What's Happening in Sarasota for this Season
Posted by Sara Leicht on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at 3:32pm.What’s Happening in and around Sarasota for this season.
Sarasota is known for its active arts and entertainment culture. Visitors come from all over the globe to experience what Sarasota has to offer and many of my clients have asked me for a schedule of the events for the season.
So with that in mind, please find below a list of the most popular events, shows, and entertainment that is happening in Sarasota starting today through April. From the new Penguin Exhibt at Mote Marine to the Film Festival to the Holiday Boat Parades to the Opera House and Van Weezel schedules to events around St. Armand's Circle you will be able to find and link to all the information for a busy season in Sarasota. Listed below you will find valuable links to the event details and other great calendars from area businesses of Sarasota.
Sara
Penguin Island Exhibit at Mote Aquarium 
November 1, 2011 at 10:00am
Repeats daily until Wed Feb 29, 2012.
Mote Aquarium is excited to announce that we will be welcoming some truly cool guests this year: A group of black-footed penguins will call City Island home during a special new exhibit called Penguin Island!
During this limited-time exhibit, visitors will have the chance to meet and learn more about these “black-tie” guests through daily visits and special meet-and-greet opportunities.
Penguins might seem like exotic tourists for sunny Florida, but not all penguins live in chilly climates. The black-footed penguins coming to Mote Aquarium are native to South Africa, where the ocean currents are cold and the climate is moderate.
Read More at: Mote Marine Penguin Exhibit
The Siesta Key Crystal Classic – Master Sand Sculpting Contest
November 10-14th
Siesta Beach, on Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida, has been proven to have the "World's Finest, Whitest Sand™" It recently was named the #1 Beach in America by Dr. Beach in the 21st annual Top 10 Beach List. The list is produced by Dr. Beach, aka Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research. Because of its 99% quartz crystal sand, it is considered the best natural beach sand for sculpting.Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning Main Street and Lemon Ave.
7 am – 1 pm (rain or shine)
We currently have a full market that includes 70+ vendors and 5,000 square feet of produce and plants.
For More information please visit: Sarasota Farmers Market
Saturday December 3rd at 7pm
Venice Christmas Boat Parade Saturday December 3rd at 7pm
Come out and see the Venice Boat parade of lights. Starts the Holiday Season with decorated boats on the water. They can't do this back in Michigan this time of Year!
Venice Christmas Boat Parade
Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on Sarasota Bay
December 10th at 6pm
Sarasota Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Christmas presents: “The Wonder of Christmas”
Friday December 2nd – Wednesday December 7th.
There is nothing like the sparkle in a child’s eyes when they look under a Christmas tree and find a gift especially for them. Each year during this season we all need to celebrate and remember that the most incredible gift ever given was the birth of God’s Son on the very first Christmas.This year, that simple story, combined with incredible musical arrangements, media and lights will help each of us rediscover
“The Wonder of Christmas” A Christmas Production featuring Live orchestra, band, choir and soloists along with multimedia, lights, and sound.
Sarasota Baptist Church 7091 Proctor Rd Sarasota, Florida 34241
Friday December 2 7:00pm
Saturday December 3 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday December 4 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Monday December 5 7:00pm
Tuesday December 6 7:00pm
Wednesday December 7 7:00pm
Singing Christmas Tree
The Singing Christmas Tree is an annual music and drama production written & directed by church members, and accompanied by an orchestra. The performance features a multi-story tree, adorned with our talented choir members. With the various musical pieces, the tree comes to life in an awe-inspiring light show. In addition, each year's drama performance is new and spectacular, but with a special message.Presentation Dates and Times:
Saturday December 3 3:00 pm
Sunday December 4 6:00 pm
Wednesday December 7 7:00 pm
Friday December 9 7:00 pm
Saturday December 10 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Sunday December 11 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Thunder by the Bay - Sarasota Motorcycle Festival
January 6 - 8, 2012:
Friday– January 6, 2012
“Born To Be Wild” Kickoff Party
Featuring The Billy Rice Band
Casino Style Gaming
Hyatt Regency Sarasota
7:00 pm until Midnight
Tickets $15 pp at the door
Cash Food Stations & Bar – Silent Auction – Dress is Biker Casual
Secured motorcycle parking – Vehicle valet parking available
Saturday - January 7, 2012
“Dealer Day” from 8:30 am until 2:00 pm
Stop by Rossiter’s HD, Manatee River HD, Hap’s Cycle Sales, and Sarasota Ford
"Downtown Festival"
Noon until 11:00 pm – Free Admission
Lots of Vendors on Display, Demos, Great Food!
