Looking for something fun to do in Sarasota this weekend?
As July winds down, the Suncoast is serving up another weekend filled with family fun, summer traditions, outdoor movies, youth sports, and a few experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
You can watch world-class circus performers at The Ringling, catch Elf under the stars at UTC, cheer on Florida’s best Little League teams, enjoy a wine dinner inside Mote’s new aquarium, or spend Saturday morning trying dragon boat racing or Pilates at PopStroke.
Families can also take advantage of a free Back to School Bash in Punta Gorda, while kids have one final chance to participate in the popular Summer Beach Runs next week.
Some events are free. Others require tickets. All of them offer another reason to get out and enjoy summer on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Here are my top Sarasota weekend picks for July 24–27, 2026.
See you out there.
— Mike Payne
Quick Weekend Snapshot:
🎪 Summer Circus Spectacular → The Ringling, Sarasota — Thursday–Monday
🎬 Movies Under the Stars: Elf → UTC, Sarasota — Friday, 7 p.m. pre-show | Movie at sunset
⚾ Florida Little League State Tournament → Twin Lakes Park, Sarasota — Friday–Sunday
🎒 Back to School Bash → Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda — Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
🐉 Dragon Boat 101 → Nathan Benderson Park — Saturday, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
🧘 Pulse x Putt Pilates → PopStroke Sarasota — Saturday, 8–10 a.m.
🍷 SEA & Savor Wine Dinner → Mote SEA — Saturday, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
🎥 Summer Movie Night → CoolToday Park, Venice — Sunday, 5 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…
I recommend kicking back on the green at UTC for a family favorite: ELF. Who needs December to enjoy Christmastime?
Movies Under the Stars: Elf
Friday | Pre-show 7:00 p.m. | Movie begins after sunset
The Green at UTC – Sarasota
FREE
If you’re only choosing one event this weekend, make it Movies Under the Stars at UTC.
There’s something special about spreading out a blanket on the lawn as the sun sets, grabbing dinner from one of UTC’s restaurants, and watching a family favorite beneath the stars.
This month’s feature is Elf, complete with pre-show activities beginning at 7 p.m., including face painting, concessions, and special appearances from Buddy and Jovie.
Whether you bring the kids, meet friends, or enjoy an easy date night, this is one of those classic Sarasota evenings that reminds you why outdoor events are so popular here.
Sometimes the best weekends don’t require much planning.
Keep Exploring Sarasota
More Sarasota guides worth exploring.
Top Things to Do in Sarasota This Weekend
⭐ Summer Circus Spectacular
Thursday–Monday (through August 8)
Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling
$20 Adults | $15 Children
One of Sarasota’s signature summer traditions continues with an incredible lineup of international circus artists performing breathtaking aerial acts, comedy, balancing, and acrobatics inside the intimate Historic Asolo Theater. It’s entertaining for all ages and remains one of the area’s best summer experiences.
⭐ Florida Little League State Tournament
Friday–Sunday
Twin Lakes Park – Sarasota
Free Admission
Watch eight of Florida’s top Little League teams compete for a state championship and the opportunity to continue toward the Little League World Series. Even if you don’t know a player, it’s exciting baseball and a fun community event.
⭐ SEA & Savor Wine Dinner
Saturday | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Mote Science Education Aquarium
Enjoy an unforgettable evening inside Mote SEA’s Indo-Pacific Gallery featuring chef-inspired food stations, curated wine pairings, hors d’oeuvres, and the unique experience of dining after hours among spectacular marine exhibits.
🆓 Free Things to Do This Weekend
🎬 Movies Under the Stars: Elf — Friday at UTC
⚾ Florida Little League State Tournament — Friday through Sunday at Twin Lakes Park
🎒 Back to School Bash — Saturday at Fishermen’s Village
🧘 Pulse x Putt Pilates — Saturday at PopStroke Sarasota
👟 Kids Summer Beach Runs — Tuesday at Siesta Beach & Wednesday at Brohard Beach (next week)
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 is all about?
This beginner-friendly session teaches paddling technique, teamwork, and the basics of one of the world’s fastest-growing water sports. Whether you’re interested in competing or simply trying something new, it’s a fun way to spend a Saturday morning on Sarasota’s premier rowing lake.
🥕 Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market
Saturday | 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Downtown Sarasota
Free
More than 70 local vendors transform the heart of downtown Sarasota into one of Florida’s best farmers markets each Saturday. Browse fresh produce, locally caught seafood, artisan breads, pastries, flowers, handcrafted gifts, gourmet foods, and specialty products while enjoying live music and the energy of Main Street.
Whether you’re picking up ingredients for the weekend, grabbing breakfast from a local food vendor, or simply enjoying a leisurely morning stroll, it’s one of Sarasota’s signature weekend traditions.
🌿 Waterside Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch
Sunday | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Waterside Place – Lakewood Ranch
Free
Spend a relaxing Sunday morning along Kingfisher Lake at one of the area’s newest and fastest-growing farmers markets. Shop dozens of local vendors offering farm-fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, gourmet foods, fresh flowers, handmade soaps, artisan crafts, and unique gifts while enjoying live music and the walkable waterfront setting.
Afterward, grab brunch at one of Waterside Place’s restaurants or take a stroll around the lake. It’s an easy way to slow down and experience one of Lakewood Ranch’s most vibrant gathering places.
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 weekends aren’t necessarily the busiest ones.
Summer in Florida is supposed to be slower and wet. Still, the Sarasota area musters up weekend fun for everyone.
They’re the weekends where you discover something new, reconnect with friends or family, or simply spend a few hours enjoying everything the area has to offer.
This week’s lineup includes world-class circus performers, youth sports, waterfront recreation, outdoor movies, marine life, family traditions, and community events stretching from Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch to Venice and Punta Gorda.
That’s one of the things I love most about living here.
Some weekends are about the beach. Others are about finding a new experience, cheering on local kids, enjoying a summer evening outdoors, or making memories with the people who matter most.
This weekend offers a little bit of all of it.
Take a look through the events above, pick a few favorites, and enjoy another great weekend on the Suncoast.
