Friday, September 3   

Events

 
Coming Events
3rd Annual Women in Business Program
Thu. Sep. 9
5:30 PM
Featuring Guest Speakers: Susanne S. Wise: RN, MBA - Take Care Private Duty Home Health Care, Margaret Callihan : SunTrust Bank SWFL President and CEO, Lorna McWatt : Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County CFO. The "Women in Business" Program will include a panel discussion as well as an audience question & answer session with three prominent women in the local business community. Topics will include entrepreneurship, career management and advancement, challenges within the workplace, and other pertinent subjects relating to women in today's workforce.
Location: Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Court
Information: www.rmahq.org/RMA/Chapters/SarasotaManatee/Events/ or 941.951.3207
Hope Floats Sidewalk Sale
Sep. 10 - 12
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Root Beer Floats, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, and more! Stop by The Fresh Market for lunch, dinner, or a treat. Proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Location: The Fresh Market 5251 University Pkwy.
Information:
National Gymnastics Day
Sep. 11
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Free Family Event to Celebrate national Gymnastics Day! Fun, Games, Gymnastics, Music, and More!
Location: Acro Fit 4015 Clark Rd
Information: acrofitgymnastics-sarasota.com or 941.923.2100
NRA Pistol Safety Course
Sat. Sep. 11
8:00 AM
Learn to shoot a pistol safely and correctly. This Course meets Florida requirements for a Conceal Carry Permit. Certified NRA Instructors provide hands on training.
Location: AmericInn Hotel Conference Room
Information: www.ftisarasota.com or 941.706.4358
Dazzle, Glamour, Dine & Glitter Women's Council of Realtors Fashion Show & Luncheon
Wed. Sep. 15
11:00 AM
Benefiting the Sarasota Women's Council of Realtors Education Fund and Forty Carrots. Fashions will be provided by Dillard's and there will be vendor tables from various boutiques, Chinese auctions and much more fun in store for you. Reserve your seats today!!!! $45 per person and tables of ten are still available!!
Location: Polo Grill Fete Ballroom
Information: www.sarasotawcr.com or 941.323.4775
Southeastern Guide Dogs Open House
Sep. 18
9:00 AM - Noon
Visitors will enjoy a guided, walking tour of the Freedom Walk, puppy/dog training kennels, learn how guide dogs are trained and the valuable service they provide. Plus, will get an opportunity to experience what it's like to walk blindfolded with a trained dog. Free and open to the public!
Location: Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto
Information: www.guidedogs.org or 941.729.5665
FridayFest - Big Night Out
Fri. Sep. 24
5:00 PM
Big Night Out will wow the crowd with a blend of Latin and Caribbean dance music. An explosive horn section and a pulsing conga add to the bouncing rhythm section and passionate Bi-lingual female vocals. FridayFest is an outdoor summertime music series and celebration set along the bay front of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Guests are invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Local vendors offer food and beverages. Outside food and drink is prohibited.
Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Bayfront
Information: www.vanwezel.org or 941.953.3368
Concert Series - Jazz Juvenocracy
Fri. Sep. 24
7:00 PM
Jazz Juvenocracy is a band of six musicians, ages 13 to 17 from Sarasota. Starting three years ago playing jazz in front of a local grocery store on Saturday mornings they now are performing at the finest jazz venues and have made several television appearances such as The Grammy Awards, Berklee Jazz Festival and Clearwater Jazz Festival. They have also performed at the Jazz Vienne Festival in France, Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
Location: Pine Shores Presbyterian Church
Information: www.pineshorespres.org or 941.922.1597
NRA Pistol Course
Sat. Sep. 25
8:00 AM
Learn to shoot a pistol safely and correctly. This Course is taught by a NRA Certified Instructor. Meets Florida requirements for a Concealed Carry Permit.
Location: AmericInn Hotel Conference Room
Information: www.ftisarasota.com or 941.706.4358
Learn to Paddleboard
Sat. Sep. 25
9:00 AM
