Things to Do in Sarasota This Weekend: June 11-15, 2026 | Movies, Circus, Rowing & Family Fun
- Mike Payne
- Last Modified:
Looking for something fun to do in Sarasota this weekend?
The June 11–15 weekend brings a strong mix of outdoor movies, championship rowing, circus performances, classic cars, soccer watch parties, laser shows, garden music, and family-friendly events across Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice.
You can keep it simple with a free movie under the stars at The Bay, head indoors for Laser Light Nights at The Bishop, watch some of the best young rowers in the country at Nathan Benderson Park, or make Sunday a full family day with soccer, movies, and music.
Some events are free. Some are ticketed. Some are best for families. Others are better for adults looking for something a little different.
Here are the top Sarasota weekend picks for June 11–15, 2026.
See you out there.
— Mike Payne
Quick Weekend Snapshot:
🎬 Cinema at The Bay: Close Encounters of the Third Kind → The Bay, Sarasota — Thursday, 7:30–9:50 p.m.
🚣 USRowing Youth National Championships → Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota — Thursday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
🌈 Laser Light Nights → The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Bradenton — Thursday–Saturday, shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
🎪 Summer Circus Spectacular → Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, Sarasota — Friday–Saturday, August 8; shows at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
🧽 Family Movie Night at The Bay: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants → The Bay, Sarasota — Friday, 7:30–9 p.m.
🚘 Sarasota Cars & Coffee: 15th Anniversary Celebration → The Mall at UTC, Sarasota — Saturday, 8–10 a.m.
⚽ Watch Party at The Bay Kick-Off Festival with Sarasota Paradise → The Bay, Sarasota — Sunday, 12:30–7 p.m.
🦊 Summer Movie Night: Zootopia 2 → CoolToday Park, Venice — Sunday, 5 p.m.
🎻 Music in the Gardens → Sarasota Garden Club, Sarasota — Sunday, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
🚣 U19 Rowing Trials → Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota — Monday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
🏃♀️ Bonus: Kids Summer Beach Runs → Siesta Beach & Brohard Beach — Tuesday & Wednesday, registration 5:30 p.m., run 6:30 p.m.
Don’t want to search for this every weekend?
I send this out every Thursday morning so you don’t have to think about it.
If You Only Do One Thing This Weekend…
Make it the Sarasota Cars & Coffee, which celebrates 15 years with hundreds of exotic, sports, import, and classic cars at The Mall at UTC.
Saturday, June 13 | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
The Mall at UTC, Sarasota
Free for spectators | Show cars $10 | Motorcycles $5
Sarasota Cars & Coffee celebrates 15 years with hundreds of exotic, sports, import, and classic cars at The Mall at UTC. Spectators can enjoy complimentary coffee, a live DJ, energy drinks, and plenty of automotive eye candy. This month’s event benefits USRowing in recognition of the Youth National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park.
Top Picks This Weekend
Cinema at The Bay: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Thursday, June 11 | 7:30 p.m. – 9:50 p.m.
The Bay, Sarasota
Free
Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars at The Bay with Steven Spielberg’s classic science-fiction adventure, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Bring blankets, chairs, and friends, then settle in for a relaxed evening along Sarasota Bay. Food, popcorn, and drinks will be available from The Nest Café.
USRowing Youth National Championships
Thursday, June 11 – Sunday, June 14 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota
More than 3,500 young rowers from around the country will compete at Nathan Benderson Park during one of the nation’s top youth rowing events. Crews will race for medals across dozens of events, giving spectators a chance to see elite competition at one of Sarasota’s premier sports venues.
Laser Light Nights
Thursday, June 11 – Saturday, June 13 | Shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Bradenton
Tickets: $15
Laser Light Nights turn The Bishop’s planetarium dome into a concert-style visual experience, with music from artists like Queen, The Beatles, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Metallica, Foo Fighters, and more. Expect loud music, bright lasers, and a high-energy indoor night out. Earplugs may be helpful for guests who prefer lower volume.
Summer Circus Spectacular
Friday, June 12 – Saturday, August 8 | Shows at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, Sarasota
Adults $20 | Children 12 and under $15
The Ringling’s Summer Circus Spectacular returns with talented circus artists from around the world performing inside the Historic Asolo Theater. Presented in collaboration with Sarasota’s Circus Arts Conservatory, this annual summer tradition celebrates Sarasota’s circus history with skill, artistry, and family-friendly entertainment.
