What to Do in Sarasota This Week
Image: Project Pride
🏳️🌈 Compassion at the Crosswalk
Saturday, Oct. 4, intersection of 2nd Street, Coconut Avenue and N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, 6:30 p.m.
In the wake of the erasure of the Pride crosswalk in downtown Sarasota, Project Pride SRQ presents this gathering at the former location of Sarasota’s Pride crosswalk. Several speakers will include Project Pride SRQ executive director Tom Edwards, Harvest Sarasota/Harvest House president and CEO Dan Minor and Rabbi Jennifer Singer. This event is free, and while registration isn't required, guests are welcome to sign up. Click here for that and to learn more.
Image: Sorcha Augustine
🎭 Purlie
Wednesday, Oct. 8 - Sunday, Nov. 9, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, 7:30 p.m.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens its 2025-2026 season with the Tony Award-winning play Purlie, which explores race, injustice, community and the struggle for freedom and equality in the American South. Directed by WBBT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs, Raleigh Mosely II takes on the role of Purlie, a charismatic and resourceful self-taught Black preacher who returns to his home in the Jim Crow South to free the oppressed workers of Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee's plantation, reclaim his inheritance and save his church. Performances will take place Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $54 for adults and $24 for students (25 and under) and active military personnel. Click here for tickets and more information.
Image: Courtesy Photo
🏳️🌈 15th Annual Fabulous Independent Film Festival
Friday–Sunday, Oct. 3–5, Burns Court Cinema, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota, various times.
Now in its 15th year, Sarasota’s only LGBTQ+ film festival brings a weekend of films, panels, talk-backs and after-parties. Highlights include the opening night screening of Velvet Vision on Friday at 7:30 p.m., followed by a party at 99 Bottles. Saturday’s lineup includes Row of Life, Heightened Scrutiny and Old Lesbians X Young Lesbians with an after-party at the Fab LGBTQ Center, and Sunday brings screenings of Just Kids, Sugar Beach and Dirty Martini And The New Burlesque. Weekend passes and individual tickets are available. Click here for tickets and to learn more.
🪩 Life of a Showgirl Celebration
Friday, Oct. 3, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Suite 136, 6–8 p.m.
Tree Fort Productions Studio Theatre will host a one-night-only Taylor Swift–inspired party. The evening brings performances by local artists covering her songs, plus karaoke, themed food and drinks, a photo booth and Swiftie giveaways. In honor of Taylor’s lucky number, the first 13 ticket buyers will receive a special Swiftie prize pack, including a Taylor-inspired mocktail, themed dessert, a Polaroid from the 1989 Era and entry to win a limited-edition Taylor tumbler. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Click here for more information.
Image: Courtesy Photo
🪴 UF IFAS 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale
Saturday, Oct. 4, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto, Manatee County, 9 a.m.
Purchase affordably-priced plants, including natives, flowering plants, wildflowers, herbs, vegetables and many more Florida-friendly selections. Master gardener volunteers will be on site to answer questions and offer recommendations. Tickets for early bird entry (between 8 and 9 a.m.) are $10 per person or $15 for two or more people. General admission for entry between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. is free. Purchases are accepted only in cash or by check. Click here for more information and to complete the required pre-registration.
Image: Shutterstock/wonderisland
🐟 Youth and Teen Fishing Tournament
Saturday, Oct. 4, Lake Uihlein, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee County, 8 a.m.-noon
Open to youth aged 5-19 years old, this event offers the chance to showcase skills and participate in a friendly competition. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and the competition begins at 9 a.m. Bring your own rod & reel. Those without one may email [email protected] after registering, and one will be provided. Entry is $5 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Click here for more information.
Image: katjen/Shutterstock.com
🍻 Oktoberfest at Wellen Park
Saturday, Oct. 4, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice, Sarasota, noon to 8 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event will bring live entertainment from the DeLeon Family Oktoberfest Band, polka dancing, a stein-hoisting competition and German-inspired food and drinks, including beer, brats and more. Outdoor food tents will be hosted by Downtown Wellen restaurants, including The Banyan House, Villani & Co., Acqua Pazza Coastal Italian, Oak & Stone and The Yard. Click here for more information.
