The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 4-10

Thursday, July 4

‘Rhinestone Cowgirls’
7 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Created by Nancy Allen Productions, this musical tribute to some of the first ladies of country features such classics as Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man” and Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name.” Runs through Aug. 4. 

‘The Music of Laurel Canyon’
7 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret,1265 First St., Sarasota
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

If you know, you know. But not everyone knows about Laurel Canyon, the neighborhood above West Hollywood's Sunset Strip that became home to folk musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and The Mamas and the Papas. Runs through Aug. 25. 

‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’
7 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.

Friday, July 5

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

If you’ve never seen a performance in The Ringling’s jewelbox venue, the Historic Asolo Theater, here’s your chance. Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the Summer Circus Spectacular 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.

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Opening reception for 'Global Rhythms' quilt exhibit
5-7 p.m. at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
Free
Visit ArtOvationHotel.com.

Bradenton artist Michael R. Stevenson brings his bold quilts to the Art Ovation Hotel for a four-day residency. Stevenson comes from four generations of quilters, but did not take up his textile art until retiring as a professor. His meticulously crafted quilts incorporate pieces he has collected from his travels over the years. Following the opening reception, Stevenson will be in residency each day from 4 to 8 p.m. through July 8.

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

Frisson is the featured band at the monthly concert and block party series. Proceeds benefit MVP Sports' Feel Good Fund. The event includes local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids (presented by Grace Community Church).

Classic Movies at the Opera House: ‘On the Waterfront’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$12
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Escape the summer heat with an air-conditioned screening of Elia Kazan’s classic film “On the Waterfront” at the Sarasota Opera House. The film’s stars, Marlon Brando and Eve Marie Saint, look different on the big screen than they do if you stream the gritty tale on your laptop. The famous words, “I coulda been a contender” take on a whole new meaning. 

Saturday, July 6

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‘Radical Clay’ 
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Free with admission
Visit Ringling.org.

Like women in other parts of the world, Japanese female artists have historically faced opposition to pursuing careers. “Radical Clay,” an exhibition of 41 ceramic sculptures by 36 contemporary artists, includes the works of veterans such as Mishima Kimiyo and Tsuboi Asuka and relative newcomers Mori Aya and Kawaura Saki. The show is drawn from the collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz. 

Hot Dog Day 
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hamlet's Eatery, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota
Free
Visit HamletsEatery.com.

Enjoy a wide variety of hot dog toppings, with meat and vegan hot dogs, and listen to live music, as Hamlet's Eatery celebrates Hot Dog Day. 

Food Truck Festival
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
Free
Visit MallAtUTC.com.

Celebrate the holiday with the Suncoast's Largest Food Truck Festival, which features more than 60 food trucks, trailers and pop-up vendors. 

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

Feeling patriotic but looking for a laugh? Florida Studio Theatre Improv explores "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter" in this one-night only performance that promises to reveal the secret history of the American Revolution. 

Sunday, July 7

HD at the Opera House: ‘The Sleeping Beauty’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$12-$20
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Watch a film of the Royal Ballet’s timeless production of “The Sleeping Beauty,” the enduring collaboration between composer Tchaikovsky and choreographer Petipa starring Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov. The fairy tale-inspired ballet is accompanied by the orchestra of the Royal Opera House conducted by Koen Kessels. 

Monday, July 8

The Sarasota Players New Play Festival
7:30 p.m. at 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota
$10
Visit ThePlayers.org.

Not only is Sarasota a hotbed of live theater, it’s an incubator for playwriting, especially during the steamy summer months. For more than two decades, the Sarasota Players has hosted its new play festival, a week of readings of never-heard-before works with local directors and actors. Playwrights compete for the opportunity to have their plays produced with full sets, costumes, lighting and sound. Runs through July 12. 

Wednesday, July 10

Jazz Happy Hour
6 p.m. at Geldbart Auditorium, Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota
Free with reservation
Visit JazzHappyHour.org.

The Sarasota Music Archive presents the Kevin Celebi Septet, “Hamonic Sanity.” Light refreshments are available.

Steve Hytner
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$31
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Film and TV actor Steve Hytner brings his considerable talents to stand-up comedy in this special one-night show. Hytner is well-known to TV sitcom fans for his appearances in “Seinfeld,” “Modern Family,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and many other hits. Hytner has also appeared on the big screen in films such as “Forces of Nature,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” and “The Haunted Mansion."