ARTS & CULTURE
Art Exhibitions & Museum Highlights
Sarasota Art Museum
- Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press. Runs May 4th - August 10. Features works by Kerry James Marshall and the Gee’s Bend Quilters.
- Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old Tuesday, August 19th 12 – 1 PM
Examines memory and cultural identity through contemporary visual art. Art at Noon with Jillianne Abbott. Free for Members, $20 Not-Yet Members (Includes Museum Admission)
- Curator’s Tour – August 25th 1 – 2 PM
A guided experience exploring the museum’s collections and rotating exhibitions.
More info: https://www.sarasotaartmuseum.org/curators-tour-august-2025
The Ringling Museum
- Summer Circus Spectacular
A one-hour family-friendly performance running through August 9, located at the Historic Asolo Theater.
Art Center Sarasota
- Rotating Contemporary Exhibitions
Four galleries with contemporary art, plus workshops and classes. Artist Talks & Special Exhibition Events. Join us for Artist Talks to hear their inspiration, process, stories, and more. Doors open for mingling and refreshments at 5 pm, Artist Talks starts promptly at 5:30 pm.
Artist Talk - August 28, 5-6:30 pm: Dorothea (D’) Calvert. Registration $5
On View: Aug 21 - Sept 27, 2025. Opening Night Reception: Thursday, Aug 21, 5-7 pm
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Theater & Performing Arts
Florida Studio Theatre (FST)
- Bryan J. Hughes and The Crew - MNJC
Live cabaret-style performance on August 4 at the John C. Court Cabaret.
www.floridastudiotheatre.org
McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre
- Greg Warren – Begins August 8
- Paul Farahvar – Begins August 24
- Steve White – Begins August 27
https://www.mccurdyscomedy.com/
Music & Cultural Festivals
- SarasotaCon – Pop Culture Convention
Takes place at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Expect cosplay, vendors, and panels.
http://www.thesarasotacon.com/ 10 AM – 5 PM. New date coming… - Durango Fest in Sarasota
Latin music and cultural celebration on August 30 at Robarts Arena. www.SarasotaTheater.com
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Botanical & Outdoor Experiences
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Yoga in the Gardens
- Selby Gardens Downtown:
• Friday, August 9, 9:30–10:30 AM
• Friday, August 16, 9:30–10:30 AM
• Friday, August 23, 9:30–10:30 AM
• Friday, August 30, 9:30–10:30 AM
(All sessions are held in the gardens – bring your own mat!) - Spanish Point Campus:
• Wednesday, August 7, 9:30–10:30 AM
• Wednesday, August 14, 9:30–10:30 AM
• Wednesday, August 21, 9:30–10:30 AM
• Wednesday, August 28, 9:30–10:30 AM
Mangroves & Manatees Kayak Tour (Spanish Point Campus)
• Thursday, August 8, 9:30–11:30 AM
• Tuesday, August 13, 9:30–11:30 AM
• Thursday, August 22, 9:30–11:30 AM
• Tuesday, August 27, 9:30–11:30 AM
• Thursday, August 8, 9:30–11:30 AM
• Tuesday, August 13, 9:30–11:30 AM
• Thursday, August 22, 9:30–11:30 AM
• Tuesday, August 27, 9:30–11:30 AM
Mindful Movement & Meditation (Downtown Sarasota Campus)
• Monday, August 12, 10:00–11:00 AM
• Monday, August 19, 10:00–11:00 AM
• Monday, August 12, 10:00–11:00 AM
• Monday, August 19, 10:00–11:00 AM
Museum Exhibits – Open Daily
• “Seeing the Invisible” – AR exhibit in the Gardens
• Tropical Conservatory – Summer Orchid Display
• “Seeing the Invisible” – AR exhibit in the Gardens
• Tropical Conservatory – Summer Orchid Display
Website for full listings and tickets: https://selby.org/events
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Literary & Educational Events
Bookstore1Sarasota
- Poetry Book Club: Water by Rumi, Translated by Haley Liza Gafori. August 13th 2 – 3 PM
- The Banned Book Club "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult. August 26th 11 – 1 PM
- Wisdom from the Wild: Leadership Tales with Tails (For Youth!) September 9th 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
More info. https://www.sarasotabooks.com/events