Weekly Guide
This Week on the
Gulf Coast
Your curated guide to the best events, live music, festivals, dining, outdoor adventures, and cultural happenings across Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, and the Gulf Coast communities.
Date Views
What's Happening on the Gulf Coast
Use the date views above to see verified events for today, this weekend (Friday through Sunday), or the next 14 days. Results combine with any category or area filter you select, and sort soonest first. Related guides and event boards are linked in the sections beneath; the feed above always leads with verified events for your chosen day or window.
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Year-Round Guides
Explore More Gulf Coast Guides
The sections below are year-round guides. Unlike the feed above, they are not filtered by the Today, This Weekend, or Upcoming date views, so you can explore them any time of year.
01 — Live Music
Explore Live Music
Looking for places that regularly feature live music? The dedicated Gulf Coast guides cover music clubs and venues plus restaurants, bars and waterfront spots with live music across Sarasota, Venice, Bradenton, and beyond. Tonight's live music is always in the date views above.
02 — Festivals
Festivals & Annual Events
The Gulf Coast calendar is packed with celebrations, from world-class sand sculpting competitions to charming downtown craft fairs. The cards here carry concrete dates or verified recurring schedules, and every dated festival also appears in the date views above.
Sarasota Farmers Market
Year-round farmers market featuring local produce, artisan goods, prepared foods, and live music with 70+ vendors.
Venice Florida Farmers Market
Year-round farmers market with fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, and artisan crafts in downtown Venice.
Newtown Farmers Market
Community farmers market serving the Newtown neighborhood with fresh produce and prepared foods.
Suncoast Cornhole Classic
Annual cornhole tournament weekend with divisions for all skill levels, food vendors, and live music.
Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival
An elegant evening of fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and opera performances at the historic Sarasota Opera House.
Venice Beach Party
End-of-summer beach celebration with free live music concert, food vendors, and family fun at the beach.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic
World-renowned master sand sculpting competition on the number one beach in America.
SHINE Mural Festival
International mural festival transforming St. Petersburg walls with large-scale public art by world-renowned muralists.
Bayfest
Annual street festival on Pine Avenue with live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a classic car show.
Shop Local North Port Market
Community farmers market featuring local produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods.
Englewood Farmers Market
Community farmers market featuring fresh produce, local honey, artisan crafts, and live music.
Florida International Air Show
Annual air show featuring military and civilian aerobatic performances, static displays, and family activities.
Cape Coral Oktoberfest
Annual German-themed festival with live music, authentic cuisine, beer gardens, and family activities.
Music Walk Fort Myers
Free monthly event in the River District featuring live music at dozens of venues, closing streets for a festival atmosphere.
03 — Performing Arts
Concerts & Performing Arts
From Broadway touring productions at the iconic Van Wezel to intimate theatre at the Asolo, the Gulf Coast punches well above its weight in performing arts.
Dated Shows & Performances
18 showsVan Wezel Performing Arts Hall · 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Sarasota Orchestra: Summon the Heroes
A 9/11 25th-anniversary commemorative concert led by conductor Evan Roider,with Copland Fanfare for the Common Man,Barber Adagio for Strings,and John Williams Summon the Heroes. 7 PM;$25-$50.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall · 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Ron White
Evening of comedy with the legendary Tater Salad. 7:30 PM;18+ only.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall · 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel
Behind-the-scenes tour from the art to the stage.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall · 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Family Fest
Free multigenerational event featuring Asolo Rep Beanstalk,crafts,and activities. 10 AM and 1 PM.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall · 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Golden Groovers: Viva Las Vegas
Vegas-themed variety show at the Van Wezel.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall · 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Boz Scaggs
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter in concert.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall · 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac
A live celebration of the music of Fleetwood Mac.
Asolo Repertory Theatre · 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Shakespeare 45: Rom-Com
A 45-minute celebration of Shakespeare's romantic-comedy moments, now playing at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
Asolo Repertory Theatre · 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Singin' in the Rain
The beloved musical comedy comes to life on stage.
Sarasota Opera House · 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota
Hansel and Gretel
The classic Humperdinck opera in a magical production opening fall season.
Sarasota Opera House · 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota
Rootabaga Country
Sarasota Youth Opera presents this whimsical adventure.
Venice Theatre · 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice
Harriet the Spy
The beloved children's classic opens Venice Theatre's 77th season on the Mainstage. Opens Friday, Sept 11,2026 at7:30 PM;$30 adults,$19 students.
Venice Theatre · 140 W Tampa Ave, Venice
Osage County
August: Osage County - Pulitzer-winning family drama. Dates TBD.
Florida Studio Theatre · 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota
Legacy: Motown & More!
A soulful journey through Motown classics and the music that defined a generation.
Florida Studio Theatre · 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota
Songbirds of the Seventies: From Woodstock to Soft Rock
The hit cabaret celebrating the iconic women of 70s music, from Carole King to Joni Mitchell.
Florida Studio Theatre · 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota
Out of Bounds
FST's resident improv troupe face-offs in a fast-paced comedy competition.
Manatee Performing Arts Center · Downtown Bradenton
Arsenic and Old Lace
The classic comedy opens the 2026-27 season at the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater.
Payne Park Auditorium · 1761 Morrill St, Sarasota
Soul Sensations: A Night to Remember
A four-performance concert series hosted by,and benefiting,the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
04 — On the Water
Things to Do
on the Water
The Gulf Coast is a water lover's paradise. Whether you want to fish the Gulf, paddle through mangrove tunnels, or sail into a sunset, you will find it here.
Dated Water Events
Regattas, tournaments and guided water programs appear in the date views above as their dates are confirmed. For everyday options, use the boating and waterway guide links.
05 — Food & Dining
Dining on the Gulf Coast
Three clearly separated boards so food content never blurs together: (A) Restaurants & Dining, the actual places to eat organized by cuisine and experience; (B) Dining News & Openings, new restaurants and promotions, labeled as news and never presented as events; and (C) Dining Events, only actual scheduled food happenings (Restaurant Weeks, wine dinners, chef events, food festivals) with dates, venues and websites where verified. Anything we could not confirm is marked "unconfirmed" rather than guessed.
Restaurants & Dining
Where to eatLooking for a place to eat? This board is about restaurants, not events. Pick an area to reach that community's real restaurant lists, or jump straight to a cuisine.
Dining News & Openings
News, not eventsNew restaurant openings, menu promotions and general restaurant news. These are updates about restaurants, never scheduled events; visit the restaurant or its website for current details and hours.
Five Nine Grill & Tavern
Second location of the popular Bradenton scratch kitchen and grill concept, now open in Osprey.
Yugen
Intimate 10-seat Japanese chef's counter offering an omakase experience.
Bulla Gastrobar
Spanish tapas and live-fire cooking in a vibrant social setting.
Brooklyn Blues
New restaurant combining live music with Southern-inspired cuisine.
Dining Events
4 eventsActual scheduled food events: Restaurant Weeks, wine dinners, chef events, food festivals and recurring dining events. Dates and details are shown where confirmed; anything we could not verify is marked "unconfirmed" rather than guessed.
Venice MainStreet Wine Walk
Stroll through historic downtown Venice with wine tastings at 20+ shops and galleries.
St. Armands Shop, Sip & Stroll
Monthly evening event with wine tastings, shopping specials, and live music at St. Armands Circle.
Details & venue contact: unconfirmed
St. Pete Restaurant Week
Multi-week dining event featuring special prix fixe menus at St. Petersburg restaurants. Check individual restaurant participation.
Details & venue contact: unconfirmed
Fort Myers Restaurant Week
Annual dining event featuring prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at Fort Myers restaurants.
Details & venue contact: unconfirmed
06 — Art & Culture
Art & Culture
The Gulf Coast is one of the top arts destinations in the Southeast. The cards here are dated exhibitions, openings and cultural events happening now; museums and gallery guides live in their community pages.
Art Center Sarasota: New Exhibitions
Four new exhibitions: Molly Duff-Clarke ceramics, "Shaping Sarasota: A Century of Art," Antoine Williams, and Juried Show: Icons. Opening reception was Aug 20.
Lynn Goldsmith Exhibition at Selby Gardens
Celebrity portraits and fine art photography by renowned rock photographer Lynn Goldsmith, displayed among the botanical gardens.
46th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition
Annual juried photography exhibition showcasing the best photographic works from regional artists.
Living Arts Festival
Week-long celebration of performing arts, visual art, dance, music, and family events across the region.
