Sarasota Lifestyle

BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival)

BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival) is an exciting, free event that transforms the Bradenton Riverwalk into an immersive celebration of art and music. The festival is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Bradenton Riverwalk, located at 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34205. ​ Festival Highlights: Great Big Art: Experience large-scale interactive art installations and live demonstrations by local artists on the Great Lawn. ​ Art Tower: Watch artists create massive paintings live and contribute to a community mural at the Banner Tower. ​ BAM!Slam: Enjoy a variety of short performances, including dance, spoken word, and theater, at the Mosaic Amphitheater. ​ Pavilion Party: Rock out to live bands across multiple genres at Rossi Park Pavilion, surrounded by captivating visual art pieces. ​ Meandering Market: Browse and purchase unique, handcrafted goods from local artists along the Riverwalk. ​ Sand Castle Beach: Relax to live beach music and witness expert sculptors craft an epic sandcastle at the sand volleyball courts. ​ Parking Information:​ City Centre Garage: 200 10th Street West (less than a 5-minute walk)​ Manatee County Garage: 414 10th Street West (5-minute walk)​ Judicial Center Garage: 615 12th Street West (10-minute walk) Attendees are encouraged to use rideshare services, with drop-off points at the Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave W) and the Riverwalk Parking Lot (129 Riverfront Blvd). ​ Please note that while Bradenton is part of the greater Sarasota area, the festival itself is held in Bradenton, FL.

Grand Treasures – Sarasota Orchestra

Sarasota Orchestra presents a powerful classical program featuring masterpieces performed by talented musicians at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Sarasota Veg Fest

Celebrate plant-based living with vegan food trucks, health vendors, cooking demos, animal rescue groups, and eco-friendly merchandise at this annual festival promoting sustainability and wellness.

Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show

The Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team puts on an action-packed, family-friendly water ski show every Sunday afternoon during their season, showcasing thrilling stunts, human pyramids, barefoot skiing, jumps, and synchronized routines — all set to music and narration. Founded in 1958, the Ski-A-Rees are a non-profit, volunteer-run team that trains year-round and welcomes skiers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Their shows offer a nostalgic throwback to Sarasota’s waterskiing heritage and are completely free to attend, though donations are appreciated to support the team. ⛱ Tips for Visitors: Bleacher seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and water. Arrive early — shows are popular and seating fills up fast! Free parking is available nearby. 🎟 Event Name: Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show – Sarasota, FL🗓 Season: Sundays, mid-February through late April🕒 Time: Shows typically begin at 2:00 PM (arrive early for seating)📍 Location:Ski-A-Rees Stadium1602 Ken Thompson ParkwaySarasota, FL 34236(Located near Mote Marine Laboratory on City Island)

Sundays at The Bay: BABYL and The HOTT Pink Band

Sundays at The Bay is a free, weekly music concert series held at The Oval at The Bay in Sarasota, Florida. On Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the series will feature a performance by BABYL and The HOTT Pink Band. ​ About BABYL and The HOTT Pink Band: BABYL, led by vocalist Ben Jacobs, delivers high-energy performances with a unique blend of folk, rock, pop, and oldies. Influenced by artists like Sam Cooke, Prince, and Jeff Buckley, BABYL's dynamic style is complemented by The HOTT Pink Band, creating an engaging musical experience. ​The Bay Sarasota Event Details: Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025​ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM​ Location: The Oval at The Bay, 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236​ Admission: Free​ Tips for an Enjoyable Visit: Seating: Bring a chair for comfortable seating.​The Bay Sarasota Parking: Free public parking is available along Blvd of the Arts, Van Wezel Way, in front of the Van Wezel, and in front of the Blue Pagoda (655 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota). Please avoid parking in designated Sarasota Orchestra areas.​ Pets: Keep pets on a leash.​The Bay Sarasota Weather: The event will proceed rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, it may be moved indoors. Updates will be communicated via The Bay's website, Eventbrite, Facebook, and Instagram. ​The Bay Sarasota  

The Market on Longboat Key

Explore a variety of local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more at this outdoor market. Enjoy live music and food trucks while shopping in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Monday Night Jazz – Jazz Club of Sarasota

Experience an intimate evening of live jazz at the Monday Night Jazz Cabaret, presented by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Held in the cozy ambiance of the John C. Court Cabaret, this series showcases a rotating lineup of talented jazz musicians from the local and national scenes. Enjoy a blend of classic and contemporary jazz styles in a setting that offers both exceptional acoustics and a full-service bar and dinner menu. It's the perfect way to start your week with rhythm and soul.

Barks and Brews at UTC

​Barks & Brews is a monthly event held on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at The Green at University Town Center (UTC), located at 125 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243. ​ This dog-friendly gathering supports Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Center and features:​ Adoptable dogs​ Craft brews Live music​ Pup-friendly vendors Special themed activities​ Attendees are encouraged to bring their friendly, leashed dogs for an enjoyable evening.