Liz, a tough-as-nails New Yorker in the middle of a messy divorce, stumbles across a stray dog she has absolutely no interest in keeping. Instead, she tries her best to do the responsible thing and foster the dog, at least temporarily. Yet the line between “just helping” and “falling in love” soon blurs—turns out, the dog is the one rescuing her right back.

“Dog Mom,” penned by Tate Elizabeth Hanyok, starts previews June 24 and officially opens June 26 at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre in Sarasota, running through July 26. The play isn’t just another “person meets pet” comedy: it’s part urban survival tale, part unexpected friendship saga. The story looks at how unwanted responsibility can morph into joy and self-discovery, all wrapped in laughter and those small moments that make a found family feel real.

If the show feels honed and ready, credit some behind-the-scenes groundwork. Last year, “Dog Mom” had a script-in-hand reading at the Burdick Reading Festival at FST, where it took the audience by surprise. The play was a clear hit. This summer, it gets its full world premiere.

Tate Hanyok’s script, gentle, funny, and bitingly honest, finds its match in director Nancy Rominger. Rominger is new to FST, joining in 2024 after twelve seasons shaping new work as associate artistic director at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. She knows how to bring out all the messy, complicated heart in a brand-new play and has done so with a roster of recent FST hits.

Onstage, Katharine McLeod slips into Liz’s shoes, while Kelsey Leigh Stalter takes on the dog, literally. In a nod to A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” the canine role, is played by a human actor. This artistic choice lets the audience see things from the dog’s perspective and pushes the comedy and pathos even further. In past productions, FST has used real animals, cats and dogs alike, but here, the choice to use an actor deepens the connection and keeps the focus on the relationship.

Rounding out the cast are Ryan G. Dunkin as Ruben, Marina Re as Nell, and Kraig Swartz covering as the swing. Creative support comes from scenic designers Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay, costume designer Madison Queen, lighting designer Kate Landry, and sound designer Nicholas Christensen. Fight choreography is by Brianna McVaugh, with Shira Lebovich and Kate Johnson running stage management.

“Dog Mom” finds its power because family often arrives when we’re not looking, and sometimes in the most unexpected form, like a stray with muddy paws. The play delves into the vulnerability of opening up and the surprises that happen when we risk connection. It’s hard not to see yourself in Liz, or to remember a time a pet became a lifeline.

The journey for “Dog Mom” didn’t end with a single reading. After its FST debut, the play underwent further workshops at the Seven Devils Playwrights Foundry in Idaho and joined the National New Play Network’s Rolling World Premiere program, a signal of faith in its potential. This means theaters across the country are producing it, building a conversation about love, loss, and second chances that stretches well beyond Sarasota.

Hanyok herself brings a strong resume to the table. She wrote and produced Hulu’s “Sex APPeal,” directed Lifetime’s “Friends Until the End,” and starred in “Love and Baseball” on HBO Max. Before Liz and her four-legged friend hit Sarasota’s stage, Hanyok even played the role of the Dog in an earlier production.

Florida Studio Theatre, now the biggest subscription theatre in Florida and one of the largest nationwide, keeps building on its mission: make theatre that’s intimate, present, and accessible, all while telling stories that speak to how tangled, funny, and bittersweet real life can get. Under Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, FST has grown from a small company in 1973 to a hub of five theaters in downtown Sarasota, serving over 225,000 people a year across its range of programs.

Yes, “Dog Mom” is funny. Yes, you’ll leave with your heart a little fuller. But it’s also a reminder that unexpected connections, fur, flaws, and all, are what make us whole.

To see “Dog Mom,” head over to FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941-366-9000 for tickets. Maybe bring a tissue. And if you love dogs? You’re in for a treat. Family, finding hope after heartbreak, and learning that sometimes the riskiest connections are the ones that save us.

Click here for tickets and more information.

