Looking for Something Fun to Do in Sarasota This Weekend?
Summer is officially in full swing, and this weekend brings everything from outdoor movies and waterfront concerts to comedy, family activities, live music, classic films, dragon boat paddling, and even laser light shows beneath a planetarium dome.
Families can enjoy Wonka under the stars at UTC, music lovers can experience Laser Light Nights at The Bishop Museum, adventurous locals can learn dragon boat racing at Nathan Benderson Park, and those looking for a laid-back evening can enjoy live waterfront music at Waterside Place.
Whether you’re planning a date night, entertaining visiting family, or simply looking for something different to do around Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, or Venice, there are plenty of reasons to get out and explore.
Some events are completely free. Others require tickets. Some are perfect for kids, while others make an ideal adults-only evening.
Here are this weekend’s top Sarasota picks for June 26–28, 2026.
See you around town.
— Mike Payne
Quick Weekend Snapshot:
🎬 Movies Under the Stars: Wonka → The Green at UTC — Friday, 7–10 p.m.
🎸 Laser Light Nights → The Bishop Museum, Bradenton — Thursday–Saturday
🎵 Live Music at Waterside Place → Friday & Saturday, 6–9 p.m.
🎭 Classic Movie: Silent Movie (1976) → Sarasota Opera House — Friday, 7 p.m.
🌺 Motors & Moorings Weekend → Friday & Saturday, Sarasota
😂 Comedy Lottery → Florida Studio Theatre — Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
🐉 Dragon Boat 101 → Nathan Benderson Park — Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
🫐 Red, White & Blueberry Festival → Fiorelli Winery — Saturday, 2–10 p.m.
⚾ Summer Movie Night at CoolToday Park → Sunday, 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.
⭐ Mike's Local Pick
If You Only Do One Thing This Weekend…
No doubt, Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch & Bradenton fill the weekend schedule during winter with irresistible fun. During summer, the choices narrow, as the fun provides more opportunities for families. If you’re only picking one event this weekend, make it an outdoor movie, Movies Under the Stars: Wonka
Movies Under the Stars: Wonka
Friday, June 26
Pre-show fun begins at 7 p.m.
Movie starts around 8 p.m.
The Green at UTC
Free Admission
If you’re only choosing one event this weekend, gather the family, pack a blanket, and head to UTC for one of Sarasota’s favorite summer traditions.
This month’s Movies Under the Stars features Wonka, bringing plenty of imagination, humor, and family-friendly fun to the big outdoor screen.
Arrive early for special appearances from Wonka and an Oompa Loompa, grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants, and settle in before sunset. Concessions will also be available on-site.
It’s one of those simple Florida evenings that reminds you why outdoor community events are so popular here—warm weather, families spread across the lawn, kids laughing before the movie begins, and an easy night that doesn’t require much planning.
Sometimes the best weekends are the simplest ones.
Keep Exploring Sarasota
More Sarasota guides worth exploring.
Top Picks This Weekend
🌈 Laser Light Nights
Thursday–Saturday
7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Experience one of the area’s most unique summer attractions as the planetarium transforms into an immersive laser concert featuring synchronized music and 360-degree visuals.
Each evening offers different artists—from Queen and Elton John to Taylor Swift, Metallica, Foo Fighters, No Doubt, and more—making it worth returning throughout the summer.
Admission: $15.
🌊 Live Music at Waterside Place
Friday & Saturday
6–9 p.m.
Relax beside Kingfisher Lake while enjoying live music, waterfront sunsets, outdoor dining, and one of Lakewood Ranch’s most popular gathering spots.
Bring friends, grab dinner, and enjoy an easy summer evening without leaving town.
Free.
🚗 Motors & Moorings Weekend
Friday & Saturday
This two-day fundraiser benefits Suncoast Charities for Children with a tropical Friday night luau followed by Saturday’s “Big Kahuna” Dice Run, where participants can travel by car, motorcycle, or even boat while competing for prizes.
