If you want to meet good folks, the Englewood Sunday Drum Circle makes it easy. Drums, sunsets, and a beach full of friendly people. What more do you need? Just bring a chair, chill out, and let the drums, the waves, and that famous Englewood sunset do their thing. Everyone’s welcome.

You’ll catch the Englewood Drum Circle on Sundays all year, as long as the weather permits. They start about an hour, sometimes an hour and a half, before sunset. Head to Beach Road, right across from Lock & Key and The Waverly. Look for the first beach entrance, just to the right of the pavilion, playground, and bathrooms. Not sure when sunset is? Google’s got your back.

The evenings may be warm and balmy, but the drums keep going, and so do the good times.

Call 262-707-3513 if you need more information.

Click here to go to their Facebook page for more information.

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The stage is ready for tonight’s Thursday Night in the Garden Concert Series at the Open Studio, located at 380 Old Englewood Road. Just a short distance north of Dearborn Street, the venue will host an evening of live music including folk harmonies, classical pieces and Celtic Americana.

The music begins at 4 p.m. with the LemonBelles, a female vocal trio made up of Coleen, Renee and MJ. The group performs with guitar, mandolin, cello, harmonica and keyboard, creating variety of acoustic textures.

At 5 p.m., the Classy Notes take the stage. This duo touches on classical pieces, Broadway selections and easy-listening favorites, providing what they call “a relaxed and uplifting repertoire.”

Kumpfenbergs and Gail G. will close the evening at 6 p.m. with a blend of traditional Celtic music and old-time Americana. According to the hosts, the performance highlights “lilting fiddle lines and foot-tapping rhythms.”

Bring a chair, a cooler, good vibes and tappin’ toes. All are welcome, music and the onsite food truck opens at 4 p.m.
Click here to visit The Open Studio’s facebook page for all upcoming events.

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The month-long event opened Saturday, November 1, with Publishing Day at Selby Library. The free one-day conferencebroughtg together publishing experts, author panels and instructors from Ringling College of Art and Design.

On Friday, November 7, the Riverview Performing Arts Center will welcome Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club, at 7 p.m. Tan will discuss her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles. Organizers anticipate strong attendance and ask that no flash photography be used.

Family Day follows on Saturday, November 8, at Fruitville Library. Author Ben Clanton, known for the Narwhal and Jelly series, will lead story time, activities and sign books for young readers starting at 10 a.m.

Science writer Sam Kean, author of The Disappearing Spoon, will appear Monday, November 10, at Gulf Gate Library at 6 p.m. to discuss his newest release, Dinner with King Tut, which combines history, science and storytelling.

On Saturday, November 15, bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian will speak at Selby Library at 3 p.m., offering insight into his work including The Flight Attendant, the inspiration for the HBO Max series of the same name.

Annabelle Tometich will discuss her memoir The Mango Tree on Tuesday, November 18, at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library at 2 p.m. The book was named one of the Best Books of 2024 by The Washington Post and NPR.

The following day, Wednesday, November 19, Janet Evanovich and her daughter Alex Evanovich will appear at Shannon Staub Library at 3 p.m. to share stories, humor and writing advice.

The celebration concludes Thursday, November 20, at William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Library at 6 p.m., where Fiona Davis will speak about her journey from actress to bestselling author of historical fiction.

More details and registration links are available through Sarasota County Libraries’ website.

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Organizers say the celebration will feature snacks, light refreshments, and a chance for visitors to walk the new trail and learn more about the Gopher Tortoise’s habitat. The park will also recognize community partners who helped bring the project to life, including the Rotary Club of Englewood, Home Depot, and Gulf Hardware.

Four local artists who painted the educational signs along the trail will also be honored for donating their artwork. The event is free and open to everyone.

Cedar Point Environmental Park is located at 2300 Placida Road in Englewood. For more information, contact michelle@checflorida.org.

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Kim Manning, president of the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center, said the event will revive the old-time picnics that were once popular in the area. “To help get this underway there will be a festival and picnic on October 26 from 11am to 3pm on the beautiful grounds of the Sarasota Farm Bureau,” Manning said. “There will be food trucks, live oldies music by Paisley Craze, booths, historical organizations, storytelling, trivia contests, old time lawn games, circus history by Chucko the Clown and a few surprises.”

A special tribute will be held for the pioneer Carlton family. The event is open to the public, with admission set at $20 and $10 for members. New members of the Friends organization may attend for free.

Attendees can bring their own picnics and blankets or enjoy offerings from food trucks. Tables, chairs and tents are available to rent in advance. Registration and additional details are available at foschc.org 

Sponsors of the event include Frank and Beth Cassell, Diane Esthus, David Harper, Andrew Littauer, All Event Rental and HPK Provident Advisors. Those interested in becoming sponsors may email friendsfest2025@gmail.com

All proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Sarasota County History Center, a nonprofit that supports the Sarasota County History Center through fundraising for lectures, exhibits and acquisitions.

The Sarasota County History Center, part of the Sarasota County Public Library System, collects, preserves and shares the county’s historical records, artifacts and reference materials while identifying and protecting historic structures and archaeological sites.

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The Englewood Plein Air Painters is a group of artists who create paintings en plein air, which means working directly outdoors. The group meets every Thursday morning year-round from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., exploring local scenic spots.

Paint-out locations include the Englewood Farmers Market, Middle Beach and other parks and gardens across the area.

The group welcomes artists of all levels and mediums. Organizers foster a supportive and encouraging atmosphere with no cost or obligation. Participants are asked to bring paint supplies, an easel and a chair, then enjoy a morning of camaraderie.

Weekly painting locations are shared through email updates so artists can join when their schedules allow.

For details or to receive weekly location updates, email EnglewoodPAP@gmail.com.

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