Events
August 2026

Join us this August in Sarasota for an exciting lineup of events! From art festivals to outdoor concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the annual Sarasota Film Festival showcasing independent films, or the vibrant Farmers filled with local produce and crafts. Mark your calendars and experience all that Sarasota has to this month!

🎭 Theater & Stage Performances

• Fame – The Musical

  • Dates: August 6 – August 16, 2026 (Multiple matinee and evening showtimes)

  • Venue: Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton)

  • Description: A high-energy production following the passion, ambition, and struggles of students at a performing arts high school. Features classic choreography and the famous title track. 

• Head Over Heels

  • Dates: Running through August 8, 2026

  • Venue: Pinkerton Theatre at Venice Theatre (140 Tampa Ave W, Venice)

  • Description: A bold, musical comedy mash-up combining a 16th-century romance story with the hit 1980s tunes of The Go-Go's. 

• Under The Covers: Cabaret of 80s and 90s Hits

  • Dates: Daily repeating series until August 29, 2026

  • Venue: Tree Fort Productions (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota)

  • Description: An intimate, vocals-focused cabaret revue starring Martina Long and Katherine Michelle Tanner executing stylized arrangements of late-20th-century pop hits. 

🎤 Stand-Up Comedy

• Kevin Nealon Live

  • Dates: Opens Thursday, August 6, 2026 (Runs as a multi-day series)

  • Venue: McCurdy's Comedy Theatre (1923 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota)

  • Description: Emmy-nominated comedian and Saturday Night Live alumnus Kevin Nealon brings his trademark dry wit and observational stand-up storytelling to Sarasota. 

🎵 Concerts & Live Music

• 22N High-Energy Rock Sets

  • Dates & Locations:

    • Sunday, August 2, 2026 (18:00) at 88 Live Piano Bar (6640 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton)

    • Saturday, August 15, 2026 (20:00) at Encore Live (8341 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota)

  • Description: One of Southwest Florida's premier multi-genre party rock bands. The August 15 show features a themed Neon Glow Party with a $10 entry fee. 

• First Friday Rock: Rob Hamm & The Daily Specials

  • Dates: Friday, August 7, 2026 (21:00)

  • Venue: Drift-In AMI (120 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach)

  • Description: A classic rock and rhythm session on the island. Patrons are encouraged to wear red shirts in honor of deployed military members. 

• A Conversation with Billie and Ella: Barbara King

  • Dates: Monday, August 10, 2026 (19:30; Dinner seating at 18:30)

  • Venue: John C. Court Cabaret (1265 1st St, Sarasota)

  • Description: Presented by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. A narrative jazz vocal performance exploring the songbooks, dynamic contrasts, and histories of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. 

• Friday Night Gazebo Concert: Courtney Amber

  • Dates: Friday, August 14, 2026 (19:00)

  • Venue: Centennial Park Gazebo (200 W. Venice Ave, Venice)

  • Description: Part of the bimonthly, free outdoor community concert series hosted by Visit Venice FL in the heart of historic downtown. 

• Anthony Green with GOON & Keith Goodwin

  • Dates: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (18:00)

  • Venue: Oscura (816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton)

  • Description: An indie, alternative, and progressive rock evening showcase tailored for mature music fans at Bradenton's premier urban listening room. 

• Modern Pop & Dance: Ashley Lux Band

  • Dates: Friday, August 21, 2026 (19:00)

  • Venue: Motorworks Brewing (1014 9th St W, Bradenton)

  • Description: Family-friendly, high-energy top 40, rock, and dance music covers on the massive outdoor lawn stage. 

• The NewKollections Live

  • Dates: Saturday, August 22, 2026 (18:00)

  • Venue: Pop's Sunset Grill (112 Circuit Rd, Nokomis)

  • Description: Waterfront live music delivering a broad repertoire ranging from classic standards to modern pop classics along the Nokomis riverfront. 

🎨 Art Walks & Hyper-Local Community Events

• Village of the Arts Artwalk Weekend

  • Dates: Friday, August 7, 2026 (18:00 – 21:30)

  • Venue: Village of the Arts (1227 12th St W, Bradenton)

  • Description: Stroll through a unique, vibrant neighborhood of historic cottages converted into galleries, studios, and specialty bakeries. Features live music and artist meet-and-greets. 

• Summer Circus Spectacular Finale

  • Dates: Daily through August 8, 2026 (Final week of the run)

  • Venue: Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling (5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota)

  • Description: The closing performances of elite global acrobatics, juggling, and clowning hosted inside the historic theater.