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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Sarasota, FL (December 9) – A pack of world-class stunt dogs is heading to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall when Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed takes the stage for a laugh-out-loud performance the whole family will love. Featuring a dozen of the most talented four-legged performers in the country, this action-packed canine comedy show has been delighting audiences across the nation—and it’s Sarasota’s turn to join the fun. Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed plays the Van Wezel on Saturday, January 10 at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

Audiences can expect a high-energy mix of agility, tricks, prancing, flipping, dancing, and pure doggie joy. The show’s all-star lineup includes a Guinness World Record–holding pup, an America’s Got Talent fan favorite, and an ensemble of incredibly skilled rescue dogs who have been trained using only positive, reward-based techniques. These furry superstars will dance, prance, flip and skip their way right into your heart.

Praised by The Washington Post as “a must see,” Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed blends fast-paced physical comedy with jaw-dropping canine stunts, creating a performance that’s as hilarious as it is heartwarming. With its upbeat spirit, visual spectacle, and celebration of rescue animals, it’s a production that promises fun for all ages.

Tickets start at $26 and can be purchased atVanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799 or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Grab and go dining options are available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre.

Future updates on shows and productions can be found on the Van Wezel’swebsite and through social media on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Mutts Gone Nuts – Unleashed is locally sponsored by Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Nate’s will have adoptable dogs in the Van Wezel lobbies before the show.

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Sarasota, FL (December 8) – Round Room Live is proud to announce Elmo’s Got the Moves, an all-new Sesame Street Live production that will travel to cities across the U.S. and Canada, with a stop in Sarasota at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on April 26, 2026 at 2 p.m. This joyful and engaging show invites children—and their families—to sing, dance, and move along with their favorite friends from Sesame Street in a heartwarming, interactive celebration unlike anything they’ve seen before. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m.

Elmo’s Got the Moves will have kids and parents alike out of their seats and dancing along with Elmo and his Sesame Street friends as they move and groove to fan-favorite songs, including “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.” Families will discover fun and playful ways to move—from yoga and jumping rope to cartwheeling and silly dance moves— all in a welcoming environment that brings the magic of Sesame Street from the screen to the stage.  More than just a show, Elmo’s Got the Moves is a shared moment of laughter and learning – an experience you and your child will treasure long after the final song.

Following Sesame Street Day and the debut of new Sesame Street episodes (November 10), this brand-new live tour gives families the ultimate way to experience Sesame Street—bringing the joy, music, and characters they know and love off the screen and onto the stage in an unforgettable, interactive celebration.

“We’re beyond excited to bring Elmo’s Got the Moves to audiences everywhere — a brand-new Sesame Street Live adventure bursting with music, dance, and pure joy,” said Stephen Shaw, Founder and Co-CEO of Round Room Live. “It’s the perfect mix of Round Room Live’s signature high-energy production and the heart and soul of Sesame Street — creating an unforgettable experience that families will be talking about long after the curtain comes down.”

 “For over 55 years, Sesame Street has empowered children to grow smarter, stronger, and kinder—and now, we’re thrilled to bring that same magic to the stage with Round Room Live,” said Jennifer Ahearn, SVP Strategic Partnerships & Themed Entertainment. “This all-new live show promises unforgettable moments of laughter and learning as families join their favorite furry friends for a joyful experience they’ll cherish.”

Enhance your Elmo’s Got the Moves ticket with an exclusive Photo Experience, where your family will have the opportunity to make a lasting memory by taking a photo alongside some of your favorite Sesame Street friends. Please note: to attend, each guest must have both a Photo Experience ticket and an Elmo’s Got the Moves show ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets start at $46 and can be purchased atVanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799 or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Grab and go dining options are available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Select shows may have dinner service available. Reservations can be made onVanWezel.org or through the Veteran Air Box Office.

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The Legacy Trail is a nonmotorized, multiuse recreational path stretching about 18 miles from Venice to Sarasota, roughly the width of the Grand Canyon. Volunteers assist at Osprey Junction Trailhead, Venetian Waterway Park and the North Port Connector Trail. Positions range from independent assignments to team-based efforts.

The Open House will provide details on how volunteers support trail maintenance, visitor assistance and special programs. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and help new participants get involved.

The Legacy Trail was formerly a railroad corridor and now includes multiple trailheads that offer access and amenities for walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts. Sarasota County encourages residents to visit the event and explore how they can contribute to the care of one of the region’s most used outdoor assets.

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