This week in Sarasota: Monday, June 29

MONDAY, JUNE 29

It’s back. A summertime favorite among craft beer-lovers and foodies alike, the annual Summer Chef Jam series, presented by Edible Sarasota and Chefs2U, returns to the Shamrock Pub.

The nine-week event features nine different chefs, each offering three small plates paired with bottomless pints of local craft beer, plus a dessert from locals, Pop Craft Pops. This week’s featured chef is Evan Gastman of The Cottage, who will be serving sugar beet cured salmon, smoked marscapone and baby pickled vegetables paired with Darwin's Circa 1926; passionfruit mojo pork, jalapeño corn griddle cake and guava slaw paired with Darwin's Jade American Pale Ale; and duck bacon, roasted lemon apricots, jicama and fig salad paired with Darwin's Hipster Alpaca Peach Saison. 

TUESDAY, JUNE 30

This kickoff party marks the official start of this annual charity event and serves as one of its biggest fundraising efforts.

Dress code is cocktail casual and features food, an open bar, valet parking, auctions and live music by Kettle of Fish.

+ The Great American Dinner Theatre — takes place from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Starlite Room, 1001 Cocoanut Ave. Free.

Celebrate making it halfway through the work week with a night of karaoke and bingo at the Starlite Room.

Bingo players can win unique prizes, such as theater tickets, bottles and gift cards, and all karaoke singers will get a free shot with their first song.

THURSDAY, JULY 2

Come grab a few beers and have some laughs at one of the longest running open-mic comedy nights in town.

Whether you're an experienced comic looking to try out some new material, taking the stage for the first time or just looking for a good laugh, this free event will keep you in stitches. Registration starts at 7:30 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 3

What better way to celebrate your patriotism than with a burlesque show? This vintage Coney Island-themed performance by Black Diamond Burlesque will have you seeing fireworks.

The local troupe will put on a special patriotic Independence Day performance, which includes special guest Francean Fanny and music by Combo Vimana.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

JDub's Brewing Co. is hosting its first annual Fourth of July Hootenanny, featuring live music by Mike Tozier, Summer Survivors and Hail Dale, an inflatable slip 'n slide, food from Mouthole BBQ and a selection from SRQ Cigars. 

Event ticket includes a meat platter and all-you-can-drink beers from open until close. Tap room admission is free.

+ Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix Races — takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lido Beach, between New and Big passes.

Watch the main event everyone’s been waiting for as powerboats and jet skis race to the finish in the scenic Gulf of Mexico.

Awards ceremony will follow between 4 and 5 p.m. at the Sandcastle Resort on Lido Beach.