- January 1, 2025
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Last year was filled with wondrous events, stunning surprises and eye-popping generosity as community supporters turned out to celebrate our area nonprofits to keep them humming. In case your 2025 calendar is already brimming with obligations, we’ve spotlighted some of the most popular events by category to help you get — and give — the most during the next few months of this social season.
These events are go above-and-beyond on the entertainment, making them don’t-miss affairs full of unexpected turns, amazing themes and eye-popping fundraising.
Circus Arts Gala
It’s too unique and too Sarasota to leave off any list of top events. The gala, benefiting Circus Arts Conservatory, will feature a superhero theme this year, but will no doubt feature all the favorite elements of years past — including a lineup of eye-popping circus acts. Jan. 31. Visit CAC.org.
Orchid Ball
Each year the Orchid Ball takes its theme from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ showcase exhibit, which this year is “Here Comes the Moon,” featuring George Harrison’s work. Aside from a picture-perfect evening on the great lawn, attendees also get a first look at the exhibit. Feb. 8. Visit Selby.org.
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala
What better way to spend a night raising money for Sarasota’s future than to enjoy a cocktail hour on the bayfront, followed by a luxe dinner and then a production of 10-time Tony Award winning “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”? Two birds, one stone. March 21. Visit PerformingArtsFoundation.org.
Unconventional Evening
On brand with anything at Sarasota Art Museum, this event is anything but the usual gala. Promising an “immersive and fluid” event where attendees can enjoy cocktails and dinner while interacting with artists and performers in the museum, guests are invited to “be the art.” Feb. 19. Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Avant-Garde
Ringling College of Art and Design's annual premier fundraiser is just like what it benefits: fun, colorful and chock-full of creativity. This year's theme is Pop Culture Icons, and we can't wait to see how guests harness their inner Madonnas. March 1. Visit Ringling.edu.
Fairytale Ball
In its 25th year, Children First's Fairytale Ball is an open invitation for guests to explore their inner child. This year's theme is "Magic is All Around," which leaves a world of possibilities for clever magical attire. April 5. Visit ChildrenFirst.net.
Cooking for Wishes
Centered around an interactive cooking experience, recently, Make-A-Wish's Cooking for Wishes has grown into one of the events that garners the most costume-clad guests. This year they will definitely get extra credit for cooking a meal in their "Moulin Rouge" themed attire. Feb. 20. CookingForWishes.com.
Celebration Luncheon
The annual luncheon by Girls Inc. is always a heartwarming affair. With performances by the girls of Girls Inc. and speeches by the Girl of the Year and the various honorees who are women leaders in the community, it is guaranteed to lift your spirits and leave you feeling strong, smart and bold. April 3. Visit GirlsIncSRQ.org.
Dick Vitale Gala
Rub elbows with some of sports greatest celebrities, and hear from the legend himself — Dicky V. — as he appeals to the crowd to set a new record for fundraising to find a cure for children's cancer. It's a tall bar given that last year's event raised $24.8 million for the V Foundation's Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. May 2. Visit V.org.
Shine On!
This gala benefits the Visible Men Academy, which strives to educate at-risk boys to teach them to live with strong character and reach for the stars.The latter is emphasized in the "Sun & Stars" theme of the event, which will no doubt highlight these incredible kids. May 4. Visit VMAcademy.org.
Farm to Fillet
Among Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium's many research activities is an interest in increasing sustainable food production on our planet. Held at Mote's Aquaculture Research Park, guests receive a tour of the campus and hear from Mote scientists before enjoying a longest-table style banquet underneath the live oaks. March 23. Visit Mote.org.
Garden to Plate Wine Dinner
No one knows gardens like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (it is in their name), and this exquisite dinner is unparalleled for its multiple-course meal, paired wines and stunning ambiance amongst the gardens. March 7. Visit Selby.org.
Feast Upon the Fields
The Big Waters Land Trust (formerly known as Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast) welcomes guests to Walton Ranch, a 3,760-acre preserve that it helped conserve in 2010, for a luncheon featuring a specially curated menu by Chef Paul Mattison. Feb. 23. Visit BigWatersLandTrust.org.
Women and Medicine
Hosted by the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, this enlightening and informative luncheon is aimed at educating attendees about a topic of women's health from female heath care professionals. March 28. Visit SMHF.org.
Tidewell Signature Luncheon
Get a dose of inspiration during this event, which always has powerful speakers. This year's luncheon features palliative care physician Dr. BJ Miller, who has an incredible life story that promises to lift perspective and touch our spirits. March 7. Visit TidewellFoundation.org.
Love Our Libraries Luncheon
Help support Sarasota County's library system while getting a heap of perspective, funny stories and a behind-the-scenes look at writing from a well-known author during this annual luncheon. Although this year's event, featuring Ann Patchett, is sold out, there is a waiting list. Feb. 7. Visit SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org.
