While the slowdown of events that started in May will continue through June, as snowbirds flock back home for the summer, there'll still be plenty of things to do for those who live in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties year-round.
The first weekend alone will feature the start of local Pride Month festivities and Sarasota Music Festival concerts that'll continue throughout June, along with other month-long events including laser light shows set to music in Bradenton and summer movie nights in North Port (which also celebrates its 65th birthday this month.) Then about midway through June, a summer circus show spanning multiple months will make its return.
There'll also be all the concerts, stage productions, art exhibitions and other events that our area hosts year-round. Here's our list of more than 75 events set to take place in June in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, listed in chronological order. Event details are subject to change.
75-plus fun things to do in May in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda
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Ann Hood book chat
Ann Hood, the best-selling author of more than a dozen books including “The Book That Matters Most” and “The Knitting Circle” will talk about her new novel “The Stolen Child” and sign copies. 11 a.m. June 1; Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; free;sarasotabooks.com
Michael Ruhlman book signing
Michael Ruhlman, author of chef Thomas Keller’s “The French Laundry Cookbook,” puts a focus on drinks with “The Book of co*cktail Ratios: The Surprising Simplicity of Classic co*cktails.” Ruhlman will talk about those drinks and sign copies of his book. 12:30 p.m. June 1; Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; free; sarasotabooks.com
Tommy Davidson
The stand-up comedian is also known for his roles on the TV shows "In Living Color" and "Between Brothers." 6 and 9:30 p.m. June 1; Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater, 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte; $25-$30; 941-629-9191;visani.net
Grand Carnival in Bloom
Project Pride SRQ hosts this event featuring live music by Brady Riley and Lou Ridley, an open bar, light bites and dancing. 7-11 p.m. June 1; Circus Arts Conservatory, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota; $85, $125 VIP;ppsrq.org
Savor Sarasota
The 19th annual event features nearly 30 local restaurants offering multi-course menus for lunch and dinner. June 1-14; various locations; $25 per person lunch, $40 per person dinner; visitsarasota.com
‘Director’s Cut’
FST Improv gives the audience the chance to sit in the director’s seat, deciding which stories that the performers are telling will continue and which ones end up on the cutting room floor. 7:30 p.m. Saturdays June 1-28; Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $15-$18; 941-366-9000;floridastudiotheatre.org
Laser Light Nights
June's lineup of laser light shows set to music includes Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Outkast, No Doubt, Taylor Swift, Aerosmith, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, U2, Van Halen, The Beatles, The Doors, KISS, AC/DC, Journey, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Beastie Boys, The Rolling Stones, Rush and hip-hop and rock medleys. 7 and 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays June 1-29; The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton; $15; 941-746-4131;bishopscience.org
Sarasota Music Festival New Beginnings
The summer chamber music festival, which brings 60 young musicians to study with professionals over three weeks, launches its 60th season with a concert that featuresFrancois Couperin’s “Le Rossignol en amour,” which was performed in the festival’s first program in 1964. It also features works by Bohuslav Martinu, Jane Antonia Cornish and Anton Arensky. Festival director Jeffrey Kahane performs on harpsichord. 4 p.m. June 2; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $30-$42; 941-953-3434;sarasotaorchestra.org
Celtic Throne
Featuring a score by Golden Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne, this show "explores the ancient origins of Irish step dance and celebrates the millennia-long journey of a music-and-dance-loving people as they migrate from the ancient Near East to Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States." 7:30 p.m. June 2; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $25-$65; 941-263-6799;vanwezel.org
Summer Movie Nights
CoolToday Park hosts this series with movies shown on the scoreboard that includes "Wonka" on June 2, "Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie" on June 9, "Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning" on June 16, "Barbie" on June 23 and "Back to the Future" on June 30. 5 p.m. June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port; $7, $3 ages 4-9, free ages 3 and under; 941-413-5004;cooltodaypark.com/movies
Andy Aledort
The guitarist who played in late Allman Brothers Band co-founder and longtime Sarasota County resident Dickey Betts' group Great Southern and co-wrote the book "Texas Flood: The Inside Story of Stevie Ray Vaughan" will play the music of Vaughan, Betts and Jimi Hendrix. 7 p.m. June 3; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $44; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com
Dickey Betts: Allman Brothers Band guitarist, dies at 80: 'Dickey was larger than life'
Trixter/Enuff Z'Nuff/Pretty Boy Floyd
The trio of '80s/'90s glam metal groups has a catalog of songs including "Give It to Me Good" and "One in a Million" for Trixter, "New Thing" and "Fly High Michelle" for Enuff Z'Nuff, and "Rock and Roll (Is Gonna Set the Night on Fire)" and "I Wanna Be with You" for Pretty Boy Floyd. 6-9 p.m. June 4; Big Top Brewing Company,975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $25; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com
