Beatsville, an Asolo Rep World Premiere

May 6-28

Billed as a cross between La La Land and Little Shop of Horrors, it’s a world premiere for this black musical comedy about a Greenwich Village beatnik who accidentally kills a cat, hides it in a lump of clay, and becomes artist de jour. From the creatives behind Broadway’s School of Rock and Disney’s Tangled. officially opens Saturday night, with preview s through Friday night. 

Venice Seafood & Music Festival

May 6-7

Sample seafood dishes from some of south Sarasota County’s finest restaurants, and enjoy live music (yes, Kettle of Fish will be performing) and the charming ambiance of downtown Venice at this inaugural street party at Centennial Park. 

Amateur Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest

May 6

A free, fun family tradition on Siesta Key for 45 years. Everybody’s invited to grab a pail and shovel and create their own fantastical sand creation, or simply come out and watch the action.  

Cinco de Mayo Festival at Sutton Park

May 6

A lively celebration of Mexican culture at Palmetto’s Sutton Park. Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce.

Sarasota Ballet School presents Aladdin

May 6

The talented youngsters of the Sarasota Ballet School promise to take you on a magic carpet ride into the magical world of “Aladdin” when they present their end-of-the-year performance at the Opera House. 

Big Cat Habitat’s Jungle Jam

May 6

Party with the big cats as Big Cat Habitat launches its half-million-dollar capital campaign with an evening of live music, a silent auction and up-close encounters with the lions, tigers and bears that inhabit this remarkable animal sanctuary.