Get in on the latest craze and learn to paddleboard with Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. $15.00 per person, reservations required.
Location: Bay Preserve at Osprey, 400 Palmetto Ave., Ospey
Information: www.conservationfoundation.com or 941 918-2100
Life's a Gamble...We're Bettin' on a Cure
Oct. 8
6:00 - 10:00 PM
Join us for a Texas Hold 'Em tournament, as well as other casino games, beverages by Budweiser, hors d'oeuvres, and more. $20,000 in prizes, including a trip to Argentina. Players: $150; Spectators:$50. Register at www.jdrf.org/teamjdrf. Proceeds benefit the Florida Suncoast Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Location: Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Ct., Lakewood Ranch
Information: www.jdrf.org/teamjdrf or 941.907.0811
Wine Tasting Gala
Tue. Oct. 12
7:00 PM
Gather some friends and join us at The Fresh Market for delicious hors d'oeuvres, distinctive cheeses, and lots of wine! Tickets are $25 each. Proceeds benefit the Florida Suncoast Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Location: The Fresh Market 5251 University Pkwy.
Information:
Ringling International Arts Festival
Oct. 13 - 17
Back by popular demand, the Ringling International Arts Festival is a five day event presented by the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in collaboration with the Baryshnikov Arts Center of New York. Premiering in the theaters, galleries and gardens of the 66-acre, multi-venue Ringling Center for the Arts on beautiful Sarasota Bay in Florida, RIAF features the BAC's commitment to presenting artists at the forefront of their fields in music, dance and theater
Location:
Information: www.ringlingartsfestival.org
Junior Beach Volleyball Tournaments
Oct. 17
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Volleyball tournament for boys and girls 18 and under. $15/player, two players per team. All players receive a tournament t-shirt. To register go to the website.
Location: Siesta Key Beach
Information: www.eevb.net/junior_tournaments.html or 631.728.0397
Informational Meeting For Interested Foster/Adoptive Parents
Tue. Oct. 19
11:30 AM
Safe Children Coalition will host a free informational meeting for interested foster/adoptive parents. All are welcome!
Location: Safe Children Coalition - Northgate Center, 1500 Independence Blvd., Suite 210
Information: www.safechildrencoalition.org or 1.866.661.5656
Tropical Hair Fantasy, Fundraiser for Whole Planet Foundation
Fri. Oct. 22
7:00 PM
Guests will be treated to a tropical food and wine tasting, a dance performance by Fuzión Dance Artists, lush landscaping by Home Depot and an amazing outdoor lounge provided by Chill Lounge. 100% of profits will be donated to the non-profit Whole Planet Foundation, wholeplanetfoundation.org. $25 per person
Location: Whole Foods Market, 1451 1st Street
Information: 941.955.8500, ext. 215
Kids, Cats and Cupcakes Carnival
Oct. 23
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Games, entertainment, storybook time, education. Fun for the entire family! Sponsored by Cat Depot, one of the largest nonprofit, no-kill feline rescue and adoption centers in the nation, is dedicated to helping abandoned, homeless and injured cats and kittens with medical care, food and love until they are adopted into forever homes.
Location: 2542 17th Street
Information: www.catdepot.org or 941.366.2404
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 10 year Anniversary 5K Family Walk
Sat. Oct. 23
9:00 AM
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the American Cancer Society's premier annual family event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. More than just the name of a walk, it describes the amazing progress we're making together to defeat this disease. This is your opportunity to join our Sarasota/Manatee community with over 8500+ walkers(2009) to celebrate our 10 year anniversary event with local breast cancer survivors, educate women, men and families about early detection and prevention, and raise money (over $385,00 in 2009) to fund lifesaving research and to locally support programs to help us reach a day when no one will have to hear the words "You have breast cancer". Sponsored by the American Cancer Society.
Location: Sarasota Polo Grounds, Lakewood Ranch
Information: www.acs.org or 941.365.2858
2nd Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival
Oct. 29 - 31
Noon - 10:00 PM
