WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, February 24^th, 7pm | 2023 Circus Sarasota 25^th Anniversary Show | Nathan Benderson Park | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle

Featuring new and innovative acts (including performers from America’s Got Talent!), the Circus Sarasota’s 25^th Anniversary Show will offer heart-stopping thrills, high-flying action, laugh-out-loud comedic antics, and acts defying both expectations and boundaries of physical limitations. Get your tickets today for this magnificent show!

Friday, February 24^th, 7pm | Family Movie Night: Soul | The Oval at the Bay | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

The free event is perfect for the whole family! Bring your chairs, blankets, kids, and friends to enjoy the Pixar movie Soul under the stars. The new concession at The Bay, The Nest, will be selling tasty food and drinks to enhance your movie-going experience. Rise & Nye’s will be providing free ice cream for the first 100 kids, too!

Sat-Sun, February 25^th-26^th, 10am | Longboat Key Festival of the Arts | Town Center Green | 600 Bay Isle Road

Located near Publix on Bay Isle Road, this brand-new space is home to the 2^nd Annual Longboat Key Festival of the Arts! Enjoy life-size sculptures, unique jewels, exquisite ceramics, beautiful photography, and stunning paintings while strolling through the complex. You will also have the chance to meet and chat with both local and national artists about their handmade works and creative inspirations.

Sunday, February 26^th, 10am | Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch | Waterside Place | 7500 Island Cove Terrace

Enjoy music from local musicians, live chef demos, and shop with over 75 local vendors including jewelry, fresh bread, baked goods, organic produce, prepared foods, pet products, honey, specialty spices and rubs, flowers, and more. Children may also come to enjoy the Native Little Ones interactive art corner.

Sunday, February 26^th, 11am | One Team Scavenger Hunt | St Pete | 101 1^st Ave S

This is the perfect cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race, and an informative self-guided tour. The adventure consists of a series of locations that you are guided to where you’ll be required to answer questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction. All you need is your mobile device! Grab a friend or small group and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the various locations you will visit.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri-Sun, February 17^th–19^th | Thunder by the Bay | Sarasota Fairgrounds | 3000 Ringling Boulevard

The 25^th Annual Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is back at the Sarasota Fairground this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children! Featured headline acts include 38 Special and Colt Ford. There will be over 100 vendors, motorcycle freestyle shows, a charity motorcycle ride, a motorcycle stereo contest, a burnout contest, 17 class bike show, a “little riders” kid zone, a “Born to be Wild” Festival Kickoff Party, and much more!

Saturday, February 18^th, 10:30am | Zumba at The Bay | The Nest | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

Come join Ya’el Campbell’s high-energy outdoor Zumba class at The Bay! Move, dance, smile, jump, shake, and sing with a view of the beautiful water while you meet new Zumba friends. Friends and kids are welcome!

Saturday, February 18^th, 7am | Manatee County FITFest | “The Nest” at Robinson Preserve | 840 99^th Street Northwest

This day is all about community with an outdoor showcase of local businesses and provides an introduction to the area’s popular fitness and healthy lifestyle opportunities. You will find boot camps, a 5k run/walk benefitting Operation Warrior Resolution, and a yoga experience. Following the mainstage events, you can choose your adventure by participating in other scheduled workshops and specialty classes, such as acro yoga.

Sunday, February 19^th, 9am | Sunday Funday Paddle and Explore Shell Key | Pinellas Bayway South | St Pete

Bring your paddleboard for a 5-mile paddle exploring the beautiful waters surrounding Shell Key. You’ll have the opportunity to see manatees, dolphins, sharks, and many species of birds. There are mangroves, shallow areas with sand bars, and the chance to swim. Bring your boards, paddle, personal flotation device, water, and snacks.

Sunday, February 19^th, 12pm | Sunday Funday | The Sarasota Modern | 1290 Boulevard of the Arts

Grab your friends or come out to make some new ones while you enjoy an afternoon of drinks, good food, and great company. Relax in style as you’re served their famous cocktails and bites, with a live DJ from 12pm to 5pm. There will be plenty of space for dancing and mingling by the pool, so get your tickets today!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, February 10^th, 6pm | Valentine’s on the Green | The Green at UTC | 125 N Cattlemen Road

Head down to UTC for a lovely evening on The Green! Play love son-themed bingo, eat swoon-worthy snacks from Five-O Donut Co, JPan Sushi & Grill and Uncle Phil’s Organic Popcorn, build your own bouquet with Posies Flower Truck, and so much more!

