Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

From psychic readings and sourdough lessons to roller derby, live jazz and piña coladas, this week’s lineup gets wonderfully eclectic.

By Kim Doleatto July 23, 2026

Chalk art

🎨 Chalk the Trail

Friday, July 24; 9:30 a.m.–noon, Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota

Turn Arlington Park’s trail into a community canvas with sidewalk chalk, hopscotch, outdoor games, an obstacle course and a scavenger hunt. It’s an easygoing morning option for families and anyone inclined to leave something colorful behind. This event is free. For more information, click here.

🎹 Reverend Billy C. Wirtz and Band With Steve Arvey

Sunday, July 26, 7–10 p.m., Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota

Reverend Billy C. Wirtz brings boogie-woogie piano, vintage R&B and a sharp comedic streak to the stage alongside blues guitarist and cigar-box guitar player Steve Arvey. Bassist Anne Van Atta and drummer Sandi Greco round out an evening of Chicago blues, New Orleans grooves, improvisation and musical storytelling. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for WSLR members, $25 for nonmembers and $13 for students ages 13 and older. For more information, click here.

🎤 Solitary Man: A Neil Diamond Tribute

Saturday, July 25, 7 p.m., Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

Veteran singer and actor David Jericko channels Neil Diamond’s unmistakable voice and stage presence in a concert spanning heartfelt ballads, upbeat anthems and sing-along favorites. Expect selections from across Diamond’s career, from “Solitary Man” and “Love on the Rocks” to the inevitable “Sweet Caroline.” Tickets are $30–$70, plus fees. For more information, click here.

Ken Wanovich

🎸 Friday Night Concert: Ken Wanovich

Friday, July 24, 7–9 p.m., Centennial Park Gazebo, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice

Bring a chair or blanket for two hours of live music beneath the gazebo in downtown Venice. It’s a relaxed way to start the weekend, with restaurants and shops close enough for a preconcert dinner or postshow wander. This event is free. For more information, click here.

🤸 Summer Circus Spectacular

Saturday, July 25, 2 and 5 p.m., Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

This one-hour production brings contemporary circus artists into the intimate Historic Asolo Theater for a compact showcase of balance, agility and theatrical showmanship. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and younger. For more information, click here.

HuMangrove

🌿 HuMangrove

Saturday, July 25, noon–1 p.m., Selby Library Rotunda, 1331 First St., Sarasota

Contemporary dance, music, poetry and visual art come together in a performance inspired by the intricate roots of Florida’s mangroves. The program includes students from the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School and draws on paintings by Guillermo López González and the writing of Marjory Stoneman Douglas. This event is free. For more information, click here.

Let's go out to the ballgame

Image: Shutterstock

Marty’s Crewe Night

Saturday, July 25, 6:30 p.m., LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton

The Bradenton Marauders take on the Dunedin Blue Jays while mascot Marty welcomes a crew of costumed friends. A pregame foam party runs from 5:30 to 6:20 p.m. and a Jack’d Up concert follows the final inning. Tickets start at $16. For more information, click here.

🏴‍☠️ Christmas in July

Sunday, July 26, 1–5 p.m., Drift-In AMI, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach

The Anna Maria Island Privateers bring some midsummer holiday mischief to Bridge Street with pirate wares and a dessert bar supporting the group’s community programs. The listed charge is a $5 donation for the dessert bar. For more information, click here.

Bradentucky Bombers in action

🛼 Bradentucky Bombers vs. Swan City Roller Derby

Saturday, July 25, 5–7 p.m., Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton

The Bradentucky Bombers take on Lakeland’s Swan City Roller Derby in a hard-hitting matchup on the track. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bleacher seating is available, or spectators can bring chairs for a closer trackside view. Tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door. Children ages 5 and younger attend free. For more information, click here.

Piña coladas

🍹 Piña Colada Fest

Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 U.S. 41, Palmetto

This poolside Caribbean celebration brings together live music from Combo Fusión and Fleming, steel-drum rhythms from Steely Pan, DJ sets, salsa lessons, live painting, rum tastings and plenty of piña coladas. Caribbean food and drinks will be available for purchase. General admission is $50, while $150 VIP tickets include early entry, a complimentary piña colada, a gift bag and access to the evening after-party. The festival is open to all ages, though guests must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol. For more information, click here.

