We have reached the final full week of August, and the event calendar is not slowing down one bit. From live music every night at Marina Jacks to special events at the Art Ovation Hotel and the CoolToday Park facility tour in Wellen Park, here is what I have my eye on for the week ahead.
Dueling Pianos at Art Ovation Hotel: Friday, August 28
The Art Ovation Hotel (1255 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota) is hosting one of its most popular recurring events on Friday, August 28, at 7 p.m. — a high-energy Dueling Pianos night. Two pianists face off on stage, trading songs back and forth, taking requests from the audience, and keeping the energy high all evening. It is part concert, part comedy show, and part singalong, and it draws a lively crowd every time.
The Art Ovation Hotel is an Autograph Collection property in the Rosemary District, and its event spaces are as stylish as you would expect from a hotel that puts art at the center of its identity. The dueling pianos event takes place in the hotel's lounge, which has a warm, intimate atmosphere with great acoustics. I recommend arriving a bit early to grab a pre-show cocktail on the rooftop bar, where the sunset views over Sarasota Bay are spectacular.
Tickets are available through the hotel's event calendar. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the Palmer Ranch corridor up US-41, and there is valet parking on site.
Murder Mystery Dinner at Art Ovation: Saturday, August 29
The following evening, Saturday, August 29, at 6 p.m., the Art Ovation Hotel takes a different turn with a Murder Mystery Dinner. This interactive event combines a three-course dinner with a whodunit performance where guests become part of the story. The cast weaves through the dining room, dropping clues and red herrings as the evening unfolds.
This is a fantastic option for a date night or a small group outing. The dinner menu is prepared by the hotel's culinary team and features seasonal Gulf Coast flavors. Reservations are required, and the event tends to sell out, so book your spot early if you are interested.
Live Music at Marina Jacks: All Week Long
The Blue Sunshine Patio at Marina Jacks (2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota) has live music booked every evening this week, and the setting on Sarasota Bay is hard to beat. Here is the lineup:
- Sunday, August 23 — Jason White (rock) from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Monday, August 24 — Matt Dendy (classical guitar) from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 25 — Bri Rivera (rock) from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 26 — Ryan Faraday (rock) from 5 to 9 p.m.
Marina Jacks has been a Sarasota landmark for decades, and the Blue Sunshine Patio is one of my favorite spots for a relaxed evening with friends. The open-air deck sits right on the water, and the downtown skyline views at sunset are gorgeous. Their menu runs from fresh seafood to steaks and salads, and the wine list is well-priced. I like to arrive early, grab a table on the patio rail, and let the evening unfold with the music.
CoolToday Park Facility Tour: Tuesday, August 25
If you have not made it out to CoolToday Park in Wellen Park (north of Venice, just off US-41), here is your chance. The facility hosts a public tour on Tuesday, August 25, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the Atlanta Braves spring training complex. You will see the stadium, clubhouse, training facilities, and the practice fields that the Braves call home each spring.
CoolToday Park has become an anchor for the Wellen Park community, which continues to grow with new neighborhoods, shops, and restaurants. The tour is ticketed and space is limited, so check the CoolToday Park website for availability. It is about 30 minutes south of the Palmer Ranch corridor and makes for a great morning outing combined with lunch in downtown Venice afterward.
Golden Groovers at Van Wezel: Thursday, August 27
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 North Tamiami Trail) presents Golden Groovers: My Fair Lady on Thursday, August 27. This dance class series is designed for seniors, combining the joy of movement with classic Broadway tunes. It is a wonderful way to stay active, socialize, and enjoy the gorgeous bayfront setting of the Van Wezel. The class runs in the morning, and I recommend arriving early to walk the grounds before or after.
Ongoing Events Through Month's End
The Sarasota Farmers Market continues every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street and Lemon Avenue. Summer produce is at its peak, so load up on sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, mangoes, and local honey while the season lasts.
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. Grab brunch at Freckled Fin or coffee at Overture Coffee after browsing the artisan stalls.
And the Taste of Summer dining promotion runs through August 31, with participating restaurants across Sarasota offering prix-fixe menus and seasonal specials. I have been working my way through the list, and I will share my top picks soon.
As always, if you are new to the area or just exploring the idea of moving here, I would love to help you get oriented. Reach out anytime and I can point you toward the neighborhoods and communities that match your lifestyle best.