Squeaky Wheel Fringe Festival
This weekend festival of varied performances returns for its second season with nine different programs over four days. It features five shows created by Sarasota area artists, including Moving Ethos Dance, Scott Keys, Gabriele Keusch and more, and four more from Florida, New York and Vancouver. June 4-9; Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; squeakywheelfringe.org
‘Doubt: A Parable’
Lemon Bay Playhouse closes its 2023-24 season with John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a rigid nun who serves as principal at a Catholic school in the Bronx and suspects that the progressive parish priest has gotten too close with one of her students. Stacy Katz directs. June 5-23; Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $25, $20 for students; 941-475-6756;lemonbayplayhouse.com
‘The World Goes ‘Round’
Florida Studio Theatre celebrates the music of John Kander and Fred Ebb with its third production of this off-Broadway hit revue that features songs from such shows as “Cabaret,” “Chicago,” “70 Girls 70,” “The Act,” “Woman of the Year” and more. June 5-30; Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota;$39-$59; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘Two, Three, Four’
The first Artist Showcase of the 2024 Sarasota Music Festival features Maurice Ravel’s Violin Sonata No. 2 and works by Jean Francaix, Erwin Schulhoff and Grazyna Bacewicz. The program includes a performance by the Borromeo String Quartet. 4:30 p.m. June 6; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $30-$42; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Wonder: Human Experience and the Arts’
The Ringling presents a four-day symposium about “wonder as a source of creative inspiration, artistic medium and physical and social well-being.” It will feature keynote talks from Kaywin Feldman, director of the National Gallery of Art (6 p.m. June 6); artist Shinique Smith, whose exhibition “Parade” is on display through Jan. 5 (6 p.m. June 7); and Erin Clabough, a neuroscientist (6 p.m. June 8). There will be a Ringling WONDERground party 8-11 p.m. June 7, and Family Art Making Wonder Walk 10 a.m.-noon June 8. June 6-9; $289 full symposium, $45 individual keynotes, other events free, but tickets are required; ringling.org/wonder-symposium
‘Standing at the Beach’s Edge: London to Sarasota’
Playwright Chris Bush, the Olivier Award-winning writer behind the British hit musical “Standing at the Sky’s Edge,” talks about her work as a playwright and as the 2024 winner of the Hermitage Major Theater Award. She will share the stage with Hermitage CEO and Artistic Director Andy Sandberg. 6:30 p.m. June 7; Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood; $5 registration;hermitageartistretreat.org
Music on Main
The free monthly concert series and block party on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street features Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones in June, along withfood vendors, beer trucks and kids' games and activities. 6-9 p.m. June 7;8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch; free;800-307-2624;lakewoodranch.com/music-on-main
Fresh Fridays
The monthly event will return in June with an Ebb & Flow on Palm theme, featuring live music by We Are Yacht Rock on downtown Sarasota's Palm Avenue. 7-10 p.m. June 7; Palm Avenue next to Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota;downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays
Adam Ezra Group
The Boston folk band has collaborated with musicians including John Oates of Hall & Oates fame and Grammy-winning dobro/lap steel guitar player Jerry Douglas. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show June 7; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $28, $24members, $14students; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org
‘Bach and Beyond’
The first Festival Fridays concert of the Sarasota Music Festival features faculty members, fellows and the Borromeo String Quartet. It includes movements from faculty member Jeff Scott’s “Passion for Bach and Coltrane,” along with Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and Prelude and Fugue in E-flat Minor/D-sharp Minor from “The Well-Tempered Clavier” and Mozart’s String Quintet No. 4. 7:30 p.m. June 7; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $29-$50; 941-953-3434;sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Beyond the Grave’
The Gothic Library marks its first anniversary with its latest live radio theater production. “Beyond the Grave” features adaptations of W.W. Jacobs’ “The Monkey’s Paw,” Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Body Snatcher” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” by Vincent Pearson and direction by Ren Pearson. 7 p.m. June 7-8; Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $25; sarasotabooks.com
Robert Kelly
The comedian is known for roles such as Louis C.K.'s brother in "Louie," hosting podcasts including "You Know What Dude" and releasing specials such as "Kill Box," filmed in St. Petersburg. 7 and 10 p.m. June 7 and 6 and 9:30 p.m. June 8; Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater, 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte; $25; 941-629-9191; visani.net
Bradenton Boat Show
Guests can shop for new boats at discounted show prices, fishing gear and more, with fishing tips and hands-on learning from experts at Captain Joe Fishing School. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 7 and 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 9; Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto; $6, free ages 12 and under; bradentonboatshow.com
