Category Archives: Events

Sarasota has a wide range of art and music events during the tourist season. Even off season, you can find a variety of things to do.

Sarasota Film Festival – Best Documentary – Better This World

Better This World was written, directed and produced by Katie Galloway and Kelly Duane de la Vega. It is the story of David McKay and Bradley Crowder, two young political activists. While under the influence of an older charismatic revolutionary, the two were arrested for domestic terrorism during the 2008 Republican Convention. The movie looks at what happened between the three men. Accepted as an Official Selection in over 20 film festivals, Better This World won three “Best Documentary” awards in Sarasota and San Francisco. This interview with the filmmakers was conducted during the Sarasota Film Festival.

The movie examines how the “war on terror” after 9/11 has impacted civil liberties and political dissent in the US. Better This World will also be broadcast on P.O.V. on PBS on September 6th.

Sarasota Pop Rocks Party

Sarasota Pop Rocks Party was billed as the “party of the summer”.  A combination of costume party, birthday party and fund raiser, the event was organized by Mike Drobny, Veronica Pastore, and Jawara Gordon.  Pop Rocks was hosted at The Loft Ristobar with music supplied by Deejay Simplisstick and DJ Imminent.

Sarasota hosts Jackie Evancho

The Ringling Museum in Sarasota was the location selected for filming a PBS Great Performances episode starring Jackie Evancho called Dream With Me in Concert. Check out the video below as she performs Sarah McLachlan’s song “Angel” in the Ringling courtyard. You can check the PBS website for broadcast times.

Siesta Key Drum Circle

Every Sunday evening, a circle forms on the beach at Siesta Key. Drummers begin, both talented local players and visitors with small percussion instruments. Belly dancers, hoop dancers and gymnasts join in. No special talent is required, just enthusiasm. Everyone is welcome to join the circle – from toddlers to retirees. When you’re in the circle, it’s almost impossible to be still! Locals do this year round, and – during tourist season – the circle grows tremendously. It’s fun, free and relaxing, so come on over when you’re in Sarasota.

Sarasota Payne Skate Park

The Sarasota Payne Park skating facility is now operated by Sk8skool. In 2010, they took over operation of the skate park from the city of Sarasota. Sk8skool operates it as a not-for-profit organization. Sofia Maldonado is a New York muralist and a skater. Recently she designed a mural and worked with students from Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, Booker High School and Southeast High School to execute the design in the Payne Skate Park bowl. This new mural is a vibrant addition to a park that already has skater inspired art. Extended hours and lower rates draw local skaters. And if you’re vacationing in Sarasota, add the skateboarding at the park to your list of things to do.

Sarasota Towles Court Artwalk

The third Friday of each month, Towles Court artists open their studios to the public.  From 6-10 pm, you can enjoy free music and refreshments while you stroll through this historic community of old Florida bungalows.  Named one of the top ten artist’s colonies in the country by Coastal Living, Towles Court also includes galleries and open air restaurants.  The artwalk is very popular with tourists during season, and locals know that off season allows for a less crowded visit.  New residents arrive regularly, so if you haven’t been to the artwalk in a while,  mark your calendar for the third Friday next month!

Sarasota downtown – The Cadillac Grainer Street Band

On any afternoon in downtown Sarasota, you may have a chance to hear a street musician or a band.  On Main Street, we encountered The Cadillac Grainer Street Band with a small crowd who already knew their music.  Although their lead singer was not there, they played an original song with a bluesy bluegrass flavor as the crowd on the street grew.

The band recently opened at the Blue Owl in Sarasota for local favorite, Igor.

Sarasota Downtown Friday Night

Live Downtown, It’s Friday Night! The 1st Friday night each month, you should be  downtown Sarasota for live music, dancing, gallery shows and shopping. This is a free event that attracts locals and visitors to browse our wonderful art galleries to the accompaniment of a wide range of entertainment.  On this Friday, you could hear an incredible local string duo Bard and Mustache – Erin Murphy (the Equines) and Greg Bortnichak (Sparta Philharmonic).  Just down the street, you could see the Sarasota Ballet’s students at Studio 20.  In the mood for something Latin?  The exciting Duente duo of Joe Matsagos and Dean Johanesen offered flamenco while Wilsons DanceSport dancers entertained the crowd.  And, just for fun, Ollie and the Garbage Men, local teenagers who play instruments made from garbage and recycled materials.  I’d say there was something for everyone!

Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival

The Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival featured Charityn and Yovany and many other well known musicians. Sponsored by The Academy of Latin Arts and Science, the event offered food, music, dancing and family friendly activities for children. Mostly a family crowd, the biggest excitement was when Charityn, who has been called the Latin Oprah, appeared onstage. She took the time to meet and take photos with her fans individually and seemed to sincerely enjoy this.