- January 7, 2026
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During its peak, Sarasota’s social scene has the distinct problem of having too many events to choose from in a given week. Whether it’s a black tie gala, a cocktail party, a luncheon or a speaker, managing one’s calendar in season is a full-time job. Boo-hoo. Talk about first world problems.
The flip side is each one of these events benefits an array of nonprofits and their missions, so it’s not a question of value — they all do amazing work.
But, if you were to pick six of the most fabulous or special parties to attend over this upcoming social season, what would they be? These are our choices guaranteed to deliver a good time and mark some momentous occasions.
From the outside, it may sound ridiculous to pay this amount to show up to cook your own dinner. Actually? It’s fabulous. Enjoy a super fun night where you and your tablemates get to be the chef, all while making wishes come true for children with life-threatening conditions. As an added bonus, partygoers and the hosts go all-in for the theme. This year’s event invites guests to get their groove on with Studio 54: A Night of Funk and Flavor.
There is a time when all great leaders prepare to move on, and that time has come for Larry Thompson, the Ringling College of Art and Design’s esteemed president who is retiring at the end of this school year. And to make sure the college bids him adieu properly, it is dedicating the 30th year of its premier fundraiser, Avant-Garde, to Thompson and his wife, Pat. The official theme of this year’s event — and anyone who has been to this costumed affair knows it’s ALL about the theme — is Dancing through the Decades, to honor the Thompsons’ impact on the school during the last two decades. Given that this is a quintessential creative bunch, we can’t wait to see how they interpret this one.
If you deem yourself a lover of the social scene and you haven’t seen “Palm Royale” yet, we frankly don’t know what you’ve been doing with yourself. If you have, then you probably enjoyed a good chuckle at the Humane Society of Sarasota County’s theme for this year’s fundraiser: PAW Royale. And, if you’re an avid “Palm Royale” fan like us, you’re already wondering what exciting surprises might be in store with the Old Florida theme capturing the classic glamour of the mid-century times. What we do know is there will be cocktails, shopping, photo ops, and, of course, chances to snuggle adorable puppies and kittens before the luncheon and entertainment begins. Perhaps a Ricky Martin look-alike will make an appearance?
A lot was happening 100 years ago in Sarasota. The community was really hitting its stride and several buildings and institutions were founded around a century ago. Which means these few years are jam-packed with some big anniversaries. One of them is Art Center Sarasota’s centennial, which it is celebrating with the exciting return of its Beaux Arts Ball. For years, this ball was the social event of the year in Sarasota with over-the-top costumes as its hallmark. (We’re talking can’t-fit-through-the-door costumes, folks.) The décor was equally as resplendent, and the event even awarded cash prizes to the best costumes. Art Center Sarasota has been busy planning to honor the event’s legacy and it’s a night that’s sure to surprise and delight.
Start your morning sipping champagne while browsing racks full of designer goodies from the Treasure Chest, SPARCC’s secondhand boutique. Then tuck into your lunch as the five-star fashion show begins, featuring both Sara-lebrities as well as professionals modeling all the lewks from choice Treasure Chest finds. Something catch your eye from the runway? They are available right after the show ends, so throw some elbows and get out to the lobby before they’re snatched up. And don’t forget to stick around for a traditional post-event drink while you show off your purchases while waiting for the valet line to dissipate.
In another big centennial celebration, Sarasota Opera is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the historic Sarasota Opera House. The evening will feature a concert that will walk audience members through various milestones and memorable performances that have taken place in the building. Afterward, guests will head over to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for an elegant dinner. The performance will also hold another special significance, as it will likely be Maestro Victor DeRenzi’s last as the artistic director, after he announced he is stepping down after 44 years with the opera.
