SRQ DAILY Oct 23, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"We believe that hospitality is more than just having a beautiful space."
On October 25, The Vampire Circus will descend into the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The 90-minute theatrical production created by former Cirque du Soleil performer Francisco Santos blends together a Tim Burton aesthetic with circus artistry and supernatural thrills. Ahead of the production at the Van Wezel, however, is another spooky element in Sarasota—the Vampire Circus Pop-Up Bar at the Sarasota Modern’s restaurant, Wink Wink Food & Drink.
“We wanted to take the concept behind the stage and create an experience where the guests could step into an atmosphere of a vampire circus themselves, and have the opportunity to embrace an unexpected little mystery and experience something completely different,” says Ashlee Rulison, director of sales at the Sarasota Modern.
Rulison and her team have transformed the restaurant’s outdoor patio into a lair full of spooky thrills and circus-themed touches to bring the concept to life. “It’s a whimsical theatrical escape that feels as though you’re stepping into another world. We’re putting up draping to make it completely private,” says Rulison. “We have vampire pictures in frames, candles and different kinds of seating, so that the area is more of a lounge space.”
The Vampire Circus Pop-Up Bar, Rulison maintains, is an environment of playful darkness rather than outright scares. Complimenting the space is a specially curated set of cocktails and menu items including the Bloody Bao and Love at First Bite. “The Bloody Bao Bun is our bao buns with fried chicken, black garlic, aioli, carrot, and pickled onions and cilantro. The Love at First Bite is a vodka raspberry lemon drop—it’s dark red with raspberry lemon, filthy cherries and a black sugar rim,” says Rulison.
For Rulison and the team at Sarasota Modern, transforming Wink Wink’s space is an important part of the job. “We believe that hospitality is more than just having a beautiful space,” says Rulison. “It’s about creating memorable experiences.”
Vampire Circus Pop-Up Bar, October 23-31, Wink Wink Food & Drink, 1290 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. 
Provided photo.
This October, The Sarasota Ballet celebrates 20 Seasons under the leadership of Iain Webb with Program One, a captivating mixed-repertoire production that highlights the Company's artistic range and excellence. Audiences will experience the Company premiere of Manner by acclaimed choreographer Gemma Bond, an insightful work exploring identity, behavior, and human connection through expressive movement. The evening also features a collection of celebrated Divertissements by Sir Frederick Ashton, one of ballet's most influential choreographers. These highlights showcase the elegance, musicality, and charm that define his beloved works. Concluding the program is Wolfgang for Webb by Dominic Walsh, the first ballet commissioned by Webb for The Sarasota Ballet. Set to the music of Mozart, this dynamic work blends classical artistry with contemporary energy. Whether you're a lifelong ballet lover or attending for the first time, Program One promises an inspiring evening of beauty, innovation, and unforgettable performances.
Photo credit: Ze Ellis in Walsh's Wolfgang for Webb
Sarasota artist Jing Herman, whose American flag painting “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness” was recently added to the collection of the White House Historical Association, will be featured in “The Beautiful Country,” a fine art exhibition presented by the Association on Tuesday, November 10, noon to 1:30 p.m., in the lobby of One Sarasota Tower, 2 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The program will include original paintings, a full-size reproduction of “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness,” and a conversation with Herman led by Jason Molihan, director of Leadership Annual Giving at the White House Historical Association. The event will begin at noon with remarks at 12:30 p.m. A light lunch and pastries will be served.
The Great Detoxification by Jing Herman. Provided photo.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) is pleased to present Igor Turin | Jewish Theatre of the World on November 30, 7:00 p.m., at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Turin, a photographer, traveled the world documenting professional Jewish theatres. His soon-to-be-released book, Jewish Theatre of the World, is the first comprehensive global documentation of all active professional Jewish theatres, including SJT. Photographer Igor Turin has traveled the world documenting professional Jewish theatres – a project initiated from a personal impulse and shaped by the experiences of recent years. The photographs capture representative moments from rehearsals and performances and offer insights into the artistic diversity of this theatrical world. Accompanying texts outline the history, development, key figures, and significant productions of each theatre.
Provided photo.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat announced today that the Hermitage, in partnership with the Goodman Theatre, will present a Chicago workshop of the newly commissioned play Casa de Mañana, written by Naomi Iizuka, the 2024-2025 recipient of the Hermitage Major Theater Award (HMTA). This will be the first Chicago HMTA workshop presented by the Hermitage, and the invitation-only presentation on October 23rd will be directed by Lisa Portes. As the fifth recipient of the Hermitage Major Theater Award (HMTA), Naomi Iizuka’s newly commissioned play is Casa de Mañana, a dark comedy that explores what it means to make art when your life and the world around you are imploding.
