- December 4, 2025
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Art Opening Reception
5 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit ArtSarasota.org.
Art Center Sarasota is marking its 100th anniversary with an exhibition exploring the legacy of the center's artists through fresh eyes. SARTQ Artist Collective's "Legacy x Response" is one of four exhibitions opening on Oct. 9. The others are "Earthly Glyphs" by Juan Alonso-Rodriguez, Njeri Kinuthia's “Reconstruction” and the juried exhibit, "small works." The four fall shows run through Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Jazz Thursday at SAM: Melanie Massell
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$25
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Melanie Massell has performed as a guest vocalist with Oleta Adams and has opened for Chris Botti, David Sanborn and Jennifer Holiday. Known as the “little lady with the big voice,” Massell holds a Guinness Book of World Records title as a performer in the World’s Longest Concert by Multiple Artists. The concert presented by Sarasota Art Museum and Jazz Club of Sarasota on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza features extended hours in the galleries, Bistro and museum shop.
Jorge Luis Pacheco
7 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
$30
Visit WSLR.org.
Jorge Luis Pacheco, one of the leading members of the new generation of Cuban jazz, brings his genre-crossing piano program to Fogartyville. Joining Pacheco in this performance blending Cuban jazz, AfroCuban music, American jazz, classical music and contemporary pop and soul is percussionist Reinier Mendoza.
Romantic Era Stories
7 p.m. at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, Building 11 East, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton
$15; students $5
Visit SCF.edu/Music.
The State College of Florida Bradenton Symphony Orchestra performs works by Franz Liszt, Camille Saint-Saëns and Antonín Dvořák in this romantic era program.
‘Feeling Good’
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The latest musical revue created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins, “Feeling Good” pays tribute to singers some call contemporary crooners, artists like Michael Bublé and Bette Midler. A dynamic trio — Haley K. Clay, Andrew Leggieri and Russell Mernagh — makes its Florida Studio Theatre debut. By performing swingin’ hits like “Come Fly With Me,” “It Had to Be You” and “Me and Mrs. Jones,” “Feeling Good” reminds us that seduction works best with a little savoir faire. Runs through Feb. 8.
‘Purlie’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$54 adults, $24 students 25 and under and active military
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Directed by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs, “Purlie” is a musical based on Ossie Davis’ Tony-winning play, “Purlie Victorious,” revived to great acclaim in 2023. In the WBTT production, Raleigh Mosely II stars as a Black preacher who returns home in the Jim Crow South to save his community church and bring hope to oppressed workers. Sarasota audiences will see such local favorites as Jannie Jones, Chris Caswell, Patric Robinson and Jazzmin Carson as well as WBTT newcomers Cody Farkas and Marcey Green. Runs through Nov. 9.
‘A Band Called Honalee’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 Palm Ave.
$39 and up
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The subtitle to Florida Studio Theatre’s last cabaret show of the season is “A Tribute to Peter, Paul Mary… and Friends,” but any self-respecting folk rock fan can spot the play on words in the name “A Band Called Honalee.” ICYMI, it refers to the mythical land made famous by the children’s song “Puff the Magic Dragon.” This incarnation of the Band Called Honalee includes Brian Ott, a veteran of FST’s “59th Street Bridge,” Michael Grieve, Geoffrey Neuman and Sigrid Wise. Runs through Nov. 2.
‘We’ve Got Short Shorts’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Players 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 1130
$20
Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre presents two short contemporary comedies by Bruce J. Bloom that both explore identity issues. In “The Last Request of Eddie Carmichael/Cohen,” the protagonist announces on his deathbed that he’s Jewish and wants to marry a Jewish woman he met in the nursing home. Trouble is, Sister Veronica says Eddie’s Catholic. The timely play, “Daniel Ortega and the Yom Kippur Blues,” follows a Jewish man trying to revive his faith in a Latino tavern.
Ringling College of Art and Design Art Walk
5-8 p.m. at 2700 Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit RinglingCollege.Gallery.
