Weekend in Sarasota

Sunset walk along the Sarasota Bayfront near Bayfront Park and the baywalk. Golden light over Sarasota Bay with the skyline behind you, an easy warmup for the weekend.

Dinner in downtown Sarasota at Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. on Main Street, a long-running locals favorite for Gulf seafood just off the downtown core.

Jazz night at Fogartyville : the Fernando Ferrarone Quartet plays Friday at 8 PM at WSLR+Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center (525 Kumquat Court), $25 members / $30 non-members / $15 students. A low-key, music-first way to end the night.

Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market , Saturday 7 AM-1 PM along State Street in the downtown core. Local produce, baked goods, and flowers as the city wakes up.

Brunch near the market at IL Panificio Downtown (1703 Main Street), a beloved local bakery and cafe, or Cask and Ale (1548 Main Street) if you want eggs and a full kitchen.

Slow walk through the downtown arcades and boutiques along Main and Pineapple Avenue, then grab a coffee for the drive.

Beach time at Siesta Key , the island that made Sarasota famous for quartz-sand walks. Arrive by early afternoon to beat the heat and afternoon storm odds.

Shower off and change, then an early dinner in the downtown core before the show.

Legacy: Motown & More! at Florida Studio Theatre , the energetic Motown revue running on weekend show times Sept 5-Oct 4. A crowd-pleaser that keeps the night fun.

Siesta Key Farmers Market, Sundays 9 AM-2 PM in Siesta Village: produce, baked goods, live music, and artisan vendors under the palms.

Lunch at a Siesta Village spot before heading back across the bridge. The village has a dozen easy casual stops within steps of the market.

The Thalhe Festival dance gala at the Sarasota Opera House , Sunday 4-6 PM, is an inclusive performance evening worth catching if you are in town.

Finish the weekend with one more sunset along the Bayfront park , the Gulf-side farewell before the week starts.