- December 5, 2025
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Our Black Tie social calendar is jammed packed with amazing events through the month of May and we’ve picked out a few top picks that we can’t wait to attend, and think you should too.
by Emily Walsh and Heather Merriman Saba
The 2016 Circus Arts Gala: ‘Hats off to Dolly!’
Benefiting: Circus Arts Conservatory Outreach Programs
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29
Where: Under the Big Top
Honorary Chairs: Mary Ann Robinson
Tickets: $200 | Call: 355-9335.
When everyone dresses up and waltzes around with red clown noses, who could not have fun? The annual Circus Gala is always a hoot and this year’s event is dedicated to the Co-Founder Dolly Jacobs. The Save the Date card called for “Bowlers, fedoras, fascinators, too…chapeau, boater, it’s up to you. Top hot, cloche, whatever your folly, just make sure you wear one for Hats off to Dolly!” Special surprises are in store, so be sure not to miss it.
A New Beginning Fashion Show
Benefiting: Selah Freedom
When: 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 25
Where: Sarasota Yacht Club
Chairs: Heather Schafer and Shannon Holder
Tickets: $135| Call: 677-8840.
Since its inception in 2013, the Selah Freedom Fashion Show is always a huge hit and will be so again for its third year at the start of the New Year. The location this year has changed to the Sarasota Yacht Club, which is always a beautiful atmosphere for some bubbly and a fashion show. Olivia’s Boutique on the Circle will be providing the fashions for the show, so grab your girlfriends and enjoy.
Orchid Ball: ‘Gowns in the Garden: Experience the Growth’
Benefiting: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13
Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Chairs: Liebe Gamble, Rochelle Nigri, Kara Saunders
Honorary Chairs: Jenn Stutler and Margie Cooper
Tickets: $350 | Call: 366-5731.
Everyone wondered what would happen when Selby Gardens changed it’s forever held first Saturday or the month in April event date to Valentine’s Day. Well, apparently it was an uber-good move, because the event is almost sold out! This year promises to be another elegant evening where fashion will collide with nature in special displays of botanical fashions.
Foodlosophy: A Sarasota Culinary Experience
Benefiting: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26
Where: Michael’s On East
Chairs: Ashley Dooley, Jennifer Rust and Montana Taplinger
Tickets: $200 | Call: 813-868-2703.
A first-time event that is headed up by a committee that is loaded with Designing Daughters and Junior Leaguers, you know that all the details will be in perfect place at this culinary-focused evening of cocktails, dinner, live entertainment, dancing and live and silent auctions. Some of the town’s best chefs and restaurateurs — like Christian Hershman, Ed Chiles and Phil Mancini — will be cooking up some special gourmet selection.
iConcept
Benefiting: Art Center Sarasota
When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21
Where: University Town Center (Saks Fifth Avenue)
Chairs: Barbara Banks, Terry McKee and Jordan Berger
Tickets: $175 for reserved dinner, $75 for light bites | Call: 365-2032.
Art and couture are two of Black Tie’s favorite things, so mixing the two is always means for a fabulous affair. The 8th annual iConcept has moved its location this year to Saks Fifth Avenue at the Mall at UTC to elevate the event to a new level and we cannot wait to see what’s in store. Guests can expect to see couture like fashions made from unconventional materials and the event will host a few creative surprises we can’t reveal.
25th Anniversary Season Gala: ‘A Sterling Affair’
Benefiting: Sarasota Ballet
When: 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29
Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts
Chairwoman: Sydney Goldstein and Vivian Kouvant
Tickets: $500 | Call: 225-6510.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary season, the Sarasota Ballet will perform a unique performance followed by an evening of fine dining. Iain Webb will surely put together a stellar performance, and the evening that follows will most definitely follow suit with dinner by Michael’s On East in the tent outside of the theater.
SPARCCle Gala ‘Masquerade’
Benefiting: Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, March 12
Where: Sarasota Yacht Club
Chair: Barbara Vanderkolk Gardner
Tickets: $250 | Call: 365-0208, Ext. 106.
Masquerade balls are always a fabulous time, especially when they benefit an outstanding organization. Don the coolest mask you can find and head to the Sarasota Yacht Club for an evening you don’t want to miss. We can’t spoil all of the surprises, but expect a five-piece band to dance to all night long and a fun décor tidbit — the table centerpieces are handmade fascinators that can be yours if you win them in the auction.
An Evening at the Avant Garde
Benefiting: Ringling College of Art and Design
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19
Where: Ringling College of Art and Design Campus
Chairs: Joan and Bob Tufts
Tickets: $250 | Call: 309-0118.
This year’s theme “Bringing Characters to Life!” is bound to be a good one. A toast to the success of Ringling College alumni, get amped up to see the guests bring to life the characters created by alumni themselves. In the words of the save the date, pack a bow and arrow to become Princess Merida from Brave, spike up your hair to transform into Hiro from Big Hero 6 or dress in icy blue to mimic Elsa from Frozen.
Paws on the Catwalk
Benefiting: Humane Society of Sarasota County
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, April 7
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Chairs: Chris Voelker and Alex Miller
Tickets: $125 | Call: 955-4131, Ext. 103.
Paws on the Catwalk is always a season favorite. This year’s 10th anniversary celebration will follow the same format as usual — boutique shopping in the foyer will kick-off at 10 a.m., followed by the luncheon at 11:30 a.m. and the always fantastic fashion show presented by Influence Style. Les McCurdy and Ken Sons will host the live auction and a few lucky guests will go home with precious pups. Women dress in white and men dress in black for this fun afternoon at the Ritz.
Dishes for Wishes
Benefiting: Make-A-Wish
When: Friday, April 8
Where: Fete Ballroom, Polo Grill
Chairs:
Tickets:
