A community golf tournament benefiting Lakewood Ranch Community Activities and grants to the LWR Community Foundation. Team prizes, contests, raffles, and player swag, plus breakfast, lunch, and two drinks. Register solo and they'll match you to a team, or bring your own foursome.
Independent artists and makers selling home decor, fashion, art, and food under the lights, with a rotating vendor lineup each month. Live dueling pianos take requests all night.
Sarasota Orchestra marks the 25th anniversary of September 11 with Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, Barber's Adagio for Strings, and John Williams' title piece. Nate Jacobs narrates Liberty for All, and proceeds benefit four local charities supporting first responders.
Climb both sides of the Finish Tower's six flights, as many times as it takes to reach 110 stories, or go at your own pace. Free breakfast at the base, and a commemorative medal for the first 250 finishers.
Robarts Arena Fri-Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 10am-5pm Free w/ RSVP, $10 at door
Explore home improvement solutions from local contractors and vendors at this free homeowner-focused expo. Find everything from kitchen renovations to landscaping ideas all under one roof at Robarts Arena.
One of the biggest monthly car meets in Florida, drawing exotics, classics, and everything in between. Free coffee, live music, and a different local charity each month.
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Teams of two men and two women play a shamble format, with everyone hitting from the best drive and the top male and female scores counting on each hole. No foursome? Register solo and the golf shop pairs you up.
An inclusive dance gala where adult dancers of every level and background share the stage, from first-timers to professionals, including dancers with disabilities. Expect ballet, contemporary and more, plus an optional cocktail reception after the final bow.
The park transforms into a neon-lit playground after sunset for this glow-in-the-dark night run. Choose the family-friendly 2-miler or the 4-mile trail course around the whole park. Headlamps or flashlights required, and the best-lit outfit wins a prize.
The Blue Collar Comedy Tour vet known as Tater Salad, bringing his cigar-and-scotch drawl and Grammy-nominated standup. Expect the barbed storytelling that landed him multiple #1 comedy albums. Ages 18+.
Nine seasons on Saturday Night Live gave us Hans and Franz and the Subliminal Man, plus a long run anchoring Weekend Update. These days he's touring stand-up between episodes of his Hiking with Kevin series.
Downtown Venice merchants haul the racks outside along Miami, Tampa, and West Venice avenues for two days of sidewalk deals. Come for the bargains, stay for lunch at the island's local spots.
The hotel's EVOQ terrace turns into a beer garden for two nights: German and Oktoberfest-style beers, flights, giant pretzels and live music each evening. Contests run all night, from stein-holding and pretzel eating to a yodel-off and best dressed. Lederhosen encouraged.
Now in its 24th year, this chip-timed run and walk for suicide prevention follows a scenic loop around the lake and back. Pick the 5K or the 10K. Youth, first responders, military and veterans all get discounted entry.
Manatee County's nature educators turn the NEST and the preserve trails into fairyland for a morning. Build a fairy home, take a tiny hike, and stick around for crafts and storytime. Wings encouraged, ages 2 to 10, no reservations needed.
Local shelters run adoptions in the gym while pet vendors and services fill the park, plus live demonstrations from the K9 Search and Rescue team and dog-park etiquette tips. You might come home with a new best friend.
Over 175 artists and crafters set up inside the park for the weekend, two full days of browsing. The Circle's shops and restaurants are right there when you want a break from the booths.
Sunshine Movers reimagines its breast cancer fundraiser as a circus soirée. Cirque Vertigo acts, fire breathers and stilt walkers roam the party while Sugar Vibe plays, with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a live auction. Every dollar goes to the American Cancer Society.
A tasting-style fundraiser for The Twig, the Venice nonprofit that outfits foster kids with new clothes. Sample bites from a dozen-plus local spots, 3 Bridges Brewing, Fins at Sharky's and Venice Avenue Creamery among them, then bid in the silent auction.
A women-focused afternoon of shopping from local boutiques and artisans, plus complimentary chair massages, beauty services, and Mommy & Me photo sessions. There's a welcome drink on arrival, on-site childcare, and raffle drawings throughout.