Come to Sarasota to enjoy all things Halloween - featuring carnival games, rides, a fun zone, free hay rides and a free ‘Not so Scary’ Haunted house, Safe Trick or Treating, pie-eating and costume contests for children, pumpkin carving,costume parades, live entertainment, great food and beverages. Entrance is only $5.00 a day for adults, kids 10 and under are FREE!! Enjoy the entertainment of 100 shows & fun for all three days for only $10.
Location: Sarasota County Fairgrounds, Ringling Blvd.
Information: www.SarasotaPumpkinFestival.com or 941.706.7605
Avenida de Colores Chalk Festival
Oct. 30-31
All Day
A Street Painting festival where over 100 professional and beginner artists transform the pavement of South Pineapple Avenue in Burns Square into a gallery of fine art. This years theme is Halloween!
Location: South Pineapple Avenue, downtown Sarasota in Burns Square
Information: www.chalkfestival.com or 941.374.4790
Fall Family Festival
Nov. 6
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast Fall Family Festival, free fun for the entire family! Visitor parking corner of Oak Street and Tamiami Trail, Trolley shuttle.
Location: 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey
Information: www.conservationfoundation.com or 941 918.2100
2010 Girls Inc. Beach Ball "La Plage Bleue
Nov. 10
5:30 - 9:00 PM
The 2010 Girls Inc. Beach Ball ~ La Plage Bleu -- is a perfect opportunity to show your support for Girls Inc. After a 10-year hiatus, the annual beach event was brought back last year as the Barefoot Beach Ball and the 2010 event promises to be even more nostalgic as we travel back in time to the days of the board walk on the French Rivera.
Location: Longboat Key Club & Resort
Information: www.girlsincsrq.org or 941.366.6646 x 211
Sarasota Blues Fest
Nov. 6
Join thousands of Sarasota music fans as they gather for the 20th Annual Sarasota Blues Fest. Performing are: Nathinal Anthem, Jake Haldenwang, All-Star Band, Moreland & Arbuckle, Tommy Castro Band, Trobone Shorty & Orleans Ave., and Elvin Bishop. Bring your Blankets & Lawn Chairs for Festival Seating. Tickets to this year's event are $22 in advance, $27 at the door. All kids enjoy free admission when accompanied by a parent!
Location: Ed Smith Stadium Complex
Information: sarasotabluesfest.com or 941.954.4101 x5454
Bridal Dress Blowout on the Bay
Nov. 7
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Hundreds of overstock dresses for the entire wedding party will be sold at unbelievable prices. Seamstresses will be on site to help you try them on and take them home. Local florists, photographers, bakers, etc. will be available to help you plan your big day. Proceeds benefit the Florida Suncoast Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Every dress purchase enters you into a drawing to win $1,000!
Location: IMG Academies Country Club; 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy., Bradenton
Information:
Bethune Cookman College Concert Choral
Fri. Nov. 12
7:00 PM
This free concert features the Concert Choral with over one hundred members. During its tenure as the university’s premiere performing group, the Chorale has traveled to more than a half million miles throughout the United States and five foreign countries.
Location: Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6135 Beechwood Ave.
Information: www.pineshorespres.org or 941.922.1597
Pawpurr's Ball
Sat. Nov. 13
6:30 PM
An affordable and outrageously fun event for the animal loving masses! For this event we will think outside the litter box. Dinner, dancing, entertainment, silent auction and raffle. Cat Depot, one of the largest nonprofit, no-kill feline rescue and adoption centers in the nation, is dedicated to helping abandoned, homeless and injured cats and kittens with medical care, food and love until they are adopted into forever homes.
Location: G.Whiz the science museum, 1001 Boulevard of the Arts
Information: www.catdepot.org or 941.366.2404
Siesta Key Crystal Classic - Master Sandsculpting Competition
Nov. 17 - 21
20 of the best sand sculptors, sculpting for 4 days on the world's finest whitest sand.
Location: Siesta Key Beach
Information: www.crystalsand.org
Diana Ross
Wed. Nov. 17
8:00 PM
From Motown’s most popular recording star, to headlining the world’s leading concert stages as a solo superstar, to her historic film roles, Miss Ross is the epitome of glamour and style. Tickets: $30 to $115
Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Information: www.vanwezel.org or 941.953.3368
Doubles for Diabetes Tennis Tournament
Nov. 19 6:00 PM
Nov. 20&21 8:00 AM
Join us for the 2nd annual Doubles for Diabetes Tennis Tournament at Serendipity. Friday night will be the player party, celebrity exhibition match, live music, dinner, and auction. Saturday and Sunday will be the tournament and championship matches. Proceeds benefit the Florida Suncoast Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Location: Serendipity 3600 Torrey Pines Blvd.
Information: 941.907.0811
Repticon Sarasota
Nov. 20 - 21
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Repticon Sarasota is a reptile event featuring vendors offering reptile pets, supplies, feeders, cages, and merchandise. Participate in free raffles held for enthusiasts, animal seminars, and kid s activities. Admission: Adults - $8, Children (5-12) - $5, 4 & under Free
Location: Sahib Shrine, 600 N. Beneva Rd.
Information: www.repticon.com/manatee.html
Sultry Diana Krall Performs
Sat. Nov. 20
8:00 PM
Known for her familiar breathy vocals and rhythmic lilt style music, the award-winning pianist, singer and songwriter continues to wow audiences and critics around the Globe. Her career exploded when she won a GRAMMY for best jazz vocal, “When I Look in Your Eyes,” followed by “The Look of Love,” her number one best seller and five-time platinum album, “The Girl in the Other Room,” boosting her 15-year career to an all-time plateau. Her new album, “Quiet Nights” with a Brazilian, bossa nova style, which she will also feature on stage, include such greats as “The Boy from Ipanema,” “Walk on By,” “Too Marvelous for Words,” “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face,” and many more. Ticket prices range from $30 to $115.
Location: Sarasota County Fairgrounds, Ringling Blvd.
Information: www.vanwezel.org or 941.953.3368
Jazz Pianist, Dick Hyman
Sun. Jan. 23
5:00 PM
This free concert features pianist Dick Hyman. Since his musical career began in the early 1950’s he has performed as pianist, organist, arranger, music director, and composer. His versatility in all of these areas has resulted in film scores, orchestral compositions, concert appearances and over 100 albums. Mr. Hyman continues performances throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.
Location: Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6135 Beechwood Ave.
Information: www.pineshorespres.org or 941.922.1597
First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon
Thu. Mar. 3
7:00 AM
The 6th Annual First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon features a very refreshing 13.1 mile course along some of the world's best beaches, award winning theaters, and both natural and historic attractions.
Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Cneter
Information: www.sarasotahalfmarathon.com
Singers and Ringers, First United Methodist Church, Lakeland
Sun. Mar. 20
5:00 PM
This free concert features the joyous music of the Ringers and Singers Handbell Choir. The group is made up of 23 young people and adults from the church’s music program. The choir rings two six octave sets of handbells giving them over one hundred and forty bells.
Location: Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6135 Beechwood Ave.
Information: www.pineshorespres.org or 941.922.1597
Girls Incorporated 23rd Annual Celebration Luncheon
Tue. Mar. 22
10:30 AM
This Girls Incorporated of Sarasota event honors the :"She Knows Where She's Going" award recipients as well as the Girl of the Year award winner. Lunch is served and the girls choir performs.
Location: The Ritz Carlton of Sarasota
Information: 941.366.6646
Walk to Cure Diabetes
Sat. Mar. 26
8:00 AM
Bring your team to Siesta Key Beach and join us for the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes. Register at www.jdrf.org.
Location: Siesta Key Beach
Information: www.jdrf.org/teamjdrf or 941.907.0811
Dance Art Food Festival
Apr. 30
2:00 - 10:00 PM
Dance competition by the Revelle Academy, Art show by Ringling artists and Food festival by chef Paul Mattison. 8 hours of beautiful educational event tickets now available please call 942.822.2597
Location: Van Wezel Grand Foyer
Information: www.nvproduction.net or 941.366.3757
   
