The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 3-9


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  • | 10:00 a.m. August 1, 2023
Loomis Bros. Circus appears at Hobart Arena from Aug. 4-6.
Loomis Bros. Circus appears at Hobart Arena from Aug. 4-6.
Courtesy photo
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Thursday, Aug. 3

Summer Circus Spectacular
2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$15-$20
Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at affordable prices thanks to the ongoing partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, to name just a few genres. Runs through Aug. 12.


"The Surfer Boys" runs through Aug. 12 at FST's Goldstein Cabaret.
Courtesy photo

'The Surfer Boys'
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret,1265 First St.
$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surfin’ Safari” in the early 1960s. Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to life with classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann”  and many more. Runs through Aug. 13.


'Divas Three'
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
From $18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Created by Nancy Allen Productions, three female vocalists present four decades of songs made famous by Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and other women who have won the coveted title of “Diva.” Runs through Sept. 17.


Friday Aug. 4

Music on Main
6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

The Silverback Rock N’ Roll Band will fill the air with songs from the 1950s through the 1980s. The free monthly concert and block party series also includes food vendors, beer trucks and events for the kids. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Bradenton Woman’s Club.


‘Poetry Today: Undeniable Storytelling'
6:30 p.m. at Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood
$5 registration fee
Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Join Hermitage Fellows John Murillo, director of the creative writing program at Wesleyan University, and Nicole Sealey, recipient of the prestigious Rome Prize, as they read their works and share their insights.


‘It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman!’ 
7 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$17
Visit ThePlayers.org.

Presented by The Players Studio Teen Musical Theatre Bootcamp, “It’s A Bird… It’s A Plane… It’s Superman” is set in 1960s New York City as Superman battles to stop a crazy scientist bent on destruction. Reporter Lois Lane and her colleague Max figure in the play too. Runs through Aug. 6. 


Loomis Bros. Circus appears at Hobart Arena from Aug. 4-6.
Courtesy photo

Loomis Bros. Circus
7:30 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
$30; children age 3-12 $8; age 2 and under free
Visit LoomisCircus.com.

Based in Orlando, Loomis Bros. is a traditional circus that features animals, including wild jungle cats, American show ponies and poodles. Ringmaster Justin Loomis presides over three rings filled with acrobats, trapeze artists, clowns, musicians and more. Through Aug. 6. 


The film version of Scott Ehrenpreis 2023 one-man show, "Clowns Like Me" will make its Florid premiere Sunday, April 7 at the Sarasota Film Festival.
Courtesy photo

‘Clowns Like Me’
7:30 p.m. at Cook Theatre at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$30
Visit LifelineProductionsInc.com.

Sarasota actor Scott Ehrenpreis reprises his hit one-man show, “Clowns Like Me,” about his struggle with developmental disabilities and mental illness. There is a donor reception and performance on Aug. 3 for $500. Charitable contributions will support Lifeline Productions’ fundraising goal to tour the show and help develop a new production for 2024. “Clowns Like Me” continues through Aug. 6.  


Saturday Aug. 5

Breakfast with the Sharks 
8 a.m. at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island
$40; members $36
Visit Mote.org.

Start your day with sharks before the aquarium opens to the public. A continental breakfast will be provided while you learn about Mote's resident sharks. Hear about the breakthrough shark research during a guided tour of the aquarium.


The exhibition "Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyondopens on Aug. 5 at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

‘Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond’
10 a.m. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Free with admission
Visit Ringling.org.

The selection of scholars’ rocks and related paintings and prints will be on view in the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art for the first time at The Ringling. The scholars’ rocks were formed by natural elements over millions of years and were collected from remote locations. They were recently donated from the collection of Nancy and Stan Kaplan.


Meet the Artist: Jim Wheeler
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Island Gallery and Studios, 456 Old Main St., Bradenton
Free
Visit IslandGalleryAndStudios.org.

Jim Wheeler will discuss his show "Around the World" featuring digitally enhanced photographs with a painterly look. The show will be on display through Aug. 31. 


Back-to-School Bash
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive
Free
Visit MallAtUTC.com.

The annual event brings together top resources for families as they prepare children to return to school. Among the resources will be representatives from after-school programs, health care providers, pediatricians, optometrists, and tutors. Also on hand will be Tampa Bay's favorite sports mascots. More than 250 backpacks and thousands of school supplies will be given away though an interactive scavenger hunt. Parents must preregister online to get a backpack.


Monday, Aug. 7

Make Your Own Night Light Bottle
1 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$20; members $5
Call 941-383-6493.

Get creative with making your own wine bottle night light. Spend the afternoon in community by painting and designing your bottle with lights, no artistic skills necessary. Register by Aug. 4.


Tuesday, Aug. 8

Barks & Brews
7-9 p.m. at The Green at UTC, 125 N. Cattlemen Road
Free
Visit UTCSarasota.com.

Pets and their families are invited to attend this gathering on The Green at UTC held in support of Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and featuring live music, dog-friendly vendors, and craft brews. Barks & Brews is held on the second Tuesday of every month.


Wednesday, Aug. 9

Storytime at Barnes & Noble
10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble children's section, 200 N. Cattlemen Road
Free
Visit UTCSarasota.com.

Storytime on The Green is moving inside at Barnes & Noble due to the heat. Children can experience tales including “Time for School, Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle, “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” by Laura Numeroff, and “Grumpy Monkey Up All Night” by Suzanne Lang, along with snacks and crafts.


Wine Cellar Social Club 
5 p.m. at Michael's Wine Cellar, 1283 S. Tamiami Trail.
$56
Visit MichaelsWineCellar.com.

Relax and enjoy a tasting experience of six handpicked wines, as well as two appetizer plates, along with company. Tickets include a $20 voucher for use on purchases of $50 or more.


Dance at The Bay: Country Line Dancing with Landon Purvis
6:30 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail.
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.

Both first-time and experienced dancers can enjoy country line dancing in this session that teaches multiple steps. No partner is required. Closed-toed shoes or Western boots with rubber soles are recommended, and it is requested that participants bring a sweat towel. 

 

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