Best Things To Do in SRQ

The holiday season is in full force and our Sarasota is getting closer to finishing up Milton clean up.

MOTE Aquarium has reopened after Milton repairs, just in time for the holiday season. You can support their supports here.

While the big box stores gear up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don't forget about Small Business Saturday this weekend.

Our local shops and markets could use the support, and you'll find better gifts there anyway. Scroll down for a full list of holiday markets and events – whether you're ready for Christmas music or still focused on perfecting your turkey recipe.

Restaurant Spotlight

🇧🇷 🥩 Sama Brazilian Steakhouse

📍Sarasota

Authentic Brazilian food is coming to Sarasota. You can expect churrasco cooking and beef known for its grandiose flavor and presentation. Be sure to follow them on Instagram to find the grand opening date — instagram

Wednesday 11/27

Tot Time at Arlington Park

📍 Arlington Park Basketball Courts

🕦 9am - 9:45am

Burn off some energy and enjoy free play with balls, hoops, scooters, jump ropes, parachutes, music and more — details

Philippi Farmhouse Market

📍Philippi Estate Park, Sarasota

🕦 8am - 1pm

The market features food trucks, arts and crafts, live music, and local produce from over 50 vendors. A free, docent-led tour of Edson Keith Mansion begins promptly at 10 a.m. Ample free parking is available, and dogs are welcome. The market is open each Wednesday rain or shine, from 8 am to 1 pm - details

JumpJump Children Multiverse

📍 999 Cattleman Rd, Sarasota

🕦 Weekdays 9am - 7pm

Come for a day of fun at Sarasota's best indoor playground - details

Theory of Play Drop In

📍 2970 University Pkwy Unit 202

🕦 Weekdays 9:30am - 5:30pm

Indoor playground designed specifically for young explorers aged 4.5 to 10, away from the confines of digital screens.  The Theory Of Play experience revolves around self-directed play, enabling young minds to unleash their potential, supported by caring parents and T.O.P. leaders - details

Number Crew | Mornings at Stage Door Studios

📍 4001 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota

🕦 9:15am - 10am

Enrichment classes for children ages 2-4 - details

Your Wednesday Playdate

📍 Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College

🕦 10am - 12pm

Wednesday Playdates deliver an art project led by a professional teaching artist, interactive story times, and guided tours. This drop-in program is included with Museum admission and free to Members - details

Thanksgiving Placemats

📍 Sarasota Children's Garden

🕦 10am - 11am

Get ready for Thanksgiving Day by coloring your own placemat and paper crown - details

Open Gym | LWR Gymnastics

📍 Lakewood Ranch Gymnastics

🕦 11am

Kids (18 months to 18 years) can explore all the gymnastics equipment and try out new skills in a safe and supervised environment - details

Ranch Nite | 9-Hole Mini Golf

📍 Gateway Park, Lakewood Ranch

🕦 6pm

Tee off on our free 9-hole mini golf course and challenge your friends and family to a friendly competition. Stick around to grab a tasty bite from a food vendor, sip on a refreshing drink, and enjoy some live music - details

Siesta Key Turkey Trot (Bar Crawl)

📍Siesta Key Village

🕦 9pm

The annual bar crawl with a Thanksgiving Twist. Live music and drink specials are available to registered participants - details

Thursday, November 28th

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Grand Ballroom Brunch

📍 The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

🕦 11am - 3pm

Experience our legendary traditional Thanksgiving feast in The Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom featuring chef-attended action stations. $170+ per adult, $60+ per child (12 and under).

Friday, November 29th

Music and Movement Toddler Dance

📍 We Rock the Spectrum, Bradenton

🕦 9:30am - 10am

Get ready for the world of rhythm and movement with Toddler Dance Class led by Jaybianna Lawrence, aka "Miss JB"! Tailored for ages 12 months to 5 years, this class promises to ignite joy and creativity in your little ones - details

ROAR at the Ringling

📍 Ringling Museum, Sarasota

🕦 9:45am

ROAR! is our free story time that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. This program is designed for preschoolers and toddlers, but all ages are welcome! Weekly themes will vary - details

Parents Night Out

📍 Theory of Play, Sarasota

🕦 6:30pm - 9pm

Parents' Night Out is the perfect opportunity for you to take some time for yourself—whether it's a romantic dinner, a quiet evening at home, or time to shop for those holiday deals—while we take care of the kids - details

Movie under the Stars at UTC

📍 The Green at UTC

🕦 7pm

Join us for free outdoor showings of your favorite holiday films. This Friday is a showing of Home Alone & Saturday is Home Alone 2. Grab a bite beforehand from the many eateries around UTC and enjoy special character visits and onsite concessions - details

Paul Jensen at McCurdy's

📍 McCurdy's Comedy Club

🕦 6:30pm, 8:50pm

From November 29th - Dec 1st come see Paul Jensen perform. Paul Jensen is a "blue collar" style of comedy and wins over audiences with his friendly demeanor - details

Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival

📍Fairgrounds, Sarasota

🕦 See details

This weekend, get back outdoors and enjoy a weekend of pure relaxation full of great food and wonderful live music - details

Mayor's Hometown Christmas

📍 Centennial Park, Venice

🕦 5pm - 7pm

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with The Mayor’s Hometown Christmas in Downtown Venice! Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting as local choirs bring the festive spirit and holiday cheer - details

Black Friday Block Party

📍 99 Bottles Taproom, Sarasota

🕦 2pm - 9pm

Dana Lawrence of Kettle of Fish is performing and bringing his repertoire of 60s Beach rock, acoustic, and Americana music - details

Philharmonic Band

📍 Marina Jack, Sarasota

🕦 6pm - 10pm

Come for live music at Marina Jack in Sarasota, Philharmonic Band plays classic rock and "all the songs you love" - details

DJ Ashlee Scott Live

📍 Big Top Brewing

🕦 8pm

Dance party at Big Top Brewing with DJ Ashlee Scott - details

Saturday, November 30th

Breakfast with Santa

📍 Hamlet's Eatery, Sarasota

🕦 10am

Santa is Coming! Santa is Coming! Join Santa for breakfast at Hamlet's Eatery. You know Chef Mitch will have something extra yummy for your tummy! - details

Learn to Skate

📍 Astro Skate, Bradenton

🕦 9am - 10am

Take a learn to skate class every Saturday from 9AM to 10AM.  The cost is $10, which includes skates and staying from 10AM to 12PM - details

Deck the Halls at Florida Studio Theatre

📍 Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota

🕦 10am - 12pm

Florida Studio Theatre warmly invites you and your family to embark on a magical adventure into the enchanting world of Children’s Theatre - details

Very Merry Ornament Workshop

📍 The Grove, Lakewood Ranch

🕦 10am

Kick off the holiday season with A Very Merry Ornament Workshop, A Pop-Up Event with Arts A Blaze Studio! - details

"Savor the Season" Holiday Festival

📍 Ananda Farm

🕦 See details

Join us at Ananda Farm's "Savor the Season" Holiday Festival! Experience a day filled with fun, food, and celebrations - details

Christmas Tree Ornament Workshop

📍 Salt Your Soul Gift Co, Sarasota

🕦 11am - 1pm

Join us for a festive Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament Workshop designed for the whole family! In this workshop, you’ll create four beautiful macrame Christmas tree ornaments to add a handmade touch to your holiday décor - details

Siesta Key Holiday Parade

📍 Siesta Key Visitor Center

🕦 2pm

Starting at 2pm, Santa will be available for free pictures with children before the Parade. The Parade will kick off at 5:30pm - details

Live Local, Shop Local

📍 Village of the Arts, Bradenton

🕦 11am

Its Small Business Saturday and to support local businesses, enjoy stress-free shopping, and celebrate with us head to the Village! Discover unique gifts, one-of-a-kind treasures, and special finds for even the hardest-to-shop-for on your list - details

Black Honkeys at Big Top 

📍 Cock N Bull Live, Sarasota

🕦 7pm

Come enjoy live music and beer. Voted "Best in the Bay" as the best local Soul/R&B/Funk - details

Sunday, December 1st

Poinsettia Patch with Santa and Mrs. Claus

📍 Parrish Charter Academy

🕦 10am - 4pm

Pick Poinsettias and meet Santa & Mrs. Claus! Crafts, face painting, bounce house and more! - details

Siesta Key Farmers Market

📍 5211 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key

🕦 9am - 2pm

Shop local! Come check out local vendors - local rum, fresh produce, handmade soap, and more

PLAN AHEAD

The Nutcracker in Sarasota

📍 Sarasota Ballet

Witness the timeless story of Clara and her adventures with the Nutcracker. Multiple show dates and times - be sure to buy your tickets ahead of time. There are also showings in Venice - details

Home for the Holidays

📍 Venice Performing Arts Center

Become immersed in beloved Christmas carols and memorable seasonal tunes such as The First Noel, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Sleigh Ride and We Wish You A Merry Christmas that are sure to fill your heart with joy and memories - details

The Market on Longboat Key

Starting the first and third Mondays of the month from December - April from 10am – 2pm at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, LBK (behind Publix). (December 2 and 16, January 6 and 20, February 3 and 17, March 3 and 17, April 7 and 21).

Beach & Weather Conditions

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