The creative culinary team at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota always promises to deliver something magical. On Friday, October 31 from 8pm to midnight, prepare to be dazzled by the debut of some inventive new cocktails at the Day of the Dead celebration at Rufa, the Ritz’s al fresco dining experience.

“These cocktails were inspired by Día de los Muertos,” says Assistant Food and Beverage Manager Heidi Finley. “The holiday is a beautiful blend of remembrance, color and connection — a time to celebrate life while honoring those who came before us. The use of vibrant flavors, unique infusions and bright color palettes reflect the energy and artistry of the holiday itself. It’s about transformation, memory and joy.”

Like the other cocktails at Rufa, each cocktail has been named after a bird: the Cardinal, the Pelican, the Osprey and the Canary. While each one is thoughtfully crafted, the Canary stands out as bright, elegant and a little unexpected — just like the bird itself. It combines the smooth, crystalline notes of Patrón Cristalino with the smoky edge of Illegal Mezcal and the alpine freshness of Genepy. The yellow pepper–chamomile syrup adds a delicate balance of floral sweetness and gentle spice, while the chili tincture provides a subtle warmth that lingers. The result is a cocktail that feels alive. Crisp citrus from the lemon, a whisper of smoke, and a soft, peppery heat that invites another sip. It’s both refined and playful like a burst of sunlight in a glass.

“This event is more than a menu, it’s an experience that honors tradition through creativity,” says Finley. “Each cocktail tells its own story, crafted with intention and infused with ingredients that celebrate both Latin heritage and coastal Sarasota culture. From the design of the drinks to the sensory presentation, we want guests to feel that connection. To sip something that celebrates life, memory and artistry all at once.”

This experience is open to locals and guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota alike. Reservations are not required but suggested and can be made on Rufa’s OpenTable page here: https://www.opentable.com/r/rufa-sarasota.

Rufa, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota, 941-309-2000. 

Pictured: Second from the left, the Canary is one of the exciting craft cocktails that will be featured at Rufa's Dia de los Muertos Celebration. Photo credit: Peter Acker Photography.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is excited to announce its Sixth Annual Halloween Drive-Thru  event on Saturday, October 25, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the agency’s headquarters located at 6010  Cattleridge Blvd., Sarasota. Attendees will be directed to Cattleridge Boulevard between Arby’s restaurant and BP convenience  store, before heading north toward the event. Because this is a drive-thru event, there will be no on site parking, and all attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles. There will be costumes, decorations, K-9s, mounted patrol, and more. Did we mention we have close to 100,000 pieces of candy! For more information, contact the agency’s Community Affairs Office at 941.861.4005. 

Sarasotans strolling down Pineapple Avenue this month will hear the music of Mozart filling the streets outside the Opera House as rehearsals started for Sarasota Opera’s fall opera production, Così fan tutte. There will be only five performances of the fall production, performed at the Sarasota Opera House, Friday, October 31 through Saturday, November 15. Tickets are available at www.sarasotaopera.org or by calling the Box Office at 941-328-1300. 

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The world’s most famous brass quintet, Canadian Brass, brings its joyful holiday spirit and world-class musicianship back to the Sarasota Opera House on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Sarasota Concert Association, this beloved ensemble will dazzle audiences with festive favorites, from It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to Jingle Bell Rock. All delivered with their trademark blend of virtuosity, creativity, and humor. Single tickets start at $45 and are available online at SCAsarasota.org or by calling the SCA Box Office at (941) 966-6161, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

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On Wednesday, November 5 at 4pm, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its first WBTT Voices program of the 2025-2026 season. “The State of the Black Musical” will examine Black musicals over the years, taking a brief look back at the history of the genre, exploring some of the celebrated works, composers and playwrights, and examining the styles most often utilized and the caricatures typically seen. WBTT Voices Community Forums are free and open to the community. 

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Looking to save on your wellness routine? Stop by Chamberlin’s in Center Point Plaza October 28 for their Passport to Wellness Event and Sale. Natural Rewards Members who shop that day save 20% off storewide* all day! That’s 20% off throughout the store from vitamins to organic produce to skincare. Not a Rewards Member? You can sign up for the free program at the register to take advantage of this and other great sales and promotions! Chamberlin’s will have vendors in store from 11a-2p, sampling and discussing their products, from sauces to skincare to supplements. Enjoy samples of our house-made sushi, and register to win great prizes, including natural product goody bags valued at up to $100! Don’t miss the fun and savings! 

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Sarasota native Arthur “Art” Dillard will present an exhibition, A Walk Through Life: Memoirs of an Artist at the historic Leonard Reid House beginning Oct. 29. The collection explores themes of family, inspiration and connection.  It's a full circle moment for the Sarasota native whose roots run deep in the Newtown community. Dillard’s work was featured in Jet magazine, showcased at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, and displayed at the National Gala commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision in Washington, D.C. His upbringing in Sarasota continues to shape his artistic vision. The exhibition, a book talk, and a watercolor painting workshop will be held throughout the show’s run at the Reid House, located at 2529 N. Orange Ave. in Sarasota. The public is invited to visit during regular hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment. For more information or to schedule a private tour, contact Mydahlia Glover at mgloverSAACC@outlook.com. 

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center (GPAC) welcomes the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players for an exuberant evening of wit, melody, and timeless comic opera. The performance opens with a one-act version of “The Pirates of Penzance”—featuring all the famous songs and beloved characters dressed in full piratical and Victorian splendor—and concludes with an audience-selected medley of favorites from the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire. The performance is Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m., at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. Tickets and more information are available at www.gpactix.com or by calling 941-552-5325.