July is rolling along, and this week brings a great mix of live performances, baseball, and that steady Saturday farmers market rhythm that defines summer on the Gulf Coast. Here's what I'm looking forward to between now and the weekend.
Songbirds of the Seventies at Florida Studio Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre in downtown Sarasota is wrapping up its run of "Songbirds of the Seventies", which plays through July 26. This is a cabaret-style production celebrating the iconic female singer-songwriters of the 1970s — think Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and Linda Ronstadt. The show runs about 90 minutes and is the kind of warm, intimate evening that FST does so well in its Goldstein Cabaret space.
I caught a preview of this one a few weeks ago and the arrangements are beautiful. The theatre keeps its summer schedule intentionally relaxed, and the cabaret setting means you can grab a drink before the show and settle in for a genuinely enjoyable night. If you haven't been to FST yet, it's worth knowing about — it's one of the most active theatre companies in the Southeast, and their summer programming is always a treat. The theatre is located on Palm Avenue just off Main Street, about 15 minutes from Palmer Ranch.
PW National Championships at CoolToday Park
Baseball fans, take note. CoolToday Park in North Port — the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves — is hosting the PW National Championships through July 22. This is a week-long amateur baseball tournament that brings teams from across the country to compete on the same professional-grade fields the Braves use during spring training. The stadium is open for select games, and it's a fantastic way to see high-level youth baseball in a major-league facility.
CoolToday Park is about 20 minutes southeast of Palmer Ranch, and the drive down 41 is straightforward. The park itself has a great concession stand, plenty of parking, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Even if you don't have a player in the tournament, it's fun to catch a game in a stadium that feels like a real ballpark. Games run through Wednesday, July 22.
Live Music at The Plaza at Waterside Place
Every Friday and Saturday evening through July 31, The Plaza at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch is hosting free live music from 6 to 9 p.m. The lineup rotates weekly, covering everything from acoustic solo acts to full bands. The setting is a lovely open-air plaza with fountains, lawn seating, and several restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Waterside Place has become one of my favorite spots for a low-key evening out. The energy is relaxed, the crowd is a mix of families and couples, and the food options are excellent — from walk-up tacos at BoatHouse to a proper sit-down dinner at Eddie V's. It's about a 15-minute drive from Palmer Ranch up University Parkway, and the drive is a breeze in the evening.
Saturday Sarasota Farmers Market
The Sarasota Farmers Market is back this Saturday, July 25, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street and Lemon Avenue. Summer is the market's sweet spot — the crowds are thinner than in season, the produce is at its peak, and the vendors are friendly and chatty. I've been picking up local tomatoes, mangoes, and fresh herbs every week, and the quality has been outstanding.
If you're new to the area, the farmers market is one of the best ways to get your bearings in downtown Sarasota. Grab a coffee from a local roaster, walk the full length of the market, and then wander over to the bayfront or the Sarasota downtown area for a morning by the water.
Day at the Zoo Week at Sun Outdoors Sarasota
Through July 26, Sun Outdoors Sarasota is hosting Day at the Zoo Week, a themed event series with arts and crafts, live entertainment, and sports activities. This is geared toward the resort's guests but is open to the public. It's a good option if you're looking for a family-friendly activity that doesn't involve the beach or the heat of midday. Sun Outdoors is located on Fruitville Road, about 10 minutes east of downtown.
As always, if you're thinking about making the move to the Gulf Coast or just want to learn more about the Palmer Ranch area, explore the communities or reach out anytime. I'd love to help you find your perfect spot on the coast.