Good morning, Sarasota!
If you walked past the Ringling Bridge this morning, you already know the water is that particular green-blue that only shows up in June. Summer is fully in charge, and the calendar is keeping up surprisingly well. This weekend has outdoor adventures on the Legacy Trail, a craft fair at St. Armands, and Saturday night downtown is genuinely packed.
Here's what's worth your time:
The Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show closes tomorrow — 60-plus dealers, vintage gear, kids under 12 free
Jade Wheeler is getting rave reviews as Eartha Kitt at Urbanite Theatre, and you can catch it all three days
Saturday night: jazz, improv comedy, salsa, and a one-woman musical all within walking distance downtown
And much more!
Let's get to it.
All Weekend Long
Who Is Eartha Mae? is Urbanite Theatre's first-ever musical, and it's been turning heads. Jade Wheeler plays Eartha Kitt — covering her childhood, her activism, and the voice that made her a legend — in a dazzling one-woman show running through June 21 at 1487 Second St. Shows run Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets start at $5.
The Sarasota Music Festival is in its final week. The two-week run closes with a full-orchestra finale at the Sarasota Opera House on June 13. In the meantime, Festival Fellows hold close-up concerts throughout the week at Art Ovation Hotel, and most daily rehearsals at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center are open and free to watch.
Friday
24th Annual St. Armands Circle Craft Festival
🎨 Last day for 100-plus artisan crafters taking over St. Armands Circle, free all day.
Details: St. Armands Circle Park | Friday, June 7, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
See More: artfestival.com
Summer Taco Ride
🚴 Pedal the Legacy Trail to tacos and craft beer at Calusa Brewing on this free group ride.
Details: Legacy Trail | Friday, June 7, 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
See More: Facebook Event
Sarasota Guitar and Amp Show
🎸 Sixty-plus dealers, vintage guitars, and rare amps fill Robarts Arena for the final day.
Details: Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd | Friday, June 7 (final day — check site for exact hours)
Cost: $15 advance / $20 door. Kids 12 and under free.
See More: sarasotaguitarshow.com
Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival: The Pep Rally
🎭 The Fringe Festival closes with a multi-genre variety show about a Christian college homecoming.
Details: Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail | Friday, June 7, 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $20.70
See More: squeakywheeltheatre.org
Sarasota Music Festival: Festival Fellows Concert
🎵 Festival Fellows play an intimate set at the Art Ovation Hotel, close-up and informal.
Details: Art Ovation Hotel, 1256 Palm Ave | Friday, June 7, 7:00 p.m.
See More: Facebook Event
Venue 1927 Grand Opening
🎉 A new luxury event space opens with DJ Millo spinning Latin hits and 80s classics all night.
Details: Venue 1927 | Friday, June 7, 6:00 p.m.
See More: Facebook Event
Saturday
Who Is Eartha Mae?
🎭 Jade Wheeler as Eartha Kitt in Urbanite's debut musical, running all weekend long.
Details: Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St | Saturday, June 8, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $5–$44
See More: urbanitetheatre.com
Thomas Carabasi's New Standards Quartet
🎷 Percussion-forward jazz blending American and Brazilian sounds at FST's Court Cabaret.
Details: FST's Court Cabaret, 1965 First St | Saturday, June 8, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $34–$39
See More: jazzclubsarasota.org
FST Comedy Lottery
😂 Twelve audience members pick the night's improv lineup, then the FST cast makes it work.
Details: Bowne's Lab, 1265 First St | Saturday, June 8, 7:30 p.m.
See More: floridastudiotheatre.org
Salsa Casino at StepUp Dance Studio
💃 Two levels of Cuban-style salsa, rotating partners, and zero experience required for Level 1.5.
Details: StepUp Dance Studio | Saturday, June 8, 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 drop-in
See More: Facebook Event
Sunday
Taste of Downtown Sarasota
🍽️ Two hours of downtown history, art, and food stops on Sarasota's most popular walking tour.
Details: State St Public Parking Garage, Downtown Sarasota | Sunday, June 9, 3:30 p.m.
See More: localwineevents.com
Cherry Docs
🎭 Sarasota Jewish Theatre presents David Gow's two-character play about friendship under pressure.
Details: The Sarasota Players | Sunday, June 9, 7:30 p.m.
See More: jfedsrq.org
Yoga by the Bay
🧘 Free outdoor yoga at Bayfront Park with Erin Collins, all levels welcome, just bring a mat.
Details: Bayfront Park | Sunday, June 9, 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
See More: Facebook Event
In Case You Missed It
🍽️ Lucky 8, Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery, and Tralia earned Michelin Guide Florida recognition this week, putting Sarasota on the national fine-dining map.
🌺 Hundreds gathered at Selby Gardens this week to watch the Queen of the Night cactus bloom its rare, single-night flower in downtown Sarasota.
🍴 Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week runs through June 14 — over 50 restaurants with prix fixe lunch at $25 and dinner at $45.
🍕 Phil Solorzano is returning to Sarasota to open two new pizzeria locations, near Gulf Gate and on Main Street downtown.
🏗️ Twelve new shops and restaurants are coming to UTC including West Elm, Mister 01 pizza, and Just Salad.
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