SRQ DAILY Sep 29, 2026
Tuesday Dining and Food Edition
"I love to insert Latin cuisine into our menu as much as I can."
With gourd season upon us, Ben Hiatt is adding a roasted squash, arugula and toasted hazelnut salad to his new fall menu at Bistro at Sarasota Art Museum (SAM). “It’s about where you are and what's good right now,” the new executive chef says of his seasonal cooking.
Hiatt joined Bistro in 2020 as “a young cook just starting to learn basic sauces.” Founding executive chef Kaytlin Dangaran, now corporate chef for Constellation Culinary Group, schooled him in everything from plating to charcuterie. Hiatt’s first Bistro dish, grilled mango with tangy, chile-laced chamoy, drew on his Cuban roots. “I love to insert Latin cuisine into our menu as much as I can,” he says.
Za'atar-roasted chicken wrap with beet hummus joins the lineup. Hiatt calls the shoots from Mandy's Microgreens “undeniable”, and every loaf comes from C'est La Vie, his largest local purveyor.
After hours, the kitchen gets to play. Bistro's Pop-Up Nights return Oct. 7 with an exhibition tour, usually led by SAM executive director Virginia Shearer. Afterwards, guests descend into the dining room, which doubles as gallery space. “You’re inspired, you see the art, and then see that transitioned onto the plate,” says Bistro general manager John Dangaran.
Months ahead, Hiatt’s team spends a day studying art with curators, another designing the four-course menu. “We don't like to rush the process,” he says, aiming for “layers of meaning,” and “little aha moments.”
For the Sol LeWitt dinner, orange persimmon tartare gets lump crab and ruby pomegranate. Bone-in pork chop joins golden butternut squash risotto, grilled chicory and pear mostarda. Apple-cranberry cake closes the night. In November, Judy Glickman Lauder's photography sparks a swing from magenta borscht to hazelnut-chocolate dacquoise.
The fun starts with the amuse-bouche, that first taste. For a past show, black ribbons in an artwork became the wrapper of a salmon poke cigar; red flecks led to a beet-cured fish. As Hiatt puts it, “You see that... ah, okay, all right, here we go.”
Bistro Sarasota Art Museum, Mon-Sun 10 am- 3pm, Bistro Pop-Up Nights monthly, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-330-9881, sarasotaartmuseum.org 
Pictured: Executive Chef Ben Hiatt brings seasonality and color to his new fall menu at Bistro. Photo courtesy of Bistro at SAM.
Hollywood, 1927. The movies are learning to talk, and silent film star Don Lockwood has a problem: his leading lady’s voice could sink their picture. This fall, Asolo Repertory Theatre opens its 2026–27 Mainstage season with Singin’ in the Rain, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Set amid the upheaval of Hollywood’s transition to sound, the musical follows Don, Kathy and Lina Lamont through a tangle of romance, ambition and movie magic. Songs by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown bring the story to life onstage. The year 1927 also marks a turning point in Sarasota’s history, making this production a fitting start to Asolo Rep’s season inspired by the city’s circus centennial. Singin’ in the Rain runs November 18 through January 2 at the Mertz Theatre. Explore dates and get tickets at asolorep.org.
Got plans for the second Friday of the month? Now you do! Second Friday is back at Taste of Spain SRQ, starting Friday, October 9, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Stop by for Paella Taste of Spain by the portion, choose from a selection of Spanish tapas and enjoy complimentary sangria while you browse the shop. Bring a friend and spend a little Friday evening in Spain in Gulf Gate.
Taste of Spain SRQ, 2667 Mall Drive, Sarasota.
Sun King Brewery today announced several strategic enhancements to its Florida operations designed to position the company for continued success in the evolving craft beer landscape while deepening its commitment to local partnerships and the Sarasota-Bradenton community. Beginning in October, Sun King will transition brewing operations from its Sarasota brewery to a trusted co-manufacturing partner, Sun Lab Brewing, in nearby Bradenton. This new collaboration allows Sun King to streamline operations, maintain local production of its Florida-brewed beers and support another independent Florida brewery through a collaborative partnership.
