I don't know about you, but July has a way of slipping through your fingers here. The days are long, the sunsets are unhurried, and suddenly you realize the summer beach run series is almost over and there's a whole list of things you meant to do. So here's my weekly roundup of what's worth getting out for between now and the end of the month.
Laser Light Nights at The Bishop: Final Weekend
Laser Light Nights at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature wraps up this Saturday, July 18. If you haven't made it yet, this is your last chance to experience the planetarium dome transformed into a full-spectrum laser show set to music. The museum keeps extended evening hours during the event, and the whole experience is a genuinely fun way to spend a summer night about 25 minutes north of the Palmer Ranch corridor. The Bishop's regular exhibits — the manatee rehabilitation program and the Moss Mansion — are also open during the event, so you can make a full evening of it.
World Cup Final Watch Party at The Bay
This Sunday, July 19, The Bay waterfront park is hosting a free World Cup Final watch party on the big lawn. The match is scheduled for the afternoon, and the park is planning to set up a large screen with the bayfront as the backdrop. Food trucks will be on site, and the energy is going to be electric. I've been to a few of The Bay's community watch parties over the years, and there's something special about watching a global event outdoors with the Sarasota skyline in the background. Bring a blanket, grab some takeout from a nearby downtown restaurant, and settle in.
Saturday Sarasota Farmers Market
The Sarasota Farmers Market runs every Saturday, rain or shine, and this week (July 18 and again July 25) is no exception. Summer produce is at its absolute peak right now — local tomatoes, sweet corn, mangoes, and fresh herbs are everywhere. I picked up the most incredible basil and heirloom tomatoes last weekend that turned into a caprese salad that honestly tasted like summer on a plate. The market runs 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street, and summer is the best time to go because it's less crowded than the winter season. If you're coming from Palmer Ranch, it's about a 15-minute drive and parking is easy.
Back to School Bash at Fishermen's Village
Looking ahead to next Saturday, July 25, Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda is hosting a Back to School Bash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's a free community event with live entertainment, local vendors, music, kids' activities, and giveaways to help families gear up for the new school year. Fishermen's Village is about a 30-minute drive south on 41, and it's a lovely waterfront setting with shops and restaurants, so you can easily make a day of it. I like to pair a trip down there with a stop at the Venice area on the way back.
Final Kids Summer Beach Runs
The Sarasota County Kids Summer Beach Run series is winding down, and there are just two dates left. The final Tuesday run is at Siesta Beach on July 28, and the final Wednesday run is at Brohard Beach in Venice on July 29. These are free, one-mile runs for kids 17 and under, and they've been a summer staple for years. Even if you don't have a runner in the family, it's worth going just to watch the energy of a hundred kids running along the shoreline at sunset. The beach runs start at 6 p.m., and the weather this time of year is usually perfect for it.
Ringling Summer Circus Spectacular & Selby Gardens
Two ongoing summer staples worth mentioning: the Ringling Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater runs through August 8, with shows Tuesday through Saturday. And Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is hosting the "Shared Light: Lynn Goldsmith" photographic exhibition through September 13. Both are air-conditioned, which counts for a lot in July, and both are the kind of world-class cultural experiences that make Sarasota special.
If you're visiting the area this week or planning a move to the Gulf Coast, I'd love to help you explore what's available in Palmer Ranch, Siesta Key, or Nokomis. Reach out anytime — I can point you to the best neighborhoods and the best events.