Sarasota is a celebrated tourist destination and a bona fide foodie town, where visitors and locals alike indulge in everything from beachfront cocktails to fine dining. But behind the scenes there are tens of thousands of food service workers who keep the city’s restaurants, cafes, and hotels humming. Watershed Hospitality Concepts is a local family of restaurants comprising Blase Martini Bar/3.14 Pi Pizza, Cask & Ale, Pie on Main and Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar. This month, they have partnered with Giving Kitchen by participating in their nationwide Dining With Gratitude initiative which supports food service workers who find themselves in times of crisis.

“Giving Kitchen is an incredible organization. They’ve helped people facing homelessness and food insecurity. Since their inception they’ve helped over 30,000 food service workers,” says Mike Quillen, president of Watershed Hospitality Concepts. “We certainly want to do anything we can to help our employees, so we’re really proud to support this organization.”

During the month of September, for every plate of oysters sold at Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, one dollar will be given to the Dining With Gratitude initiative. Watershed Hospitality will also contribute proceeds from every espresso martini sold at one of their restaurants (they chose one of their most popular cocktails to maximize donations).

“We’ve also gotten Atlas Insurance who does our insurance and Zenith Insurance that does our workman’s comp to match all of our donations,” Quillen adds.

This promotion runs through the end of September, so be sure to visit any of the Watershed Hospitality Concepts restaurants to enjoy an espresso martini in support of a great cause. You can also learn more about Giving Kitchen’s mission at givingkitchen.org. 

Pictured: Through the end of September, you can support food service workers by enjoying an espresso martini at Blase Martini Bar/3.14 Pi Pizza, Cask and Ale, Pie on Main and Lefty’s Oyster and Seafood Bar. Provided photo.

Downtown Sarasota’s signature event, Fresh Fridays, is back to celebrate its fifth anniversary with Main Street Mixer on Friday, October 3, from 7–10 p.m. on Main Street. This free community event features food and drinks from local vendors, giveaways, and fun Polaroid photo opportunities. Since its launch in 2021, Fresh Fridays has grown into one of Sarasota’s largest recurring events, drawing over 4,000 attendees each month and significantly boosting revenue and foot traffic for downtown merchants. Backed by the Downtown Improvement District and the City of Sarasota, the series has become a cornerstone of downtown revitalization and community connection. Visit www.freshfridayssarasota.com to learn more. 

Artful Indulgence is about bringing together the best of two worlds—fine dining and fine art—in an unforgettable evening,” says Barbara Gerdeman, a co-founder of Creative Liberties. That vision comes to life when Creative Liberties partners with Chaz 51 Steakhouse to present "Artful Indulgence: An Evening of Art & Fine Dining, Wednesday, November 5, 6-8 p.m. Guests will enjoy exquisite cuisine, a live culinary demonstration, the chance to meet local artists, and a silent art auction. Chaz 51 Steakhouse, 549 US-41 Bypass, Venice. Tickets can be reserved at Chaz51Steakhouse.com 

Celebrate the creativity of Donna M. Richardson at the upcoming Art Innovation Zone Exhibition. Her work, Harmonies of Sound and Vision, offers a moving exploration of sound, movement, and visual storytelling. Mark your calendar for the Artist Reception on Thursday, October 9, and be part of this inspiring event. 

To learn more click here

Enjoy a delicious lunch in our world-class bayfront setting and a fascinating discussion with British contemporary artist featured in The Orchid Show Rebecca Louise Law together with David Berry, Selby Gardens' Vice President for Visitor Engagement and Chief Museum Curator, and Angel Lara, Vice President for Botanical Horticulture. The event will also include a book signing with the artist. Proceeds from Lunch in the Gardens support Selby Gardens’ community outreach education programs; international research and conservation; and beautiful, world-class horticulture displays.

Fall Lunch in the Gardens, Wednesday, October 22, 11am-1pm, Downtown Sarasota campus in celebration of The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law. 

To learn more click here

Sarasota Opera is thrilled to announce its 2026 Car Raffle, offering participants the chance to win a luxurious 2026 Lexus GX or a $50,000 cash prize. This exciting fundraiser supports Sarasota Opera’s mission to produce world-class opera performances and expand its education and outreach programs throughout the community.  Presented in proud partnership with Lexus of Sarasota, the raffle is open to participants near and far. Every ticket purchased helps fuel the programs that inspire, educate, and bring the joy of opera to audiences of all ages. Tickets are available now at https://www.sarasotaopera.org/car-raffle, and the drawing will take place on April 13, 2026. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold, so early participation is encouraged. 

For ticket information click here.

Venice Theatre can't wait for Taylor Swift fans to experience the Swift Tribute Band on Monday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $56 for adults and only $31 for youth through age 18, providing a more affordable opportunity to hear Taylor Swift's hits from all of her eras in a high-energy live show. Tickets for the Swift Tribute Band and all Venice Theatre shows through May 2025 are on sale now at VeniceTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 941-488-1115.