The dining scene at University Town Center (UTC) is getting a bold new addition. Hawkers Asian Street Food, a Florida-born concept known for its vibrant flavors, shareable plates and high-energy atmosphere inspired by the open-air markets of Asia, is coming soon to the West District at UTC. Founded in Orlando in 2011 by four childhood friends, Hawkers has grown to 16 locations across the Southeast and Texas. The brand will bring its flavor-forward take on Asian street food to a 5,054-square-foot location along Cattlemen Road, adding another distinctive dining experience to UTC’s growing collection of restaurants and cafes. For more information on University Town Center, visit www.utcsarasota.com
Provided photo.
Taste of the Beaches is just one week away. From October 3–11, residents and visitors can explore 50 participating restaurants across the Tampa Bay Beaches. Each $10 Taste ticket can be redeemed for one featured Taste item at a participating restaurant. The lineup offers everything from coffee and bagels to seafood, Cuban favorites and creative cocktails. Participating restaurants include Beach Meats, MadFish St. Pete Beach, Mastry’s Brewing, Pipo’s Cuban Cafe, Sundrop at The Luce Hotel and many more. A portion of Taste of the Beaches proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, supporting its work to expand access to affordable homeownership in the community.
Jefferson Fit, a full-service fitness and recovery center in downtown Sarasota, is bringing back FREE FIT DAY after a strong turnout for its first event in September. The free morning of fitness, recovery and connection returns Sunday, October 4, from 7 to 10 a.m. FREE FIT DAY is open to members, non-members and all fitness levels. The morning begins with check-in and warmups at 7 a.m., followed by a downtown Sarasota 5K run/walk at 7:30 a.m. and an outdoor bootcamp at 8 a.m. Additional workout and group fitness activities will take place throughout the morning. Guests can also explore Jefferson Fit’s recovery amenities, including cold plunge, dry and infrared saunas, HaloRed salt and red light therapy, Hyperice compression and the recovery lounge. Coffee will be provided by Sarasota Sips, with refreshments from Sprouts Farmers Market.
FREE FIT DAY, Sunday, October 4, 7–10 a.m, Jefferson Fit, 1800 Second Street, Suite 100, Sarasota.
PHoto courtesy of Jefferson Fit.
Fresh Fridays is back, and season 6 will be the freshest yet! On October 2, on Main Street from 7 to 10 pm, experience the season premiere: Sunset Soundwaves: A Yacht Rock Experience. Located between First Watch and Clasico, the event will feature a live performance by Yach-A-Rock, local food vendors offering light bites and refreshments, free giveaways, and a special photo opportunity with a boat on site. This season is full of new and exciting themes, making it a perfect way to kick off the season after the long summer break.
Sarasota Orchestra has received $25,000 in grant funding from The Exchange in support of the 2026-2027 Young Person’s Concerts (YPC). This includes a Program Grant of $20,000, as well as $5,000 from the Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Grant. Sarasota Orchestra’s YPC are experienced by nearly 9,000 students annually and have been presented since 1953. This live orchestra concert experience for fourth and fifth grade students combines a year-long curriculum in schools with a field trip to see the professional Sarasota Orchestra in concert. For further information, please visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org
It’s almost time! Best of SRQ Local 2027 nominations open October 7, giving Sarasota-area businesses, organizations and community favorites a chance to make the official ballot. Encourage your customers and clients to show their support and nominate your brand during the five-week nomination round, running through November 11. Save the date and get ready to rally your community!
Nominations open October 7, 2026
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.
Every Saturday and Sunday, Cask and Ale on Main Street lifts a toast and taps a toe to a delicious brunch with a diverse chef-prepared menu. Try the rotating chef's special menu, bottomless mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. On Sundays, hear live jazz music from 12pm-4pm.
Cask and Ale, 1548 Main St., Sarasota
Enjoy a delicious brunch offered every Sunday at Tripletail Seafood and Spirits on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room. The menu features a variety of dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent creme brulee French toast, steak and eggs, lobster benedict, crab and shrimp omelet and the Tripletail brunch burger. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or mimosa with the purchase of any entree.
Tripletail Seafood and Spirits, 4870 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
The popular Halloween-inspired light show returns to Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point! The campus is transformed into Spooky Point where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and boo-tanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts campy, creepy and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages. Tickets go on sale August 24.
Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trl, Osprey
Fresh Fridays is back, and season 6 is shaping up to be the freshest yet. This event series returns on Main Street, between First Watch and Clasico, with Sunset Soundwaves: A Yacht Rock Experience. See a live performance by Yacht-A-Rock, a band dedicated to bringing the signature sounds of the yacht rock era to the stage. Guests can expect a high-energy performance featuring familiar favorite artists, including Michael McDonald, Steely Dan, Chicago, Jackson Browne and more.
Downtown Sarasota, Main Street, Sarasota
In its 21st season titled Raices y Vuelos, Sarasota Contemporary Dance partners with acclaimed bassist Johnnie Barker and The Barker Project for a high-energy collaboration that fuses live music and contemporary dance into an electrifying shared experience. Known for its signature combination of jazz, funk, blues, rock and gospel, The Barker Project brings a fluid, improvisational sound world that meets SCD's dynamic movement language in real time.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Join historians Dr. Brian Steele and Dr. John A. Ragosta for an insightful discussion examining the enduring legacy of Thomas Jefferson. The speakers will explore Jefferson's contributions to U.S. politics, society and government, including the significance of the Jeffersonian Revolution of 1800. The conversation will cover his views on religious freedom, his early vision for the executive branch, his perspective on loyal opposition and his lasting impact on American nationhood.
Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
In its third year, this Wellen Park festival invites family and friends into a traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere with German dancers, a live polka band, a stein-hoisting competition and plenty of beer and brats. Experience the inaugural keg tapping and hear the DeLeon Family Oktoberfest Band with three generations of accordion players. Food and drink options include Banyan House, La Maison, Pop Dawgs and more. Parking lots and street parking are available along Sunglow Boulevard and Springtide Way.
Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice
Based on the novel by Bram Stoker and adapted by Ren Pearson, The Players Studio Black Box invites audiences into the shadows with one of the most iconic Gothic tales ever written. Mysterious, thrilling, romantic and terrifying, Dracula will explore fear, obsession and the darkness that lives just beneath the surface.
The Players Studio Black Box, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota
This spirited musical ghost trolley tour with an historic bent returns for its 8th year with tour times at 7pm or 8:30pm. Talented cast members Kaylene McCaw and MariAnne Hernandez alternate as Lady Melody, the tour's ghost hostess, and tell stories of haunted buildings as they welcome aboard mystery spirits played by David Springer, Michael De Mocko, Olivia Turpening and Sarah Van Keuren. Prizes are awarded for best costume each night. Tickets include complimentary beer or wine before boarding and free parking.
Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th St., Sarasota
Hear Duke Ellington's music as you've never heard it before with this Tony Award-winning theatrical journey. Directed by Jim Weaver, Sophisticated Ladies shares elegant and timeless hits including It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing and Don't Get Around Much Anymore. Every song tells its own story of the romance, humor and refined style of the time. Performances are offered at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave., Sarasota
Join the Markovitz Socratic Stage Series for a vital dialogue on the state of American education featuring Erika Donalds, Founder and Chairman of the Education Freedom Foundation, and Richard Corcoran, President of New College of Florida.
Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Featuring Isabella Ling Sun on violin, Ching-Yu Tseng on cello and Daniel Chen-Wang on piano, Trio Sinfonia opens the season for Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. Born out of the chamber music department at the New England Conservatory, the ensemble unites three passionate musicians who share a deep love for chamber music. Their program will feature Brahms' Trio in B Major and Mendelssohn's Trio in C Minor.
Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Ct., Sarasota
For the fourth annual Diverse Fest, the Harvest Sarasota invites the community to come together for this celebration of inclusion, connection and love. Diverse Fest welcomes local nonprofits, LGBTQ+ groups, BIPOC-owned businesses, artists and performers. Highlights of this year's festival will include live performances by DJ Brianna Lee, The Harvest Band and Georgia Moore. Workshops will be presented by Crunch Fitness, The Sarasota Players and more. Food trucks include Simply Greek by WynnBerry, Rolling Perk Coffee Truck, Chasin Chicken Food Truck and others.
Harvest House Campus, 3650 17th St., Sarasota
Celebrating 15 years of Strider Cup World Championships, this event will bring together hundreds of toddlers and preschoolers from across the globe to the same track that Olympians will be racing on to qualify for LA28. Register your 2-, 3- or 4-year-olds to race on their Strider Bike; no other balance bike brands are allowed. Non-racers and families are welcome to join in and attend the event. Local vendors, games and giveaways are available, along with a beach party on October 11.