‘Spring Awakening’
The young performers in the Rise Above Performing Arts program present the Tony Award-winning musical by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, based on a 19th century German play by Frank Wedekind. It’s a coming-of-age rock musical about teenagers discovering the challenges they face as adolescence arrives and the decisions parents make that will impact their children for years. Must be at least 16 years old to attend unless accompanied by an adult. June 7-15; Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $25-$35; 941-702-4747; riseabovearts.com
Jack Dowd: Last Call
Ringling College Galleries presents Jack Dowd’s installation, with its 22-foot mahogany bar and 13 life-sized characters conversing, drinking and working. It was designed to evoke people gathering at a New York City tavern. The bar is made up of 26 pieces with cutting-edge lighting and sound systems. Noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays June 7-Aug. 16 (opening reception 5-7 p.m. June 7); Stulberg Gallery, Ringling College, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-359-7563; ringling.edu/galleries
Silver Pride
Project Pride SRQ, Senior Friendship Centers and Golden Girls Solutions present this event celebrating senior members of the LGBTQ+ community with live music, vendors, food trucks and more. Noon-5 p.m. June 8; Senior Friendship Centers of Sarasota, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota; free;ppsrq.org
Big Top Brewers Collective Food Truck Extravaganza
June's food trucks will be Below716, 88 Live Piano Bar, Grace's Taste of Poland, Currywurst Truck SRQ, Untamed Kitchen and Spelltacular Sweets. 5-9 p.m. June 8; Big Top Brewers Collective, 2519 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton; 941-708-2966;facebook.com/bigtopbrewerscollective
‘Festival Firsts’
First-time performances highlight this Sarasota Music Festival program, including conductor Stephanie Childress leading music by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail. Festival alumna Rachel Breen makes her festival solo debut with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1. The program closes with Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 1. 7:30 p.m. June 8; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $30-$70; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Matthew Curry
The singer-songwriter and guitarist has shared stages with the Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, and Steve Miller Band, and appeared in the David Spade comedy "Joe Dirt 2" as the late Lynyrd Skynyrd singer and Jacksonville native Ronnie Van Zant. 8-10 p.m. June 8; Troll Music, 628 E. Venice Ave., Venice; $20; 941-484-8765; trollmusic.com
Downtown Sarasota Spring Craft Fair
The fourth annual two-day outdoor craft fair will take place in the heart of downtown Sarasota on Central Avenue and First Street. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 8-9; Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota; free admission; 561-746-6615; artfestival.com
‘Rising Stars’
The first of the Sarasota Music Festival programs that puts a focus on the fellows who are studying with master musicians will include music by Brahms, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and more. 2:30 p.m. June 9; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $15-$25; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Coconut Cake’
Melda Beaty’s comedy about four retirees who spend their days debating the mysteries of life over coffee and chess games at McDonald’s was named the winner of the Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin Rolling World Premiere Award at the 2022 National Black Theatre Festival. Westcoast Black Theatre is one of five theaters across the country presenting the play this year. June 12-23; Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota; $35; 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
Jeff Dye
The comedian came in third place on season six of "Last Comic Standing" in 2008 and has hosted TV shows including Fox's "Who the Bleep is That?" 8 p.m. June 13, 7 and 10 p.m. June 14, 6 and 9:30 p.m. June 15; Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater, 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte; $25; 941-629-9191; visani.net
Jimmy Shubert
The stand-up comic was part of Sam Kinison's Outlaws of Comedy and appeared on "Last Comic Standing" season eight in 2014. 7 p.m. June 13 and 16, 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. June 14-15; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $28; 941-925-3869;mccurdyscomedy.com
‘Happy Dale’
The Sarasota Players presents the winner of the 2023 New Play Festival, a comedy by Sarasota writer Dan Landon. “Happy Dale” is about a retired English teacher who has been angry and despondent since his wife’s death. He is sent to live at an assisted living facility, where he works with his roommate to break out. June 13-23; Sarasota Players, Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota; $28-$30, $13 for students 24 and younger; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
‘Murder by the Book’
The Royal James Theater makes its local debut with this mystery about a real event in the life of mystery writer Agatha Christie that made front-page headlines around the world. The play is by Chicago writer and critic B.J. Mohr, who also created the theater company performing it. June 13-23; Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; $29; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
Sunset Pride Cruise
Kicking off this year's Big Gay Weekend, the celebration on Sarasota Bay will feature DJ music, dancing, drinks plus snacks available for purchase, prizes and giveaways. 6:30-9 p.m. June 14; LeBarge Tropical Cruises, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota; biggayweekend.com
