2022 August Sarasota Events Calendar

The August Sarasota Events Calendar - A listing of fun, free or inexpensive, Sarasota happenings around the sun coast.

(*Every effort is made to provide as accurate of information as possible, however dates, times, places and event schedules are subject to change without notice due to weather conditions, last minute changes or cancellations made by event organizers, mistakes, misinformation from sources and/or events beyond anyone's control, etc.  Before making any major plans check with event organizers to confirm date of event. This Calendar is updated as information is made available.)

August 1, 2022: Online ticket sales begin for the 20th Annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest, featuring cuisine from dozens of the area’s top restaurants and samples of about 300 fine wines on November 12,2022. Early bird general admission tickets are $85; after Aug. 31, the price increases to $95. No tickets will be sold at the gate. 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL.

August 1 - 12, 2023: The Ringling Museum presents their Summer Circus Spectacular. It's presented in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota. The Summer Circus Spectacular highlights some of the finest circus acts from around the world .Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $20 Adults/ $13 Children 12 and under. The Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL. 941-360-7399 August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August 3 - 5, 2023: Break out the big hair and acid-washed denim, Laser Light Nights are back at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature! Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 25 through September 2, we are rocking out to some of your favorite artists in the Planetarium! A variety of food options and drinks are available for purchase onsite with cash or card. Tickets for shows between May 25 and July 15 will go on sale at 12:00 PM EST on May 1, 2023. Tickets for shows between July 20 and September 2 will go on sale at 12:00 PM EST on June 1, 2023. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 20110th Street West, Bradenton, FL.

August 3 - 7, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's the Florida State Dance Sport Championships' 50th Anniversary. Formerly known as  the "Brakers competition."  Every day and night is filled with dancers competing from all over the world. Traditionally morning and afternoons are dedicated for all level Pro/Am dancers and this year we expect biggest participation in 50 years. Evenings will be set for Professional Championships, and every night will have different divisions and styles where professionals will try to win and be crowned as the new 2022 Champions. Additional events include seminars with dancesport legends (open to public), gourmet dinners, general dancing and awards ceremony. Various sessions and ticket proices. The Ritz Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL.

August Sarasota Events

August 4 - 7, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's the AMI Privateers' Return to Tortuga! The theme for this years Invasion Weekend is Passport to the Tropics. The package cost for all events for the weekend and transportation to and from the hotels to the events is $225 per person. The package price for the entire weekend of events includes transportation to and from all events. Hotel rooms and hotel fees are not included in package and must be purchased separately. Tickets are available for a la carte purchase to each event. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August 5, 2022: TBA for 2023. The Lakewood Ranch sponsored Music on Main Street free monthly street party is from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Shelly Bonet will fill the air with rock, soul and good ole blues music; the deejay will keep you dancing with today’s Top 100 hits. The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids.  Bring your chairs, but leave coolers at home. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a short leash. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Lakewood Ranch is off University Parkway east of I-75.

August 5, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's another in the monthly series of Fresh Fridays in downtown Sarasota. This month’s theme is JAZZ ON PALM, featuring jazz ensemble Hot Tonic Orchestra, and the venue will be indoor/outdoor on N. Palm Avenue next to Art Ovation. The hotel will join the fun, opening the lobby for a unique, live painting exhibition by jazz-inspired artist Dan Houston. Music, art, dancing and more in downtown Sarasota, FL! 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

August 6, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's Florida Penguin's Sarasota Back-to-School Bash presented by State College of Florida at The Mall at University Town Center. This is a free event and open to the public featuring kids activities, local family services, an interactive scavenger hunt, sports mascots, performers, and a large business expo with dozens of businesses offering services for after school programs, clubs, tutoring, healthcare, and so much more. Registration is not necessary to attend and visit the sponsors. They say they have plenty of free giveaways, school supplies, and fun activities for kids. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, FL.

August Sarasota Events

August 6, 2022: TBA for 2023.  Enjoy a short road trip and the 6th Annual Tiki Fest 2022. Enjoy authentic island music and dance presented in various locations. Enjoy a fun day on Charlotte Harbor. Highlights include: The Hawaiian Band of Orlando: 12 noon, 1 and 2:30 p,m, Center Court, and live music continuing until 9 p.m. throughout Fisherman's Village. Dine at waterfront restaurants, shop at independently owned boutiques and enjoy the day. Free admission / Free parking! Noon - 9 p.m. Fisherman's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL.