Pro wrestling superstar Chris Jericho fronts this KISS tribute act, delivering the classics in full face paint and arena-sized energy. Spring for the KISS PIT tier if you want to be up front.
An Arts Advocates docent walks you through the Florida art collection on the walls, with works by Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz and Dean Mitchell. Then it's backstage to the fly ropes, the movable orchestra pit and the dressing rooms.
Venice Theatre's Kristofer Geddie and pianist Michelle Kasanofsky serve up a cabaret evening of Broadway favorites, musical theatre classics and a few surprises in Wellen Park's intimate Solis Hall.
The brewery lot fills up again with food trucks, local vendors and live music, with the full lineup still to be announced. Free to wander in, and the taproom pours alongside.
The hall's second family day, built around two performances of Asolo Rep on Tour's Beanstalk: The Adventures of Jack and the Giant. FST Improv runs family games at 11:30am, and a kids' market sells goods made by young local entrepreneurs.
Guide and service dog demonstrations, local puppy raisers to meet, and interactive activities throughout the brand-new campus. A first look at how the guide-dog nonprofit trains its four-legged graduates, and admission is free with no registration.
Venice MainStreet takes the party onto the sand with live sets from Off the Road and the Landsharks, seven food trucks, and a bar pouring beer, wine and cocktails. A free trolley runs from Centennial Park so you can skip the parking hunt.
Two days of Latino culture and wellbeing for Hispanic Heritage Month. Saturday brings guided kayak tours of the Mangrove Bayou, a kids' storytelling workshop and brunch with singer Alejandra Koss. Sunday is UnidosNow's morning of movement, music and coffee.
Three headliners on one bill instead of the usual single act: Joel Lindley, Simply Shanell and magician Gayle Becwar. Producer Ron Feingold is filming the whole thing for release, so the sets get recorded as you watch.
Cocktail hour and a silent auction lead into a ballroom dinner, live auction and paddle raise supporting local nonprofits. The evening also honors the 2026 Humanitarian of the Year from a foundation that's granted $1.75 million over two decades.
Arlington Park kicks off a new first-Friday market along the trail with local vendors selling handmade goods, crafts, plants and gifts, plus food and drink trucks. Shop, stroll the park, and catch it again in November and December.
Dancers compete for cash prizes, bragging rights and the title of first-ever Line Dance Champion. Come to throw down or just watch the boot-scooting showdown from the sidelines.
Ten Tonight Show appearances, three seasons of his own TBS sitcom Sullivan & Son, and five hour-long specials across Netflix, Showtime and Amazon. He also wrote and directed The Opening Act, which sits at 84% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Santa Cruz's long-running ska, surf-rock and reggae outfit rolls through town nearly 25 years after starting out as a high school party band playing birthdays. Their Moment EP topped the Billboard reggae chart. Matt & Zack open.
The DeLeon Family Oktoberfest Band plays oom-pah all afternoon, three generations of accordion players deep, while traditional German dancers take the stage in shifts. Stein-hoisting starts at 3:45, and five kitchens are running brats, schnitzel and spätzle.
Make-A-Wish's Suncoast chapter brings its nationwide fundraiser to the lake loop, raising money to grant wishes for local kids facing critical illnesses. Registration opens at 7:30am, with the walk following.
Soleil Cycle & Body's debut before the studio even opens. A BODY 55 pilates class, then a village of beauty and lifestyle partners, plus champagne during the resort's sunset sabering ritual. The mat, grip socks and a curated wellness tote all go home with you.
Venice's reggae night moves to a bigger waterfront setup this year, right next to Sharky's on the Pier. Mighty Mystic headlines a four-act lineup that runs through sunset, with food trucks and local vendors filling out the park.
Seven local rock bands at seven spots around the UTC district in one night. Check in at The Green for a free pass with deals at each stop, then hop from Ford's Garage to Oak & Stone. Benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.
A regular panelist and writer on FOX's Gutfeld!, with a Dry Bar Comedy special that's pulled over 12 million views. He built the act on New York club stages, and the timing shows.
