WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, Dec 1^st, 6pm | Music on Main: Shell and the Crabs | Main Street at Lakewood Ranch | 8100 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

This free concert series and block party is a local favorite! Shell and the Crabs will fill the air with music while the street is lined with local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids. Additionally, proceeds from this fun event will benefit a local charity!

Fri-Sat, Dec 1^st-2^nd, Time Varies | Outdoor Holiday Market | The Mall at UTC | 150 University Town Center Dr

Shop local this holiday season while enjoying this week's beautiful weather! This two-day event will feature over 150 vendors selling handmade and unique holiday gifts, food trucks, and more! Friday's market will run from 4-9pm, and Saturday's market will run from 11am-5pm.

Fri-Sun, Dec 1^st- 3^rd, Time Varies | Boo’s Music Fest | Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar | 1314 10^th Street

Kick off December with a fun-filled weekend! Boo’s has three killer bands lined up to have you dancing, tapping, and smiling ear to ear while you munch on delicious bites. This event is family-friendly AND dog-friendly, so be sure to bring your pups to enjoy a fun outdoor course, PAWsome treats, and seasonal attire!

Fri-Sun, Dec 1^st-3^rd, Time Varies | Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival | Siesta Beach | 948 Beach Road

Share in the festivities of the 5^th Annual Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival and enjoy a toe-tapping, mouth-watering extravaganza with live tunes and delectable seafood! Seafood will be cooked fresh on-site and prepared using fresh, local, and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. The festivities begin at noon on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday!

Sat, Dec 2^nd, 8am | Breakfast with Santa | Applebees |5490 Clark Road

Enjoy a jolly morning filled with cheer, delicious food, and Santa’s merry presence! Bring your little ones and create unforgettable memories as you enjoy a scrumptious meal together. Don’t forget to bring your wish list and be ready for your photo op with the big man himself!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri-Sat, Nov 24th-25th, 7pm | Holiday Movies Under the Stars | University Town Center | 210 North Cattlemen Road

Snuggle up with your kids, family, and friends at this seasons free outdoor showings of your favorite holiday films! Special character visits and onsite concessions will begin at 6pm, with movies beginning at 7pm. This weekend, you can enjoy How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey) on Friday and Arthur Christmas on Saturday. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets!

Fri-Sun, Nov 24th-26th, Time Varies | Sarasota International Food Truck Rally & Music Festival | J.D. Hamel Park | 199 Bayfront Park

Starting at 4pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday, this unforgettable event will treat your taste buds to a variety of culinary delights. This rally will offer a diverse selection of food trucks ranging from local favorites to exotic dishes. In addition to mouthwatering food, a lineup of talented local musicians will keep you entertained with a mix of rock, jazz, pop, and country tunes.

Sat, Nov 25th, 10am | Goat Yoga | Fruitville Grove | 7410 Fruitville Road

Enjoy yoga under an oak tree in nature to relieve stress, have some laughs, and connect your mind, body, and spirit. The best part? You will be surrounded by goats (and maybe some lambs) during this all-levels class. Must bring your own towel, mat, or blanket.

Sat, Nov 25th, 5pm | Ceramic Gnome Painting | Art Ovation Hotel | 1255 North Palm Avenue

Holiday decor is even more fun when you paint it yourself! Paint your own ceramic gnome as an instructor guides you through the basics and helps you explore different techniques. Your finished artwork and learned skills will go home with you at the end. 

Sat-Sun, Nov 25th-26th, 10am | Sarasota Medieval Fair | Woods of Mallaranny | 29847 FL-70 East

The Sarasota Medieval Fair brings together local artisans, performers, and vendors, and serves as a fundraiser to multiple non-profit organizations. The fair is a creative forum for learning the history of the Medieval era though a wide range of family-friendly activities and fun.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Sat, Nov 18^th, 2:30pm or 7pm | A Brave New Wonderland | Big Top in the East District at UTC | 195 University Town Center Dr

Hometown hero and international superstar Nik Wallenda is collaborating with the Circus Arts Conservatory to bring an extraordinary holiday spectacle. This exhilarating show promises a blend of thrilling circus acts, mesmerizing aerial performances, and uplifting holiday storytelling.

