The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 4-10

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

Eddie Weaver, Madalyn McHugh and Jared Svoboda show them how it's done in Florida Studio Theatre's "Three Pianos."
The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
  • December 4, 2025
Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights
Shane Rawley poses for a photo on Dec. 2 at Shaner's Pizzeria with his three published books. From left: "A February Thaw: A Peter Cobb Adventure," "January Freeze: A Peter Cobb Adventure" and "Peter Cobb: Three Strikes You're Out."
  • December 4, 2025
Former MLB pitcher and local pizzeria owner is an author
Laura Oliff-Maxey and Barbara Braun
  • December 4, 2025
Mothers Helping Mothers strengthens its toy drive effort
Eighth grader Mikayla Ross works with teacher Joseph Conner.
  • December 4, 2025
Tutoring nonprofit helps raise students' success rates

Business

Heather Kasten is President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
  • November 25, 2025
Greater Sarasota Chamber announces promotions
Co-owners Jason Klamson, Sam Ray and Jeffrey Karasawa
  • November 20, 2025
Sarasota's Tsunami Sushi prepares to reopen under new name
Jessica Muroff has been CEO of the United Way Suncoast since 2019.
  • November 11, 2025
Community Foundation of Sarasota County names new CEO
Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood said he is thrilled with how the rebuilding of the restaurant and retail space at 465 John Ringling Blvd. turned out, especially the indoor bar area.
  • November 8, 2025
Tommy Bahama celebrates grand return to St. Armands Circle
The moon shines between a pair of "Florida Reindeer."
  • December 4, 2025
Holiday display at Selby Gardens boasts over 2 million lights
Kymistrii Young (left), Elijah Golden (center) and Macaiden Brown (right) listen to coach Jared Clark's speech during Cardinal Mooney's early signing period ceremony.
  • December 3, 2025
Cardinal Mooney and Booker football celebrate 11 early signees
Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and General Director Richard Russell.
  • December 2, 2025
Sarasota Opera artistic director will step down after 44 years
The home at 1310 South Lake Shore Drive is built in the style of a Renaissance mansion.
  • December 1, 2025
$26.4 million Sarasota home evokes Renaissance styling
Siesta Key Oyster Bar co-founder Geno Pedigo, and Zach Steffen, prepare to ride out.
  • November 30, 2025
Kids and families find cheer at Siesta Key Holiday Parade
Miriam Cornell and James Garlanger of Bear Gully Creek Farms talk with Cornell's mother, Sharon Cornell, and Jim Sroka.
  • November 23, 2025
Perfect weather yields steady turnout for Sarasota Farmers Market
Mark Lorah created a Lego version of the Imperial Theatre in Augusta, Georgia.
  • November 23, 2025
Lego artists show their imagination in Sarasota's first BrickUniverse
Geoff Levin, Marcy Klein, Steven Goodman and Patricia Courtois volunteer at the Van Wezel.
  • November 23, 2025
All Faiths Food Bank works to distribute record number of turkeys
Sheena Works, Sebastian Works, 7, Alissa Silvers, and Isabella Coulton, 7, pose together in front of the mural.
  • November 19, 2025
Community unites to paint mural at Arlington Park
Bird Key Yacht Club General Manager Tammy Hackney and Commodore Tony Britt donned the hard hats for the official groundbreaking of the new clubhouse on Nov. 13 at the site of the former facility.
  • November 19, 2025
Bird Key leaders break ground on new yacht club facilities
Gladys Delgado with Chuck Sidlow (Chucko the All American Clown).
  • November 18, 2025
Fundraiser event in Sarasota spotlights babies in need
Artists including Isabelle Gasse (front) compete during the festival.
  • November 17, 2025
Siesta Key's 'sand manager' has made a career out of sand
Students and instructor Elisha Byerly perform "Pennies from Heaven" with Sarasota Contemporary Dance.
  • November 12, 2025
'You Raise Me Up' puts local arts education on stage
Students from the Riverview High School Kiltie Band march along the parade route.
  • November 11, 2025
Generations honor sacrifices at Sarasota Veterans Day Parade
A team from the community of Heritage Oaks volunteered at the event and included Sandi Merrill, Pauline St. Martin, Gary Chapin, Sheri Abramson, Alice Chapin, Ruth Scribner, Steve Ronis, Linda Trageser and Sharon Boss.
  • November 11, 2025
Bowls of Hope event helps fight hunger in the community
Front row: Vickie Miller-Yanics, Elliott Metcalfe and Becky Metcalfe. Back row: Tom Smith, Tom McElheny and Ben Knisely
  • November 11, 2025
Marine vets celebrate 250th birthday of US Marine Corps
Alyssa Rico and her twin Andrea Rico, 11, stand beside crochet items that Andrea made.
  • November 10, 2025
Fall festival at McIntosh Middle becomes more of a tradition
A giant helium-filled nutcracker takes a bow during the 2025 Santa's Grand Arrival Parade Nov. 8 at University Town Center in Sarasota.
  • November 9, 2025
University Town Center delivers parade thrills under the wire in Sarasota
Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood said he is thrilled with how the rebuilding of the restaurant and retail space at 465 John Ringling Blvd. turned out, especially the indoor bar area.
  • November 8, 2025
Tommy Bahama celebrates grand return to St. Armands Circle