SRQ DAILY Jul 21, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"We love an event where people create memories."
Frozen, frothy indulgence has claimed its own day since 1978. Every July 10, San Juan's annual festival, now in its sixth year, fills Old San Juan's bars with $5 cocktails. Pubs across the UK host themed nights. Restaurants from Miami to Los Angeles mark the date with specials. This Saturday, July 25, the celebration arrives in Florida for the first time.
"Everybody loves piña coladas," says Frances Vives, founder of VD Brands and producer of Piña Colada Fest, who organized the inaugural event at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. "We wanted to bring that here. It’s something to look forward to every summer."
Vives modeled the festival on Puerto Rico's celebrations with Coco López, the cream of coconut from the original 1954 recipe, as a presenting sponsor. The signature stays faithful to the founding formula: Coco López, pineapple juice and white rum blended over ice until frothy.
The resort's culinary team, led by Chef Anthony Castro, designed a Caribbean menu for the occasion. Boneless chicken thighs with traditional jerk spices hit the skewer. Mahi-mahi comes chargrilled with a tangy mango-pineapple salsa. Crisp tostones, smashed flat and fried twice, meet garlic dip and sofrito aioli. Plenty of rice-n-beans for all.
Festivities center on the pool. Steely Pan opens with Caribbean steel drums and a salsa dance class warms up the crowd. Combo Fusion brings a Latin American set while DJ Platinum closes the fiesta. Sip your way through rum tastings from Lugo's Craft Distillery, a Puerto Rican label producing in Lakeland. Artist Ed Pérez paints coastal landscapes live, and Jing Herman brings her American flag canvases textured with shells and sand.
“We are putting so much effort into making this a great event, for families and people to connect with the culture,” Vives says. "We love an event where people create memories.”
Piña Colada Fest, Sat., July 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, Palmetto. VIP tickets include after-party access at the Oyster River Rooftop. Tickets at pinacoladafest.net. 
Pictured: Signature pina colada with Coco López coconut cream and Lugo's handcrafted Pitorro rum Photo courtesy of the Pina Colada Fest.
Gecko’s Hospitality Group is proud to announce that Chief Operating Officer Fiona Farrell has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Impact in Action Award by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes a Leadership Sarasota alumnus who is actively creating meaningful change and helping shape the future of Sarasota through leadership, service and community involvement. Farrell will be honored during the Chamber’s Celebrate Outstanding Leadership Awards luncheon on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Michael’s On East Restaurant & Catering. For more information about Gecko's Grill & Pub, visit www.geckosgrill.com
Located along Sarasota’s waterfront, Ocean Prime offers an elevated oyster experience with a variety of ways for guests to enjoy these coastal favorites. From the signature Smoking Shellfish Tower and seafood displays to pairing freshly shucked oysters with chilled champagne, oysters are a standout part of the Ocean Prime dining experience. The restaurant also features Rose & Garnet, an exclusive private-label East Coast oyster developed in partnership with Cape Cod Oyster Co. Cultivated in the pristine waters of Vineyard Sound, this oyster is available as a permanent menu offering and highlights Ocean Prime’s commitment to sourcing exceptional seafood. Whether enjoyed on their own, alongside crab legs and other shellfish favorites, or as part of a celebratory waterfront dining experience, Ocean Prime Sarasota is a destination for oyster lovers this National Oyster Day.
Pictured: Ocean Prime oysters and crab legs. Provided photo.
Save your appetite! The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of Taste of the Beaches 2026, kicking off on Friday, October 2, with Taste Week running October 3 through October 11. For just $10, food lovers can discover new local favorites, revisit beloved restaurants, and experience the incredible flavors of the Tampa Bay Beaches. Whether it's the restaurant you've always wanted to try or your go-to neighborhood spot, Taste of the Beaches offers an affordable way to explore the area's vibrant dining scene while supporting a local nonprofit organization. This year's nonprofit partner will be announced soon.For more information, visit tampabaybeaches.com or contact the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce at 727-360-6957.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to produce The Last Romance, a charming love story for anyone who believes the best chapters still lie ahead. Written by Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro, this endearing adventure bookends FST’s 2026 Summer Mainstage Series. Performances begin in the Gompertz Theatre on July 22, with an official opening on July 24, 2026.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is keeping the laughter rolling all summer long with an exciting lineup of improv performances and workshops. The season continues with the return of Orlando's acclaimed Forgotten Broadway and FST Improv's fan-favorite showdown Out of Bounds. Together, these performances promise weeks of spontaneous comedy and unforgettable fun. Tickets for performances and workshops are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits delicious Sunday Brunch is from 11am-3pm. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. The brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée. Prices range from $13 to $26. Reservations can be made through Open Table or by calling 941-529-0555.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, 4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
Delightfully Funky Since 1997, Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village has been Sarasota’s cozy, funky go-to for inventive food, handcrafted martinis, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s perfect for date nights or casual hangouts—offering bold flavors, expertly mixed drinks, and a setting that feels both relaxed and refreshingly unique. Join us for the launch of our Summer Pizza & Martini Menu, featuring hand-tossed specialty Pizzas, Pineapple Upside Down Vodka Martini for June, Siesta Suns Orange Vodka in July & Just Peachy Vodka Martini in August.
Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
Sarasota and Manatee County residents are invited to trade their everyday routine for a day full of Caribbean culture, craft cocktails, and live music when Pina Colada Fest 2026 takes over The Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10am-6pm. With a day pass, you will enjoy for a whole day a lineup of live Caribbean entertainment, including a Steel Drum Band, Sarasota's beloved Latin American fusion group Combo Fusion, Fleming, and high-energy sets from our Host, DJ Platinum.
The Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa , The Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, Palmetto, Florida
Visit the beautiful Phillippi Estate for Friends of the Sarasota County History Center's third annual picnic fundraiser. Enjoy a variety of offerings from food trucks and listen to Paisley Craze Band perform rockadelic 60s hits. Advance reservations open September 14.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
As part of ASC's Lighter Fare series, the joyful trio Biriba Union performs original compositions that draw on the freestyle theatrics of hip-hop and Go-go music, the effortless beauty of Brazilian forro and choro, the earthiness of American roots music and the improvisational spontaneity of jazz. Hear Mike Block on cello and vocals, Christylez Bacon on beatbox, guitar and rhymes, and Patricia Ligia on electric bass and vocals. This open seating concert will be held outdoors at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, weather permitting. A cash bar by Michael's on East will also be available.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
Presented by Key Chorale, the Chamber Singers invite you into a world of beauty, reflection and wonder at this candlelit choral experience. The choir is joined by renowned organist Jeremy Filsell, violinist Jeff Thurston and cellist Susan Dobronsky. Here contemplative and sacred selections by Faure, Paulus, Gjeilo and Esenvalds at this evening of serenity and inspiration.
Christ Episcopal Church, Bradenton, 4030 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton
Learn about Sarasota history with guide John McCarthy on this relaxing cruise to learn illuminating facts about the region. This event is a major fundraiser that helps with the restoration and preservation of the Crocker Memorial Church and the Bidwell-Wood House. Enjoy snacks and a cash bar on board the LeBarge. Reserve tickets soon because seating is limited. Meet at Bayfront Park on the lawn in front of LeBarge at 10:30am to receive your name badge, which serves as your entry ticket.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota
The Sarasota Youth Opera presents a whimsical journey of imagination, family and self-discovery this November. With music and text by Rachel J. Peters, Rootabaga Country follows Gimme the Ax and his children as they journey through the imaginative landscape of Rootabaga Country to learn more about the mother they never knew. Along this way, they discover that love and belonging come in many forms. Tickets go on sale online August 1.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Delight in thrilling tournaments, delicious feasts and exciting games at the 22nd Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair. On Saturdays and Sundays, travel back in time to The Siege of Paris in 845 A.D. through plays and shows about the people who shaped this time period. Kids can participate in crafts, storytime and dress-up while adults embark on a pub crawl or attend the Masquerade of Mordred Pendragon. An artisan marketplace will showcase over 140 vendors. Act fast, because ticket sales end on June 24.
Mallaranny Farms, 29847 FL-70, Myakka City
Across from Marina Jack's in downtown Sarasota, see a variety of original fine art pieces. Peruse and purchase drawings, fiber works, jewelry, photography, paintings, sculptures and other media. Hot Works focuses on visual arts that are juried by art professionals.
J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota
Curious about the Mediterranean Way of Eating? Join us for Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way, an engaging, educational series that will transform your approach to food! Discover seven simple steps to healthier meals, learn easy recipes, and pick up practical tips that fit right into your everyday life. Registration includes a recipe book. 6-Week Program, Mondays: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, and 8/31 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This class will be virtual and will have a cost of $10 per person. Zoom link for the class will be emailed to participants before the start of class.
Virtual, Virtual
Ever wonder what goes into creating a circus? The Ringling's Canvas City exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make the spectacular entertainment venues come to life, from tentmakers and photographers to costume designers. See over 1,500 pieces, including circus costumes, leotards, band uniforms, animal blankets and more. Costumes on view will be rotated throughout the year as museum registrars review the collection and add notes and new photography to their records.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
By audience demand, Florida Studio Theatre is extending Dog Mom through August 2. This comical play created by writer, producer and filmmaker Tate Elizabeth celebrates the unconditional bond between a dog and its human–even if that human is the least dog-friendly person on the planet. Director Nancy Rominger delivers a heartwarming and hilarious production that journeys through self-discovery and unlikely friendships.
Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
This summer, Selby Gardens is excited to present an indoor and outdoor exhibition featuring the work of legendary American photographer, Lynn Goldsmith, who is renowned for both her celebrity portraits and fine art images. Goldsmith’s exhibition at the Downtown Sarasota campus will combine stunning images of flowers with intimate portraits of Selby Gardens’ artist in residence – Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Get ready to move this summer with Sarasota Contemporary Dance and guest teachers in sunny Sarasota for a week-long dance intensive, unlike any other! You have three weeks to choose from-or do all three!
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Suite 300, Sarasota, FL 34236
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