Looking for things to do in Sarasota this weekend?
August is one of the quieter times of year for Sarasota’s event calendar. Our seasonal residents are away, outdoor events compete with summer heat and afternoon thunderstorms, and the big fall calendar hasn’t arrived yet.
But quieter doesn’t mean there’s nothing worth doing.
This weekend brings Laser Light Nights at The Bishop, The Truman Show inside the historic Sarasota Opera House, a Friday night movie at Waterside Place, Sarasota Anime-Fest, and a family-friendly Back to School Bash at Music Compound.
And when the scheduled calendar gets thin, some of Sarasota’s most reliable weekend traditions become even more appealing—including Saturday morning at the Sarasota Farmers Market and Sunday at the Waterside Farmers Market.
Rather than fill this page with marginal events, I’ve picked the experiences I think are actually worth your time.
⭐ Mike's Pick This Weekend
🎶 Patriot's Pier at Sunset Point
Nightly | Shortly Before Sunset
Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point – Siesta Key
Some of my favorite Sarasota experiences aren’t scheduled festivals or ticketed events.
Just before sunset each evening on Siesta Key, people begin gathering at Patriot’s Pier at Sunset Point. As the sun approaches the Gulf, Taps is played as part of a nightly tribute honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
It’s simple, brief and surprisingly memorable—especially when experienced against one of Siesta Key’s sunsets.
Arrive a little early, bring a chair if you’d like to stay awhile, and enjoy the sunset afterward.
Mike’s Tip: Patriot’s Pier is a short walk from Siesta Village, so it’s easy to combine this with dinner or drinks before or afterward.
🌟 Top Things to Do in Sarasota This Weekend
🌈 Laser Light Nights
Thursday–Saturday, August 13–15 | 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature – Bradenton
Escape the August heat for one of The Bishop’s most unusual summer traditions. Laser Light Nights transforms the planetarium dome into a concert-like experience combining music with colorful laser displays overhead.
Shows feature music ranging from Queen, The Beatles and Elton John to Taylor Swift, Metallica, Foo Fighters and other artists, with different programs throughout the summer.
Tickets are $15. The shows are loud and include bright, flashing lasers, so they may not be appropriate for guests with sound or light sensitivities.
🎬 The Truman Show at Sarasota Opera House
Friday, August 14 | 7:00 p.m.
Sarasota Opera House – Downtown Sarasota
Jim Carrey stars as Truman Burbank, a man who slowly discovers that the seemingly ordinary world around him isn’t what it appears to be.
Seeing The Truman Show inside Sarasota’s historic Opera House makes this more than simply another movie night—and it’s also a good indoor choice during an August weekend when the weather isn’t always cooperative.
Runtime: 103 minutes.
🍿 Movie in the Park
Friday, August 14 | Activities beginning at 7:00 p.m.; movie at sunset
Waterside Park – Lakewood Ranch
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for Waterside’s free monthly outdoor movie night. Kids can enjoy inflatables beginning at 7 p.m., with the movie starting around sunset.
Popcorn and concessions are available for purchase, and seating is first come, first served.
Summer reminder: Because this is outdoors, check the weather before heading out.
🎌 Sarasota Anime-Fest
Saturday, August 15 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Robarts Arena – Sarasota
Anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, comics, collectibles and pop culture take over Robarts Arena Saturday.
Vendors offer everything from artwork and apparel to toys, games and collectibles, with industry professionals and fandom-related guests scheduled to appear throughout the day.
Various ticket prices apply.
🎸 Music Compound Back to School Bash
Saturday, August 15 | 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Music Compound – 775 Bell Road, Sarasota
Families can tour Music Compound’s new facility while enjoying live performances, sample music lessons, family activities, a bounce house, food truck and giveaways.
It’s free and open to the public, making it one of the better family options on this relatively quiet August weekend.
🆓 Local Weekend Favorites
Not every great Sarasota experience is tied to a special event. These local favorites happen most weekends and are always worth considering while you’re here.
Sarasota Farmers Market
📅 Every Saturday | 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍 Downtown Sarasota (Lemon Ave. & Main St.)
💲 Free Admission
One of Sarasota’s favorite Saturday traditions, the market features dozens of local vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, seafood, baked goods, coffee, artisan foods and handmade crafts. Live music often adds to the atmosphere, making it an easy way to start a weekend before exploring downtown or the bayfront.
Waterside Farmers Market
📅 Every Sunday | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
📍 Waterside Place – Lakewood Ranch
If you’re around Lakewood Ranch or UTC on Sunday morning, the Waterside Farmers Market is one of the area’s nicest weekly traditions. More than 100 vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, flowers, local art, and handcrafted products along the waterfront. Live music and plenty of outdoor seating make it an easy way to spend a relaxed Sunday morning.
Siesta Key Drum Circle
📅 Every Sunday | About one hour before sunset
📍 Siesta Key Public Beach (green lifeguard stand)
This gives your readers one Saturday tradition, one Sunday morning tradition, and one Sunday evening tradition. It also introduces visitors to three distinctly different Sarasota experiences without competing with your featured weekend events.
O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill
📅 Every Friday | Live music 6:00–10:00 p.m.
📍 Bayfront Park – Downtown Sarasota
Looking for a laid-back way to kick off the weekend? On Friday evenings, O’Leary’s comes alive with live reggae from Impulse Reggae while locals and visitors gather beneath the tiki hut, around picnic tables, and on the lawn overlooking Sarasota Bay. Bring a chair or blanket, order a tropical drink, and enjoy one of Sarasota’s most relaxed waterfront settings.
Planning More Time in Sarasota?
Finished planning this weekend? Here are some of Sarasota Lifestyle’s best local guides.
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Boca Grande Florida Guide
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Buying a Home in Sarasota From Out of State
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Explore Sarasota
Start here for beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants, events, and local places worth knowing.
🌴 Before You Go...
Summer weekends work a little differently in Sarasota.
The event calendar gets noticeably quieter in August. Afternoon thunderstorms can cancel outdoor plans, the heat changes when people venture outside, and many of the larger festivals won’t return until fall.
But there’s an upside.
Parking is usually easier at the beaches. Restaurants aren’t as difficult to get into. You’re likely to catch the Ringling Causeway without a traffic jam (yes, it’s real in the summer). A spontaneous walk along Siesta Key doesn’t require nearly as much planning. And lately, Saharan dust drifting across Florida has helped create some spectacularly hazy sunsets.
So keep an eye on the radar, don’t over-plan the weekend, and leave some room for Sarasota to make the decision for you.
Maybe it’s a movie. Maybe it’s a farmers market. Maybe it’s standing beside the Gulf while Taps plays at Patriot’s Pier.
Sometimes Sarasota gives you more when there’s less on the schedule.
See you around town,
Mike Payne