Family Movie Night at The Bay: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Friday, June 12 | 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Bay, Sarasota
Free
Bring the kids for a free outdoor showing of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. The PG-rated movie brings bright colors, big laughs, and a silly underwater adventure to The Bay. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, and come hungry because The Nest Café will have food, popcorn, and drinks available.
Sarasota Cars & Coffee: 15th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, June 13 | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
The Mall at UTC, Sarasota
Free for spectators | Show cars $10 | Motorcycles $5
Sarasota Cars & Coffee celebrates 15 years with hundreds of exotic, sports, import, and classic cars at The Mall at UTC. Spectators can enjoy complimentary coffee, a live DJ, energy drinks, and plenty of automotive eye candy. This month’s event benefits USRowing in recognition of the Youth National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park.
Watch Party at The Bay Kick-Off Festival with Sarasota Paradise
Sunday, June 14 | 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Bay, Sarasota
Free
Celebrate the FIFA World Cup with a free festival-style watch party at The Bay. The day includes large-screen match broadcasts, a fan zone, soccer drills, lawn games, face painting, food, drinks, and appearances by Sarasota Paradise players and coaches. Bring a lawn chair, wear your team colors, and enjoy a full afternoon of soccer along Sarasota Bay.
Summer Movie Night: Zootopia 2
Sunday, June 14 | 5 p.m.
CoolToday Park, Venice
Tickets: $3–$7 | Free parking
CoolToday Park hosts a Sunday evening showing of Zootopia 2 on the ballpark’s giant scoreboard. Seating will be available in the stadium seating bowl, and parking is free. Outside food, beverages, and chairs are not permitted inside the stadium.
Music in the Gardens
Sunday, June 14 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sarasota Garden Club, Sarasota
Tickets: $35
Enjoy live violin music from Elijah Luzginov while strolling through or relaxing in the Sarasota Garden Club’s gardens. The evening includes wine, refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing, and time with friends in one of Sarasota’s more charming garden settings.
U19 Rowing Trials
Monday, June 15 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota
The rowing action continues Monday as top young athletes compete in the 2026 USRowing Under 19 Trials. These trials help determine which athletes will represent the United States at the World Rowing Under 19 Championships later this year.
🆓 Free Things to Do This Weekend
Looking for something to do without spending much? These are some of the best free events happening this weekend:
🎬 Cinema at The Bay: Close Encounters of the Third Kind — Thursday at The Bay
🚣 USRowing Youth National Championships — Thursday through Sunday at Nathan Benderson Park
🧽 Family Movie Night at The Bay: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — Friday at The Bay
🚘 Sarasota Cars & Coffee: 15th Anniversary Celebration — Saturday at The Mall at UTC
⚽ Watch Party at The Bay Kick-Off Festival with Sarasota Paradise — Sunday at The Bay
🚣 U19 Rowing Trials — Monday at Nathan Benderson Park
🏃♀️ Bonus: Kids Summer Beach Runs — Tuesday at Siesta Beach and Wednesday at Brohard Beach
Plan Next Weekend Before Everyone Else
Get Sarasota Weekly every Thursday with the best local events and weekend picks—curated so you don’t have to search. Join 5,000+ locals planning their weekends smarter.
Free. Local. No spam.
More Things to Do This Weekend
Cinema at The Bay: Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Thursday, June 11 | 7:30 p.m.–9:50 p.m.
The Bay, Sarasota
Free
Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars at The Bay with Steven Spielberg’s classic science-fiction adventure, Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The PG-rated film follows an Indiana electric lineman whose ordinary life changes after a UFO encounter sends him searching for answers.
This is one of those easy Sarasota nights that does not require much planning. Bring blankets, chairs, and friends, then settle in on the lawn as the evening cools down. The Nest Café will be serving food, fresh popcorn, and drinks, so you can make it a simple night out by the bay.
This is a good pick if you want something relaxed, free, and a little nostalgic to start the weekend early.
USRowing Youth National Championships
Thursday, June 11–Sunday, June 14 | 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota
Watch more than 3,500 young rowers from across the country compete at Nathan Benderson Park during the USRowing Youth National Championships. Crews that qualified through regional events will race for medals across dozens of championship events.
This is a strong weekend pick if you enjoy sports, competition, or simply want to see Nathan Benderson Park being used as one of Sarasota’s premier athletic venues. The energy is different from a typical weekend event because these athletes are racing at a high level with national titles on the line.