August 6 - 7, 2022: TBA for 2023. Here's your chance to audition for this year's Sarasota Medieval Fair. Auditions will be Saturday and Sunday at the Woods of Mallaranny The auditions will start promptly at 9 a.m. each audition day (you only need to come one day, not both), site of the Fair during November weekends. All ages welcome for General Cast and other categories of players but children 12 and under must have a parent present at the time of auditioning.. Woods of Mallaranny. 29847 FL-70 E, Myakka City, FL 34251.

August 7, 2022: TBA for 2023. St. Armands Circle's Family Day returns for an afternoon of various activities spread throughout the Circle. Enjoy a Superhero themed treasure hunt for the kids. Make your way around the Circle to locate all the clues and have some fun with their talented face painter to display your inner Superhero. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL.

August 8, 2022: TBA for 2023. The Florida Studio Theater presents "Off The Charts" on select Saturdays and Sundays in free public performances at community locations across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Journey with them from the jukebox to the iPod as they celebrate the universal language of music! This energetic music revue features family-friendly versions of some of pop music’s greatest hits, from “Hound Dog” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Shake it Off.” With more than a dozen chart-topping songs from the past eight decades. Gulf Gate Library. Time: TBA.

August Sarasota Events

August 11, 2023: It's back! The Van Wezel's Friday Fest has returned this summer! This Friday Fest will feature TEN-76, a powerhouse high energy band that covers classic and modern rock. From the Lakewood Ranch home base, TEN-76 regularly plays many of the local venues and are expanding in the Southeast Region. They have volunteered their time and entertainment for charities (ex. Breast Cancer, Fire Victims, Veterans, First Responders, and Children in need) to help raise funds and awareness. Free admission. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverage from local vendors. Friday Fest takes place in “rain or shine.” In the event of inclement weather, the festival will move indoors to our grand foyer or main stage of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Bringing in food, beverages and coolers from outside Friday Fest is prohibited. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall lawn, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August 12, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's the Free Music Friday Night Concert. Enjoy the music of Dean Johanesen in downtown's Centennial Park. Free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to follow current CDC guidelines. Bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. No alcohol is permitted in Centennial Park. Free. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.  Centennial Park, downtown Venice, FL.

August 13, 2022: TBA for 2023. You're invited to the Summer Concert Series in Circle Park on St. Armand's Circle on select Saturdays from July to September. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family and friends, rain or shine beneath the event tent for free music featuring former American Idol finalist Jonathan Cortez; JAC of All Trades brings some star power to St. Armand's with their signature jazzy blend of live performance and high energy.11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Circle Park, St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL.

August 18 - 20, 2023: There's a Gem, Jewelry & Bead Show with lots on display to see from dealers from around the country selling gems, jewelry, beads, crystals and more. Adults $5. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August Sarasota Events

August 19 - 20, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's the Special Olympics Florida Stand-Up Paddle Competition with opening ceremonies from 8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and competition from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. among 150 athletes. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota FL

August 20, 2022: TBA for 2023. Free and fun for the whole family, it's the family friendly Annual Back to School Bash at Music Compound for school age kids with live musical performances, a bounce house, food truck, beer samples, crafts. face painting and more. 941-379-9100 Free. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Between Bee RIdge and Fruitville: Music Compound, 1751 Cattlemen road , Sarasota, FL. 941-379-9100

August 20, 2022 - September 5, 2022: TBA for 2023. The 66th annual Englewood Pioneer Festival is a family-friendly occasion filled with fun events. Here's the schedule and overview. UPDATE: The parade - along with the festival and car show - has been canceled while the Englewood Pioneer Days Committee looks at a possible later date for the parade and festival; the Cardboard Boat Races and Chalkfest are set to go on as planned.  August 27, 2022: The Cardboard Boat Race happens at the San Casa Pool at Ann Dever Park from 8 a.m. - noon. August 28, 2022: Chalkfest 11 takes place at the Ann and Chuck Dever Park. Chalk will be provided. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. September 5, 2022: The parade and festival are canceled for 2022. Everything plus a parade that beings at 9 a.m. The Parade starts at 9:00 a.m. (rain or shine). Dearborn street will be closed ONLY for the Parade on Monday Labor Day, Sept. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 11a.m. On Labor Day, the Park will open at 8:00 a.m. and The days' festivities end at 3 p.m. Check their website for more details and the latest info updates.

