The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 12-18


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  • | 10:00 a.m. June 10, 2025
The duo Zeman Quick Change delights audiences at the Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs through Aug. 9 at The Ringling.
The duo Zeman Quick Change delights audiences at the Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs through Aug. 9 at The Ringling.
Courtesy image
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Thursday, June 12

Miró Quartet Plays Schubert
4:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$30-$43
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Sarasota Music Festival alum and faculty member Saeunn Thorsteindottir, a world-renowned cellist originally from Iceland, teams up with Grammy-nominated Miró Quartet to play Schubert’s String Quintet. Giving the program its title is Schubert’s Rondo, featuring Stella Chen on violin and former SMF director Robert Levin on piano. Fans of Iceland will delight in Thorsteindottir’s performance of “Bow to String," composed for her by her countryman Daniel Bjarnason.


Flip Schultz
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$26
Visit McCurdysComedy.com

There are few places in the world that Flip Schultz’ multifaceted comedy hasn’t taken him. He’s appeared on TV’s “Last Comic Standing,” has performed overseas for the military on several tours and is a popular comedian on cruise lines. In addition to telling his own jokes, doing improv and acting out the antics of his various alter egos, Schultz writes jokes and songs. You may know “The Lox Song" from “The Dr. Demento Show.” Runs through June 15.


Heath Saunders leads the cast of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in a rousing rendition of "Superstar," at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
Image courtesy of Adrian Van Stee

'Jesus Christ Superstar'
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$35-$95
Visit AsoloRep.org.

This is it — the one we've been waiting all season for! Broadway director Josh Rhodes ("Spamalot") returns to Sarasota to direct and choreograph Asolo Rep's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," the granddaddy of rock musicals. The show is everything we'd hoped for and more! Look for Sarasota's own Ann Morrison, Mary in the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along," as King Herod. Runs through June 28. 


‘From 145th to 98th Street’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St.
$30-$44
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

Urbanite Theatre wraps its season with Nia Akilah Robinson’s world premiere, “From 145th to 98th Street,” which follows a Black family’s search for a better life for their children. The American Dream proves elusive when the family’s son is wrongfully accused of a crime committed by someone with the same name. But the power of family prevails in this realistic tale of New York City life sure to resonate with all audiences. Runs through June 29. 


Luke McMaster stars in Florida Studio Theatre's cabaret show, "How Sweet It Is," which runs at the Goldstein Cabaret through Aug. 3.
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

‘How Sweet It Is’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

As the mercury rises, locals know how to escape the heat with Florida Studio Theatre’s Summer Cabaret. The series kicks off with a Motown tribute called “How Sweet It is.” Led by dynamic vocalist and songwriter Luke McMaster, an energetic trio demonstrates the enduring appeal of hits like “Tracks of My Tears,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and more. Runs through Aug. 3. 


‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ 
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130
$20
Visit ThePlayers.org.

It’s summer children’s theater season. When you see a familiar name with the appendage “Jr.,” it means the show is about 60 minutes, its performers are children and/or both. This musical from the Sarasota Players Studio, the community theater’s youth arm, follows Lydia Deetz, an unusual teenager who finds some otherworldly friends when she and her father move to a new house. Runs through June 22.


'Divas: Time After Time’
8 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$37-$39
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

New to Sarasota? We’ve got two words for you: Jannie Jones. When Jones is performing at Florida Studio Theatre, run — don’t walk — to the Court Cabaret. She is one-third of the trio performing in FST’s new cabaret show, “Divas: Time After Time.” First-timers to FST’s cabaret shows leave the show amazed that there is such talent here in our laid-back beach town. Runs through June 22. 


Devin Johnson and Emily Ann Brooks star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Dames At Sea," which runs through June 29 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
Image courtesy of Emiliano Mejias

‘Dames at Sea’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$42 and up
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Fresh from his success with Florida Studio Theatre’s “Jersey Boys,” Ben Liebert directs and choreographs “Dames at Sea.” A parody of 1930s musicals starring Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell, “Dames at Sea” first debuted Off-Off Broadway in 1966 starring Bernadette Peters. With the help of a sailor/songwriter Dick, Utah chorus girl Ruby lands a role in a musical that’s trying to find its footing. FST’s Ruby is Emily Ann Brooks, making her FST debut. Runs through June 29.


Friday, June 13

Patti Smith: A Book of Days
10 a.m. at Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Included with $20 admission
Visit Selby.org.

Selby Gardens collaborates with poet and musician Patti Smith, its artist-in-residence, on an outdoor exhibition of large prints taken from her newly published bestseller, “A Book of Days.” By displaying her photographs outdoors, Selby brings them into conversation with nature. Runs through Aug. 31. 


Summer Circus Spectacular
11 a.m. at The Ringling’s Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$20 adult, $13 child
Visit CircusArts.org.

Pack up the car with Grandpa and the kids and head for the Circus Arts Conservatory’s annual Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling. This thrilling, 60-minute circus of fresh new acts is perfect for people of all ages with short attention spans. There’s room for walkers, strollers, wheelchairs, you name it — but please arrive early to give ushers time to store them. Make it a circus day by adding a ticket to The Ringling’s famed Circus Museum for just $5 on the day of the show. Runs through Aug. 9. 