Saturday, February 11^th, 8am | Cars and Coffee | DICK’s Sporting Goods | 181 North Cattlemen Road

Enjoy live music, complimentary coffee from Mademoiselle Paris and Chick-fil-A, and hundreds of unique cars on display with the area’s most diverse gathering of automotive enthusiasts. Donations will be accepted at the entrance to benefit All Star Children’s Foundation, which provides programs and services to children and families in foster care.

Saturday, February 11^th, 6pm | Speed Dancing | House of Dance | 4366 Independence Court

House of Dance is hosting this unique singles event just in time for Valentine’s Day! You’ve heard of speed dating; well, THIS is speed dancing. Never know what to say on a first date? Instead, this event will focus on connection through movement while being led by a professional dance host!

Sunday, February 12^th, 10am | Valentine’s Day at the Meadows Farmers Market | Meadows Farmers Market | 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Building G

Still haven’t found the perfect gift for your love this Valentine’s Day? Stroll around in the beautiful Meadows community on the lakes while you listen to live music, play games in the lawn, and shop the local farmers, food, crafters, artisans, and more!

Sunday, February 12^th, 10am | Brunch with Live Music | Motorworks Brewing | 1014 9^th Street West

Enjoy a relaxing weekend brunch in the Beer Garden from 10am-2pm featuring some of the best brunch favorites, bottomless mimosas, loaded bloody marys, and house-made cold brew spiked coffee drinks! Live music will be on stage from 11am-3pm.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, February 3^rd, 6pm | Music On Main: Ten-76 | Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 8100 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

Ten-76 will fill the air with classic and modern rock music while you enjoy an evening on Main Street lined with food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and rides/activities for kids. Proceeds from the event will benefit Easterseals Happiness House.

Saturday, February 4^th, 11am | Beach Waves Resin Art Project | GypSea Soul | 615 15^th Street West

A project suitable for beginners, you won’t want to miss this! Learn how to mix resin colors, create resin waves, and more. All materials and supplies are included with class tuition, but you are welcome to bring your own treasures if you’d like to personalize your project. Grab a friend and BYOB!

Saturday, February 4^th, 5:30pm | Big Game Open House Free Tasting Event | Publix Aprons Cooking School | 2875 University Parkway

Come mingle with Publix Apron chefs and sample amazing and tasty chef-created treats at this free event. Learn all about the cooking schools, cooking demos, family cooking, teen classes, private parties, and more! Wine will also be available for those 21 and up.

Sunday, February 5^th, 2pm | Water Ski Team Show | Ski-A-Rees | 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway

Enjoy a beautiful day in the Southwest Florida sunshine while Sarasota’s own Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team puts on their first show of the season at the Ski-A-Ree stadium! This is a free, family-friendly event.

Sunday, February 5^th, 2pm | Poetry In Motion | The Loft @ Studio 620 | 620 1^st Ave S, St. Pete

This two-hour workshop will begin with a grounding 45-minute gentle yoga class taught by RYT, Anna Rose Boutin, to help create a true mind & body connection. The class is designed to prime the body for a relaxed and meditative state that will open your mind up to creative writing. Dr. Jen Gellock will guide you through poetry prompts and writing exercises, so be sure to bring a notebook!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Fri-Sun, January 27^th-29^th, 4pm and 11am | Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival | JD Hamel Park | 199 Bayfront Drive

The Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival is back for its 7^th year to bring you food, fun, and exciting activities! Come out and enjoy the Florida sun while you rock on to live music performances, eat freshly cooked seafood, drink delicious drinks, and much more! The festivities will be held at 4pm Friday and 11am Saturday and Sunday.

Friday, January 27^th, 7pm | Family Movie Night: Aladdin | The Oval at The Bay | 1055 Boulevard of the Arts

Bring your kids, blankets, chairs, and friends to enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars. Aladdin (2019) will be playing at 7pm, the new concession at The Bay will be selling tasty food and beverages, and Rise & Nye’s will be providing FREE ice cream to the first 100 kids.

Saturday, January 28^th | Gasparilla Pirate Parade and Festival | Bayshore Boulevard

It’s that time of year again, Southwest Florida’s favorite Pirate festivities are back! Head to Tampa for the annual pirate invasion, Invasion Brunch, parades, live music, and entertainment! The world’s only fully-rigged pirate ship, Jose Gasparilla, is one you don’t want to miss!

Sunday, January 29^th, 10am | St. Armands Circle Art Festival | St. Armands Circle | 411 St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle will come alive with gallery-style booths filled with all varieties of fine art for its 20^th Annual Art Festival. This free outdoor event will display local artists' finest work, encompassing life-sized sculptures, jewelry, hand-crafted apparel and décor, one-of-a-kind paintings, exquisite glasswork, and more!