Bike Parking - Main Street (Between Pineapple Ave. & Gulf Stream Ave.)
and on South Palm Ave.
To view all the scheduled events, times, and details please visit: Thunder by the Bay
St. Armands Circle Park Events
The St. Armands Association always has events planned into the future. The following is a short list of some of their events. To see the complete list click onto their link and then scroll thru the calendar of events.
St. Armands Circle Events
St. Armands Art Festival & Fall Sidewalk Sale
Sat, November 12, 2011 - Sun, November 13, 2011 Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
“Ponies Under the Palms"
Sunday November 20th Time: 10:00am
Take a stroll back in time, or enjoy the present, viewing some of the most pristine Mustangs and Ford's to found in the state of Florida! Formerly known as the "Super Sunday Ford Mustang & Shelby Show", this event is earned the distinction as one of the best of its kind in the state of Florida!!!
Holiday Night of Lights
Fri, December 02Time: 6:00pm
Crab & Fin Restaurant and Chase Bank proudly present "Holiday Night of Lights". St. Armands is THE holiday destination, on the Gulf Coast of Florida, as the Circle magically comes to light and life with grace and elegance. "Holiday Night of Lights" is St. Armands official "kick off" to the holiday season. The event begins at 6:00pm with our annual Christmas Carol Sing-a-long, followed by the arrival of Santa in his spectacular sleigh, and our tree lighting ceremony. Photos with Santa are available throughout the evening. Enjoy holiday entertainment, special store promotions and gracious hospitality provided by our many shops and restaurants. We do recommend making your dinner Reservations, in advance, at our many fine Circle restaurants.
St. Armands Winter Art Festival
Sat, January 28, 2012 - Sun, January 29, 2012 Time: 10:00am - 5:30pm
Over 175 artists and craftsman display their original artwork. Pottery, Oils, watercolors, ceramics, jewelry, and sculpture. In its first year this show was ranked in the top 50, out of 10,000 shows held each year in this country! This is one Art Festival you won't want to miss!
"Masquerade" - Mardi Gras St. Armands Style 
Tue, February 21, 2012 Time: 6:00pm
A Festive and Exciting Night on the Circle! Event Highlights: Mardi Gras Parade led by St. Armands Celebrities and our "Mardi Gras King". People dressed in Mardi Gras costume/ attire ARE welcome, to join in on the parade! "Dog Costume Contest & Parade", will join in with the main parade, and awards will be given for the best pet costume! Street entertainers, Dixieland Music. "Hurricane & Drink Specials". There is no fee to enter. Mardi Gras Parade begins at 6:30pm, around the Circle, lead by the Mardi Gras King & his Dixieland Band! EVERYONE is encouraged to join in on the parade and the fun!
To see the complete list of schedule events please visit: St. Armands Circle Events
Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts
February 18th & 19th, 2012
Free AdmissionMain Street in Downtown Sarasota, FL
Consistently ranked one of the top 100 Fine Art Shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, The Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts is one of the area’s biggest and best art events. The festival is held along Main Street in downtown Sarasota, spanning from 5 Points-Selby Park to Orange Avenue. Meet some of the best artists in the nation, displaying life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography and more.
Sarasota Circus
February 10 - 26, 2012
The annual Circus Sarasota takes place under the Big Top at Tuttle Ave & 12th Street.
Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs have combined their expertise and passion for the circus by creating Circus Sarasota. Their mission is to provide a circus that represents the circus arts at the highest level and that is linked to the community through performance, education and integrated arts programming. They have helped bring the magic of circus to more than 200,000 people.