Hadestown

🎭 Hadestown: Teen Edition

Thursday, July 23–Sunday, Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. most evenings and 2 p.m. matinees, The Sarasota Players at The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota

The Players Studio’s young performers take on Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony Award-winning folk opera, which weaves the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone into a story of love, hope and sacrifice. The score draws from folk, jazz, blues and New Orleans music. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for students. For more information, click here.

🎼 Bernstein’s Wall

Thursday, July 23, 7:30 p.m., Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota

Douglas Tirola’s documentary traces Leonard Bernstein’s artistic legacy, political activism and conviction that great music should belong to everyone. Told largely in Bernstein’s own voice, the nearly two-hour film draws on previously unseen archival footage to explore the complicated public and private life behind one of the 20th century’s defining musical figures. Admission is $12 for nonmembers and $6 for Sarasota Film Society members. For more information, click here. 

🍄 The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Sunday, July 26, 5 p.m., CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice

Mario and company take over the ballpark’s giant scoreboard for an outdoor family movie night inside the stadium seating bowl. Admission is free for children ages 3 and younger, $3 for ages 4–9 and $7 for guests ages 10 and older. Parking is free. For more information, click here.

🎧 MindTravel Live-to-Headphones Silent Piano Concert

Sunday, July 26, 6–8 p.m., Nokomis Beach, 100 Casey Key Road, Nokomis

Settle onto the sand for a live improvised piano performance transmitted through wireless headphones as the sun goes down. The unusual concert combines music, meditation and the natural setting without competing against the sounds of the beach. Tickets are $58.89. For more information, click here.

👻 Ghosts of the Gulf: A Summer Psychic Fair

Saturday, July 25, noon–3 p.m., The Spirit University, 373 Braden Ave., Sarasota

Psychic mediums, tarot readers and intuitive practitioners gather for an afternoon inspired by ghost ships, forgotten treasures and other Gulf Coast mysteries. The $5 admission includes short demonstrations, paranormal discussions, audience Q&As and other 15-minute “Spirit Spotlights.” Private readings cost $25. For more information, click here.

Sourdough loaf

🍞 Sourdough Bread Making Workshop

Saturday, July 25, noon–3 p.m., GypSea Soul, 615 15th St. W., Bradenton

Artisan baker Sarvin Emami leads this hands-on introduction to naturally leavened bread, covering starter care, dough preparation, scoring and baking. Participants will prepare a loaf to bake at home and leave with established starter, instructions and several bread-making tools. Tickets are $65. Bring a covered bowl for transporting the dough. For more information, click here.

🕺Phoenix5 at Encore Live

Friday, July 24, 7–11 p.m., Encore Live, 8341 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota

Phoenix5 keeps the dance floor moving with a lively mix of soul, funk, reggae and rock. Food and drinks will be available throughout the four-hour performance. Admission is $10. For more information, click here.

💃 Rincón at Rincón Cubano

Sunday, July 26, 4–8 p.m., Rincón Cubano, 1756 N. Honore Ave., Sarasota

The afternoon begins with an all-levels dance class led by Shacoda Monroe, followed by three hours of salsa, bachata and timba spun by DJM Junior. Cuban food, cocktails and cafecito will be available for purchase. Admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the door, plus applicable online fees. For more information, click here.

The Chaunces Trio live

🎷 Oscura Jazz Open Jam With the Chaunces Trio

Saturday, July 25, 7–11 p.m., Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton

Musicians of every skill level are invited to bring an instrument and sit in with the Chaunces Trio, while listeners can settle in for an unpredictable night of live jazz. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the music begins at 8 p.m. Admission for guests 21 and older is free with a pay-what-you-want option. Admission is $10 for guests under 21, and those under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian. For more information, click here.

🏳️‍⚧️ Still We Rise: Queer & Trans Defiance — The Panel and Closing Celebration

Saturday, July 25, 6–10 p.m., 925 Maddox Gallery, Studios and LGBTQIA+ Center, 925 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota

Artists from the “Still We Rise” exhibition gather for a moderated conversation about creative resistance, intersectional identity and the importance of permanent community spaces. The panel and audience Q&A begin at 6 p.m., followed by a closing reception and gallery viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. This event is free. Donations support the Fabulous Arts Foundation’s mental health groups, food pantry and other local programs. For more information, click here.

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