August 23 - 27, 2022: TBA for 2023. The 2022 Sarasota Slam with Billfish, Offshore, Inshore and Junior Angler Divisions. The Weigh In is open to the general public on August 27th and will be from 11a.m. - 4 p.m. at Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota, with a 3:00 p.m. Dockside BBQ & Party. Immediately following the Weigh In will be the Awards Ceremony. Marina Jack is home base for the tournament, Bayfront, downtown Sarasota, FL. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August Sarasota Events

August 23 -  September 19, 2021: TBA for 2023. Manatee County Animal Services hosts Clear the Shelters, the 7th annual nationwide pet adoption drive. For the entire month, all adoption fees will be waived for all pets. MCAS is participating in the nationwide Clear the Shelters initiative that seeks to help families find and adopt homeless pets. Since 2015, Clear the Shelters has resulted in more than half a million pet adoptions nationwide.The Palmetto Adoption Center and Shelter, located at 305 25th Street West in Palmetto, and Manatee County Cat Town, located at 216 6th Avenue East, Bradenton, are available to visit by appointment only. For information about Manatee County Animal Services: 941-417-9592. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August 24, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's NBP Rec Days! A great way to get on the water, family-style! Participants will have the opportunity to try stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoes, fishing and more. Fee is $10 per person. $5 per adult with accompanying child. Free for children ages 6 and younger  Family maximum: $35 (for households of five or more). All must complete the waiver forms.  Fishing licenses are required for all participants 14 and older who choose to fish. NBP Rec Days! are held at the base of the finish tower on Regatta Island. Depending on events, however, they may move to the west shore, near the playground. Signs will be in place to direct you, either way. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota FL. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August 25 - September 25, 2022: TBA for 2023. Enjoy Selby Gardens' 42nd Annual Virtual Juried Photographic Exhibition now on display. In previous years more than 500 submissions were received and, to Celebrate Selby Gardens, all photos were taken at their Downtown Sarasota or Historic Spanish Point campuses. There are five categories. Online submissions will be accepted from August 8 through August 15. In-person submissions will not be accepted, all photos must be submitted digitally. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August Sarasota Events

August 26, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's the Free Music Friday Night Concert. Enjoy the music of Clover’s Revenge in downtown's Centennial Park. Free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to follow current CDC guidelines. Bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. No alcohol is permitted in Centennial Park. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Centennial Park, downtown Venice, FL. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August 27, 2022: TBA for 2023. It's the Beat the Heat Challenge with Camp Gladiator! A one-mile fitness race. Four challenge stations. Prove your fitness level among your age group (20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59) in Camp Gladiator's Beat the Heat Challenge. A sandbell challenge, a ruck-sack challenge, a body weight challenge and a 1000m row challenge await. Register here. 8 a.m. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL

August 27, 2020: TBA for 2023.  Check out the Business Showcase (formerly Consumer Expo) with more than 100 businesses participating along with door prizes, health screenings and more. Free admission and parking. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August 27, 2022: TBA for 2023. Up for Bluegrass anyone? The Heartland/Southwest Florida Bluegrass Association has performances generally on the last Saturday of the month.Check it out with Hwy 41 South. The Jam Band will kick things off at 1:00 p.m. The Jam Band is basically anyone who wants to play (ala open mike). Admission is $7.00 for non-members, and free for members. Craig's RV Park, 7895 NE Cubitis Ave, Arcadia, FL.

August 27 - 28, 2022:TBA for 2023. The 66th annual Englewood Pioneer Festival is a family-friendly occasion filled with fun events. Saturday is The Cardboard Boat Race happening at the San Casa Pool at Ann Dever Park. Sunday is Chalkfest 11 which takes place at the Ann and Chuck Dever Park. Chalk will be provided. There will be food, vendors and music.The event runs from 9 am to 2 pm on Sunday, August 28.

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