Sarasota BMX, 1590 N Tuttle Ave., Sarasota
This gripping musical journey by Karl Jenkins is widely recognized as the most performed classical work by a living composer. Hear musical traditions and texts from cultures around the world that echo a universal plea for peace. The Armed Man moves audiences from conflict to hope in this unforgettable concert experience presented by Key Chorale, with guest artist Amanda Crider.
First United Methodist Church, 104 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Opening the fall 2026–spring 2027 season at SPAACES, this exhibit showcases artists who work outside the public eye. Curator Yosnier Miranda brings together artists who maintain dedicated, disciplined studio practices while choosing not to exhibit their work publicly. Bedroom Communities offers a rare opportunity to encounter work that has largely remained unseen despite years of thoughtful and passionate creation.
SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St., Sarasota
Sarasota Opera's DaCapo Society invites Sarasota's younger arts patrons aged 21-45 to go Behind the Seams at the fall season launch party: Cocktails, Costumes and Connections. The evening will include appetizers, an open bar and a behind-the-scenes tour of Sarasota Opera's renowned costume warehouse led by longtime resident costume designer Howard Tsvi Kaplan, highlighting this season's newest designs. DaCapo's launch party will give both current DaCapo members and those interested in learning more about the group a backstage look into the world of opera costuming.
Sarasota Opera Costume Warehouse, 8161 25th Ct. E, Sarasota
Directed by Preston Boyd, this bold new drama explores guilt, redemption and the search for light in a world shattered by violence. A haunted young Latino gang member and an aging rabbi form an unlikely bond inside a crumbling East L.A. synagogue, now used as a community center. Blending humor, poetry, rap and prayer, the performance asks whether broken souls can find a way to heal.
The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Sarasota's forward-looking contemporary chamber ensemble, enSRQ, opens its 11th season with the Sarasota debut of two-time Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth. The collaboration brings together eight singers and five instrumentalists for a boundary-pushing program exploring the expressive possibilities of the human voice. Hear Peter Shin, Leilehua Lanzilotti, Caroline Shaw and more.
First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave., Sarasota
Each Saturday in October at the Arts Advocates Gallery, guests can view Elisabeth Trostli's new exhibition. The artist's work explores artificial intelligence as a provocative tool for expanding the artist's imagination and invites viewers to look beyond the technology itself and consider what it means to create art in an era when the boundaries between imagination, digital tools and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing. Trostli will present a demonstration on October 3 at 3pm.
Art Advocates Gallery, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Open to ages 5-19, this tournament is an awesome opportunity for young anglers to enjoy some friendly competition. Bring your rod and reel, and arrive by 8am for an 8:30am check-in. The tournament begins at 9am.
Lake Uihlein, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton
Enjoy fresh produce, local art, music and free family activities on Bradenton's Old Main Street every Saturday from October through May. Local farmers, artisans and chefs share their talents, and you'll always be greeted with a smile from the market vendors.
Old Main Street, 400 12th St. W, Bradenton
Hear this award-winning Chicago-based saxophone quartet at the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota for an evening of lively contemporary music. Synchrony Quartet features Philip Kleutgens on soprano saxophone, Hudson O'Reilly on alto, Matthew Johnson on tenor and Haven Kahn on baritone. The program includes works by Caroline Shaw, Anton Webern, Astor Piazzolla and more. After the concert, join the musicians at a meet and greet with light refreshments.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota
One night, two great causes and countless wagging tails. This dog-friendly fundraising event benefits the American Cancer Society and EIO Rescue Ranch. Enjoy live music by Nora Ricci, adoptable animals, raffles and a dog fashion show while supporting local businesses and community partners. Join Paws for the Cure to help support people impacted by cancer and animals in need.
Dog Bar Sarasota, 1314 10th St., Sarasota
Explore the Mote Aquarium after dark as you stroll through immersive exhibits, encounter sharks, rays, sea turtles and thousands of other marine animals, and enjoy tastings from local and regional breweries, wineries, distilleries and other beverage partners. Enjoy live music throughout the evening. Tickets include a commemorative tasting glass, Sharktoberfest swag bag, raffles and access to the entire Aquarium after hours. Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Mote Science Education Aquarium, 225 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota
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