As we move into the second half of August, the Gulf Coast event calendar shifts into a particularly rich season. The shows that opened earlier this month are still running, new events are popping up on the calendar, and there is a wonderful mix of music, theatre, and community gatherings to choose from. Here is what I have my eye on for the week ahead.
ABBA NOVA at Van Wezel: Sunday, August 23
If you love ABBA, you won't want to miss ABBA NOVA at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota) on Sunday, August 23 at 6 p.m. This high-energy tribute captures the spirit and sound of one of pop music's most beloved bands, with full costumes, live musicians, and choreography that channels the joy of ABBA's greatest hits.
The Van Wezel is one of Sarasota's most iconic venues, with its distinctive purple shell architecture right on Sarasota Bay. It is about 15 minutes north of Palmer Ranch up US-41, and there is ample parking in the adjacent garage. I always recommend arriving early to walk the bayfront grounds before a show. The view of the sunset over the water from the Van Wezel lawn is one of the best in town.
Tickets are available through the Van Wezel box office and tend to sell well, so grab yours early if you are interested.
Bill Vinhage at Sun King Sarasota: Friday, August 21
Sun King Sarasota (1213 First Street, Sarasota) in downtown's Rosemary District hosts live music on their spacious taproom patio, and on Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m., local musician Bill Vinhage takes the stage. Sun King is known for its small-batch craft beers, welcoming atmosphere, and family-friendly patio. It is a relaxed way to kick off a Friday evening without the formality of a ticketed show.
Sun King Sarasota is in the same neighborhood as Fogartyville and the Art Ovation Hotel, making it easy to build an evening around multiple stops. I like to grab a beer and a snack, listen to some live music, and then wander over to one of the nearby restaurants for dinner afterward.
Summer Art Mart at Art Ovation Hotel: Thursday, August 27
On Thursday, August 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Art Ovation Hotel (1255 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota) hosts the Summer Art Mart in the Gallery Lounge. This is a free event featuring local artists and makers selling jewelry, paintings, ceramics, handmade goods, and more. The Art Ovation Hotel is an Autograph Collection property that celebrates Sarasota's arts community, and the Gallery Lounge is a beautiful space flooded with natural light.
The Summer Art Mart is free and open to the public, and it is a wonderful way to discover local talent and pick up something unique for your home. After browsing the art, you can grab lunch at the hotel's restaurant or walk over to the nearby Florida Studio Theatre to see what is playing.
The Art Ovation is also a fantastic spot for an evening out. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views of downtown Sarasota and the bay, and FST's IMPROV: 70's Game Show runs Sundays at 6 p.m. in the hotel's cabaret space. It is complimentary and makes for a fun, low-key date night.
Into the Woods at Rise Above Performing Arts
Rise Above Performing Arts is presenting Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods, running through August 23 at their venue at 6595 North Palm Avenue in Sarasota. This beloved fairy-tale musical weaves together the stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and others into a clever and moving story about wishes and consequences. Rise Above's productions are known for their strong ensemble casts and creative staging.
This is a family-friendly show, though the themes are sophisticated enough to engage adult audiences as well. Tickets are available through the Rise Above Performing Arts website.
Ongoing Favorites Through Late August
Several of my favorite summer events continue through late August and into September. Songbirds of the Seventies at Florida Studio Theatre's Gompertz Theatre runs through September 6, celebrating the music of Carole King, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Linda Ronstadt. The Legacy: Motown and More! revue continues through October 4 at FST's Bowne's Lab Theatre, a joyful trip through the Motown catalog. Both are well worth catching on a summer evening.
The Sarasota Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street and Lemon Avenue, with summer produce at its peak right now. And the LWR Sunday Market at Waterside Place runs Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., about 15 minutes from Palmer Ranch up University Parkway.
The Taste of Summer dining specials continue through August 31, with participating restaurants across Sarasota offering prix-fixe menus and seasonal dishes. I will be sharing my favorites from the promotion in an upcoming post.
If you are visiting the area or thinking about making the move to the Gulf Coast, late August is a wonderful time to experience the local rhythm. Browse the communities or get in touch and let's talk about finding your place here.