The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 8-14

Thursday, Aug. 8

Summer Circus Spectacular
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
$20 adults; $15 kids
Visit Ringling.org.

The 2024 Summer Circus Spectacular is heading into its final days. Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the summer circus includes contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, acrobatic hand balancers The Bello Sisters, hair hang artist Camille Langlois, slack wire performer Antino Pansa and clown Renaldo, a veteran of the Big Apple Circus. Runs through Aug. 17.

Jazz Thursday at SAM
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Free to $20
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.

Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the Gustav Viehmeyer Quartet on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza. The evening also features extended hours in the galleries, the Bistro and the gift shop. 

Andy Hendrickson
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$26
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

During his 20-year career, Andy Hendrickson has appeared multiple times on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Late Late Show” on CBS and NBC’s “The Guest List” and has performed his brand of clean comedy at clubs and festivals around the world. Runs through Aug. 11. 

‘Anything Goes’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$32-$42
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

Can’t get enough of Cole Porter? Then this Manatee Players revival of the 1934 musical “Anything Goes” is the show for you. Set sail on the S.S. American as two unlikely couples try to chart a course to lasting love. All aboard! Runs through Aug. 18. 

Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota
$30; students $13
Visit ThePlayers.org.

Come get your grunge on at the rock opera created by Broadway director and playwright Michael Mayer ("Spring Awakening," "Hedwig and the Angry Inch") and Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong. This explosive production, directed by Brian Finnerty, is just the cure for the summertime blues. Runs through Aug. 16. 

Courtesy image

‘The Four C Notes’
8 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

With “The Four C Notes,” Florida Studio Theatre's summer cabaret continues the tradition of presenting Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute shows. This production, created by John Michael Coppola, has been a hit in the Midwest. Runs through Oct. 13.

Friday, Aug. 9

'Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens'
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
$20
Visit Selby.org.

Venice photographer Clyde Butcher’s large-scale photographs of Florida flora and fauna are on display at Selby’s Historic Spanish Point campus overlooking Little Sarasota Bay. The 30-acre waterfront park is filled with landmarks such as a prehistoric burial ground, Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer’s gardens and a Victorian chapel with a cemetery. Through Aug. 31. 

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

Movie in the Park: 'A Bug's Life'
7 p.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

The monthly family-friendly movie series returns with a showing of "A Bug's Life." The event is sponsored by Grace Community Church, which will hand out one Siesta Pop to the first 300 attendees. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Concessions will be available from We B’ Poppin Popcorn and Kettle Corn. Inflatables for the kids will be available from 7-8:30 p.m.

‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
$29-$46
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig tells the story of his parents’ courtship during World War II. The play follows U.S. Army Capt. Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, who begins a life-changing pen-pal relationship with Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress living in the Big Apple. Runs through Aug. 11.

Saturday, Aug. 10

Comedy Lottery
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Everyone’s a winner in this FST Improv show where audience members select the night’s lineup of games replete with scenes, sketches and songs designed to provoke laughter. Runs Saturdays through Sept. 28.

Sunday, Aug. 11

Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit MyLWR.com.

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. 

Monday, Aug. 12

Make your own terrarium
1 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$25; members $10
Call 941-383-6493.

Create your own self-contained plant terrarium with a sand landscape and self-watering mini garden. Supplies and plants provided.

Jazz Jam SRQ
5:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota
Free
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Thanks to the efforts of Jazz Club of Sarasota, the jazz scene is growing in Sarasota. This bi-monthly jam session is open to professional and amateur musicians alike. Come play, sing, watch and enjoy jazz.