A bewitching night at the historic, possibly haunted Edson Keith Mansion, with a live DJ, photo booth, vendor market, cash bar and tarot readings. Costume contest categories include Best Dressed Coven. Advance tickets only, and it sells out fast.
The Benderson Chase regatta sends racing shells sprinting across the lake while the shore side pours fall beers alongside German food, live music, and dancing. Family-friendly, and you can catch the finishes between steins.
Dealers pack Robarts Arena with firearms, ammo, and collectibles both days, with free parking on site. One weekend ticket covers Saturday and Sunday, kids 16 and under get in free, and active military and law enforcement do too.
The DeLeon Family Band is back with oompah music, and the Chicken Dance is non-negotiable. Compete in the stein-hoisting contest or a game of cornhole, and the Nest Café pours German-inspired and local brews with brats and pretzel sticks.
Rock and soul legend Boz Scaggs brings his Rhythm Review to the Van Wezel, promising an evening of timeless hits from Silk Degrees and beyond. Think Lido Shuffle, Lowdown, and decades of smooth, soulful sound.
His debut album Baby Daddy went to number one on the iTunes comedy chart, and Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy hand-picked him to open their We've Been Thinking tour. He co-hosts a weekly show on SiriusXM.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest national fundraiser, with teams of families, friends and coworkers walking together on the sand. Registration is free and donation driven, and the money goes to CF research.
USA Today voted this the #1 festival in the world, and the tour has floated two million lanterns across 175 cities. Gates open at 4:30 with food trucks and live music before the launch across the lake after dark.
A not-so-spooky Halloween night that ends with a sing-along screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas on the lawn. Trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating and food trucks come first, and the first 1,800 kids get a pumpkin to take home.
Venice's waterfront market gets a Halloween makeover. Browse the vendor booths and food trucks next to Sharky's on the Pier, bring the kids and the dog in costume for the parade, then stay for Rock Candy's arena-rock set at sunset.
Mote's beer-and-wine tasting moves into the new SEA aquarium for the first time. Roam the exhibits after dark with unlimited pours from local breweries, wineries and distilleries, plus a commemorative glass, swag bag and live music. 21+.
Personally endorsed by founding member Mick Fleetwood, this touring tribute channels the band at their late-'70s peak, Rumours era front and center. Billed as the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute, and Mick agrees.
Billed by critics as the world's top ABBA tribute, the touring production runs through Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Mamma Mia, and the rest of the songbook in full costume. Singing along is encouraged.
An Arts Advocates docent walks you through the Florida art collection on the walls, with works by Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz and Dean Mitchell. Then it's backstage to the fly ropes, the movable orchestra pit and the dressing rooms.
Yoga teacher and sound healer Petra Ratner leads an hour of guided meditation and healing vibrations, layering planetary gong, crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls and Tingsha bells as the sun sets over the bay.
Two indoor days of vintage hunting with pickers, makers, collectors, and artisans filling the arena floor. One ticket covers both days, and kids under 16 get in free. Free parking on site.
The American Cancer Society's annual 5K walk brings thousands of supporters around the park, plus ceremonies and activities on the grounds. Free to join, and teams fundraise in the weeks leading up.
Three decades in, this Halloween blowout is bigger and badder than ever in the new space. The famous costume contests award $5,000 in total cash prizes, so come dressed to win.
Sarasota-Manatee Originals brings a lineup of local restaurants to the waterfront, each serving small plates you buy with $5 food tickets. Kettle of Fish plays through the afternoon. Tickets are sold only at a table on the day.
A 90-minute blend of circus, cabaret, and theater with international performers doing acrobatics, dance, comedy, and illusion. Set in 19th-century Bohemia, where Count Dracula hides inside a traveling circus. Think Tim Burton by way of Cirque du Soleil.
Local businesses and community groups decorate more than 50 themed booths along the candy trail. Beyond the trick-or-treating there's a haunted trail, bounce houses, live music and dance performances, plus a pumpkin scavenger hunt with prizes.
Three headliners on one bill instead of the usual single act: Bob Phillips, Andrea Marie and Tim Slagle. Producer Ron Feingold is filming the whole thing for release, so the sets get recorded as you watch.