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The park will come alive with energy: you can catch live World Cup games on enormous screens set up under a big, shaded tent with stunning bay views. There’s a free 3v3 soccer tournament open to anyone, a packed fan zone full of soccer drills, lawn games, face painting, and giveaways. Sarasota Paradise players and coaches will be there, hanging out and signing autographs. The special guest for the day? Trevor Sinclair, former England star and World Cup veteran.

If you’re hungry, grab something from the local food trucks and themed booths serving up food and drinks all day.

Here’s the game plan:

– See Germany vs. Curaçao at 1 p.m. and Netherlands vs. Japan at 4 p.m.
– A 3v3 round-robin soccer tournament kicks off at 12:30 p.m. and goes until 2:30 p.m.
– Fan zone activities, meet-and-greets, and fresh local eats run all afternoon.

Everything’s free, everyone’s welcome, just bring your energy and be ready to celebrate. 

Find out more and sign up at this link.

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After sold-out shows and glowing reviews across the country, Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue heads to Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Catch one of two shows at 1:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m. local time at goldengirlstour.com. A special VIP package gets you the best seats in the house and a photo op with the cast on the iconic Golden Girls set.

This isn’t just your classic trip down memory lane, it’s a wild ride. Sophia’s just made bail, busted by the DEA for running a “retiree-only” drug ring. Blanche and Rose are busy with CreakN, their hot senior dating app. Dorothy’s barely holding things together, juggling the chaos with the help of a much younger, very amorous new beau. The show brings all four best friends back to life, letting fans soak in their one-of-a-kind, heartfelt comedy all over again.

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue features Chris Davis as Dorothy, Vince Kelley as Blanche, Adam Graber as Rose, Christopher Kamm as Sophia, and Tommy Favorite as Stan. Murray & Peter Present and Outback Presents bring the production to life.

Tickets are also available at VanWezel.org, by phone at 941-263-6799, or in person at the Veteran Air Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more can call 941-263-6726 for group rates. For pre-show eats, Mattison’s offers grab-and-go inside the theater, with dinner service at select performances. Book through VanWezel.org or at the box office. For full tour info and more details, visit goldengirlstour.com.

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Jennifer Rominiecki, Selby’s CEO, explains it best: “We’re a leading center for air plant research, and our team noticed a real connection between Calder’s mobiles and our living collection.” 

Step inside the conservatory and that connection hits you right away. Selby’s signature air plants hang in the air, arranged to play with balance and motion, just like Calder’s art. The team didn’t just mimic the look; they showed off how these plants naturally hang and thrive, floating in space.

It’s not just inside, either. Walk through the gardens and you’ll spot bold, large-scale installations scattered throughout. Each one channels Calder’s love for shape, movement, and kinetic design. In the Richard and Ellen Sandor Museum of Botany & the Arts, you can see actual pieces by Calder, bringing the artist’s vision full circle with Selby’s living displays.

What’s really special here? The staff call it a rare chance to see Calder through a whole new lens; outdoors, surrounded by living plants, right in Sarasota. There’s a local angle too. Rominiecki points to Calder’s fascination with the circus, especially the legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Calder studied their energy and motion, drawing influence for his own kinetic art.

Above all, the exhibition explores how movement isn’t just an artistic concept; it’s a fact of life, running through nature itself. Calder knew this, and Selby Gardens lets visitors feel it in every drifting leaf and turning mobile. The result is a fresh experience that welcomes art lovers, plant enthusiasts, and curious newcomers of every age.

1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FLFor more information go to selby.org.

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For decades, the Beaux Arts Ball was the highlight of Sarasota’s social calendar. Now it returns, honoring a century of artistic legacy at the Art Center and helping secure the future of art in Southwest Florida.

It’s more than just a costume party. This time, guests will step into a 1920s-inspired celebration, complete with a jazz trio led by Ben Thomas (yep, the former frontman of Zappa Plays Zappa). There’s also a live, large-scale painting that’ll come together right before your eyes. Dinner, a live auction, high-energy music; by the end of the night, everyone’s invited to hit the dance floor. Of course, the costumes are half the fun. Come dressed in your best ‘20s attire or formalwear with flair; there’s special recognition for those who really nail the look.

