WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, July 14^th, 7pm | Charles Esten & Julia Cole | Big Top Brewing Co | 975 Cattlemen Road

Charles Esten is an actor, musician, and comedian seen on ABC/CMT’s Nashville, Outer Banks, and Whose Line Is It Anyway?. Julia Cole is a recording artist and television host who has amassed over 100,000,000 streams and opened for artists such as Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Kane Brown, and more. Together they are on their tour, Every Minute Every Mile, and they will be at Big Top Brewery this Friday!

Sat, July 15^th, 11:30am | MOVE | Sarasota Art Museum | 1001 South Tamiami Sarasota

This class will invite a closer look and deeper exploration of the art on view through creative expression during a joyful hour of movement and human connection. Open to all skill levels; no experience required. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing!

Sat, July 15^th, 2pm | Barbie Shimmer & Shop | Malibu Fox at the UTC Mall | 140 University Town Center Drive Unit 209

Join Malibu Fox Boutique for a Barbie-themed event in anticipation of the Barbie Movie. They will be collecting new Barbie dolls to be donated to John Hopkins Children’s Hospital, and each customer who brings a Barbie will receive a 20% store-wide discount. At this event, there will be Fairy Hair Extensions and a hand-spun cotton candy cart for you to enjoy!

Sat, July 15^th, 6:30pm | Berry Explosion | Publix Aprons Cooking School | 2875 University Parkway

This is a demonstration-style cooking class that proves berries are not just for dessert! The sweetness of berries can be paired expertly with many savory dishes and the perfect glass of wine. In the class, you will enjoy chef-prepared grilled lemongrass Cornish hen with blackberry nuoc cham sauce, herb salad and peanuts, pan-roasted pork shoulder steak with wilted Swiss chard and blueberry mostarda, blackened seasonal fish with triple corn grits and raspberry hot sauce, and strawberry gelato with balsamic macerated strawberry syrup and freeze-dried strawberries.

Sun, July 16^th, 12pm | DVBBS | WTR Pool | 7700 W Courtney Campbell Causeway

Head to WTR in Tampa for an electrifying day filled with infectious beats and high-energy music performed by DVBBS. This pool party will have you immersed in a vibrant atmosphere, dancing your heart out and buzzing with excitement so be sure to grab your passes now to ensure you don’t miss out!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri, July 7^th, 4pm | The Barbie Party | Parks & Rec DTSP | 100 4^th Street S

Come on Barbie, let’s go party! Parks & Rec in Downtown St Pete will be hosting the pinkest party of the year! Expect Barbie and Ken-themed drinks, pink treats and snacks, pink décor, flooring, lighting, balloons, and plenty of photo ops! A professional photographer/videographer will be present to capture the amazing memories you are sure to create here. The first 100 people will get a free #barbieparty t-shirt, and the first 200 people will receive a free #barbieparty koozie.

Fri-Sat, July 7^th-8^th | Mermaid Art Walk | Village of the Arts | 1227 12^th Street West

Dive into the enchanting world of mermaids in a celebration of creativity! Enjoy the art galleries, specialty shops, live music, pop-up vendors, and indulge in delicious treats. This event will be held Friday from 6-9:30pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm.

Sat, July 8^th, 10am | Jack Hartmann Concert | Mixon Fruit Farms | 2525 27^th Street East

DON’T MISS THIS! Youtube Sensation Jack Hartmann will be putting on Mixon Fruit Farms LAST concert EVER this Saturday! Bring your whole family for this fun-filled day to enjoy the concert, a meet & greet with Jack Hartmann (including a personally signed autograph), access to a bounce house obstacle course, 20ft inflatable slide, sandbox, and more!

Sat, July 8^th, 3pm | Cornhole & Cocktails Festival | Palmetto’s Manatee County Fairgrounds | 1402 14^th Avenue W

The Cornhole & Cocktails Festival is back for its 4^th year with music, food, drinks, raffles, and an indoor cornhole tournament. Restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries will be present to offer samples of their selections. Registration for the cornhole tournament begins promptly at 3, so get in early to register for one of three divisions or simply attend as a spectator!

