Good morning, Sarasota!

June in Sarasota means two things: a heat index creeping toward triple digits and a weekend calendar that somehow ignores that fact entirely. This one's a big one. Juneteenth celebrations kick off in historic Newtown, Dog Day brings the pups to LECOM Park, and there's a world premiere Lauren Gunderson comedy at Asolo Rep for anyone who needs a socially acceptable reason to sit in air conditioning for two hours.

Here's what we're watching this weekend:

  • Newtown's Juneteenth Street Fest kicks off Saturday on MLK Jr Way — the year's best community celebration

  • Professional boxing returns to Robarts Arena Saturday night with a stacked card

  • Paddle Siesta Key Sunday morning and finish with food at Turtles

And much more!

All Weekend Long

Newtown Juneteenth Street Fest kicks off this Saturday on Martin Luther King Jr Way in historic Newtown and runs through Juneteenth Day on June 20. Live music, local vendors, food, and a neighborhood that knows exactly how to celebrate. The full week ahead of Juneteenth is Sarasota doing what it does best — and Saturday is day one.

Lady Disdain at Asolo Repertory Theatre is Lauren Gunderson's world premiere, playing right now at Asolo Rep. Two rival audiobook narrators, a lot of witty banter, and an inconvenient attraction neither of them can outrun. If you haven't caught it yet, this is the weekend. Sunday's performance includes ASL interpretation by Viscom.

Friday

Italian Evening of Wine and Cinema

🍷 Premium Italian wines, curated pairings, and The Godfather on the big screen.

  • Details: SKIES Social Lounge | Friday, June 12

  • See More: Facebook event

Bill Vinhage at Sun King

🎵 Craft beer, New Haven pizza under the oak trees, and live music from Bill Vinhage.

Tails and Tours

🐾 Behind-the-scenes Humane Society tour with medical clinic access, free breakfast, and hurricane pet prep tips.

  • Details: Humane Society of Sarasota County | Friday, June 12

  • See More: Facebook event

Bradenton Marauders vs. Tampa Tarpons — Dog Day

⚾ It's Dog Day at LECOM Park — bring your pup and watch Minor League Baseball in Bradenton.

Sing-Along Trolley

🎤 A 90-minute musical trolley through Sarasota with singalongs, comedy, trivia, and a stop at 99 Bottles.

Saturday

Sarasota Cars and Coffee

🚗 Car enthusiasts gather at UTC for a free early-morning show-and-shine open to all.

  • Details: The Mall at University Town Center | Saturday, June 13

  • See More: UTC Sarasota

Newtown Juneteenth Street Fest — Day One

🎉 The street fest opens on Martin Luther King Jr Way in historic Newtown, Sarasota.

  • Details: Martin Luther King Jr Way, Newtown | Saturday, June 13

  • See More: Facebook event

Prey For Me

🥊 Live professional boxing at Robarts Arena featuring Tyler Yavalar, Sonny Duversonne, and Johnnie Langston.

Dean Johanesen at Vino Bistro

🎵 Live acoustic music from Dean Johanesen over dinner and drinks at Vino Bistro Sarasota.

  • Details: Vino Bistro Sarasota | Saturday, June 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

  • See More: Facebook event

Jason Hedges at Wicked Cantina

🎸 Jason Hedges plays a Saturday night set at Wicked Cantina Sarasota.

  • Details: Wicked Cantina Sarasota | Saturday, June 13

  • See More: hedgesband.com

Open Studio at Painting with a Twist

🎨 Pick any canvas from hundreds of options, bring drinks and snacks, and an artist guides you through.

  • Details: Painting with a Twist, Sarasota | Saturday, June 13

  • See More: Register here

Sunday

Lady Disdain — ASL Interpreted Performance

🎭 Asolo Rep's world premiere Lauren Gunderson comedy, with American Sign Language interpretation by Viscom.

  • Details: Asolo Repertory Theatre | Sunday, June 14

  • See More: Facebook event

3v3 Round Robin Soccer at The Bay

⚽ Community 3-on-3 soccer tournament at The Bay, all ages welcome, with a World Cup watch party all day.

Paddle and Kayak Adventure on Siesta Key

🚣 Suncoast Social paddles Turtle Beach on Siesta Key, ending with food and drinks at Turtles.

  • Details: Turtle Beach Boat Ramp, Siesta Key | Sunday, June 14

  • See More: Facebook event

Make and Taste Italian Croquettes

🍴 Cook arancini, supplì, and potato croquettes from scratch with Chef Riccardo, then taste everything.

  • Details: Young Chefs Academy | Sunday, June 14

  • See More: Facebook event

Sunday Taco Ride on the Legacy Trail

🚴 Kick off summer taco ride season on the Legacy Trail, then hit 3 Bridges or Pigfish for tacos.

In Case You Missed It

  • 🏆 USRowing Youth National Championships returned to Nathan Benderson Park this week, with over 4,000 athletes from 200+ clubs competing.

  • 🪖 Tech. Sgt. Charles C. Palmer Jr. was laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery on Monday, 82 years after his B-24 was shot down over Luxembourg.

  • 🧗 HEXROCK Climbing just opened in Sarasota with walls up to 35 feet tall, fitness classes, and a coffee bar.

  • 🏓 Twin Lakes Park unveiled six new lighted pickleball courts and a new parks administration building this week.

  • 🎶 A resort guest called the police on someone playing bagpipes during sunset on the Sarasota waterfront. Truly local content.

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