Jazz Thursdays at Sarasota Art Museum

Unwind at Jazz Thursdays, a vibrant monthly gathering at the Sarasota Art Museum. Held on the second Thursday of each month, this event brings together live jazz music, inspiring art, and a lively community vibe. Enjoy performances under the stars on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza, explore the galleries with extended hours, and grab a bite or a glass of wine at Bistro, which opens at 5:00 PM with a special evening menu. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, Jazz Thursdays offer a cultural escape like no other in Sarasota.

Free for museum members
$25 for non-members (includes museum admission)
Advance purchase recommended via sarasotaartmuseum.org

Sarasota Art Museum
1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

Thursday, May 9, 2025: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, June 13, 2025: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, July 11, 2025: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, August 8, 2025: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, September 12, 2025: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, October 10, 2025: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, November 14, 2025: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Thursday, December 12, 2025: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

UTC Night Market

The UTC Night Market is a vibrant, family-friendly event that takes place on select evenings at The Mall at University Town Center, located at 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243. Hosted on the Green at UTC (adjacent to the mall near The Vitamin Shoppe), this outdoor market is a celebration of local artisans, food trucks, live music, and community connection.

🗓️ Upcoming 2025 Dates:

February 15
March 21
April 18
May 16
September 19
October 17
November 14
December 12

🕕 Event Time:
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

✨ What to Expect:

Dozens of local vendors selling handcrafted goods, clothing, jewelry, art, and gifts
A curated selection of popular food trucks and pop-up snack tents
Live music performances and entertainment
Free admission and parking
Family- and dog-friendly atmosphere

The UTC Night Market offers a perfect evening under the stars for shopping, eating, and socializing with the Sarasota-Bradenton community. Events are weather-permitting and occur monthly during the cooler months.

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

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.

Sarasota Food Truck Rally & Music Festival

The Sarasota Food Truck Rally & Music Festival is a vibrant three-day celebration held annually over Thanksgiving weekend. Set against the scenic backdrop of Sarasota Bay at J.D. Hamel Park, the festival features a diverse lineup of food trucks offering a wide array of culinary delights, from gourmet dishes to classic comfort foods. Attendees can enjoy live music performances spanning various genres, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere for all ages. The event is pet-friendly, with leashed pets welcome, and offers free admission to all visitors.

Dates and Times:

Friday, November 24, 2025: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Saturday, November 25, 2025: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, November 26, 2025: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location:

J.D. Hamel Park
199 Bayfront Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236

Admission: Free

Music on Main: November Edition

Lakewood Ranch’s monthly street party with live music, food, and fun for the whole family.

Venice Sun Fiesta

The Venice Sun Fiesta is one of the city’s most beloved and long-standing traditions, bringing together locals and visitors for a fun-filled weekend celebrating the spirit of Venice. Sponsored by the Women’s Sertoma Club of Venice, this family-friendly festival features live music, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food, a beer and wine garden, a children’s area, and one of the most unique traditions of the event: the bed races down Venice Avenue. Other highlights include a parade, student entertainment, and local performances throughout the weekend.

Whether you’re looking to shop, dance, eat, or just soak up the local flavor, the Venice Sun Fiesta offers something for everyone.

🗓️ Dates:
Friday, October 10 – Sunday, October 12, 2025

📍 Location:
Downtown Venice – primarily around Centennial Park and along West Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34285

⏰ Hours:

Friday, October 10: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, October 11: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday, October 12: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Bed Races & Parade usually take place Saturday morning.

Venice Sun Fiesta 2025

Fresh Fridays: Summer Sendoff

Say goodbye to summer in style at Fresh Fridays: Summer Sendoff, a lively block party in the heart of downtown Sarasota. This monthly series wraps up the season with an evening of live music, pop-up vendors, outdoor games, and complimentary bites and beverages from participating restaurants. Enjoy a festive, pedestrian-only zone where locals and visitors gather to celebrate community, culture, and the charm of Main Street. With themed giveaways, Instagram-worthy photo ops, and an upbeat atmosphere, Fresh Fridays are the perfect way to close out summer under the stars.

Memorial Day Weekend Concert

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a live outdoor concert featuring patriotic music, food vendors, and community festivities.

Monday Night Jazz – Jazz Club of Sarasota

Wind down the weekend with an intimate evening of live jazz hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota.