- December 23, 2024
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Sailor Circus Holiday 75th Anniversary Shows
2 and 7 p.m. at Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St.
$20-$40
Visit CircusArts.org.
During eight Diamond Jubilee shows, 60 Red Troupe members – the most advanced circus students – will pay tribute to the rich history of the Sailor Circus Academy with appearances by alumni such as Circus Arts Conservatory co-founder Dolly Jacobs and with photos and videos showcasing memorable performances over the years. Audiences will enjoy the trampoline wall, high wire, juggling, skating and flying trapeze and other circus arts. Runs through Sunday.
Lights in Bloom
5:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
$29-$44
Visit Selby.org.
Planning to take the family to see Selby Gardens’ winter wonderland of 2 million lights on the shores of Sarasota Bay? You’re not alone. If you’re planning to go, book your ticket online now because the nights are selling out quickly. There’s early admission at 5:30, which costs more than general admission at 6:30. The website makes it easy to unlock member pricing. Lights in Bloom runs through Jan. 1 and is open every night except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
Wonderland Circus: ‘Illuminate’
2 and 6 p.m. at the Big Top at UTC, 195 University Town Center Drive
$30-$100
Visit CircusArts.org.
Nothing says the holidays like the circus, especially when the star is Sarasota’s hometown hero, Nik Wallenda. For the second year in a row, superstar aerialist Wallenda teams up with the Circus Arts Conservatory to present “Illuminate,” a fresh show for the whole family that’s got all the holidays covered. Runs through Jan. 5.
‘59th Street Bridge’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Feelin' groovy? Simon & Garfunkel fans know that expression from the hit song that gives this cabaret show its title. Florida Studio Theatre pays tribute to early folk-rock artists such as John Denver, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. Runs through March 30.
‘Off the Charts’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The creative team behind Florida Studio Theatre’s popular cabaret series is at again with “Off the Charts.” Richard and Rebecca Hopkins and Sarah Durham take the audience on a tour of 20th-century pop music with arrangements by Jim Prosser. Runs through Feb. 9.
‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$35-$98
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Not just another jukebox musical, Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" tells the story of King's life, from her early days churning out songs with then-husband Gerry Goffin for other artists to her rise as the voice of her generation. Runs through Jan. 5.
‘The Heart Sellers’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$25-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Take a time trip back to Thanksgiving 1973 when a chance meeting between two recent Asian immigrants develops into an unexpected friendship. Runs through Feb. 16.
‘Waitress’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$39-$59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
For fans of Sara Bareilles, Florida Studio Theatre’s production of “Waitress” needs no introduction. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter wrote the music and lyrics for this hit Broadway musical. Spoiler alert: Pie is always the answer! Runs through Jan. 5.
Patti Smith: A Book of Days
10 a.m. at Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Included with $20 admission
Visit Selby.org.
Selby Gardens collaborates with poet and musician Patti Smith, its artist-in-residence, on an outdoor exhibition of large prints taken from her newly published bestseller, “A Book of Days.” By displaying her photographs outdoors, Selby brings them into a conversation with nature. Runs through Aug. 31.
Friday Jazz @ Two
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Jazz Club of Sarasota presents its Scholarship Winners Concert for its Friday Jazz @ Two program. The concert features 14 winners of its 2024 awards, performing in jazz jam and concert format.
'Joe Fig’s Contemplating Vermeer'
10 a.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Free with admission
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
“Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer,” brings the concept of meta (the thing inside the thing) to the museum world. Before or after a tour of the museum’s galleries, grab a bite or a freshly brewed cappuccino at the Bistro. In the immortal words of the street artist Banksy, exit through the gift shop and pick up a “Contemplating Vermeer” mug.
‘Shinique Smith: Parade’
10 a.m. at The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Free with admission
Visit Ringling.org.
The yearlong, groundbreaking exhibition of Shinique Smith’s colorful fabric sculptures in dialogue with The Ringling’s Renaissance masterpieces is coming to a close. The cross-cultural conversation embodies the universality of the human experience while incorporating voices of the African American diaspora and circus. The end result is nothing short of monumental. Runs through Jan. 5.
Taste of Chanukah
4-6 p.m. at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit ATasteOfChanukah.com.
This family-friendly event will feature a helicopter drop of Chanukah gelt, a LEGO menorah, magicians, a snow slide, a trackless train ride, a giant LED light robot, catered kosher food from fine caterers including Michael's on East, and more.
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert
7 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave.
$32-$112
Visit SalutetoVienna.com.
Moved from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to the Sarasota Opera House, this Old World program recreates the beloved concert hosted each year during Vienna's Golden Age. The short musical pieces performed by a full orchestra, including the Blue Danube Waltz, are brought to life by ballroom dancing and ballet, ushering in the new year with charm and elegance.
Perlman Music Program Winter Residency
7:30 p.m. USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit PerlmanMusicProgramSuncoast.org.
It’s the most wonderful time of year — when the Perlman Music Program comes to town for its winter residency. Founded 20 years ago by virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman and his wife Toby, PMP Suncoast will bring together 32 gifted young musicians to receive mentoring and performance experience. For music lovers, that means free admission to rehearsals, master classes and works in progress in a heated tent. The residency runs through Jan. 10.
New Year’s Eve Block Party
1 p.m. on Pineapple Avenue in Downtown Sarasota
Free
Visit DestinationDowntownSarasota.com.
New York has the ball in Times Square, Key West has its Red Shoe Drop and Sarasota greets the new year with a 12-hour block party that culminates in the famous Pineapple Drop. Now in its 25th year, party gets under way at 1 p.m. in Five Points Park, with food, fun and festivities for the family, including live music and carnival rides for kids.
New Year's Eve at Christmas in the Garden
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
Free
Call 383-6491.
The gardens of the Longboat Island Chapel will be enhanced with holiday music and lighting and decorated Christmas trees donated by community organizations, businesses and friends. Ring in the New Year at the garden with a special performance by John Rinell, "The Voice of Solid Gold." Complimentary appetizers and refreshments will be served.
2025 New Year's Eve Party at the Big Tiki Lounge
6-11:30 p.m. at 5311 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key
Free
Visit EventBrite.com.
Enjoy live music all night by Casey on the Key and DJ Nathaniel Nattress. Bottle service upon reservation.
New Wave NYE at Art Ovation's Perspective Rooftop
8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 1255 North Palm Ave.
$50-$1,000
Visit EventBrite.com.
Spend New Year's Eve at Perspective Rooftop Bar, located on the top floor of Art Ovation Hotel, with an 80's themed full band and DJ, along with 80's-inspired cocktails and cuisine.
