There is something about Sarasota that seems to defy the expectations of first-time visitors. Perhaps it is the bustling downtown, with the skyline that glows in the early evening night when crossing the John Ringling Causeway. Maybe it’s the incredible arts scene, one that is so bursting at the seams with life it almost feels out of place in a mid-sized city on the Gulf. The most likely reason, however, is more simple—it’s the fact that there is just so much to do, both during the summer months and the winter swell in population, in the area we call home.

Kelly Harb, vice president of marketing and communications at Visit Sarasota County (VSC), knows this well. “When people come to Sarasota that have never been here before, they always say, ‘I had no idea all of this was here,’” says Harb. Earlier this month, Visit Florida and VSC hosted the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show—a nationally syndicated radio broadcast that reaches 2.6 million daily listeners—during which the show broadcasted live from the new Cirque St. Armands Beachside Hotel as a part of its annual KiddNation Family Vacation special broadcast. The cast and crew spent the ensuing week from August 2 to 8 touring local businesses and attractions and sharing their experiences on-air and across social media.

Thanks to the team at VSC, the cast and crew of the Kidd Kraddick Show had plenty to do while in Sarasota County. The week started with a trolley tour of the city with Discover Sarasota Tours, before heading over to The Ringling, where they were surprised by Sarasota native and circus legend Nik Wallenda. “The producers of the show wanted to bring in the essence of our circus heritage to the experience,” says Harb. “The cast was walking the high wire and doing all of these things with him, which was great exposure for them to meet him and learn about all that he does.”

The circus-themed day continued on with a trampoline class at the Circus Arts Conservatory, before ending with dinner at Cafe on St. Armands Circle. Other events included a tour of Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a day spent at the Lido Beach Resort, a walking culinary tour of downtown Sarasota and even an E-bike tour of Myakka River State Park. “Everyone involved with the show was quite impressed with everything that we have here,” says Harb. “For the entire week, everybody kept mentioning how they have to come back to Sarasota County.”

Visit Sarasota County, 301 N Cattlemen Rd., Suite 203, Sarasota, 34232 

The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show at Myakka River State Park. Provided photo.

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Music fans will again experience the soul of blues at the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival, which returns to Waterside Park at Lakewood Ranch on Saturday, Dec. 6. The second annual all-day event, presented by Bank of America, will feature an outstanding lineup of seven nationally touring blues performers, including numerous Blues Music Award nominees and winners. Gates open at 9 a.m.; the first act will kick off the day’s performances at 10 a.m., and the festival’s last band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. 

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Five Saturdays in one month? That’s a rare treat—and we’re celebrating BIG (or sound we say LITTLE) at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime with a $5 Sale! All throughout the Bazaar you’ll discover special shelves filled with funky finds, handmade treasures, and unique goodies—all for just $5 each. It’s the perfect chance to snag something fun without breaking the bank! Join us at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. Details at www.Bazaaronapricotandlime.com. Because five Saturdays deserve $5 deals! 

 Lights at Spooky Point, the Halloween-themed light show introduced to Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus, returns in October for a fourth season. This year’s show kicks off on Friday, October 3 and remains on view nightly through November 1. Tickets for Lights at Spooky Point can be purchased through Selby Gardens’ website at selby.org or in person at either of its two campuses. Member tickets go on sale August 26; Non-member tickets go on sale September 3. To become a member, visit selby.org. 

Join Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at The Ora for the annual Champion for Children gala. This special evening celebrates the hope and opportunity that empower the young people served by the Clubs every day. This year, BGCSDC proudly honors the lasting legacy of Charles and Margery Barancik, visionary philanthropists whose belief in youth continues to inspire and shape futures. Their generosity has fueled innovative programs, scholarships, expanded staffing, critical operations, and new Club spaces. Guests will enjoy a night of inspiration as moments of the mission come to life alongside a reception, delicious three-course dinner by Michael’s on East, live and silent auctions, and moving performances by Club members. Together, we will continue building a brighter future for every child. Secure your seat today and join us in honoring the Baranciks. For more information, call 941-366-3911 or visit bgcsdc.org. 

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Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with the fifth exhibition in the series,” “Harmonies of Sound and Vision: A Celebration of the Improvisational Spirit and Classical Elegance,” featuring paintings by Donna M. Richardson, September 28–October 19, at Sarasota Orchestra’s Harmony Gallery at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. A reception with the artist is Thursday, October 2, 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

After nine years as Music Director of the Sarasota Music Festival, conductor, pianist and pedagogue Jeffrey Kahane is stepping back from the leadership role and year-round involvement of the Festival founded 61 years ago.  During his leadership of the Festival, Kahane significantly expanded the profile of new faculty alongside a core of the Festival’s most revered and treasured artists and teachers. Complementing the expansion of the faculty was Kahane’s addition of internationally renowned chamber ensembles to perform, collaborate with, and coach Festival fellows. These ensembles have included the Attacca, Calidore, Borromeo, and the Pacifica String Quartets, as well as the Montrose Trio. Most important of all to Kahane has been the expansion of the Festival vision to include the teaching and performance of world music, jazz, and folk music, along with workshops on improvisation, yoga, and mindfulness.