Sarasota Weekend July 30th-August 1st

The month of July is finally coming to a close, but this doesn’t mean you’re without some great things to do this weekend in Sarasota! You can beat the heat with several indoor options or soak up the sun at any number of the city’s beaches.
Check out this quick list of upcoming events in Sarasota and, as always, visit the websites listed or call ahead to ensure nothing is sold out or otherwise cancelled. Masks are still recommended for indoor activities, and it’s always suggested that you practice safe social distancing no matter the event. With these few simple safeguards in place, you’re sure to enjoy all your weekend events in 2021!
Sunday, August 1st: Reggae Rooftop Party
On Sunday, August 1st, from 1 to 5 p.m. you can check out Jah Movement at the Reggae Rooftop Party at Art Ovation Hotel. The party will feature a live band and DJ all afternoon, and guests are encouraged to dress in their best Caribbean attire for the event.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. General admission tickets at $50 get you access to the roof as well as some lite bites, while the VIP tickets at $150 include a seat in the cabana and a bottle of champagne. For more information, check out:
https://www.jahmovement.com/event-details/reggae-rooftop-pool-party
Friday, July 30th through Sunday, August 1st: Summer Circus Spectacular
If you’ve missed visiting the circus these past few years due to COVID-19 shutdowns and other restrictions, now is your chance to get back under the big top and enjoy the show! The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the best circus talents from all over the world, and you can choose from a number of performances to enjoy this weekend and through the month of August.
Shows are held at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling and tickets for opening night on Friday, July 30th, are $50. This special event includes a gala reception with the performers after the show. Later performances are $18 for adults and $12 for children. To get your tickets in advance, visit:
https://www.ringling.org/events/summer-circus-spectacular
Saturday, July 31st: Beat Street at Hart’s Landing
If you love classic rock and are looking for some musical things to do in Sarasota at night, check out the classic rock cover band Beat Street this Saturday the 31st, performing at Hart’s Landing in Sarasota. The show starts at 7 p.m. and promises a great night of old-school hits you’re sure to love.
Hart’s Landing offers a shortlist of refreshment items you can purchase during the show, so you don’t need to worry about packing a cooler. Guests might want to consider bringing along a folding chair so they can enjoy the show in full comfort! For more information, check out:
https://allevents.in/sarasota/beat-street-at-harts-landing/200020982050656
Saturday, July 31st: Smudge Kitten
If you need even more great things to do in Sarasota at night and more options for enjoying classic rock, check out the band Smudge Kitten, performing this Saturday, July 31st, at Big Top Brewing. The show runs from 5 to 10 p.m. so you can get there early, grab something off the menu, and then kick back with a cold beer and enjoy the band.
Big Top Brewing is known around the city for their great selection of beers and a full menu of tasty treats you’re sure to love. For more information about the brewery or the show, visit:
https://www.bigtopbrewing.com/sarasota-events
https://allevents.in/sarasota/smudge-kitten/10000158608238511
Saturday, July 31st: Family Estuary Dip Net Day
There are always lots of things to do in Sarasota with the kids and this weekend is no different. On Saturday the 31st, bring the family and your nets to Ken Thompson Park and enjoy an educational day in the water. Participants will dip their nets in the bay and a local expert will help them learn about the sea creatures they find underneath the surface.
The day will also include a nature walk through the nearby mangroves. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and participants should wear proper water shoes (not sandals or sneakers) and bring their own bottled water, sunscreen, and other needed items, as well as nets! To find out more, visit:
https://allevents.in/sarasota/family-estuary-dip-net/10000161512723905
Saturday, July 31st: Open Studio for Family Time
For those with a bit of a creative streak, check out the open studio at Painting With a Twist, this Saturday the 31st from 9:30 to 11 a.m. During this event, you can choose from various paintings at the gallery and then try your hand at recreating it on a 16×20 canvas.
Instructors will be on hand to guide you through the process, and participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to set up and choose their painting. The event is also BYOB, so don’t hesitate to bring some snacks and drinks to enjoy. The event is $25 per person, and you can find out more about what to bring and how to reserve your spot by visiting:
https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/sarasota/event/2800346/
Sunday, August 1st: Car Show
If you love cars, live music, and prize giveaways, then the Neo Automotive Car Show is for you! Held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday, August 1st, the show will feature food, prizes, live music throughout the event, and of course some great cars for you to browse.
The show will even feature a $1000 grand prize, so you don’t want to miss out! For more information and to reserve a ticket in advance, visit their Facebook events page:
Hopefully this quick list of things to do this weekend in Sarasota gave you some great ideas of fun activities to enjoy. If you’re also planning on visiting a beach this weekend, be sure to check red tide warnings. You can visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for regular updates, https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/.
With the heat still settled in the state, you also want to use plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water, and use caution when kayaking, canoeing, or boating, and get yourself to safety if you feel any heatstroke symptoms. With a few precautions such as these, you’re sure to enjoy your weekend in Sarasota no matter your plans!