Sat, Nov 18^th, 10am | Main Street Small Business Market | Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 8131 Lakewood Main Street

Discover and explore the creative side of our community at the Main Street Market. Over 70 local makers and retailers will be in attendance with handmade treasures, boutique finds, décor, accessories, plants, candles, woodwork, coffee, food trucks, pet goods, health, live music, and more! There is something for everyone and you won’t want to miss it!

Sat, Nov 18^th, 11am | Suncoast Kids Extravaganza | Ellenton Premium Outlets | 5461 Factory Shops Boulevard

An exciting day of family-friendly fun awaits you at Ellenton Premium Outlets this weekend! Enjoy bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, food trucks, balloon art, a live DJ, and more! Play-all-day wristbands are available at the gate, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sun, Nov 19^th, 8am | Ponies Under the Palms Car Show | Main Street at Lakewood Ranch | 8155 Lakewood Main Street

Open to all years, makes, and models of Ford-powered cars and trucks. Class awards for the following categories: Mustang 64 ½-73, 74-93, 94-04, 05-11, 12-14, 15-current, Specialty Mustang – All Years (Roush, Boss 302, Saleen), Trucks/SUV, and Non-Mustang Ford Powered. All proceeds go towards Take Stock in Children and Denis V. Cooper Foundation “Wishes for Heroes”.

Sun, Nov 19^th, 2pm | Jazz on the Water | Marina Jack | 2 Marina Plaza

Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to swing and sing with the Jazz Club of Sarasota aboard the Marina Jack II for a two-hour sightseeing cruise on Sarasota Bay with syncopated beats of Skip Conkling’s Dixie Mix!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, Nov 10^th, 6pm | Movie in the Park: Frozen | Waterside Park | 7301 Island Cove Terrace

Bring your kids, family, and friends (and a blanket/lawn chair) for a free outdoor movie! This week's featured film will be Frozen, and special guests Anna and Elsa will be joining the fun from 6-8pm for a meet and greet. Be one of the first 300 attendees to receive a FREE Chick-fil-a Sandwich or Nuggets. Concessions will also be available from We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn.

Sat-Sun, Nov 11^th-12^th, 10am | Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival | Swordfish Grill | 4628 119^th Street West

The 11^th Annual Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival is perfect for all ages with live music, a kid’s zone, talented local artists, and local house specials. House specials include smoked fish spread, peel & eat gulf shrimp, clam chowder, shrimp and grits, and more! This two-day festival will run from 10am to 6pm.

Sat, Nov 11^th, 1pm | Suncoast Food & Wine Fest | Premier Sports Campus | 5895 Post Boulevard

The Suncoast Food and Wine Fest offers delicious samplings and tastings from a large selection of the area’s finest restaurants as well as a variety of fine wines and other beverages. Enjoy an afternoon in a beautiful outdoor setting while benefiting many Manatee and Sarasota county charities by participating.

Sat, Nov 11^th, 6pm | Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade | West District at UTC | 140 University Town Center Dr

Join the merry celebration along North Cattlemen Road as the streets come alive with lights, sights, and sounds of the season! This event will include a special Veterans Day tribute, thrilling high-wire act by Nik Wallenda to light the UTC District’s 50-foot tree, a grand parade with 40+ decorated floats/vehicles, dance troops, a special appearance by Santa Claus, a festive fireworks show, and an after-party performance by We The Kings!

Sun, Nov 12^th, 12pm | SRQ Craft Beer Festival | Origin Pizza Café | 1837 Hillview Street

Immerse yourself in a world of unique flavors and hoppy goodness with over 20 local and regional craft breweries. Mingle with fellow beer-lovers, enjoy live music, and bring the kids for some fun games!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, Nov 3^rd, 10am | Zen Fridays Yoga and Boat Tour | Evie’s at Spanish Point | 135 Bayview Drive

Get ready to unwind and find your inner peace with an invigorating yoga session led by experienced instructors followed by a scenic boat tour where you can soak in the breathtaking views of the bay. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast or simply looking for a serene escape, this event is the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and connect with nature!

Sat, Nov 4^th, 10am | Wellness Cowork Grand Opening | Wellness Cowork | 2555 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

Wellness Cowork is a vibrant, collaborative workspace designed for wellness professionals. The beautifully designed space offers a serene and inspiring environment where you can connect with like-minded people and share ideas. The grand opening event will give you the opportunity to explore the facilities, tour the suites, receive information about their services, and network with other wellness professionals.

Sat, Nov 4^th, 11am | Free Fall Festival | Florida Farm Bureau Pavilion | 7289 Palmer Boulevard

Indulge in the thrill of carnival games, get soaked in the Dunk Tank challenge, enjoy arts and crafts and airbrush tattoos, conquer the exhilarating obstacle course, try your hand at inflatable axe throwing, dance to the rhythm of live music, explore the charming Artisan Market, and so much more! This FREE event has something for everyone to enjoy and the proceeds go towards providing Christmas trees to local families in need.

Sat, Nov 4^th, 11am | Flavors of Literacy | Manatee River Garden Club | 3120 1^st Avenue West

This literary extravaganza is a delicious way to support literacy in Manatee County! Celebrate food from around the world (and the Suncoast), sample mouthwatering selections from local restaurants, choose a free book, meet local authors, and enjoy great entertainment! Restaurant partners include Anna Maria Oyster Bar, My Thai Restaurant, The Fresh Market, and Acapulco Tropical.

Sat-Sun, Nov 4^th -5^th, 10am | 35^th Annual Downtown Venice Art Festival | Downtown Venice | 100-300 West Venice Avenue

Enjoy the vibrance and historic charm of Venice during this year's Downtown Art Festival! Over 100 of the nation’s most notable artists will be in attendance exhibiting their work. Explore photography, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, mixed media, and more. These items are available for purchase, and you may even meet with your favorite artist to commission custom pieces!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, Oct 27^th, 6pm | Lakewood Ranch Boofest | Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 8126 Lakewood Main Street

Get ready for a howling good time at this year's BOOFEST! Enjoy family-friendly fun including entertainment, food and drink vendors, and more. There will be performances by Art & Soul Dance Company, Dynasty Dance Clubs, and Finnegan Academy of Irish Dance, as well as a children’s costume parade and contest! Be sure to dress up in your favorite costume and bring your trick-or-treating bags to collect the many treats given out by the generous sponsors and merchants.

Fri, Oct 27^th, 7pm | Screen on The Green: Hocus Pocus | The Green at UTC | 125 N Cattlemen Road

Head to UTC this Friday for a bunch of family-friendly hocus pocus! Starting at 7pm, family and friends of all ages are invited to meet the Sanderson Sisters, watch a free showing of the 90’s classic, Hocus Pocus, and enjoy treats from on-site concessions. Just bring a blanket or chair! The movie will begin after sunset.

Fri-Sun, Oct 27^th-29^th, Time Varies | Pumpkin Patch at UTC | The Green at UTC | 125 N Cattlemen Road

Stop by The Green at UTC to pick your favorite pumpkin all weekend long! Pumpkin Patch hours are Friday 3pm-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm. All proceeds will benefit Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue!

Sat, Oct 28^th, 6:30am | Sunrise Paddle | Robinson Preserve | 1704 99^th Street Northwest

Take a leisurely sunrise paddle at Robinson Preserve as wading birds fly through cotton candy skies and mullet splash the calm morning water! Enjoy views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the full moon setting over the Gulf as the sun rises in the east. All participants must wear a life jacket and children under 16 must attend with a parent/guardian in a tandem kayak.

Sun, Oct 29^th, 1pm | Trunk or Treat Car Show | Motorworks Brewing | 1014 9^th Street West

Don’t miss out on this thrilling event that combines the love for cars with the excitement of Halloween! Dress up in your favorite costume and experience a spooktacularly festive atmosphere as you admire the impressive display of classic and exotic vehicles as well as creatively decorated trunks filled with treats for the little ones.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, Oct 20^th, 6pm | Boo! At The Bay | Common Ground at The Bay Park | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

Join in on a not-so-scary evening filled with free pumpkin pickings, yard games, trick or treating, a double-feature movie night, and more! Delicious foods will be served by Cool Beads, The Dawg Pound, Killik’s Kitchen, Nakos Tacos, and The Nest Concession. Monsters, Inc. will play at 7pm, followed by Ghostbusters (1984, the original) at 8:45pm! Costumes are encouraged!

Sat, Oct 21^st, 7:30am | Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk | Nathan Benderson Park | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk raises awareness and funds for groundbreaking research, rides and lodging for patients in treatment, and so many other useful, and oftentimes lifesaving and life-changing, resources for those affected by cancer. You can enjoy entertainment along your 1 or 3-mile route, food trucks on-site, and water stations throughout. This is a family-friendly event and strollers are welcome!

Sat, Oct 21^st, 10am | Palma Sola Fruit Tree Tour | Palma Sola Botanical Park | 9800 18^th Avenue NW

As part of the 2023 Eat Local Week, you can take a guided tour of the rare fruit trail at the Palma Sola Botanical Park. The protected warm micro-climate creates the perfect conditions to grow rare palms, fruits, flowering trees, and other subtropical plants. Explore star fruit, dragon fruit, fig, guava, sugar apple, papaya, lychee, African breadfruit, Surinam cherry, and more! If any of the fruit is ripe, you may even be able to enjoy a tasting.

Sat-Sun, Oct 21^st-22^nd, 11am | Fall Festival | The Mall at University Town Center | 140 University Town Center Dr

Enjoy a weekend of family-friendly festive fun, food, and entertainment at the 4^th Annual Sarasota Fall Festival! You can look forward to trunk or treat, a kid’s zone with inflatables, food trucks, live entertainment, selfie stations, a pumpkin patch, pet costume contest, kids costumes contest, and more!

Sun, Oct 22^nd, 1pm | Taste of The Bay | The Oval Parking Lot at The Bay Park | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

Calling all foodies! This outdoor food festival (featuring live music) will showcase signature dishes from over 60 locally owned and operated restaurants and culinary innovators. You can look forward to the participation of Brick’s Smoked Meats, Fins at Sharky’s, Mi Pueblo, Michael’s On East, Clasico Italiano Chophouse, Tsunami, and many more!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri-Sun, Oct 13^th-15^th, 8am | 2023 International Canoe Federation SUP World Cup | Nathan Benderson Park | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

Stand Up Paddling World Cup is taking place at Nathan Benderson Park all weekend long! Come watch three days of epic paddle board racing fun for all. There will be 3 different races: sprint, distance, and technical. In the mood to participate? There is a recreational race and costume contest on Saturday open to all ages and skill levels!

Sat, Oct 14^th, 6pm | Midnight at the Masquerade | Bradenton Woman’s Club | 1705 Manatee Avenue West

Starting with a complimentary glass of bubbly upon arrival, you are in for a glamorous evening of mystery and intrigue as The Murder Mystery Co. and select audience members participate in “Midnight at the Masquerade”. Before sitting for a plated meal, you may mingle with friends while you enjoy charcuterie and prepare to be captivated by mystery for the remainder of the evening. Dress up in your best evening wear, ball gowns, Venetian masks, tuxes, and suits!

Sat, Oct 14^th, 7pm | Sharktoberfest | Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway

Gold Coast Eagle Distributing and Mote Marine are presenting an after-hours craft beer festival featuring local and regional breweries that will provide samples of their staple selections alongside unique seasonal brews. Sharktoberfest attendees will enjoy live entertainment, food stations, merchandise vendors, and special experiences provided by Mote’s education department. This event is rain or shine, and you must be over 21 to attend!

Sat-Sun, Oct 14^th-15^th, 10am | Fall Fête Holiday Market & Food Truck Rally | Manatee County Fairgrounds | 1402 14^th Avenue West

This two-day indoor AND outdoor event has something for everyone to enjoy! Over 100 local merchants and artists will gather to offer highly curated vintage, unique, hand-crafted, re-purposed, and re-imagined treasures. You’ll find home décor, gifts, collectibles, furniture, art, architectural salvage, and much more. There will also be food trucks, live music, a petting zoo, kids crafts, a pumpkin patch, and Santa!

Sun, Oct 15^th, 9am | Plant Swap and Small Biz Market | Salt Your Soul Gift Co. | 7216 South Tamiami Trail

The first Plant Swap of the fall/winter 2023 is here! This free event will have several small creative businesses in attendance selling their items as well as tents to swap your plants under. Bring 1-5 healthy plants to swap (cuttings, props, or potted plants), and be sure to label them with the ID of the plant and your name. If you don’t have a plant to bring, there will still be plenty of freebies for you to take home and try your green thumb at!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, Oct 6^th, 6pm | Music On Main | Main Street at Lakewood Ranch | 8100 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

This free concert series and block party is a local favorite! RJ Howson & Friends will fill the air with music while the street is lined with local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids. Additionally, proceeds from this fun event will benefit a local charity!

Sat, Oct 7^th, 5pm | Reggae Nights on the Island | Venice | 200 West Venice Avenue

Escape to the enchanting shores of Venice and immerse yourself in a night of pure reggae bliss! With palm trees swaying, the warm ocean breeze blowing, and the smooth sounds of Propaganjah and Ichroniq playing, you are sure to be transported to a world of rhythm, relaxation, and Caribbean vibes.

Sat-Sun, Oct 7^th-8^th, 10am | 27^th Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival | Downtown Sarasota | 1 Central Ave

Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, a variety of artists will gather to display all forms of homemade art. Available for your viewing pleasure as well as purchase, you will be able to explore jewelry, pottery, ceramics, clothing, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices, photography, and so much more!

Sun, Oct 8^th, 10am | Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch | Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch | 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota

Shop local every Sunday with 75+ local vendors, including organic produce, flowers, specialty spices & rubs, honey, fresh bread, baked goods, prepared foods, pet products, jewelry, and more! Spend your Sunday mornings lakeside while enjoying a variety of local musicians, live chef demos in partnership with the MTC Culinary Arts program, and an interactive art corner for kids in partnership with Native Little Ones.

Sun, Oct 8^th, 11am | Beer Yoga | Corporate Ladder Brewing Company | 4935 96^th Street East

Wind your week down with a gentle yoga flow in the beer garden at Corporate Ladder Brewing Company in Palmetto! Class includes your choice of beer; you just need to bring your yoga mat and water bottle!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, Sept 29^th, 5pm | Sip & Savor Wine Extravaganza | The Sarasota Modern | 1290 Boulevard of the Arts

Explore an exclusive selection of exquisite wines that you’ll be able to sip and savor while immersed in a vibrant atmosphere with fellow wine enthusiasts! Your ticket will include a complimentary wine glass, the tasting of 5 exclusive wines (1 Rosé, 2 Whites, 2 Reds), executive chef’s choice charcuterie display, and live music!

Sat, Sept 30^th, 6:30pm | This Magic Moment | Michael’s on East | 1212 South East Avenue

This wondrous evening will include delicious food and drinks from Michael’s on East, incredible magicians from Zubrick Magic Theatre, a stellar live auction, games, surprises, and much more. All proceeds will benefit The Benjamin Gilkey Fund for Innovative Pediatric Cancer Research at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Sat-Sun, Sept 30^th-Oct 1^st, 10am | 35^th Annual Pumpkin Festival | Fruitville Grove Farm Market | 7410 Fruitville Road

This Saturday will kick off this season's annual family Pumpkin Festival at Fruitville Grove! Daily activities include live music, kids’ fun zone, pony rides, mini train rides, hayrides, a wildflower maze, crafting activities, butterfly garden experience, an enchanted unicorn encounter, food trucks, craft vendors, and so much more! Kids may also participate in the children’s costume contest held on Saturday at 2pm!

Sat-Sun, Sept 30^th-Oct 1^st, 10am | St. Armands Circle Art Festival with Craft Marketplace | 300 Madison Drive

Take a beautiful scenic drive over the John Ringling Causeway to St. Armand’s Circle for this outdoor event set amidst a tropical paradise. A broad spectrum of mediums including photography, glass, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, mixed media, ceramics, and more available for viewing and purchasing. While you’re there, wander the circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants!

Sun, Oct 1^st, 5pm | Parktoberfest at The Bay | The Oval at The Bay | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

Sun King Brewery is partnering with The Nest to offer a range of must-try German-inspired and locally crafted brews and beers. The Nest will also be serving brats and soft pretzels with beer cheese sauce, and Currywurst food truck will be on hand with tasty favorites. While you enjoy your brews and brats, The DeLeon Family Band will be performing traditional “oom-pah” style Polka and more!