   
   
   
Recurring Events

Handz-on Family Program
Every Sunday
1:00-3:00 PM

Children ages 6 - 12 are invited to bring their favorite adult to the Ringling Museum for Handz-On!  Guided by creative Museum educators, families will explore the galleries, enjoy family-friendly activities, and make fabulous works of art. 
Location:  John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Information: To reserve your space, call Janine Packard, Education Specialist at 941-359-5700 ex 1-3703, or email jpackard@ringling.org   www.ringling.org
Palm Singles
Every Monday
6:00 PM
Over 50's singles group meets for dinner at 6 pm followed by a program. We also offer a full monthly calendar of events. This is a great time to come out and make new friends.
Location: Church of the Palms 3224 Bee Ridge Road
Information: For dinner reservation call 924.7430.Dotty

Free Yoga On Siesta Beach
Every Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat
8:00 AM

Bring your own mat and water to the Siesta Beach Main Entrance. Taught by Avananda (with 36 years of teaching experience in Hawaii and
around the world, certified E-RYT-500)
941-320-6693 or email yogaonsiesatabeach@yahoo.com hathayogalesson.com
Jazzercise
Every Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
9:15 AM
Jazzercise is a Dance Fitness program using the most up to
date top hit music, with choreographed routines for aerobic, strength training and stretching.  One hour packed full of fun and motivation.
Location:  Faith Lutheran Church
InformationPhone:  941.966.4471
Sarasota African Violet Society
Every 3rd Tuesday  except June, July, August
10:00 AM - Noon
Learn and share America's favorite and most recognized house plant,including monthly workshops. 
Location:  First Baptist Church 265 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Information: 941.343.0976
MOMS Club of Sarasota North
Every 1st Wednesday
10:00 AM
We discuss club business and activities planned for the month while children play or make a craft. You and your children are WELCOME to join us.
Location: St. James United Methodist, 2049 N. Honore Ave.
Information:  941.306.3649 or momsclubofsarasotanorth.com
Phillippi Farmhouse Market
Every Wed., Nov. - May
Noon to Dusk
Phillippi Farmhouse market is dedicated to Florida Agriculture and Related Products. Prepared foods, Produce, Specialty items,are available from various vendors. The market is sponsored by the Friends of Sarasota County Parks, in support of the Historical Edson Keith Farmhouse Renovation Project. Free parking and Free music Great food and produce. A real Farmer's Market.
Location: Phillippi Estates Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail
Information: 941.861.5000
Mommy and Me at Mote
Every Thursday
9:50 AM
Ocean education for small fry! Kids ages 2-5 and their favorite adults learn together through marine-themed games, songs, stories, crafts, role plays, and guided visits to the Mote exhibits. Pre-registration is required. Meet at the Aquarium Entrance at 9:50 AM.
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Information: www.mote.org/mommyandme
Preschool Storytime
Every Thursday
10:00 & 11:15 AM
For ages 3 and up. Read-aloud stories, music, films, finger games, and community guests.
Location: Selby Public Library, 1331 First St.
Information: 941.316.1181
Not-Two-Young Storytime
Every Thursday
10:00 & 11:15
For 2-year-olds and an accompanying adult. Read-aloud stories, music, films, finger games, and community guests.
Location: Selby Public Library, 1331 First St.
Information: 941.316.1181
Positively Speaking Toastmasters
Every Friday
6:00 PM
Do something different on Friday nights by challenging your mind and having loads of fun with a great group of people. Guests are always welcome.
Location: Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 5900 N. Lockwood Ridge Road
Information:  941.685.1614 or posspeaking.freetoasthost.org

Art Walks on Palm Avenue
First Friday of the Month
6:00 - 9:00 PM

Palm Avenue hosts a monthly Art Walk on the First Friday of each month. Browse the fine art galleries, jewelers, and restaurants of Palm Avenue while enjoying dancing, live music, and refreshments.  A mainstay in Sarasota for many years, monthly special events make this a must-do.
Location: Palm Avenue in Downtown Sarasota
Third Friday Towles Court Artwalk
Third Friday of the Month
6:00 - 10:00 PM
Nestled at the edge of downtown Sarasota is a unique hidden treasure of artistic and culinary talent... the Towles Court Arts District. Wind through the paths under looming oaks and palms, where you will find an array of galleries, studios, jewelry boutiques, antique stores, gift shops and >> outdoor cafes to please every culinary appetite all housed within the original historical Old- Florida style architecture. For a night on the town, stroll through and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere
Location: Historic Towles Court Artist Colony, 1938 Adams Lane (2 Blocks South of Ringling Blvd. just west of Hwy 301)
Information: 941.955.4546 or www.towlescourt.com
Sarasota Farmers Market
Every Saturday
7:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Every Saturday, rain or shine, the Downtown Farmers' Market is is a potpourri of fresh produce, food, flowers and plants, fine artisanship, friends and fun. It has become a community happening - a gathering place for people to bring families, friends and even dogs to peruse the displays of garden-fresh produce and unique craft products.
Location: Main St. and Lemon Ave.
Information: www.sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Historic Burns Square Artists' Market
Every Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Local artists display/sell handmade works of art to also include jewelry, greeting cards, pottery, quilts and so much more. Meet a local author. Taste a Chicago Hot Dog. This is a free outdoor event that runs every Saturday through May 8.
Location: Pineapple & Laurel Streets
Information: 941.927.6845 or artistsmarket
Mommy and Me at Mote
Every Saturday
9:50 AM
Ocean education for small fry! Kids ages 2-5 and their favorite adults learn together through marine-themed games, songs, stories, crafts, role plays, and guided visits to the Mote exhibits. Pre-registration is required. Meet at the Aquarium Entrance at 9:50 AM.
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Information: www.mote.org/mommyandme