Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 10-16


  • By
  • | 9:00 a.m. August 8, 2023
Amanda Grant and Naomi Hicks at the 2022 SarasotaCon.
Amanda Grant and Naomi Hicks at the 2022 SarasotaCon.
Photo by Harry Sayer
  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
  • Share

Thursday, Aug. 10

Thursday Jazz at the SAM
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$20
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

The Barker Project performs until 8 p.m. on the Michael & Marcy Klein Patio. The Bistro opens for dinner and drinks at 5 p.m. and the museum's exhibition are open until 7 p.m.


Bear Webb
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$25
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Bear Webb, who filmed her special, "It’s Not A Mullet," at McCurdy's last year, has opened for Louie Anderson, Rosie O’Donnell and Bill Bellamy. Webb was a public school teacher for more than 30 years and is a self-described cross between Ron White and Sam Kinison.


‘Something Rotten!’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$30-$44
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

Rated PG-13 for themes, suggestive language and adult humor, "Something Rotten!" is a musical about writing a musical dedicated to the work of William Shakespeare. Hilarity ensues. Runs through Aug. 27.


Ken Ludwig's "A Comedy of Tenors" runs through Aug. 20 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
Courtesy photo

‘A Comedy of Tenors’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$25 and up
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Set in 1930s Paris, “A Comedy of Tenors” is a madcap romp as a producer tries to keep an Italian superstar preparing for a concert from falling prey to temptation and mayhem. Runs through Aug. 27.


Open Mic Night
9 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
Free
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Every Thursday night is open mic night at McCurdy's Green Room Bar, and it’s bound to be a fun night. All interested comedians, who are at least 18 years old, are welcome to a five-minute slot. Advance online bookings are required. In addition to the free admission, there is no drink minimum.


Friday, Aug. 11

TEN-76 will appear at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's free Friday Fest on Aug. 11.
Courtesy photo

Friday Fest: TEN-76
5-9 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall lawn, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit VanWezel.org.

Formed during the pandemic, TEN-76 is a high-energy rock band covering classic rock, punk and modern rock. Its members are in their late teens and early 20s and are brimming with talent. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy food and drinks from local vendors. Food, beverages and coolers from outside Friday Fest are prohibited.


Music Bingo at Hamlet’s Eatery
5 p.m. at The Courtyard at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 21 Apricot Ave.
Free
Visit HamletsEatery.com.

Enjoy a twist on bingo while listening to your favorite music. Host Myra Mains plays songs from a wide range of eras and genres, and players cross off the song titles on their bingo cards.


George McVey River Road
7 p.m. at Centennial Park, Venice
Free
Visit VisitVeniceFL.org.

The popular local acoustic guitar player "Just George" is backed up by two of his musical compadres in this free concert sponsored by Neal Communities and Main Street Venice. Bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. No alcohol is permitted in Centennial Park.


Movie in the Park: 'The Princess and the Frog'
7 p.m. at Waterside Place, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

Waterside Place presents "The Princess and the Frog" for its free movie night. The family-friendly event runs the second Friday of each month. The movie will begin approximately at 8 p.m. and is sponsored by Grace Community Church, which will provide a free popsicle from Siesta Pops to the first 300 attendees. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Concessions will be available from We B'Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Face painting and inflatables will be available for the kids.


Saturday, Aug. 12

Summer Art Market
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 North Palm Ave.
Free
Visit ArtOvationHotel.com.

Browse artful inspiration from a variety of vendors and shop for gifts in the atmosphere of the Gallery Lounge. 


Layla Rodriguez and Kristopher Paul at the 2022 SarasotaCon.
Photo by Harry Sayer

SarasotaCon
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Carlisle Conference Center, 3727 Bahia Vista St.
$20; kids under 11 free
Visit TheSarasotaCon.com.

Fans of anime, sci-fi and superheroes are invited to the annual SarasotaCon. A mix of vendors, artists and activities will be present, including a "Super Smash Bros." tournament, a cosplay contest, candy giveaway and anime vendors. 


Open Studios at Creative Liberties
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 901B Apricot Ave. and 927 N Lime Ave.
Free
Visit CreativeLiberties.net

Artists open their studios to the public each second Saturday of the month. View artwork at Creative Liberties' two locations. Other studios are open around town. Visit SRQArtists.com for a map. During the off-season, it is advisable to call ahead.


Monday, Aug. 14

Monday Matinee
1 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$15; members free
Call 941-383-6493.

Grab fresh popcorn at The Paradise Center's showing of "And So It Goes." The film stars Michael Douglas and Diane Keaton. It follows a self-absorbed real estate agent who is left in charge of the granddaughter he never knew existed until his estranged son drops her off at his home. With the help of his neighbor and his granddaughter, he learns to open his heart and learns to put others before himself.


Jazz at the Cabaret with Rebecca Richardson and Dan Heck
7:30 p.m. at FST's John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$34-$39
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Vocalist and piano virtuoso Rebecca Richardson and guitarist and bassist Dan Heck perform an evening of their spins on jazz classics, music from the Great American Songbook and original compositions. Doors will open at 6:30 for food and beverages.


Wednesday, Aug. 16 

Synia & Friends
7:30 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court
$28; members $24; students $14
Visit WSLR.org/fogartyville.

Synia & Friends will perform a summer evening concert of jazz favorites and more. This concert celebrates great music and Synia Carroll’s new CD to be released in the fall. The Currywurst Truck SRQ will be on site serving German street food.

 

Latest News