Tag Archives: 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 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!

Siesta Fiesta 2011 in Siesta Key Village Sarasota

Siesta Fiesta is a 2 day event with lots of things to do and see – art, crafts, food, drinks and music.  Saturday and Sunday, the main village street is shut down and filled with brightly colored paintings, sculpture, hand made clothing and jewelry.  It’s a shoppers dream.  Or you can just sit back with a cold drink and your choice of fiesta food and watch the people go by.  This festival draws mainlanders and vacationers to the key in big numbers, so you’ll see island residents walking or riding their bikes to avoid the traffic.  Held each year in April or May, check the date and come on out and enjoy Siesta Fiesta!

Florida Mountain Boys play at Noise Ordinance 2 in Sarasota

The Florida Mountain boys play bluegrass – lots of pickin’ and strummin’ with great harmony thrown in.  The Noise Ordinance festival showcases all kinds of local bands from rock to folk.  They played a variety of music straight from a bluegrass festival.  Find more about them on their website.

Siesta Key Sarasota Florida Spring Break

Spring Break is still happening on Siesta Key Beach!  Come on out to the key.  Although crowds this time of year can swell to 15-20,000 on the main beach – this beautiful location  offers several miles of perfect sand – so you can always find a quiet secluded place if that’s what you’re looking for.  Relax in the sun and work on your tan. Right now the beautiful gulf water is the perfect temperature for swimming.  And, no matter the temperature, our sand never gets hot on your feet!
The Siesta Key village has live bands and DJs playing music at night, shopping, bikini contests, good food and drinks all within easy walking distance of the beach. Siesta Key is a friendly and welcoming place to spend your spring break vacation.

Beautiful Noise Gives Back to Sarasota

In this short interview, Danielle White, star of Beautiful Noise thanks her teachers and peers in the VPA program at Booker High School.  And now The Beautiful Noise Movie gives back to Sarasota with a special screening on April 29.

The Beautiful Noise movie will have a special One Night Only screening on Friday, April 29th @ 7:00 pm at the 1,000 seat Riverview H.S. Performing Arts Center!
100% of the ticket proceeds benefit Riverview H.S. programs.
Put this on your calendar:
Time – Friday, April 29 · 7:00pm – 9:30pm
Location – Riverview High School Performing Arts Center  1 Ram Way  Sarasota, FL
Tickets will be available in advance at the Open Pub and Restaurant or at the show for $10.

Sarasota Film Festival Opening Night 2011

Opening night at the Sarasota Film Festival brought filmmakers, actors and festival sponsors out for the movie Page One: A Year Inside the New York Times.  The red carpet event at the Sarasota Opera House was the place to be for movie lovers on Friday night.

Sarasota Vinyl Music Festival

Sarasota young VIPs partied at the Vinyl Music Festival opening event at the Ivory Lounge last night.  This was the kick off for the 4 day Vinyl Music Festival.  According to Rich Swier, VMF cofounder,  “we created and will continue to build Vinyl in order to bring more current world-class musical entertainment to a world class city.”  In our view, this first night was a success and generated great buzz about the festival leading up to the main event on Saturday night.

Siesta Key Spring Break

Siesta Key is a great place to be for Spring Break!  And it’s not just a beach destination.  During March and April, the island demographics change radically – from mostly snow birds to lots of students on spring break!
During the peak of the season the main beach will have up to 20,000 spring breakers on it, with another 10,000 on the remaining miles of white sand beach. The village changes from quiet and leisurely to party central as more and more students visit during their spring vacation. 
And it’s not just the beach you’ll enjoy.  Siesta Key village has shopping, restaurants and clubs just off the beach; so you’ll find plenty to do after a day on the sand.  Walk around the village, and you’ll hear live bands and DJs playing music in several different night spots. This year 2 bikini contests are on going at two of the clubs in the village.  There’s a variety of good food and drinks available within easy walking distance.
Come on out to the island.  You’ll find that Siesta Key is a friendly and welcoming, and safe place to spend your spring break vacation. By the way if your not convinced yet, Siesta Key beach was voted the best beach in America.