Sun, July 9^th, 5pm | Summer Movie Nights | CoolToday Park | 18800 S West Villages Parkway

Back by popular demand, Sharky’s on the Pier, Fins & Snook Haven presents 2023 Summer Movie Nights. This week, Thor: Love and Thunder will be playing on the scoreboard at the ballpark to create a unique cinematic experience for guests of all ages! Call ahead or visit the ticket office at CoolToday Park to secure your tickets.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri-Sun, June 30^th-July 2^nd | 39^th Annual Sarasota P1 Offshore Powerboat Grand Prix

Friday night at 6pm the Offshore Powerboat Grand Prix will kick off at 6pm with the Pit Party at the Van Wezel featuring live music, food trucks, local vendors, and the opportunity to meet the race teams and view the boats up-close. Saturday, racing on the 6-mile course at Lido Beach will begin at 1pm, and Sunday it will begin at 10am. Awards will be presented at 6pm Sunday night at the Van Wezel!

Sat-Mon, July 1^st-3^rd | Suncoast Largest Food Truck Rally | The Mall at University Town Center | 140 University Town Center Dr

Head down to The Mall at UTC for 3 days of Street Food Heaven with over 70 different food vendors, chefs, and restaurants showing off their culinary delights with a huge variety of flavors and tastes. This event is a fundraiser for 3 local charities – Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida, and Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. Monday night will end with fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park.

Fri-Sat, June 30^th-July 1^st | Waves & Wheels Kickoff Party and Fun Run | Joyland | 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road

From 5pm-9pm Friday evening, enjoy the Waves & Wheels Kickoff Party featuring an open bar, light bites, casino-style gaming, raffles, and music! Saturday, participate by boat, car, or motorcycle in the Waves & Wheels Fun Run! The run will start at Marina Jack and you’ll have the opportunity to roll dice at various stops along the route to earn points. The ride/run will end at The Point Restaurant and Tiki Bar by 3pm, and organizers will award prizes to the 5 highest-scoring participants. Proceeds support Suncoast Charities for Children.

Saturday, July 1^st, 12pm | Great American Picnic Pie Bake Off | Downtown Wellen Park | 19745 Wellen Park Boulevard

Pull out your favorite recipe and whip up a homemade pie to enter the adult (18+) or youth (under 18) category of the Pie Bake-Off Contest! Judging starts at noon so pies must be dropped off between 11:30am and noon in disposable bakeware. Additionally, there will be a watermelon eating contest, lemonade stand, 360 photo experience, paddle boat races, family-friendly activities, and more!

Sat-Sun, July 1^st-2^nd | Indie*Pendence BBQ | 2599 Central Avenue, St Pete

Festivities kick off on Saturday from 7pm-1am and Sunday 1pm-9pm for the second year of Indie*Pendence BBQ! Hot BBQ will be prepared by pitmaster Chris Polidoro, non-stop music will be flowing from top area DJs and bands, there will be games to play, and local artists showcasing their incredible work. All active-duty service members and veterans will be honored with free entry.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, June 23^rd, 7:30pm | Family Movie Night: Sing 2 | The Oval at The Bay | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

Bring your friends, family, blankets, and chairs and enjoy this free outdoor movie under the stars! This month, The Bay’s featured movie will be Sing 2, a kid-friendly movie about Buster Moon and his friends who must persuade a reclusive rockstar to join them for the opening of a new show. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at Simply Greek Food Truck and The Nest Concession, and Rise & Nye’s will provide ice cream to the first 100 people!

Friday, June 23^rd, 6:30pm | Wine and Dine: Summer Wines | Publix Aprons Cooking School | 2875 University Parkway

Learn how to pair the best light-bodied wine with the right chef-inspired dish to enjoy those warm summer days ahead. This demonstration-style cooking class will feature Heirloom Tomato Tartare with Ricotta and Fried Ciabatta, Chilled Cucumber Soup with Citrus-Scallop Cocktail, Pulled Duck Stacked Enchiladas, and Sweet Corn Ice Cream. Wine sampling is available for those 21 and up!

Saturday, June 24^th, 5pm | RADD Upcycling Day: Clothing Swap | DreamLarge Office | 513 Central Avenue

Celebrate International Upcycling Day by joining this exciting clothing swap event. Bring a bag of your favorite preloved items of clothing to donate and in return, you’ll be able to fill up your bag with new-to-you items from the swap. Refresh your wardrobe while positively impacting the environment by reducing textile waste!