Provided photo.
Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, invites audiences to experience Radiance 2.0: A Candlelit Choral Experience on November 14, 2026, at Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton. Featuring the Key Chorale Chamber Singers alongside distinguished guest musicians, this immersive concert transforms an evening of music into an intimate journey of beauty, reflection, and tranquility. Surrounded by the warm glow of hundreds of candles, audiences will experience the remarkable interplay of voices and instruments in a setting designed to inspire stillness and wonder. Internationally acclaimed organist and pianist Jeremy Filsell joins violinist Jeff Thurston and cellist Susan Debronsky for a program of sublime sacred and contemplative music, creating an atmosphere where sound, light, and space come together in a deeply moving experience.
Provided photo.
ensembleNEWSRQ (enSRQ), Sarasota’s forward-looking contemporary chamber ensemble, continues its 11th season with “When Words Fail,” a program exploring music’s ability to communicate what words cannot. Featuring the world premiere of Curtis Stewart’s “Drill” (Rev. 2026), a newly revised version commissioned especially for enSRQ, the concert brings together works that range from haunting lyricism to driving rhythms and bold sonic experimentation.“There are moments when music can express something that words simply cannot,” says enSRQ co-artistic director Samantha Bennett. “What I love about this program is the extraordinary range of emotions and sounds these composers explore. Some of the music is deeply intimate and reflective, while other works are driven by incredible rhythmic energy. Each piece finds its own way of communicating with the listener.”
Samantha Bennett and George Nickson. Photo by Matthew Holler.
Due to popular demand, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has added a second matinee performance of Menopause The Musical® on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2027, at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for the newly added performance go on sale Friday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. Tickets for the 7 p.m. performance are currently on sale at VanWezel.org. In celebration of World Menopause Day, Menopause The Musical® is bringing women together to raise awareness, break down stigmas, and celebrate the humor, strength, and camaraderie that unite women through every stage of “The Change.” Celebrating 25 years of female empowerment through hilarious musical comedy, Menopause The Musical® has grown from a grassroots production into a global phenomenon, bringing women together to laugh, connect, and embrace life’s changes.
Provided photo.
Sarasota’s biggest celebration of local businesses is back and nominations are now open! The Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition celebrates the locally owned restaurants, shops, arts organizations, people, experiences and cant-miss spots that make our community one of a kind.
If your brand is ready to get on the ballot, now is the time to start rallying your customers, clients and community!
Nominations close November 11, 2026
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
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
A pioneering artist, world traveler and champion of women in the arts, Yoshida Fujio was one of the first Japanese women to receive formal training in Western-style painting and build an international career. Yoshida Fujio: Secret Gardens is the first exhibition in the southeastern United States devoted to this remarkable artist. It brings together a selection of woodblock prints and one painting spanning key moments in Fujio's long career, from her early naturalistic works to the striking abstractions of her later decades.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
The Sarasota Orchestra Harmony Gallery collaborates with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, the presenters of Voices of Color. This exhibit features the work of Jamaican-born artist Alicia Brown who works from her studio at SPAACES. Greg Cruz is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose work bridges urban nostalgia and themes of healing and human connection. Ronnique Hawkins's work spans and supports peace initiatives, vulnerable communities and awareness of prostate and breast cancer. A reception will be held on October 7, and a meet-and-greet is scheduled for October 15.
Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Trl, 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
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
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
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
A work doesn't have to be monumental to demand our attention. The fifth installment of 502 Gallery's popular annual invitational exhibition, Shopliftable, is a celebration of small-scale works by 20 artists. Each artwork is modest in size but full of possibility, inviting viewers to look closely and discover how much an artist can say within a limited physical space. The opening reception will be held on October 3 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
From fiery chemistry and haunted experiments to escape rooms and flying pickles, STEAM Saturdays classes return this fall. Every Saturday, students in grades 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8 are invited to participate in hands-on, project-based activities with themes including Haunted Alchemy, Autumn Escape Room, Fireball Chemistry and a pickle-powered aerospace class. Younger students have the chance to build technical skills, confidence and creativity while learning alongside near-peer role models.
Faulhaber Fab Lab, 4452 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota
This rock musical adaptation of Stephen King's novel follows Carrie White, a shy, bullied teenage outcast with telekinetic powers. Dominatingly controlled by her religious fanatic mother at home and tormented by peers at school, Carrie unleashes her destructive powers on prom night after a cruel prank. Powerful vocals and raw storytelling will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
The seventh year of the popular Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens will feature six programs between the Selby Gardens Downtown and Historic Spanish Point campuses. See performances and explorations of works-in-progress by Hermitage artists-in-residence and alumni. Dates include October 16, November 20, February 11, Feburary 25, March 18 and May 6. The first event, New Music Under the Old Oak, is at the Downtown Sarasota Campus at 5:30pm.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota campus and Historic Spanish Point campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
To open Sarasota Ballet's upcoming season, hear a special selection of Sir Frederick Ashton's celebrated Divertissements, offering a suite of excerpts from some of his most renowned works. Meditation from Thais, Friday's Child from Jazz Calendar, Pas de Trois from Les Rendezvous and intricate ensemble patterns of Pas de Cinq from Illuminations will take the stage. Gemma Bond tests the limits of composure with Manner, a Company premiere that explores inherited and performed behaviors through intimate choreography.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This Tony-winning stage musical is about a shy high school student with social anxiety who becomes entangled in a lie after a classmate’s suicide. By fabricating a friendship with the deceased, Evan finds the popularity and connection he always craved. He faces a crisis when his deception threatens to unravel his life and ruin his relationships. Dear Evan Hansen reminds us all that–even in our loneliest moments–you will be found.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Come one and all to a fun-filled day of comics, candy and creativity. This Halloween celebration includes free comics for all ages, Halloween-themed crafts, a chance to meet comic creators and more. A kids costume parade will be held at 2pm. Visit the other shops and restaurants around Old Manatee Historic District for more trick-or-treat fun from 11am-2pm.
Bat City Comic Professionals, 912 Manatee Ave. E, Bradenton
Experience an afternoon of local flavor, live music, waterfront views and some of Sarasota's favorite locally owned restaurants. You're invited to come hungry, bring your friends and celebrate the flavors of the local community and the delicious Gulf-coastal lifestyle. Admission is free, and food can be purchased with food tickets—each sold in $5 increments.
The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
Join Blase Martini Bar for its first dart tourney, prizes and to make a difference in the health of the community. Show off your skills on the new dart boards to benefit Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's program to provide low-income women with diagnostic screenings. Enjoy Miller Lite's all day and the special martini of the month, the Boo-Hoo.
Blase Martini Bar, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
Daring, mysterious and unforgettable—The Vampire Circus invites you into a world where the unexpected awaits. Featuring international performers, the show combines acrobatics, dance, comedy and illusion in a thrilling 90-minute immersive experience. Set in 19th-century Bohemia, Count Dracula uses a traveling circus as the perfect disguise for his sinister plan. This performance delivers a dark, high-energy spectacle inspired by Tim Burton and Cirque du Soleil.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Celebrate The Orchid Show 2026 with an exclusive after-hours viewing of the exhibition along with a cocktail reception and live entertainment by the Sarasota Opera in Selby Gardens' Event Center. The evening is sponsored by Mike and Dee Bennett.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fable, this fairy tale opera follows two siblings who encounter a beguiling Gingerbread Witch. This opera displays a timeless reflection on innocence, resourcefulness and the power of family. Hansel and Gretel is presented in three acts and includes music by Engelbert Humperdinck and words by Adelheid Wette. Tickets go on sale online on August 1 and at the box office on September 1.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
The only U.S. stop of the 2026 UCI World Cup brings the world's elite BMX Racing riders to Sarasota on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Sarasota BMX was selected by the UCI to host two UCI World Cup final rounds in 2026 and two in 2027. The facility is home to a year-round local racing program with USA BMX-certified coaching for riders at every level.
Sarasota BMX Track, 1590 N Tuttle Ave., Sarasota
Featuring a special performance by Sarasota Ballet's Dance: The Next Generation program, this high-energy concert highlights a delightfully spooky set list that fills the theater with eerie melodies, playful chills and family-friendly fun. Dancing is inspired by iconic hits like Thriller and The Monster Mash. Costumes, choreography and suprises at every turn make this Halloween-eve celebration truly unforgettable.
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
Get ready for a fang-tastic afternoon of fun at Wellen Park's Spooktacular Halloween! Bring family and friends for trick-or-treating, music, costumes and spooky good vibes.
Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice
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
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