Ranch Music on Main
Wherever in Sarasota you’re closest, there’s music awaiting you on this first Friday of the Month. Lakewood Ranch hosts their Music on Main, as does Downtown Sarasota their First Friday.
Palm Avenue
Palm Avenue in Downtown Sarasota opens its doors to myriad shops for late night viewing of art galore. This month’s theme is “A Midsummer Night’s Stroll”.
Trash Fish Dinner
The 4th annual Trash Fish Dinner features spectacular cuisine utilizing the lesser-known or underused sustainable fish from the area (aka “trash fish”). Past events have featured grouper cheeks, lionfish, and sturgeon roe prepared by Sarasota’s top chefs.
August 11-13
Historic Spanish Point
Visit Historic Spanish Point in Osprey for a docent-led tour where history, architecture, botany, and beauty intertwine.
Both Sarasota and Manatee county schools resume mid-month…helpful information if you are hoping to see or not see little ones during your visit.
August 18-20
Vintiquity Lane
The third weekend of the month means open doors at Vintiquity Lane, a local vintage and antique market focusing on home goods, kitschy artifacts, and some attire from days gone by. Empty the trunk before you drive over-you never know what you’ll find.
Shark-tooth Hunt
Now that the kids are back in school, there’s less competition for shark tooth hunting in Venice. Keep your eyes to the sand for the black (sometimes prehistoric) artifacts from the sea.
August 25-27
Friday night brings the Free Van Wezel Outdoor Music Series
Check out this free event with local favorite, Jah Movement Reggae Band. Get your groove on to the sweet beats while overlooking the stunning Bay.