Four times a year, Ringling College of Art and Design invites members of the community to take an art walk through the galleries on its campus. On this rendition of the art walk, there will be six galleries open to the public. Maps will be distributed to make it easy to find your way around the campus and there will be food trucks parked in front of the Stulberg Gallery, where the 2025 Annual Faculty Exhibition will take place. Other noteworthy exhibitions include "Spencer Pettit: A Continuing Act of Discovery" at the Thompson Gallery and "Through the Lens: The Art of Thomas Carabasi" at the Basch Gallery.
Witches Night Out
6-10 p.m. at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.
Visit the historic Edson Keith Mansion at Phillippi Estate Park for a Halloween-themed night out featuring a live DJ, a photo booth, vendors, a cash bar, and tasty bites to enjoy. Dress is witch or wizard attire for a costume contest. Advance tickets only.
Movie in the Park: 'Hotel Transylvania'
6-9 p.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.
Enjoy a free movie night at Waterside Park. Inflatables for kids will be available at 7 p.m., and “Hotel Transylvania” will begin at approximately 8 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who attend are welcome to bring a blanket and lawn chairs. Concessions will be available from We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn.
'Orchestra Games'
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Sarasota Orchestra presents “The Orchestra Games,” composed and narrated by Gregory Smith, and conducted by Rei Hotoda, music director of the Fresno Philharmonic. The concert will also feature John Williams’ “Olympic Fanfare” and the “Superman March.” The first 250 families to arrive at the free family concert will receive a complimentary copy of the children’s story “Virginia B. Goes to the Symphony” by Kevin Pease. Families are encouraged to register online and arrive early for the program, which is supported in part by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
A Symphonic Spooktacular
7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5, Venice
$44-$84
Visit TheVeniceSymphony.org.
Come get spooky, but not scared, with The Venice Symphony, led by music director Troy Quinn. This concert of music and storytelling includes Bernard Herrmann’s “Psycho: A Short Suite for String Orchestra,” music from “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and other medleys that explore the porous veil between everyday reality and unseen worlds. Runs through Oct. 11.
Richard O’Brien’s ‘The Rocky Horror Show’
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice
$40-$18
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
Can it really be the 50th anniversary of this cross-dressing classic? Let’s do the “Time Warp” again as Venice Theatre presents the story of Brad and Janet, repressed sweethearts who end up in the spooky mansion of a mad scientist after they get a flat tire. Cosplay and audience interaction is encouraged. Runs through Oct. 25.
'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'
9 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
In this special version of Cinema at The Bay, the park marks the 50th anniversary of the cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (R). Actors from The Sarasota Players will be performing alongside the film as a "shadow cast," and the use of park-friendly props is encouraged, with some props available on site.
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hunsader Farms, 5500 C.R. 675, Bradenton
$15; children 10 and under free
Visit HunsaderFarms.com.
The 34th annual Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival begins Oct. 11 and runs every Saturday and Sunday for the rest of October. Enjoy the festival's live music and shows, crafts, pumpkins, the Tiny Town, Pioneer Trades Village, hayrides, pony rides, scarecrow display and more.
Oktoberfest: A Day of Oars & Pours
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
Free
Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.
Nathan Benderson Park will host its first Oktoberfest this season after Hurricane Milton caused last year’s cancellation. Enjoy authentic German food, live music and plenty of beer. Parking is $20.
Harvest Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dakin Dairy Farms, 30771 Betts Road, Myakka City
$20; children 5 and under free
Visit DakinDairyFarms.com.
Dakin Dairy Farms Harvest Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday through the end of October. The event includes food trucks, vendors, live music, a kid's zone, pumpkins, a corn maze, and more. The event has free parking.
‘Entanglements’ Play Reading
2 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 136
$25
Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects.com.
A new play by Dennis Parker, “Entanglements” follows a couple, Ash and Iris, who are living separate lives after experiencing loss until a New Age pizza delivery girl who sparks healing between the two partners. The presentation at Katherine Michelle Tanner’s Tree Fort Productions is part of the Green Leaf Play Reading Series.
Rocktoberfest
6-9 p.m. at various restaurants in University Town Center
Free
Visit UTCSarasota.com.