Greg Billings and the Stay Up Lates
Greg Billings used to play in the band Stranger and has since released music under his own name including 2016's "Boom! Boom! All Night!" featuring AC/DC singer and Sarasota resident Brian Johnson and Cheap Trick member and Pinellas County resident Robin Zander. 7-10 p.m. June 14; Big Top Brewing Company,975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; free; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com
‘Tales and Tributes’
This Sarasota Music Festival program offers stories and tributes, including Jeff Scott’s “Trail of Tears,” which tells the story of his great-great-grandfather, who was among 60,000 Native Americans ejected from their homes in the 19th century. The program also includes Antonin Dvořák’s String Quintet in G Major, Op. 77, which was written in 1876 and dedicated “For My Nation.” Richard Strauss’ Serenade and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending” round out the program. 7:30 p.m. June 14; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $29-$50; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Summer Circus Spectacular
Circus Sarasota and The Ringling join together for what has become an annual summer tradition in the Historic Asolo Theater. This intimate circus production features contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, the Bello Sisters acrobatic hand balancing, a hair hang act by Camille Langlois; slack wire by Antino Pansa and clowning by the returning Renaldo. Jared Walker serves as master of ceremonies. June 14-Aug. 17; Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $20, $15 children age 12 and younger, $75 opening night; 941-360-7399; ringling.org/event/fy25-summer-circus-3
Dad's Day Block Party
The annual event will feature free Father's Day activities, sports player meet-and-greets, more than 40 vendors, giveaways/raffles and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 15; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; free entry/parking; 727-674-1464; floridapenguinproductions.com
ReptiCon
The reptile and exotic animal convention returns to Sarasota. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 15; Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota; $10, $5 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under; repticon.com/florida/sarasota
Big Gay Beach Party 9
The party brings together Sarasota's LGBTQ+ community and allies to North Lido for a day at the beach. Bring your own beach amenities and clean up after yourself. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 15; North Lido Beach, 1-85 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; free;biggayweekend.com
Fishermen's Village Electric Blues Extravaganza
Fishermen's Village hosts this blues music festival featuring performances by The Cedrick Talton Experience, The Dukes Project, Keanu Reed, Reggie King Sears, Dottie Kelly and Rock the House Band, and Carnival Xhibition. Noon-9 p.m. June 15; Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; 941-639-8721; fishermensvillage.com
‘American Soundscapes’
Sarasota Music Festival Director Jeffrey Kahane says this Festival Saturday concert epitomizes the spirit of this year’s event, with work highlighting improvisation and new interpretations. It includes Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, which was written for Benny Goodman. Tessa Lark and Mike Block duet with traditional fiddle tunes. Block’s “Iniche Cosebe,” a partially improvised work, and Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky” are also on the program. 7:30 p.m. June 15; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $30-$70; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
J.P. Soars and the Red Hots
The group earned four Blues Music Award nominations in 2022 including Band of the Year, Instrumentalist — Guitar and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year for J.P. Soars, and Instrumentalist — Drums for his bandmate Chris Peet. 8-11 p.m. June 15; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115;celticray.net
Downtown Venice Craft Festival
The two-day outdoor craft festival takes place along Downtown Venice's Miami Avenue. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 15-16; 200 W. Miami Ave., Venice; free admission;561-746-6615; artfestival.com
Splash! Pride Pool Party
Big Gay Weekend ends with this pool party with a DJ set, drag performances, local artisans and vendors market and prizes donated by local businesses. 1-7 p.m. June 16; The Sarasota Modern, 1290 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota; $20, cabanas/lounge sets additional; biggayweekend.com
‘Rising Stars’
This Sarasota Music Festival concert highlights the fellows with a program of chamber works by Beethoven, Dvořák, Schubert and more. 2:30 p.m. June 16; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $15-$25; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
North Port 65th Birthday Celebration
The City of North Port celebrates its 65th birthday with this free, family-friendly event featuring activities including taking a photo with a replica hot air balloon representing our city's history and leaving their mark on a community art project. 4-6 p.m. June 18; City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port; free; northportfl.gov/65
‘The Music of Laurel Canyon’
A cabaret revue saluting some of the great music that emerged in the 1960s and early 1970s from such rising stars as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, the Mamas and the Papas and more. June 18-Aug. 25; Florida Studio Theatre Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $18-$42; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Levin Lecture