The big night happens Saturday, March 21, starting at 6 p.m. at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. The ball isn’t just a party; it’s the cornerstone fundraiser for Art Center Sarasota. Every dollar raised keeps the galleries free and the Center’s top-tier exhibitions and programming running six days a week. Your ticket supports exhibitions, scholarships, and arts education for all ages. It’s both a night to remember and an investment in the community’s cultural future.

The organization is offering a limited number of tickets, starting at $300 each, and tables from $2,400. For tickets and info, visit https://artsarasota.ejoinme.org/tickets.Every event the center plans for the centennial shines a light on the community spirit at the heart of Art Center Sarasota. You’ll find Art Center Sarasota at 707 N. Tamiami Trail. The galleries are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To learn more, call 941-365-2032 or visit www.artsarasota.org.

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This isn’t some glossy magazine fantasy. These homeowners have wrestled with crumbling walls, tricky building codes, and the constant tug-of-war between modern living and historic character. But ask them, and they’ll tell you; there’s a deep satisfaction in seeing a piece of Sarasota’s past survive.

Public historian Harry Klinkhamer will moderate the panel, digging into both the practical headaches and the unexpected joys that come with historic preservation. 

Here’s who’s on the panel:

• Susan and Jim Davis took on two 1926 Owen Burns-designed bungalows in Burns Court, which had spent years as the Amore restaurant. They’ve restored the homes’ original charm, erasing decades of alterations.

• Michelle and Paul van Deventer recently finished restoring two Laurel Park bungalows, including the 1939 Fredrickson House. They modernized the inside while keeping the historic exterior. Their other project next door is a 1930s bungalow, now fully brought back to life.

• Christopher Wilson and Selma Goker own a Lustron Home on Rose Street in South Poinsettia Park, one of the last in Sarasota County. Built in 1948 in Ohio and shipped down to address the postwar housing crunch, this metal-clad house is anything but ordinary.

• Michael and Alice Jeromin, veterans of restoration in Ohio, are now tackling one of Venice’s architectural gems.

“This is the first time we’ve hosted an event like this,” says Erin DiFazio, SAHP’s managing director. “We want people to hear the real stories—what’s rewarding, what’s tough. Maybe it’ll inspire more folks to save these homes instead of letting them get torn down.”

The event isn’t just a lecture. There’s plenty of time for questions and conversation, so if you’re thinking about restoring a historic property, or you just love old houses, this is your chance to learn from people who’ve actually done it.

The conversation runs from 10 a.m. to noon. SAHP members get in for $15, non-members for $20. You can grab tickets online at PreserveSRQ.org or at the door. The Crocker Church sits right in Pioneer Park, downtown Sarasota, at 1260 12th Street.

For more about SAHP, check out PreserveSRQ.org.

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The festival will be held February 6 and 7 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 2896 Ringling Boulevard. Events and exhibits will take place in the Potter Building and a second adjacent building to accommodate the expanded programming.

Seashell collectors, beachcombers, artisans and the shell-curious are invited to attend the festival, which will feature new educational partners and exhibits. New participants for 2026 include Turtle Watch, Bay Watch, the Tampa Bay Fossil Club, the New College of Florida Marine Biology Department, and the Carefree Learner Floating Classroom.

Another addition this year is the opportunity to purchase award-winning shell art pieces that are entered in the festival as Artistic Exhibits.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about seashells and marine life while viewing shell art and scientific displays. An expanded number of vendors will display and sell common, exotic and rare shells, along with rocks, minerals and fossils. Additional offerings include shell-inspired jewelry, clothing, crafts and artwork. Coastal-themed prizes, educational activities and shell crafts for children are also planned.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students ages 12 to 18. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Guests receive a free bag of shells with paid admission. Admission at the entrance is cash only, and credit cards will not be accepted for entry.

Founded in 1963, the Sarasota Shell Club is a nonprofit organization made up of seashell and fossil collectors, shell enthusiasts, artisans and beachcombers. The club hosts monthly meetings with guest speakers, shelling excursions and social events, and welcomes new members. More information is available at www.sarasotashellclub.com.

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“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to work alongside Sarasota County in hosting this premier NCAA Division I softball event,” said Nathan Wooldridge, Vice President of Peak Events. “We pride ourselves on providing an unmatched student-athlete and fan experience with a proven track record in hosting the nation’s top early-season NCAA Division I baseball events, and this will be no exception. Combined with great teams and the beautiful setting of Sarasota,  we hope to make this the primary early-season destination for the country’s best programs. This will be the #BestOutsideOfOKC!”

The 2027 Sarasota Classic will host 15 games over four days of play at the 17th Street Regional Sports Complex, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in December 2026. Four games will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, then three on Sunday. All games will be held at the facility’s championship field.

Information about the complete game schedule, tickets, broadcasts, and other details will be revealed at a later date.

“Hosting the Sarasota College Softball Classic at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex reflects Sarasota County’s strategic investment in sports tourism,” said Nicole Rissler, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Director. “This tournament will not only bring elite collegiate competition to Sarasota County, but will also create opportunities for residents, families, and young athletes to experience a world-class sports facility right here at home. We look forward to partnering with Peak Events to produce an exciting event in 2027.”

For more on tickets and other tournament information, please follow the Sarasota College Softball Classic on X, Instagram, and Facebook at @SarasotaClassic or visit www.peak.events.

For partnership information, contact Connor Richey at connor@peak.events.

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The group will perform at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on January 13 and 14, where audiences can expect an energetic mix of music, comedy and interactive moments. The show features three blue-clad performers who explore the world through sound, movement and humor, creating an experience designed to engage audiences of all ages.

The production includes well-known Blue Man Group favorites along with new material developed for the current tour. Performances feature pulsing original music, custom-made instruments, unexpected audience interaction and visual spectacle that has defined the show for more than three decades.

Since its debut, Blue Man Group has continued to push the boundaries of live entertainment by blending rhythmic performance, technology and immersive storytelling. The upcoming tour reflects the evolution of the production while maintaining its signature style of musical innovation and spontaneous comedy that has entertained millions worldwide.

Tickets start at $56 and are available at VanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799, or in person at the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should call 941-263-6726.

Grab-and-go dining options are available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel, located inside the theater. Select performances may offer dinner service. Reservations can be made through VanWezel.org or the box office.

Additional information and future updates on performances are available on the Van Wezel website and through its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

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The production blends the music of Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla with contemporary choreography, presenting tango in a polished stage format that reflects both its traditional roots and modern evolution. The show features live music performed by two vocalists and seven musicians interpreting Piazzolla’s compositions.

World Champion dancer German Cornejo leads a company of ten professional dancers in a performance that explores multiple periods of Piazzolla’s work. The production traces the development of tango as both a social dance and a theatrical art form, combining intricate footwork with dramatic staging.

Cornejo’s choreography draws on tango’s origins in Buenos Aires while incorporating modern influences. His work has toured internationally for more than a decade, with multiple sold-out performances worldwide. His choreography has also drawn praise from entertainers including Simon Cowell, Marc Anthony, Mel B., Heidi Klum and Jennifer Lopez.

Tango After Dark is sponsored locally by Amara on Sarasota Bay and WUSF Public Media.

Tickets start at $36 and are available at VanWezel.org, by phone at 941- 263-6799 or in person at the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Groups of ten or more may contact group sales coordinator Pam Foster at 941-263-6726.

Additional information and future updates are available on the Van Wezel website and through its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. Grab-and-go dining is available during performances through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel, located inside the theater. Some performances may offer full dinner service, with reservations available online or through the box office.

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