Art on Film: Screening at Sarasota Art Museum
Monthly film screening series at the Sarasota Art Museum's education center. August 27 at 2 PM. Free with museum admission.
07 — Family
Family & Kids
The Gulf Coast is made for family adventures. The cards here are dated family events, from outdoor movie nights under the stars to beach runs and community park programs.
Cinema at The Bay
Free outdoor movies on the lawn overlooking Sarasota Bay. Recurring weekly through Sep 24. Registration required.
The Bay Cinema Society
Monthly film screening with discussion. "High Noon" on Sep 23 at 1 PM. $5 admission.
National Public Lands Day
Free admission and family activities at Sarasota County parks celebrating public lands. Includes nature walks and volunteer opportunities.
Kids Summer Beach Runs - Siesta Key
Free weekly fun runs for kids on the beach during summer months at Siesta Key. The 2026 season has ended; next season dates not yet announced.
Kids Summer Beach Runs - Brohard Beach
Free weekly fun runs for kids on the beach during summer months at Brohard Beach. The 2026 season has ended; next season dates not yet announced.
Woodmere Bark
Dog-friendly park event with activities, vendors, and canine fun.
Lakewood Ranch Community Campout
Annual family camping event in Lakewood Ranch with tents, campfires, s'mores, and outdoor activities.
Creative Liberties Family Art Day
Free drop-in art projects for families. Fourth Saturday of every month. No registration required.
Englewood Pioneer Days Parade
Annual community parade and celebration featuring marching bands, floats, and family activities. Arrive by 9 AM.
Movies in the Park
Seasonal city-run free outdoor movie series under the stars,family-friendly films at parks across town. The current Friday lineup is posted on the city events calendar.
Movie in the Park: Toy Story 5
Free outdoor family film on the Waterside Park lawn,with Toy Story 5 screening Friday,Sept 11,2026 at7 PM. No registration needed.
History in the Park: Dr. C.B. Wilson House
Open house of the restored Dr. C.B. Wilson residence at Urfer Family Park, free and all ages, with docents sharing local history.
08 — Sports & Outdoor
Sports & Outdoor
Stay active on the Gulf Coast with running races, pickleball tournaments, golf outings, triathlons, and more. The calendar is full for every fitness level.
Medal Madness 5K, 10K & Half Marathon
Popular race series with custom finisher medals. Bradenton edition with scenic route.
Bennett Park at Dark 4M/2M
Evening trail run through Bennett Park after sunset. Headlamps recommended.
Communi-Tee Golf Classic
Charity golf classic hosted by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities, tee-off around 9 AM, benefiting local community organizations.
Suncoast Cornhole Classic
Annual cornhole tournament weekend with divisions for all skill levels and family-friendly atmosphere.
Sarasota Paradise vs Greenville Triumph SC
USL League Two soccer action as Sarasota Paradise takes on Greenville Triumph SC.
Centerstone Life:Story 5K/10K
Run/walk for suicide prevention benefiting mental health services in Sarasota County.
Sporting Clays Charity Tournament 2026
Charity sporting clays tournament at a Sarasota-area shooting facility.
Enviro Race 5K
Environmentally-focused race through Venice with eco-friendly practices and giveaways.
Sunset Yoga on Nokomis Beach
Donation-based community yoga at Nokomis Beach with morning classes Saturday and Sunday at8 AM anda sunset class Thursday at7 PM during the summer schedule. All levels welcome,bring a mat ortowel.
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Day of Remembrance
Free 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb honoring first responders with 15 climbs at Benderson Park,8 AM-noon,all ages welcome.
Chasing the Sun Endurance Run
Ultra-marathon and trail running event through scenic parkland.
Bound for Boston Marathon & Half Marathon
Boston-qualifying marathon course through Sarasota's scenic waterfront route.
Sarasota Half Marathon & 5K
Annual half marathon along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront route. A winter tradition.
St. Pete Run Fest
Weekend running festival with half marathon, 5K, and kids races along St. Petersburg's scenic waterfront.
Tampa Bay Rowdies Home Matches
USL Championship soccer at Al Lang Stadium on the St. Petersburg waterfront. Regular season through fall.
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Event listings are for informational purposes. Dates, times, and availability are subject to change. Please verify details directly with venues and organizers before making plans. This guide is updated weekly. To submit an event for consideration, use the form above.