Sunday, January 29^th, 12pm | Englewood BeerFest | Pioneer Plaza | 300 W Dearborn Street

Come out to the new and improved Pioneer Plaza for live music, food, activities, drinks, and plenty of beer. Your entry will give you access to the beer garden for unlimited beer samples of signature beers and seasonal favorites from several craft breweries from Southwest Florida. Beer tasting runs from 12pm-4pm and vendors will be in running from 11am-6pm.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, January 20^th, 4pm | Englewood Seafood & Music Festival | Englewood Plaza | 200 S Indiana Ave

Do you like enjoying good food, listening to great live music, and relaxing? The 4^th Annual Englewood Seafood & Music Festival is where you will want to find yourself this weekend. The fun starts Friday from 4pm-10pm and continues into the weekend from 11am-10pm Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday. Diverse menus of seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes will be available!

Saturday, January 21^st, 8am | Cars & Coffee | St. Armands Circle | 19 N Boulevard of Presidents

Lynches Pub & Grub is hosting this month’s Cars & Coffee event from 8am-10am at St. Armands Circle! Free coffee provided by Lynches, free participation to show off your car (all makes and models welcome), and free to check out the variety of automobiles that are sure to gather!

Saturday, January 21^st, 9:30am | UTC FIT | The Green at UTC | 140 University Town Center Drive

Enjoy a fun free outdoor group workout class led by instructors from our local fitness community. Held every Saturday morning, styles vary weekly and workouts are powered by a DJ spinning beats along with samples from The Vitamin Shoppe and more! Be sure to bring a yoga mat and water bottle.

Saturday, January 21^st, 10am | Limelight Pop-Up Market | The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime | 821 Apricot Avenue

The courtyard will be open to over 50 guest vendors, live music, dogs looking for their fur-ever homes, food, and more! Shop art, home décor, clothing, collectibles, jewelry, and gifts on the 3^rd Saturday of every month. See you there!

Sunday, January 22^nd, 1pm | Punk Rock Flea Market | Oscura | 816 Manatee Avenue East

The Punk Rock Flea Market brings an edgy touch to your usual local markets with over 40 vendors, artists, food trucks, and live punk performances from bands across central Florida. While enjoying the atmosphere, shop underground and hard-to-find vinyls, CDs, and cassettes, eccentric clothing and accessories, tons of nostalgia, oddities, collectibles, band merch, and much more. Family and pet friendly!

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, January 13^th, 7pm | Jerry Seinfeld | Van Wezel | 777 N Tamiami Trail

America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will be performing his newest stand-up comedy routine at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall! This is an event guaranteed to have you laughing until your sides hurt!

Sat-Sun. January 14^th-15^th | Beach Soccer Tournament | Siesta Beach | 948 Beach Road

Come enjoy a day at the beach with concessions, sunshine, fun and skillful soccer played on the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Youth teams will play in the mornings and early afternoon while the adult teams will play in the afternoons.

Sat-Sun, January 14^th-15^th, 9am (10am Sun) | 31^st Annual Fine Arts & Craft Festival | Venice Airport Festival Grounds | 610 Airport Ave E

Yet another way to spend your day outside enjoying the weather this weekend! Enjoy music, a variety of tasty food and drinks, contests, antique/classic automobiles, and a vast array of art types being displayed while you walk around. There will be crafts, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, paintings, photography, and much more!

Saturday, January 14^th, 12pm | Beer & Burger Festival | The Mall at UTC | 140 University Town Center Drive

Sarasota’s favorite beer and burger event is back for the 4^th year! There will be a People’s Choice competition for Best Brew, Most Creative Craft, Favorite Chef, and Best Burger with 12 Artisan Burger Chefs to choose from. This family-friendly event will also feature live music and the Dreamland Carnival. Regular and VIP tickets are available, get yours online now!

Saturday, January 14^th, 4pm | Onesie Bar Crawl | St Petersburg | 540 Central Avenue

Don’t miss out on the comfiest party of the year! Bounce from bar to bar in your favorite onesie while you enjoy waived cover at all venues, exclusive drink specials, complimentary shots, professional photographers, and food specials at partner venues.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, January 6^th, 7pm | Back to the 80’s Block Party | 1528 State Street

Are you ready to smash the buttons on the Pac Man arcade machine or check out a real DeLorean sports car like the one used in the famous Back to the Future film series? Head down to State Street this Friday night for Fresh Friday! Come hungry and ready to munch on some of your favorite downtown food and beverages from Brick’s Smoked Meats, State Street Eating House + Cocktails, The Gator Club, and Art Ovation Hotel!