Karlus Trapp talks about the roots of Black Music in America a lecture at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College on Friday, June 13.
Courtesy image

The Roots of Black Music in America
1 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$15
Visit OlliRinglingCollege.org.

The cross-genre blockbuster movie “Sinners” is raising awareness about the legacy of Black music, which has influenced everyone from Hank Williams to Elvis Presley. Learn all about how the traditions from Africa moved into the church with gospel, the clubs and the stage with jazz and blues and continue to inform popular music today. Instructor Karlus Trupp takes the class on a 100-year trip through time. 


Movie in the Park: 'Trolls Band Together'
7 p.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

The family-friendly free movie night runs the second Friday of each month at Waterside Park. This month's feature in the free movie series is "Trolls Band Together." The movie begins at sunset. The first 450 people in attendance will receive a free Sno Cone from Kona Ice. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Concessions will be available from We B' Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Inflatables for the kids are available. 


'Death and the Maiden'
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$29-$52
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

There’s something for everyone on this program, which includes Alberto Ginastera’s Argentina-tinged String Quartet No. 1, played by Miró Quartet. Fans of Sarasota Music Festival faculty member Jasmine Choi will appreciate her flute playing in Suite for 13 Winds by Richard Strauss. Last but not least is the titular piece, Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14 based on his song,"Death and the Maiden." It will be led by violinist Sandy Yamamoto, a former Miró Quartet and current Sarasota Music Festival faculty member. 


Saturday, June 14

Cars & Coffee
8-10 a.m. in the West District at UTC, 295 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota
Free
Visit SarasotaCarsAndCoffee.com.

Join automotive enthusiasts in the West District at UTC, by Ford’s Garage, for a show of exotic, sports and classic cars. All makes and models are welcome. Admission is free; a suggested donation is $10 per car.


Dad’s Day Block Party
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
Free
Visit MallAtUTC.com.

Visit the Grand Court at the Mall at UTC to treat your dad. Enjoy vendors and giveaways while meeting athletes.

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Zoom into Zumba
10 a.m. at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle
Free
Visit StArmandsCircleAssoc.com.

Participants of all ages are invited to join Zumba instructor Yael Campbell for a morning of fun, energetic dancing. Free with support from the St. Armands Circle Association, though donations are welcome. Bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a hand towel.


Juneteenth Celebration
1-7 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, from Pershing Ave. to Osprey Ave.
Free
Visit SarasotaFL.gov.

Join the Newtown community in this outdoor celebration supporting local vendors and businesses and commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.


In-Studio: Sandra Portal
7 p.m. at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 300
$20
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance presents Sandra Portal, a faculty member from its summer intensive program. Portal, a Miami-based multidisciplinary artist of Cuban and Colombian descent, explores the intersection of community and identity.


Levin Plays Mozart
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$29-$72
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

As the title promises, the program features former Sarasota Music Festival director Robert Levin, a renowned pianist and Mozart scholar who plays the prodigy's Piano Concerto No. 17. The bill also includes festival faculty artist and violinist Stella Chen on Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s work for nine players and Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings.


Sunday, June 15

Lillian Blades' dazzling exhibition "Beyond the Veil" runs at the Sarasota Art Museum through Oct. 26.
Image courtesy of Ryan Gamma

'Lilian Blades: Through the Veil’
11 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Free for museum members; $20
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Award-winning artist Lillian Blades invites visitors to get lost in her first solo museum exhibition, at Sarasota Art Museum. Her installation of “veils” combines handcrafted and found objects to create a mesmerizing display. Runs through Oct. 26. 


Sarasota Music Festival: Rising Stars 2
2:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$15-$25
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Sarasota Music Festival Fellows demonstrate their newfound skills and confidence by playing excerpts from some of their favorite chamber pieces, including works by Debussy, Brahms and Fanny Mendelssohn. See the classical musical stars of tomorrow on stage today in Sarasota. 


Monday, June 16

'Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic and Mediums'
10 a.m. at the John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Free with $25 admission; Mondays free
Visit Ringling.org.

Go on the trail of things that go bump in the night with this fascinating interactive exhibition, which follows the growth of Spiritualism in the mid-19th century from its roots in dining room seances to traveling shows featuring magicians and mediums. Along the way, you’ll see an assortment of memorabilia and tools used both to contact spirits and trick audiences. Runs through July 13. 


Wednesday, June 17

A "garden" of guitars pays tribute to George Harrison's song, "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
Photo by Monica Roman Gagnier

‘George Harrison: A Gardener's Life’
10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens,1534 Mound St.
$28
Visit Selby.org.

"George Harrison: A Gardener's Life" is the ninth installment of the annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series. Walking around the 15-acre sanctuary where gardens and botanical displays have been erected to mirror those in Harrison’s estate, Friar Park, you can't help feeling that the late Beatle would approve of this living tribute. Pro tip: Arrive early for a serene experience. Stop for lunch in the world’s first net-carbon free restaurant, The Green Orchid. You can’t go wrong with the BLT. Runs through June 29.

 

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