It’s a fun combination of community, entertainment, and philanthropy.
😂 Comedy Lottery
Saturday
7:30 p.m.
Florida Studio Theatre
No two performances are ever alike.
Audience members determine the night’s games and challenges, leaving the cast to improvise scenes, songs, and sketches on the spot.
Perfect for couples or groups looking for laughs.
🫐 Red, White & Blueberry Festival
Saturday
2–10 p.m.
Fiorelli Winery
Celebrate summer with food trucks, live music, craft vendors, face painting, wine, and family-friendly activities.
Bring lawn chairs, enjoy local bands, and spend the afternoon at one of the area’s most popular seasonal festivals.
Parking: $10.
🆓 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:
🎬 Movies Under the Stars: Wonka — Friday at UTC
🎵 Live Music at Waterside Place — Friday & Saturday
🐉 Dragon Boat 101 — Saturday morning
👧 Kids Summer Beach Runs — Ongoing summer series for children
🚶 Explore Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
🌅 Enjoy Sarasota’s beaches at sunset
🏃♀️ Bonus: Kids Summer Beach Runs — Tuesday at Siesta Beach & Wednesday at Brohard Beach
More Things to Do This Weekend
🐉 Dragon Boat 101
Saturday
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Nathan Benderson Park
Ever wondered what dragon boat racing feels like?
This beginner-friendly session introduces paddling techniques, teamwork, and the excitement of one of the world’s fastest-growing water sports.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, competitive racing, or simply something different to try, it’s a fun way to start Saturday morning.
🎭 Classic Movie at Sarasota Opera House
Silent Movie (1976)
Friday
Film lovers can catch Mel Brooks’ hilarious dialogue-free comedy on the big screen inside Sarasota’s historic Opera House.
It’s a nostalgic evening celebrating one of comedy’s most creative filmmakers and a perfect alternative to the typical Friday night.
⚾ Summer Movie Night at CoolToday Park
Sunday
5 p.m.
Wrap up the weekend with a family movie shown on the giant scoreboard inside CoolToday Park.
This week’s featured movie is Hoppers, with stadium seating, free parking, affordable tickets, and ballpark concessions creating a unique movie experience you won’t find anywhere else.
🏃 Kids Summer Beach Runs
Tuesday at Siesta Beach & Wednesday at Brohard Beach
Registration: 5:30 p.m. | Race: 6:30 p.m.
Free
A Sarasota summer tradition returns with one-mile beach runs for children ages 1-17. Kids receive a participation ribbon at every run and can earn a free custom t-shirt after completing four events. It’s a fun way for families to stay active while enjoying some of the area’s most beautiful beaches.
Planning More Sarasota Adventures?
Looking for more local ideas beyond this weekend? Start with a few Sarasota Lifestyle guides locals and visitors actually use.
15 Sarasota Restaurants Locals Actually Recommend
Dependable breakfast, seafood, casual, and special-occasion spots from a longtime local.
Boca Grande Florida Guide
A personal guide to Gasparilla Island, Old Florida charm, lighthouses, tarpon waters, and quiet preservation.
Buying a Home in Sarasota From Out of State
A straight-talking relocation guide to help buyers avoid expensive Sarasota mistakes.
Explore Sarasota
Start here for beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants, events, and local places worth knowing.
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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 gathering places, family movie nights, live music beside the lake, comedy, community festivals, charitable events, classic films, youth activities, and outdoor adventures across Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Venice.
That’s one of the reasons Sarasota appeals to so many different people. One weekend might revolve around the beach. The next centers on live entertainment, outdoor dining, festivals, or simply discovering somewhere new with family and friends.
This weekend offers a little bit of everything.
Browse the events, pick what fits your style, and enjoy another great summer weekend on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Have a wonderful weekend—and I’ll see you next Friday with another roundup of Sarasota’s best things to do.