Friday, January 6^th, 7:30pm | Cirque Italia Water Circus | Riviera Dunes Marina | 102 Riviera Dunes Way

Cirque Italia presents a European-style performance that is dramatic, vivid, and moving! They bring unique acts of aerial stunts, contortionists, hand balancing, and much more over an aquatic stage that will take your breath away and leave you with unforgettable memories!

Saturday, January 7^th, 10am | “New Year, New You” Health & Wellness Expo | UTC Mall | 140 University Town Center Drive

Presented by Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, this event will feature over 50 vendors from Manatee and Sarasota counties ranging from doctors to wellness professionals with a variety of specialties. It will run from 10am to 3pm

Saturday, January 7^th, 7pm | Sip N Paint (90’s and 2000’s Alt Rock) | Joe’s Palette Paint and Wine Bar | 900 Central Avenue #11b

Enjoy all the best 90’s and 2000’s Alternative Rock throwbacks (think Red Hot Chili Peppers and Blink 182!) while you sip your favorite wine and paint a pre-stenciled canvas. Make your reservation today for priority seating!

Sunday, January 8^th, 10am | Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch | Waterside Place | 7500 Island Cove Terrace

Enjoy the beautiful weather and shop local with over 75 local vendors including organic produce, specialty spices and rubs, honey, prepared foods, flowers, pet products, fresh bread, baked goods, jewelry, and more! You can also enjoy a variety of local musicians, live chef demos, and an interactive art corner for kids in partnership with Native Little Ones.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, December 30^th, 12:30pm | Outdoor Yoga | Rosemary Park | 531 Central Avenue

Enjoy an afternoon outdoors with a creatively blended yoga session designed to increase flexibility and build strength! All levels are welcome to participate in this free class held on the new green space in the Rosemary District.

Saturday, December 31^st, 7pm | Sharky’s New Year’s Eve Beach Bash | Sharky’s on the Pier | 1600 Harbor Drive

In true Floridian fashion, celebrate New Year’s Eve right on the beach! Entertainment will be brought to you by Scarlet Drive while you enjoy multiple bars, breathtaking fireworks, and food trucks.

Saturday, December 31^st, 9pm | New Year’s Rooftop Soiree | The Westin Sarasota Rooftop | 100 Marina View Drive

Bring in the New Year with a stunning rooftop view overlooking Sarasota Bay and the downtown area. Celebrate with a live DJ, two bars, party favors, plenty of room to dance, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight!

Sunday, January 1^st, 1pm | New Year’s Day Seafood Boil | Bayboro Brewing Co | 2390 5^th Avenue South

Nurse your New Year’s hangover in the beer garden while listening to live music and feasting on a magnificent seafood boil! Tickets include a free beer and plenty of shrimp!

Sunday, January 1^st, 1pm | Sunday Polo: New Year’s Resolution Cup | Sarasota Polo Club | 8201 Polo Club Lane

January 1^st will kick off the 2023 Polo matches every Sunday until April! Gates open at 10am with the feature match beginning at 1pm. There is bleacher seating, reserved tailgates, midfield premium seats, tables, or VIP midfield boxes. Multiple bars are available on-site for drink purchases and food options will also be available for purchase. Get your ticket now!

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!

Friday, December 23^rd, 4pm | Christmas on Main | Lakewood Ranch Main Street | 8100 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard

From 4 to 8pm your family can enjoy the biggest Christmas party in town! Santa himself will be there to celebrate the season with rides, photo booths, free games, attractions, and a candlelight service. See you there!

Friday, December 23^rd, 6pm | The Nutcracker | Van Wezel Performing Arts Center | 777 N Tamiami Trail

Come enjoy this holiday classic presented by the International Ballet of Florida. What better weekend to experience the magic of this timeless story beautifully performed by pre-professional and professional dancers?!

Saturday, December 24^th, 9am | Christmas in the Park | Whitaker Gateway Park | 1455 N Tamiami Trail

Christmas in the Park is a celebration of unity and compassion in our community where hot lunch will be served to those in need while they are gifted toiletry bags, blankets, new and gently used clothing, bus passes, batteries, food gift cards, flashlights, new bikes and locks, tents, backpacks, and much more. Donations and volunteers are welcomed and appreciated!

Saturday, December 24^th, 5pm | Art with a Twist | Art Ovation Hotel |1255 North Palm Avenue

Meet by the gallery bar and embark on a tour of the beautiful art at Art Ovation Hotel while enjoying a glass of wine!

Saturday, December 24^th, 6:30pm | Lights in Bloom | Selby Gardens | 1534 Mound Street

This enchanting event features more than two MILLION lights illuminating the gardens and walkways. Activities, entertainment, and photo opportunities will be available in abundance. Food from the Michael’s on East grill will also be available for purchase. Get your tickets today!