Celebrate your Saturday night in style with the return of Chillounge Night, the annual celebration from founder and organizer Rainer Scheer bringing performance, music, fashion, food and its trademark laid-back swank for a night of revelry and community under the stars. Dubbed "Cirque du Chill," this year sees Chillounge partnering with the Circus Arts Conservatory and Nock Productions for a themed event featuring jugglers, aerialists, dancers, art installation and live music, all within the natural beauty of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

“Sarasota is a circus town and we have all these wonderful acts,” said Scheer, who credits efforts from other community leaders such as Pedro Reis of the Circus Arts Conservatory and event partner of four years, BMW of Sarasota, in making this year’s themed event possible. “And I am very proud that Selby Gardens allows to put the event on and happy to have them behind me.”

Thrill-seekers will be enraptured by Joseph Dominic Bauer’s Wheel of Destiny and Nock Productions’ sway pole performers, while Sarasota’s circus-hounds will get a laugh from circus legend, Chucko the clown. Uncover the secrets of Vladimir the Mystery Juggler or get gobsmacked by the impressive feats of balance and strength from Duo Romanesc. It’s a star-studded lineup from Ana Molinari’s Fashion Show to performances from Gypsy Allure and Miss Gena, with the promise of high-flying acts like the Sarasota premiere of the international AeroSphere Aerial Balloon Show overhead and a high-society feel all around.

“Chillounge Night always has a great demographic,” said Scheer, who hopes that this year’s theme will help expand it even more, combining Sarasota’s circus enthusiasts and nightlife partiers. And after eight successful years, Scheer still tried to raise the bar. “I am just somebody who loves a challenge – I want something different, I’m thinking outside the box,” said Scheer, who jokes that he will be the only one not able to chill the night of the party. “But I’m always so proud and happy when I see everything come together and everybody has a great time.”

The 8th Annual BMW of Sarasota Chillounge Night kicks off this Saturday at 7pm in the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Tickets are $25 in advance and $40 at the door. Although the party has been rescheduled due to weather considerations, Scheer reports that all previously scheduled performers are still on board.