Click here for information:
Sarasota Circus.org
Sarasota Exotic Car Fest Weekend on St. Armand's Circle and Sarasota
February 17-19 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Luxury Lifestyle Jet Port Reception6:30 pm
Rectrix Aerodrome Center at SRQ Airport
The evening is filled with classic imported and exotic cars, new luxury cars, sophisticated jets, custom built motorcycles, fashion shows by Saks Fifth Avenue, silent auction, great food, wine, cocktails and lots of good will for a great cause. Complimentary valet available. After five attire.
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Exotic cars on display, open to the public.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Dinner at The Oaks Club6:00 pm Sunset Cocktails
7:00 pm Dinner
The festivities begin with elegant cocktails followed by dinner at The Oaks Club, live entertainment, and dancing. Resort attire.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Road Rally & Closing Brunch9:30 am – Sarasota Road Rally (registration required)
11:30 am - 1:00 pm – Elegant Sunday brunch at The Founders Golf Club
Rally participation is not required to attend brunch.
Read More about the Weekend Events at: Sarasota Exotic Car Fest.com
Jazz Club of Sarasota 
The Jazz Club of Sarasota is the most active jazz club in the United Sates, with over 80 concerts and lectures each year. Founded in 1980 by the late Hal Davis, the former publicist for Benny Goodman, the club has approximately 650 members and is growing in membership. The club presents the Sarasota Jazz Festival, one of the major US jazz festivals. The club also sponsors the Venice Jazz Festival in Venice Florida.Sunday concerts will take place from 2-4 p.m. at Centennial Park, Downtown Venice.
To view the events calendar please visit: Joy of Jazz Concerts in the Park
Sarasota Jazz Festival March 4-10 2012Concerts will be held at The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.
To view all of the event details please visit: Sarasota Jazz Festival Events
United Cerebral Palsy
10th Annual UCP Chocolate Sundae
March 6, 2011 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
It's the 10th Annual UCP Chocolate Sundae at Michael's on East from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. to benefit the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Sarasota-Manatee. There will be chocolate delights from over 40 restaurants and vendors plus an appearance by the Easter Bunny. 1212 East Avenue, Sarasota. Adults $20/advance-$25/door, Children 10 and under $10
Sarasota Film Festival
April 13-22, 2012
ABOUT Sarasota Film Festival
OUR MISSION is to celebrate the art of filmmaking and the contribution of filmmakers by hosting an international film festival and developing year-long programs for the economic, educational and cultural benefit of our community.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been entertaining audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater and comedy for more than 35 years.
Sarasota Orchestra
For over 60 years, the Sarasota Orchestra has been entertaining music lovers from around the region, and visitors from around the world. With Artistic Director Leif Bjaland and President and CEO Joseph McKenna at the helm, the 80 member Orchestra performs more than 100 classic, pops, and family concerts each year.
Sarasota Opera House
Sarasota Opera owns and performs in the Sarasota Opera House. Originally opened as a mixed-use venue in 1926 featuring vaudeville and movies, the theater is on the National Register of Historic Place. A $20-million renovation was completed in 2008. With just over 1,100 seats and exceptional acoustics, Musical America recently called it "one of the finest venues for opera in America."
To view this year’s schedule please visit: Sarasota Opera House
The Ringling Museum of Art
In 1911, John Ringling and his wife, Mable purchased 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota, Florida. Today, that investment welcomes visitors from around the globe with fine art, historic mansion, two circus museums and a jewel-box of a theater. The Museum of Art, built by John Ringling to house his personal collection of masterpieces, today features paintings and sculptures by the great Old Masters including Rubens, van Dyck, Velázquez, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, El Greco, Gainsborough and more. The European, American and Asian masterworks available here make the Museum of Art an awe-inspiring retreat. It is a palace for treasures emulating the footprint of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, echoing its grace and grandeur.
Sarasota Things to Do an Event Calendar for Sarasota
Stay up to date through-out the year with the #1 source for Sarasota Events please visit:
Sarasota Things to Do - Sarasota Florida’s Gulf Coast
Sara Leicht, Realtor®
Michael Saunders and Company
Licensed Real Estate Broker
8660 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 586-4790
Michael Saunders and Company
Licensed Real Estate Broker
8660 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 586-4790
E-Mail Sara: SaraLeicht@MichaelSaunders.com
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