Strap on wireless headphones while DJ Benny spins a sunset set over the bay, courtesy of Silent Events, the company that first brought silent discos to the US. The Nest Cafe pours drinks to keep you moving.
The 1984 original plays on a big HD screen while a live orchestra performs Elmer Bernstein's score in sync beneath it. A different way to watch a movie you already know by heart.
Trick-or-treating, music and costumes take over Downtown Wellen for an early-evening Halloween party geared to families. Details are still filling in, so expect more to be announced closer to the date.
Trick-or-treat along Main Street with local vendors and merchants, plus a kids' zone with inflatables, a mad scientist show, and a magic show. First 1,500 kids get a free pumpkin tote.
County naturalists, Venice Area Audubon and UF/IFAS set up games, crafts and hands-on activities about bats and birds. Then the whole group walks out at dusk to watch hundreds of bats pour out of their houses. No registration needed.
The Child Protection Center's first annual Halloween 5K, with a 100m Mini Monster Dash for kids and a free family fest to follow: trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, age-based costume contests, food trucks, and a puppy pit of PAWS therapy dogs.
Tidewell Foundation's annual walk around the lake in memory of a loved one. Registration opens at 8am with the walk stepping off at 9, and a Full Life Fair, live music and fundraising awards fill out the morning.
More than 100 artists set up along West Venice Avenue with photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass and sculpture. Commissions are on the table if you find someone whose work you love. Put on by Howard Alan Events with Venice MainStreet.
The touring parody catches up with Sophia out on bail, Blanche and Rose running a seniors dating app, and Dorothy holding it together. Presented by Murray & Peter, and firmly 18 and up.
Trick-or-treating at shops along Tampa, Venice and Miami avenues, plus a trunk-or-treat in the lot next to Mothers Cupboard with kid-friendly music from DJ Steve. All ages turn out in costume. No street parade this year.
Mote's black-tie gala lands on Halloween this year, so guests turn up in formalwear or costume. Expect dinner, cocktails and live entertainment, with the night's proceeds going to the lab's ocean research and conservation work.
The finale of the park's fourth-anniversary month: an all-day music festival across two stages. The White Crowe Band, Rosine, Rockefellers, Speak Easy and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe artists rotate through the afternoon, with food trucks going from 12:30.
A docu-concert from the team behind The Simon & Garfunkel Story, tracing Phil Collins from the Genesis years through the solo anthems and the Oscar-winning Disney songs. Built for singing along.
The first-Friday market along the Arlington Park trail returns with local vendors selling handmade goods, crafts, plants and gifts, plus food and drink trucks. Shop, stroll the park and make a morning of it.
Food trucks line up at the beach park for a Friday evening by the water, with live entertainment and lawn games while the sun goes down over the Gulf. Part of the county's Food Truck Rally Series.
Sixth year for the BONT marathon, which draws an international field to the loop around the lake, with a world-class elite start and age-class waves behind it. A 25k, a 13k and an untimed Friday-evening 5K round out the weekend.
The campground's eighth annual weekend honoring veterans packs in a fishing tournament, combat-conscious yoga, live music and a catered dinner on Siesta Key. Register through the campground office by email or phone.
A Parisian-style street market that hands downtown over to local artists and makers for the day. Original art, handmade goods and specialty treats, with the makers themselves behind every table.
Main Street closes down for an afternoon honoring local veterans, active-duty military and first responders. Patriotic entertainment, floats, food and kids' activities run from 2pm, and the parade steps off at 4. Presented by Veteran Air.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's community walk loops the lake on a non-competitive route of one to three miles, with an opening ceremony, resource tables and honor beads for every walker. Check-in is at 8am, walk at 9.
Forty years of folk, roots rock and country blues from an underground Georgia legend who has played with the Indigo Girls, Gregg Allman and the Atlanta Symphony. Direct writing and a big voice.
Two straight hours of 1970s rock and roll, from the arena bands to the birth of new wave. Expect Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Springsteen, Pink Floyd and the Stones, plus a run of one-hit wonders.
Meals on Wheels PLUS fills the street with soup and bread from local restaurants, and every ticket comes with a handcrafted bowl to take home. Proceeds go to The Food Bank of Manatee.
A live run through the whole catalogue, from the early country records to the stadium era. Built for Swifties who want to sing every word, though the hits carry it either way.
Master sand sculptors from around the world spend four days carving Siesta's powder-white sand into towering works of art, with an amateur contest, live music and a vendor village alongside. Saturday night the sculptures glow under colored lights.
The Alzheimer's Association's flagship fundraiser, with each walker carrying a flower for their own connection to the disease. Pick the 3-mile route or the 1-mile turnaround. Opening ceremony at 8:45am and the walk steps off at 9.
UTC kicks off the holiday season with a parade down North Cattlemen Road featuring giant balloons, fantastical floats, marching bands and live entertainment, capped by a fireworks display. This year's theme is Home for the Holidays.
A 16-time Grammy-winning producer and a singer known from American Idol, Smash and Waitress, on the road together for an intimate show. Foster's catalogue runs through Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Josh Groban and Chicago.
A docent walks you through the paintings and sculptures hanging in the lobby, all on loan from Arts Advocates and made by noted Florida artists: Robert Chase, Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Dean Mitchell and others.
A Boston trio reviving traditional blues with vintage gear and live off-the-floor recording, drawing on Otis Rush, Howlin' Wolf and Hound Dog Taylor. Three #1 Billboard blues records and four Boston Music Awards for Best Blues Act.
Up to 60 local businesses set up with senior services, housing and health information, plus complimentary bingo games, raffles and prize giveaways. Aimed at the 55+ crowd and their families, with free parking.
A Pink Floyd tribute built as an immersive experience rather than a note-for-note recreation, running through Wish You Were Here, Comfortably Numb, Time and Another Brick in the Wall.
Food trucks line up at the beach park for a Friday evening by the water, with live entertainment and lawn games while the sun goes down over the Gulf. Part of the county's Food Truck Rally Series.
An outdoor gallery of original painting, sculpture, jewelry, glass, ceramics and metalwork from artists across Florida and the country. Meet the makers, hear about their techniques, and take home a one-of-a-kind piece.
The Junior League of Sarasota's first-ever evening walkathon: a lap around the lake followed by a celebration with food, entertainment and family activities. Kids 5 and under are free, and proceeds support women's leadership programs.
More than 50 vendors set up on the waterfront next to Sharky's on the Pier, with food trucks and local bands playing through sunset. Bring a blanket or a chair and settle in for the music.
The original cirque holiday spectacular wraps a Broadway-style production around gravity-defying circus arts. Reimagined for 2026 with original music, holiday favorites sung live, new sets and dazzling costumes.
Mustangs from 1964½ originals to new Shelbys line the street for the Mustang Club of West Central Florida's outside-judged charity show. Free to browse, with raffle proceeds benefiting local veterans and student scholarships.
The original ROCKY plays on the big screen while a full symphony orchestra performs Bill Conti's score live, Gonna Fly Now included. A TCG Entertainment production celebrating the three-time Academy Award-winning franchise.
A musical send-up of the holiday-movie formula: overworked exec Holly returns to her quirky hometown to save Christmas, juggling an old flame, a cookie contest conspiracy and a moose on the loose. Original pop songs included.
Nearly 4,500 runners, joggers and walkers kick off Thanksgiving with this 5K tradition around the lake, plus a kids dash. All finishers get a medal, race shirt and an after-party spread of pastries and treats. Benefits the park conservancy and the Big Bill Foundation.
Downtown Venice kicks off the season with the Christmas tree lighting, carols from local choirs including the Venice Chorale, and visits with Santa. Bring chairs or a blanket and stick around to explore the shops. Put on by Venice MainStreet.
All-4-One, two-time Grammy winner Sheena Easton, American Idol champion Ruben Studdard and jazz vocalist Lindsey Webster share one stage, mixing holiday favorites with their biggest hits, from "I Swear" to "Morning Train."
The smash-hit musical based on the Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner film follows a former Secret Service agent falling for the superstar he's hired to protect. Packed with "I Will Always Love You," "Queen of the Night" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody."
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