During each Sarasota Music Festival, pianist and former festival director Robert Levin takes time to talk about aspects of music featured in that year’s program. This time, he’ll be talking about the art of improvisation, and he’ll be demonstrating by taking audience suggestions. 1 p.m. June 19; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $15-$25; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Lustrous Sounds’
In this final Artist Showcase of the 2024 Sarasota Music Festival, faculty members are highlighted. Violinist Benjamin Beilman performs Bach’s Violin Partita No. 3 with improvised ornamentation. The program also includes Francis Poulenc’s jazzy 1932 Sextet, Ilari Kaila’s “Hum and Drum” and Ernst von Dohnanyi’s Serenade. 4:30 p.m. June 20; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $30-$42; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Drag Queen Bingo
Georgia Moore hosts this Pride edition of the event featuring prizes, callouts and spontaneous dance-offs.6:30-9 p.m. June 20; Mellow Mushroom, 6727 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $10 per person (two-person minimum, 21-and-up only); 941-388-7504; facebook.com/mellowmushroomsarasota
Preacher Lawson
The comedian who started in Orlando landed in the Top 10 of "America's Got Talent" season 12 in 2017 and Top 5 of "America's Got Talent: The Champions" season one in 2019. 8 p.m. June 20, 7 and 10 p.m. June 21, 6 and 9:30 p.m. June 22; Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater, 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte; $30-$35; 941-629-9191; visani.net
‘Rising Stars’
This final Rising Stars concert of Sarasota Music Festival season, featuring fellows performing favorite chamber pieces, features compositions by Mendelssohn, Francaix, Brahms and more. 2:30 p.m. June 21; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $15-$25; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Friday Fest
Van Wezel's free summertime outdoor concert series, held on the venue's lawn, continues with Kettle of Fish in June. Blankets and lawn chairs are allowed, but outside food and beverages or coolers are not, with food and beverages from local vendors available for purchase at the event. 5 p.m. June 21; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; free admission; 941-263-6799;vanwezel.org
‘Romantic Reveries’
Sarasota Music Festival fellows perform with faculty members in this program that highlights music of 19th century Romanticism and includes faculty members Sheryl Staples, Brinton Smith and Robert Levin. The concert features Beethoven’s Octet, Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” and César Franck’s Piano Quintet. 7:30 p.m. June 21; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $29-$50; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
Suncoast Summer Fest
The third annual series of summer fundraising events organized by Suncoast Charities for Children kicks off in June with the Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic on June 21, Disco & Dice Party on June 28, and Fun Run on June 29. June 21-July 4; various venues; prices vary;suncoastsummerfest.org
‘Passion and Pride’
The 2024 Sarasota Music Festival comes to a close with director Jeffrey Kahane conducting and playing piano on Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major. Cellist Karen Ouzounian is featured in the Sarasota premiere of Anna Clyne’s “Shorthand,” which had its world premiere in 2022. The festival concludes with Brahms’ Symphony No. 1. 7:30 p.m. June 22; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $30-$70; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Stealing the Show: Broadway, Beach and Beyond’
Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, who was nominated for a Tony Award this season for her role as Lady of the Lake in a revival of “Spamalot,” is also a writer, composer and lyricist who has been developing projects at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. She talks about and performs songs you know and things yet to be heard. 6:30 p.m. June 26; Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org
John Caparulo
The comedian has appeared on "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show," "Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Next Generation" and "Chelsea Lately." 7:30 p.m. June 26, 8 p.m. June 27-28, 6 and 9:30 p.m. June 29; Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater, 2400 Kings Highway, Port Charlotte; $25-$30; 941-629-9191;visani.net
‘We Were the Universe’ book chat
Author Kimberly King Parsons, author of the short story collection “Black Light,” talks about her latest work, her forthcoming debut novel “We Were the Universe,” in this program with the Hermitage Artist Retreat. 6 p.m. June 28; Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $5 registration; sarasotabooks.com
Classic Movies at the Opera House
The screening series of classic movies at Sarasota Opera House continues with the 1944 Judy Garland musical "Meet Me in St. Louis." 7:30 p.m. June 28; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
Ben Prestage
The Florida-raised "Deep South Swamp Music" performer is known for his inventive approach to instrumentation, simultaneously playing multiple instruments, including the diddley bow, which earned him a Blues Music Award nomination for Instrumentalist — Other. 4-7 p.m. June 29; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115;celticray.net
Ordinary Boys
The group paying tribute to The Smiths and Morrissey will perform with Joy Division/New Order tribute act New Dawn Fades. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show June 29; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $15 advance, $20 day of; 941-201-4950;oscura.live
Drag Queen Bingo Extravaganza