Rocktoberfest returns as a live music event that features seven bands at seven venues throughout the UTC District. The event raises funds for Suncoast Charities for Children, which helps children, teens and adults with special needs. The Green at UTC serves as the main hub, where those who attend can grab an all-access pass with special venue offers. Host restaurants include Ford's Garage (the band KJB), Popstroke (Jack'd Up), Florence and the Spice Boys (Nauti Girl Band), Anna Maria Oyster Bar (The Phil Harmonica Band), Oak and Stone (Blasters SRQ), and Origin Craft Beer and Pizza Cafe (Rear View Mirror).
FST Improv: ‘We’re Doomed!’
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.
$15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
‘Tis the spooky season, and one way to get some thrills, chills and a few laughs at the same time is with an original horror movie created by FST Improv performers with audience input. As the action unfolds, you decide whether to press “rewind,” “fast forward” or “play” on this never-before-seen production. If you’ve never seen an FST Improv show, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s one of Sarasota’s best-kept secrets, except among young people who flock to Bowne’s Lab every Saturday night, drawn partly by affordable ticket prices. Runs Saturdays through Oct. 25.
Contrasts
4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$50
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Artist Series Concerts presents violinist Nicholas Eanet, former senior concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and pianist Jungeun Kim, director of instrumental accompaniment at the Curtis Institute in a recital that also includes Sarasota Orchestra principal cellist Natalie Helm and principal clarinetist Bharat Chandra. The four musicians will play piano trios by Schubert and Dvořák and Bela Bartok’s “Contrasts,” the titular piece. A meet-and-greet with the artists and light refreshments are included in the ticket price.
Walter Parks and The Unlawful Assembly
4 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
Free
Visit WSLR.org.
Fogartyville celebrates fall, vinyl and community with its annual open house featuring Walter Parks and The Unlawful Assembly. From 4 to 9 p.m., the Fogartyville/WSLR campus will feature food trucks, record vendors, WSLR’s sale of donated CDs and tours of the radio station. Where did all the good people go? You’ll find them at Fogartyville.
Park-toberfest at The Bay
5-7 p.m. at The Oval, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at The Bay. The DeLeon Family Band will perform traditional “oompah”-style music and other genres. Take part in the "Chicken Dance" tradition, a Stein Hoisting contest, or a game of cornhole. The Nest Café will be inside serving German-inspired, locally crafted brews, as well as brats, soft pretzel sticks, and beer cheese. This event is part of The Bay's monthlong third anniversary celebration.
'Ancestral Edge: Abstraction and Symbolism in the Works of Nine Native American Women Artists'
10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bayshore Road
Free with $30 admission; Mondays free
Visit Ringling.org.
Aficionados of Native American art often have to travel to places such as Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Santa Fe to see contemporary work. The Ringling has recently been bringing more visibility to contemporary Native American art, first with its 2023 show, "Reclaiming Home" showcasing members of Florida tribes, and now with "Ancestral Edge" featuring nine female artists from across the U.S. Their bold multimedia works occupy the Keith D. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art through April 2026.
Swift Tribute Band
7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice
$31-$56
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
Calling all Swifties! Just in time for the release of Taylor Swift’s new album and movie, “The Life of a Showgirl” and its companion movie “event,” Venice Theatre presents the Swift Tribute Band, which performs songs from her “eras.” Bring your beaded friendship bracelets and get ready to shake it off.
‘Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration’
10 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Free for museum members; $20
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
The Sarasota Art Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the exposition that kicked off the Art Deco movement. More than 100 eye-catching posters from the Crouse Collection as well as industrial furniture, home furnishings and other objects loaned by the Wilsonian-Florida International University are on display. Runs through March 29, 2026.
Trevor Wallace: The Alpha Beta Male
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$26.70 and up
Visit VanWezel.org.
Why waste your time at open mic nights and angling for a late-night TV show appearance when you can reach billions of viewers with YouTube? Hey, it’s worked for Trevor Wallace, a stand-up comic with over 2.5 billion views and 16 million followers across social media. His first hour-long special, “Pterodactyl,” is now streaming on Prime Video. Can a live tour get Wallace’s devoted fans off their couches and away from their screens? Time will tell.