Saturday, June 24^th, 6:30pm | Candle Painting Workshop | Motel Therapy | 532 South Pineapple Avenue

Learn how to elevate your table spaces with this relaxing candle painting workshop. Paint your own tapered dinner candles, enjoy light bites, and sip some wine! You will live class with two painted candles that are perfect for treasured keepsakes or sentimental gifts.

Sunday, June 25^th, 9am | SUP Yoga Class & Paddleboard Adventure | Shell Key Preserve Launch | 2962 Pinellas Bayway S

Connect your mind and body to the ocean with this hybrid paddle yoga and fitness adventure in the beautiful Shell Key Preserve. This class will combine stand-up paddling, core power exercise, and relaxing flow yoga while soaking in the sun and wonderful sea life. Class price includes the paddleboard equipment and souvenir photos on the water.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, June 16^th, 6:30pm | New Moon Mini Retreat | Objects of Magic Farm & Retreat Sarasota | 14900 Coker Gully Road

Overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, trouble sleeping – do any of these words describe how you are currently feeling? If so, this mini-retreat might be just the thing you need. During the retreat, you can look forward to power talk and mindful practice with Gaëlle Wizenberg, light stretches and magical movements with Hawaiian Yogi PJ Dietrich, guided meditation with Elizabeth Wilson, and a sound bath to clear your chakras.

Saturday, June 17^th, 9am | Namaste at The Bay | Sarasota Garden Club at The Bay Park | 1131 Boulevard of the Arts

Janine Martin, who has been teaching yoga for over 12 years, will be teaching a strong yet relaxing class that welcomes all levels. Janine has a contagious positive attitude that will have you feeling energized, happy, and buzzing. Bring a friend, a mat, and water!

Saturday, June 17^th, 10am | Dad’s Day Block Party | The Mall at UTC | 140 University Town Center Drive

Celebrate Father’s Day Eve from 10am-2pm at this event totally catered to fathers! Explore over 30 exhibitors representing dozens of services including sports, health, entertainment, technologies, home improvement, and more! There will also be beer and liquor sampling stations, sports player meet-and-greets, and other fun Father’s Day activities.

Saturday, June 17^th, 12pm | Beer + Bourbon + BBQ Bash | Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse | 19 East Road

Celebrate dad at Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse from noon to 4pm! Wristbands will include exclusive beer and bourbon tastings, raffles, and giveaways. Live music will be performed by Bain Beakley, Jami Gee, and Slick Willy Revival, and BBQ specials will be available for purchase.

Sunday, June 18^th, 6pm | Sundays at The Bay: Special Father’s Day Performance | The Oval at The Bay | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

Sundays at The Bay is a free outdoor weekly music and performance program that is EXTRA special this week as there will be a special Father’s Day performance by Rye Road! Rye Road has been rocking audiences for over a decade with their original music that has influences like Bon Jovi, Jason Aldean, and Keith Urban. You are sure to enjoy their unique blend of new country and rock! Additionally, drinks will be 20% off for dads all day at The Nest concession.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?! 

Friday, June 9th, 3pm | Summer Boba, Bubbles, And Brushes | Tea Days | 6517 Superior Avenue

Grab a friend and enjoy a late afternoon of full canvas painting during an instructed class while you sip on your drink of choice! Supplies are provided by Tea Days, just bring your artistic touch!

Friday, June 9th, 5pm | Sunset Market | Imagine Museum | 1901 Central Avenue

Attend the Sunset Market at Imagine Museum to explore local artisans and live art demonstrations. Admission to the market is free, but you may upgrade your ticket for $5 to enjoy the first floor of the rotating gallery inside the museum!

Saturday, June 10th, 10:30am | Zumba at The Bay | The Oval at The Bay | 1055 Boulevard Of The Arts

Whether you just like to dance or you’re looking for a fun way to get active and burn some calories, this outdoor Zumba class led by Ya'el Campbell is the perfect solution! Grab a friend, bring your kids, and get ready to move, shake, dance, smile, and jump! 

Saturday, June 10th, 6pm | Hammock Fest | St Pete Pier | 600 2nd Avenue Northeast

Coast to Coast Hammock Co. has partnered with Coastal Creative, 3 Daughters Brewing, Tidal Ginger Beer, and the St. Pete Pier to bring you Hammock Fest! Enjoy a killer hammock hangout, live music, food trucks, local vendors, local breweries, and more. To top it off, there will be an after-party at The Floridian!

Sunday, June 11th, 11am | Sunday Funday | The Artful Giraffe | 1861 Fruitville Road

Come with family and friends to enjoy a fun, creative event that support local artists and businesses in the Historic Downtown District! Enjoy an outdoor market, live music, food trucks, raffles, activities, and more. Shop a vast collection of fine arts and handmade one-of-a-kind gifts, or tap in to your inner-artist and create your own art!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, June 2^nd, 6pm | Music on Main: Matthew Frost Band | Main Street at Lakewood Ranch | 8100 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

This free concert series and block party is a local favorite! Matthew Frost Band will fill the air with his reimagined arrangements of classic music while the street is lined with local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids.

Friday, June 2^nd, 8pm | Kevin Hart: Reality Check Tour | Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino | 5223 Orient Road

Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian Kevin Hart is bringing the laughter to Tampa Bay this Friday night at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. You do not want to miss this almost-sold-out event and chance to see one of the biggest comedians of our time!

Saturday, June 3^rd, 7am | Global Running Day: Bacon Run Fun Run & Walk | The Bay Park | 801 North Tamiami Trail

In partnership with Run 941, you will experience a scenic tour through the twists and turns of The Bay Park. This event is kid/family/stroller-friendly and there is no need for speed, keeping time, or competition. Bring your own water and get ready to get movin’!

Saturday, June 3^rd, 8:30am | Ride and Paddle at The Bay | The Bay Park – Kayak Launch | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

Experience the flora and fauna at The Bay through a free, guided kayak nature tour! This intermediate-level tour will take you through The Bay’s restored mangroves and to the north and south of the park. Must be 12 years or older, kayaks and life jackets are provided.

Sunday, June 4^th, 10am | 29^th Annual Craft Festival | St Pete | 350 Corey Avenue

Check out the vibrant atmosphere of Corey Avenue as it comes alive with the best crafters from across the nation. Handmade pottery, jewelry, paintings, and much more will be showcased. Additionally, there will be a Green Market that offers a variety of exotic live plants, handmade soaps, savory dips, gourmet sauces, and more!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, May 26^th, 8pm | Family Movie Night: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows Part 2 | The Oval at The Bay | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

The Bay Park is bringing you yet another wonderful, FREE family-friendly movie night under the stars! This week the featured movie will the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows Part 2. Yummy food and beverages are available for purchase at The Nest Concession and Simply Greek Food Truck, and the first 100 kids will receive FREE ice cream from Rise & Nye’s.

Saturday, May 27^th, 12pm | Veg Head, Music & Wine Festival | The Mall at UTC | 140 University Town Center Drive

Calling all Veg Heads and Foodies! This event will tantalize your taste buds and delight your ears with the perfect kick-off to the summer season. You can choose from over 10 vegan-friendly chefs, shop around the indie market of unique and handmade items, and jam out to the No Doubt tribute band, Subliminal Doubt. The $10 entry fee will benefit the charity Celebrate Birthdays, which helps bring joy to children that otherwise don’t have the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays.

Saturday, May 27^th, 11am | Big and Little Chefs: Rainy Day Comfort Foods | Publix Aprons Cooking School | 2875 University Parkway

This hands-on class will have you and your child working side-by-side with the chefs as you learn to make some delicious recipes you can make in the comfort of your home. This class's menu will include onion soup with baguette croutons and gruyere cheese, gourmet 3-cheese grilled sourdough sandwiches, loaded twice-baked potatoes, and chocolate-dipped cookie dough pops. Yum!

Sunday, May 28^th, 6pm | Lakewood Ranch Tribute to Heroes Block Party & Parade | Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 8130 Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Join thousands of attendees that will line Lakewood Ranch Main Street to honor our veterans, active duty, and fallen heroes. The block party fun will begin at 6pm and the parade will kick off at 7pm. There will be food, drinks, activities for the kids, and more! You are welcome to bring chairs and four-legged friends (on a leash).

Sunday, May 28^th, 12pm | Sunday Funday | The Sarasota Modern | 1290 Boulevard of the Arts

Enjoy this sunny Memorial Day weekend with an afternoon of drinks, good food, and great company at this poolside event. There will be a live DJ from 12pm-5pm, famous cocktails and bites, and plenty of space for dancing and mingling! General admission, private cabana rental, and large cabana rental options are available.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, May 19^th, 6:30pm | Wine and Dine: Northern Italy | Publix Aprons Cooking School at University Walk | 2875 University Parkway Sarasota

Take a culinary journey into Northern Italy with this demonstration-style cooking class. Sit back, relax, and sample wine while the chefs do the cooking. You will be able to enjoy all the delicious menu items including Coppa bruschetta with rosemary-infused ricotta and bacon jam, potato gnocchi with arugula pesto, sundried tomatoes, and Pecorino-Romano, lamb ragout with fig polenta, and a delicious dessert!

Saturday, May 20^th, 9am | 2023 Natural Food Festival | St Pete | 833 22^nd Street South

This event will feature plant-based food trucks, cooking demonstrations, local produce vendors, guest speakers, live music, and more! This festival will also educate you on plant-based eating, introduce natural healing products, provide information on how to tackle health disparities, and support the grand opening of the new Deuces Food Forest.

Saturday, May 20^th, 8am | Sarasota Dragon Boat Festival | Nathan Benderson Park | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

This event is back for its 5^th year to bring together culture, sport, and international flavors that blend a 2,500-year-old tradition with the fun and excitement of an outdoor festival. The races will begin around 8:30am and continue throughout the day. The festival grounds will offer a variety of activities for participants and spectators, including food trucks, cold beverages, shopping, and more! Interested in being more involved? You can join a team and race!

Sunday, May 21^st, 10am | Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch | Waterside Place | 7500 Island Cove Terrace

Experience some of the region’s best food and flavor with more than 100 curated vendors! Farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts are just a few of the wonderful things the Market has to offer. You may also enjoy live music, find your flow in a free yoga class, or bring the kids to get creative with crafts in the interactive art corner!

Sunday, May 21^st, 11am | Sarasota Veganfest | Nathan Benderson Park | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

This family-friendly event will feature food trucks, live music, vegan food, raffles, shopping, free face painting, and a family fun zone that includes live-sized games, coloring, and more! While admission is free (donations suggested), VIP and VIP+ options will also be available to score you some event swag and bonus tickets for the raffle.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, May 12^th, 9pm | Adult Game Night | Urban Ink Tattoo Company | 2108 34^th St S

Bring your competitive spirit and your friends for this amazing opportunity to unwind and have fun with like-minded individuals. Tickets will include cash giveaways, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and tons of games to play.

Saturday, May 13^th, 8am | Cars & Coffee | The Green at UTC | 125 N Cattlemen Road

Enjoy live music and complimentary coffee and water from Suncoast Porsche while you explore hundreds of unique cars on display. While this is a free event, donations are appreciated and encouraged. This month, the donations will benefit a local organization, The Twig, which allows children in foster care to shop for FREE for clothing, shoes, accessories, and books.

Saturday, May 13^th, 10:30am | Guided Meditation | 1971 Pinebrook Road

This guided meditation session is for everyone, new or experienced, who wants to learn how to calm their mind, cultivate peace and joy, and live in the present moment. Research shows meditation can calm anxiety, promote emotional well-being, improve sleep, control pain, reduce stress, and increase self-awareness!

Saturday, May 13^th, 5:30pm | 84 Years of Mixon Memories | Mixon Fruit Farms | 2525 27^th Street East

As Mixon Fruit Farms is preparing to close this summer, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to celebrate their anniversary one more time! Join them for an evening of live music by The Billy Rice Band, fun, food, dancing, and Mixon Memories! There will be delicious food, hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine. See you there!

Sunday, May 14^th, 12pm | Beach Beats v.2 | Siesta Key Pavilion | 948 Beach Road

Back for its second year, Beach Beats is here to bring you a bumpin’ family-friendly event! There will be over 5 DJs, raffles, t-shirts for sale, grills for cooking, and the beautiful Siesta Key beach to enjoy. This year, the fundraiser will benefit the Sea Turtle Conservation at Mote Marine. Bring your positive vibes and have a wonderful Sunday Funday!