Tamiami Trails and special guest stars perform at this variety show that also includes three games of bingo called throughout the show. 8 p.m. June 30; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $26; 941-925-3869;mccurdyscomedy.com
Continuing
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Reginald Rose’s classic drama “Twelve Angry Men,” about jury deliberations in the case of a teenager accused of killing his father, is now a musical with a jazzy score by Michael Holland and a book by David Simpatico. Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein stages the show. Through June 9; 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $35-$98; 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
Florida Studio Theatre
The cabaret show “The Flip Side,” a revue of songs that take a humorous look at life, runs through June 16 in the Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $37-$46; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
The Ringling
“Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration,” with exhibitions at five museums on both sides of the Skyway Bridge, begins at The Ringling and will include the Sarasota Art Museum for the first time. Through Jan. 26. skywaytampabay.com. “On the Road,” a showcase of work by photographers Jill Freedman and Randal Levenson, who captured the lives of carnival and circus performers in the 1970s, continues through Aug. 25 in the Searing Galleries. The newly restored “Michele Oka Doner: The True Story of Eve” continues through June 2 in the Monda Gallery. “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” continues through June 23 in the Chao Center for Asian Art. “Embodied,” highlighting the human figure with pieces from the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art, continues through Sept. 21, 2025. “Shinique Smith: Parade,” focused on European artistic tradition, continues through Jan. 5, 2025; “Shared Vision: Art and Empathy,” a project with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, is on display through Aug. 8 in the Community Gallery. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; 941-359-5700; ringling.org
Sarasota Art Museum
“Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat” continues through July 7, highlighting work by 10 artists who have been fellows at the artist retreat on Manasota Key. “The Truth of the Night Sky,” a collaboration between multimedia artist Anne Patterson and composer and sound artist Patrick Harlin, who also have ties to the Hermitage, continues through Sept. 29. Molly Hatch’s “Amalgam,” a display of ceramics that covers walls on two floors, continues through April 26, 2026. 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
Urbanite Theatre
Urbanite Theatre presents the world premiere of “OAK” by Terry Guest, who had a hit at the theater with his play “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen.” This new work is set in a small town where residents are warned about the red-eyed monster who is snatching up people looking to enjoy the freedoms he promises. Through June 30. 1487 Second St., Sarasota. $42 adults, $28 under age 40, $5 students. 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Sheldon Rhoden returns as soul singer Marvin Gaye in the fourth staging of Nate Jacobs’ biographical revue “Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul.” Extended through June 2. 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $50, $20 students age 25 and younger/active military. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
Farmers markets for Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
Sarasota Farmers Market
The year-round market in downtown Sarasota features vendors selling produce, plants, artisan goods, and food and drink, also featuring live music and other entertainment. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays;1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; sarasotafarmersmarket.org
Venice Farmers Market
The year-round market features farm, food-related, artisan andgreeneryvendors. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays;401 W. Venice Ave., Venice;thevenicefarmersmarket.org
Newtown Farmers Market
The market offers fresh local produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, and other goods. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and first and third Fridays;Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota; newtownnation.com
Siesta Key Farmers Market
The market located in Siesta Village features fresh produce, art, clothing and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays;5211 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key;facebook.com/siestakeyfarmersmarket
Fresh Harvest Farmers Market
The Downtown Wellen farmers market features nearly 40 different vendor booths offering locally grown and produced food including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages, as well as a limited selection of craft vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays; Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice; wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market
Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch
The year-round market features more than 100 local vendors offering organic produce, flowers, specialty spices/rubs, honey, bread and otherbaked goods, prepared foods, pet products, jewelryand more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays;1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch; themarketlwr.com
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com.Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook,InstagramandTwitter. Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com.Support local journalismbysubscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best things to do in June near Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice
