SRQ DAILY Oct 30, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"The play dives into questions of legacy and egos."
On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first intelligible speech transmission to his assistant Thomas Watson via the telephone. Or so the story of the invention of the telephone goes. In reality, Bell had received the first U.S. patent for the telephone three days prior—but the circumstances regarding his “invention” of the telephone are mired in controversy. Italian innovator Antonio Meucci built an early voice-transmitting device, the teletrofono, in 1849. American electrical engineer Elisha Gray filed a patent caveat for a similar invention the same day that Bell applied for his patent.
Gray’s misfortune—and Bell’s success—are the subject of Urbanite Theatre’s first play of its main-stage season, Ahoy-Hoy by Jenny Stafford. The winner of the “Audience Favorite” award at Urbanite’s 2025 Modern Works Festival, Ahoy-Hoy is a Rolling World Premiere with the National New Play Network, making Sarasota audiences some of the first to see the farcical play.
“Sometimes when a play is in the Modern Works Festival or I’ve read it, I’m like, ‘that is an Urbanite play,’” says Summer Wallace, co-founder and producing artistic director of Urbanite Theatre. “Who knew a play about the telephone would be so delightful and so funny and also make you question your own life’s purpose? It’s a play that I’d call unhinged—it’s fast, it’s furious, it’s inventive.”
Ahoy-Hoy follows Gray as he races to create the telephone before Bell. The rival’s mad dash to make history, however, brings the characters through time, taking place both in 1876 and right now. The movement in time accentuates the themes of legacy that pervade the show—a plot device that Wallace maintains adds depth to the comedy. “The play dives into questions of legacy and ego,” she says. “It looks to answer that question—are all the sacrifices you’ve made, all of these quests and dreams of yours—have they made you happy?”
Ahoy-Hoy, Oct 30-Nov 29, Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota. 
Ben Williamson, Amber McNew, Casey Murphy and Ariel Blue. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
As our region’s luxury real estate continues to evolve, what are some of the key factors that are driving today’s market?
Judi Taulbee: Definitely price, quality and the incentives that builders and sellers are offering. Location is always key, as well. People like walkability with restaurants and shops nearby. A lot of people are looking for bundled golf communities, too. We have a lot of golfers here and buyers don't want to leave their homes—they want everything all in the same place, other than going out for shopping. They want all of their amenities close by.
Darcie Duncan: It has a lot to do with lifestyle. People have hybrid work modes where they can work remotely so they can be flexible with ownership, whether they are looking for their primary residence or second or third home. We are seeing a lot of relocation too because of Midwest and Northeast taxes and because people want warmer weather. They're looking at tax benefits and truly trying to slow down a little bit. The weather keeps us strong and the scarcity of good coastal property—there's not much left of it, so, I do think that keeps our demand up as well.
Masterworks: Beethoven and Prokofiev, November 7th at 7:30 pm and November 8th at 2:30 pm, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Feel the collective rush as Sarasota Orchestra launches the Masterworks season in magnificent fashion. Legendary violinist Gil Shaham brings his “deeply intense sincerity” (The New York Times) to Ludwig van Beethoven’s luminous Violin Concerto—a piece that soars with pure lyricism. Chamber Soirée: In the Mix, November 15th at 4:00 pm, Holley Hall. This program features your favorite instruments in new and interesting combinations. Arnold Bax’s Quintet for Harp and Strings is dreamy and impressionistic. Florence Price’s Octet for Brasses and Piano is a melodic work that shows off the brass’ lyrical sides.
Provided photo.
The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, in partnership with the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, will host Arts in Education Celebration on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum. This free, open house-style event invites families and community members to see and hear the arts education programs thriving in Sarasota County public schools. Student performers from across the district will fill the museum throughout the day."We are excited to celebrate the artistic, musical, and creative talents of our students,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools.
Sarasota Art Museum. Provided photo.
Looks like somebody called a meeting… and everyone showed up! Nine pelicans, one beautiful stretch of turquoise water, and apparently a whole lot to talk about! Some are keeping an eye on the neighbors, others seem lost in thought, and a few look like they're waiting for someone to announce that lunch is served! I couldn't resist capturing this gathering of feathered friends. The sparkling blues and greens of the water make the perfect backdrop for these wonderfully quirky birds. "Birds of a Feather" is a celebration of friendship, Florida sunshine, and the delightful personalities of our coastal pelicans. Venice Avenue — Downtown Venice, Florida Saturday, October 31 & Sunday, November 1
Provided photo.
Sarasota was built by people who believed a small Gulf Coast city could hold world-class art, science and enterprise. On November 4, the Markovitz Socratic Stage brings together leaders from Sarasota’s performing arts, cultural, scientific, business and philanthropic life to discuss what built this city, what makes it distinct, and what it will take to carry that forward. Panelists: Mark P. Famiglio (Moderator), President and Chairman, Sarasota Film Festival. Dr. Jenne K. Britell, Co-Chairman, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Heather Kasten, President and CEO, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Michael C. Markovitz, Founder, Markovitz Socratic Stage.
Provided photo.
After decades of making creativity synonymous with our region’s identity, Dr. Larry Thompson, President Emeritus of Ringling College of Art and Design, will receive Visit Sarasota County’s inaugural Florida’s Cultural Coast® Legacy Award. The recognition ceremony will take place during the tourism bureau’s Indicators & Insights Summit, returning November 19, 2026, at the Art Ovation Hotel. The Florida’s Cultural Coast® Legacy Award celebrates individuals with a lifetime of distinguished achievements and contributions to Sarasota County, whether the recipient worked directly for the benefit of the tourism industry or by helping shape the destination’s broader cultural identity. Presented as part of Visit Sarasota County’s Haley Hall of Fame Awards, this distinction differs from the peer-nominated Haleys in that its recipient is selected by the bureau’s Board of Directors and staff.
Provided photo.
Calling all home & design professionals! The 2027 SRQ Home of the Year Competition is officially OPEN for submissions! SRQ Magazine invites local architects, builders, interior designers and landscape architects to showcase their most exceptional residential projects in this year's competition. From breathtaking interiors to innovative architecture and outdoor living spaces, we're celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship and vision shaping our region's homes. A distinguished panel of out-of-market judges will recognize outstanding projects with Platinum, Gold and Silver awards, with winners featured in the March 2027 issue of SRQ Magazine!
ENTER YOUR PROJECT AT SRQMAG.COM/HOTY.
Submission Deadline: November 4, 2026
Late Submission Deadline: November 18, 2026
Nominations close November 18, 2026
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
Set sail with the smooth sounds of the '70s and '80s in this feel-good celebration of Yacht Rock and beyond. Featuring favorites like Sailing, Margaritaville, Brandy, Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Arthur's Theme and more, this breezy musical revue charts a course through the songs that became the soundtrack to romance, adventure, heartbreak and endless summer nights. Written by Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins; directed by Catherine Randazzo; music arrangements by Jim Prosser.
Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St., 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
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
Drawing on the ephemeral and fragile properties of smoke and mirroring, along with the purity, fragility and apparent permanence of porcelain, the work exposes false narratives, conflicted virtues and fractured identities. Using transience and tension as both visual and material metaphors, figures formed with smoke hover between presence and evasion across pristine porcelain and mirrored, color-shifting grounds. 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
Explore the collection of photographer and humanitarian Judy Glickman Lauder in this exhibit featuring approximately 100 photographs by over 50 artists. Presence creates an inspiring dialogue through tender portraits, candid photojournalism and spontaneous cityscapes. See works by Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Danny Lyon, Gordon Parks and more.
Sarasota Art Museum Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Ringling College of Art and Design alum Chie Fueki synthesizes Japanese ukiyo-e atmospheric techniques with Western abstraction, perspectival space and practices of overlay and juxtaposition. Drawing from her own Japanese and Brazilian heritage, Fueki's vibrant and densely layered works dance with an elaborate interplay of painting, drawing and constructed mulberry paper compositions. Spanning 25 years of Fueki's career, these works carve out familiar scenes that fuse figuration and abstraction to create an intricate floating world.
Sarasota Art Museum Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S 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
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
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
Experience a morning of fall fun at the Runaway Pumpkin 5K and free family festival. Food trucks, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a bounce house, costume contest and PAWS therapy dogs are featured. Kids ages 12 and under can participate in the mini monster dash. Consider donating non-perishable food items that will be distributed to local families facing food insecurity through partnering organizations.
The Child Protection Center's Monda Campus, 5600 Peace River Rd., North Port
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
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
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
Throughout November, visit all 10 library locations of Sarasota County Libraries for a literary celebration featuring author talks, book signings, writing workshops and family activities. See bestselling authors including Anthony Horowitz, Brad Meltzer, Nathaniel Philbrick and Kate Quinn. This annual event will kick off on November 1 with a publishing day and local author fair, and a family day will be held on November 7.
Sarasota County Libraries
Each year, SRQ MEIDA recognizes local leading women who have deeply contributed to our community through their business, philanthropic, health and wellness, entrepreneurial, cultural, science, technology and educational endeavors through the Women Who Roar Initiative. We invite our readers to nominate an individual who best exemplifies the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity and community leadership. Gather with us on November 6, 2026 at Michael's on East. Reserve a spot today!
Michael's on East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL
A celebration of American passion for freedom, opportunity and expression, this concert features choral and instrumental music by Benjamin Britten, Anton Dvorak and a host of American composers part and present, performed by choir and string orchestra.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota
Think big on a small scale. This playful exhibition at Creative Liberties features imaginative, affordable original artworks that make memorable holiday gifts. An opening reception will be held on November 6 from 5-7pm.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota
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