Sarasota Lifestyle

Sarasota Art Museum First Fridays

Celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant creative community at First Fridays at Sarasota Art Museum. Held on the museum’s beautiful plaza, this monthly evening gathering offers live music, art, food, and drink in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy gallery access, curated performances, pop-up art activities, and a specialty menu from the on-site Bistro. Whether you're an art lover or just looking to unwind, it's a perfect Friday night out for friends, couples, and families alike.

Kids Summer Beach Runs – Siesta Key Beach

Lace up for summer fun at the Kids Summer Beach Runs on Siesta Key Beach, a favorite weekly tradition that combines sunshine, exercise, and family-friendly excitement. Hosted on the powder-soft sands of one of America’s top beaches, this 1-mile fun run encourages kids of all ages to stay active in a supportive and non-competitive environment. Each child receives a ribbon after every run, and those who participate in four or more races earn a free t-shirt. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the race kicks off at 6:30 p.m. With scenic views and an upbeat community vibe, it’s a great way to stay healthy and have fun all summer long.

Kids Summer Beach Runs – Venice Beach

Let the kids run off some energy this summer at the Kids Summer Beach Runs on Venice Beach, a weekly 1-mile fun run designed to promote health, fitness, and outdoor fun for children of all ages. Set along the scenic shoreline, this non-competitive series allows kids to enjoy exercise in a safe and supportive setting. Each participant receives a ribbon at the finish line, and those who complete four runs throughout the summer earn a free commemorative t-shirt. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m., and the run begins at 6:30 p.m. It’s a great way to encourage healthy habits while enjoying beautiful Venice Beach.

Cinema at The Bay: Happy Gilmore

The Oval 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida

Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars at The Bay! In celebration of the opening day of the US Open. (PG-13) – “Happy Gilmore”follows an aspiring ice hockey player (Adam Sandler) who, after failing to make a hockey team due to his aggressive style and lack of skating skills, finds himself in a bind when his grandmother’s house is threatened by the IRS. He then unexpectedly discovers a talent for golf and enters a golf tournament to win the prize money and save his grandmother’s home.

USRowing Youth National Championships

Nathan Benderson Park 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL

Witness the nation’s premier youth rowing athletes compete on one of the finest rowing courses in the world—Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The USRowing Youth National Championships is the final regatta of the youth rowing season and draws more than 2,000 rowers from across the country for three days of elite competition.

Free Music Friday Night Concert

Kick off your weekend with great tunes and local vibes at the Free Music Friday Night Concert, a beloved outdoor concert series held in downtown Venice. Each Friday evening, a different local band or solo artist takes the stage to deliver live music spanning genres like rock, jazz, blues, country, and more. Bring a chair or blanket, grab a bite from nearby restaurants, and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly evening under the stars. With no admission fee and a welcoming community atmosphere, this weekly event is a perfect way to support local talent and unwind at the end of the week. Centennial Park Gazebo200 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

32nd Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival

Downtown Venice Miami Avenue, Venice, FL

Now celebrating its 32nd year, the Downtown Venice Craft Festival returns with a two-day outdoor showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Stroll along the charming, shaded streets of historic downtown Venice and explore over 100 booths of handcrafted goods made by artisans from across Florida and beyond.

Sarasota Music Festival – Final Weekend Concerts

Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL

Join us for the exhilarating final weekend of the 2025 Sarasota Music Festival, one of Florida’s most prestigious classical music events. Now in its 60th season, the Festival brings together brilliant conservatory students and internationally acclaimed faculty artists for three weeks of masterful music-making.

Kids Summer Beach Runs Siesta Key Beach

Lace up for summer fun at the Kids Summer Beach Runs on Siesta Key Beach, a favorite weekly tradition that combines sunshine, exercise, and family-friendly excitement. Hosted on the powder-soft sands of one of America’s top beaches, this 1-mile fun run encourages kids of all ages to stay active in a supportive and non-competitive environment. Each child receives a ribbon after every run, and those who participate in four or more races earn a free t-shirt. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the race kicks off at 6:30 p.m. With scenic views and an upbeat community vibe, it’s a great way to stay healthy and have fun all summer long.

Kids Summer Beach Runs Venice Beach

Get the kids moving this summer with the Kids Summer Beach Runs at Venice Beach, a weekly 1-mile fun run designed to promote fitness and fun in a beautiful beachfront setting. Open to children of all ages and fitness levels, these non-competitive runs offer a supportive, energetic environment where every participant receives a ribbon, and those who complete four or more runs earn a free t-shirt. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the run starts at 6:30 p.m. It's a great way to build healthy habits, enjoy the Gulf breeze, and make summer memories on the sand.

Cinema at The Bay: Ray

The Oval 1055 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida

Enjoy a free outdoor movie under the stars at The Bay! Celebrate Juneteenth with a screening of Ray, the inspiring story of music legend Ray Charles, honoring freedom, resilience, and the rich history of African American culture. (PG-13) – “Ray,” a 2004 biographical musical drama,chronicles the life and career of the legendary Ray Charles, from his humble beginnings in the South to his rise to fame, portraying his struggles with blindness, addiction, and racism.

9th Annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic

Tee up for a great cause at the 9th Annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic, a cherished community tournament honoring the legacy of former Sarasota City Commissioner Bob Rizi. Held at one of the area’s premier golf courses, this charitable event brings together golfers of all skill levels for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and giving back. The tournament includes 18 holes of play, breakfast or lunch, contests, raffles, and a post-round awards reception. Proceeds benefit local youth and civic programs, making this a meaningful and memorable outing for players and sponsors alike.