This is a good choice for sports fans, rowing families, and anyone looking for something active and different during the day.
Laser Light Nights
Thursday, June 11–Saturday, June 13 | Shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, Bradenton
$15
Laser Light Nights return to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature with concert-style music and colorful laser visuals projected across the planetarium dome. The lineup includes classic rock, pop, metal, alternative, and throwback favorites, with different shows throughout the summer.
This is more of a high-energy night out than a quiet museum visit. Expect loud music, flashing lights, and a rock-concert feel inside the dome. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and earplugs may be a smart idea for anyone who prefers lower volume.
This is a good pick if you want something indoors, different, and lively after dark.
Summer Circus Spectacular
Friday, June 12–Saturday, August 8 | Shows at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, Sarasota
Adults $20 | Children 12 and under $15
The Ringling’s Summer Circus Spectacular returns with talented circus artists from around the world performing inside the Historic Asolo Theater. Presented in collaboration with Sarasota’s Circus Arts Conservatory, this summer tradition highlights Sarasota’s deep circus roots in a polished, family-friendly setting.
The Historic Asolo Theater gives the show a more intimate feel than a large arena performance. You are close enough to appreciate the skill, timing, and artistry of the performers, which makes it a good option for both kids and adults.
This is a strong pick for families, visiting guests, and anyone who wants a classic Sarasota cultural experience.
Family Movie Night at The Bay: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants
Friday, June 12 | 7:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
The Bay, Sarasota
Free
Bring the kids to The Bay for a free outdoor showing of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants. The PG-rated movie follows SpongeBob as he tries to prove his bravery by following the Flying Dutchman into the deepest parts of the sea.
This is an easy family night with bright colors, silly humor, and plenty of room for kids to spread out on the lawn. Bring blankets and chairs, and come hungry because The Nest Café will have food, popcorn, and drinks available.
This is a good pick if you want something free, family-friendly, and low-pressure on a Friday night.
Sarasota Cars & Coffee: 15th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, June 13 | 8 a.m.–10 a.m.
The Mall at UTC, Sarasota
Free for spectators | Show cars $10 | Motorcycles $5
Sarasota Cars & Coffee celebrates its 15th anniversary with hundreds of exotic, sports, import, and classic cars at The Mall at UTC. Spectators can enjoy complimentary coffee, a live DJ, energy drinks, and plenty of automotive eye candy.
This month’s event also benefits USRowing in recognition of the Youth National Championships taking place at Nathan Benderson Park. It is a great Saturday morning event because you can walk around, grab coffee, check out the cars, and still have the rest of the day open.
This is my top pick this weekend if you want something fun, local, social, and easy to enjoy without committing your whole day.
Bonus: Kids Summer Beach Runs
Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17 | Registration 5:30 p.m. | Run 6:30 p.m.
Siesta Beach and Brohard Beach
Free
The Kids Summer Beach Runs return with free one-mile fun runs for children ages 1–17. Tuesday’s run takes place at Siesta Beach near the pavilion, while Wednesday’s run takes place at Brohard Beach near the Venice Fishing Pier.
Kids receive a participation ribbon after each run, and those who complete four runs during the summer earn a free custom T-shirt. It is a simple, active summer tradition that gives families a reason to head to the beach in the evening.
This is a good bonus pick for families looking for something free, healthy, and easy to build into the summer routine.
Sarasota Weekend Picks That Also Show How the Area Really Lives
The best Sarasota weekend events do more than fill a calendar.
They show how people actually live here.
This week’s lineup includes waterfront parks, youth sports, public gathering spaces, family nights, arts and culture, outdoor movies, circus history, and community events that bring people together across Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice.
That is one of the reasons Sarasota works for so many different types of people. Some weekends are about the beach. Others are about the arts, sports, food, music, or simply finding something easy to do with family and friends.
This weekend gives you a little bit of all of it.
Scroll through the top picks, choose what fits, and enjoy something local.
That’s your Sarasota weekend—whether you’re going out Friday night, exploring Saturday, or keeping it simple Sunday. Want this sent to you every Thursday? Join Sarasota Weekly here →
Subscribe here
Love This Post? Share It!
Hi, I’m Mike – real estate agent, photographer, and blogger. Come along as I dive into all things Sarasota, Florida, share insider tips and exciting stories that make this place special. For 20+ years, I’ve helped countless people buy and sell property. Before I transitioned to full-time real estate, I taught high school English & coached basketball.”
