Sarasota Weekend of January 7th to 9th
Are you searching for some upcoming events in Sarasota you can enjoy this weekend? While the holidays have come and gone, there are still lots of fun local events you’ll want to check out! With the weather cooling, it’s also a great time to get outdoors and bike, hike, and enjoy nature.
Following is a quick list of things to do this weekend in Sarasota. As always, call ahead or visit a venue’s website before stepping out the door! You don’t want unexpected closures, overbooking, surprise admission fees, or anything else keeping you from enjoying your plans. A quick check before heading out will ensure you make the most of these weekend events for 2022.
Friday, January 7th: Jazz at Two
Jazz lovers won’t want to miss Jazz at Two, this Friday the 7th from 2 to 4 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church. The concert features Dan Miller, a former member of Harry Connick Jr.’s band, and Lew Del Gatto, known for his work with The Tonight Show Band and Saturday Night Live.
Performers Brandon Robertson and Tony Vigilante round out the quartet. The show will feature all your favorite jazz standards and is sure to be a hit! Tickets are $10 for Sarasota Jazz Club members and $20 for nonmembers and are available at the door. To find out more, visit:
https://jazzclubsarasota.org/jazz-at-two
Saturday-Sunday, January 8th-9th: The 8th Annual Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival
Art lovers won’t want to miss the 8th Annual Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival being held this Saturday and Sunday, January 8th and 9th in the JD Hamel Park. The festival features dozens of local and national artists showcasing painting, pottery, glass art, photography, wearable art, and more!
Artists will be on hand to discuss their work even commissioning a piece, if so desired! The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, and admission is free. To find out more including a map to the park, visit the website:
https://www.visitsarasota.com/8th-annual-sarasota-winter-fine-art-festival
Saturday, January 8th: Bubble Fest
If you need some things to do in Sarasota with kids, check out this weekend’s Bubble Fest! Created by Blaise Ryndes, an artist featured on America’s Got Talent, the show combines science, art, and a bit of magic for a stunning visual display you’re sure to love.
The festival is being held at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bubble show starts at 12:30 p.m. Along with the show, there will be dozens of artists on hand to showcase a range of creations and crafts, as well as food vendors and more! To find out more, visit the website:
https://stayhappening.com/e/bubble-festival-with-blaise-ryndes-free-E2ISU32QVOQ
Saturday January 8th: NBP Rec Days
If you’re looking for outdoor things to do this weekend in Sarasota, head down to Nathan Benderson Park! This weekend’s NBP Rec Days allows you to try out a number of outdoor activities including kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more. You can even enjoy a ride in a 15-foot sailboat, complete with a captain at the helm.
The event runs Saturday, January 8th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While there is no fee for parking, event admission is $10 per person ages 7-18, free for a parent and children ages 1-6, and $10 per person for adults without children. If you want to cast a line or net in the water, you are required to have a fishing license, and all participants must sign a safety waiver. To find out more and stay updated about event locations in the park, visit the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1032255940544735/
Saturday, January 8th: Volunteer Day – Limelight Community Garden
What better way to kick off 2022 than with some volunteer work in your community? This weekend you can help create a community garden at 821 Apricot Avenue in Sarasota. Volunteers are needed from 8 to 11 a.m. for cleaning and planting.
Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and to bring gloves, hats, sunscreen, and other protective items. Also, bring any rakes, shovels, and similar gardening tools you can, but these will also be provided onsite. To find out more, visit the website:
Other Local Sarasota Attractions for Your Weekend
Now is the time to get out and enjoy some fresh air, and recharge your batteries after the holiday season! Check out some area attractions you’re sure to enjoy any weekend throughout 2022.
Mote Aquarium
The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is an excellent choice for everyone in the family! You might even plan a special date night or a couple’s afternoon as well. Check out their shark zone, the stingray exhibit, sea turtles, reefs, and more.
Mote also offers virtual reality experiences, and showcases bones and teeth from some of the largest water animals in the world! Admission prices vary so check their website before making your plans:
The Ringling
The Ringling offers a wide range of exhibits and shows, including an art museum, circus museum, and educational center. You can also enjoy live performances throughout the year! Other special events include yoga classes and acoustic performances on the bay. For more information and a list of current shows, visit the website:
Big Cat Habitat
The Big Cat Habitat is a nonprofit rescue sanctuary for a variety of cats and other animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys, horses, and more. Here you can enjoy live animal demonstrations, bird shows, and other special events. You can even sign up for volunteer opportunities! For current hours of operation and admission prices, visit their website:
Selby Gardens
Selby Gardens is a bit of a luxury oasis right in the middle of the big city! In these gardens, you can relax and soak up the amazing aroma of the flowers around you, or enjoy a number of educational opportunities including lectures and special exhibits. Hours of operation and admission prices vary throughout the year. For more information including a calendar of upcoming events, visit:
Myakka State Park
If you’re ready to enjoy some rustic nature, check out Myakka State Park and the Myakka River. This park offers lush wilderness that’s perfect for a hike or picnic. The river also offers lots of places to launch a kayak or boat, so you can try fishing or just enjoy a leisurely glide across the water’s surface.
Myakka State Park also offers guided wildlife tours and a canopy walkway, for a view that is second to none! To find out more including directions to the park, visit:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park
Did you find any ideas for things to do this weekend in Sarasota from this list? If so, please be sure to share it with friends and family so they can make their plans as well! Come back next week for more great Sarasota events in 2022, as you’re sure to find lots of enjoyable options in this beautiful Florida town.
