Celebrate the arts all summer long! Find performances, exhibits, workshops, and cultural gatherings for all ages and interests. Let’s get inspired…
Feel the thunder roll and the guitars wail as Snowblind, the ultimate Black Sabbath tribute band, storms the stage on Saturday, August 2 from 7:30 to 9:30pm at Troll Music, 628 E. Venice Avenue, Venice. Relive the dark magic and raw power of heavy metal’s founding fathers as Snowblind channels the eerie riffs, driving rhythms, and haunting vocals of Ozzy Osbourne and his iconic bandmates. From “Iron Man” and “War Pigs” to the spine-chilling “Black Sabbath,” this show captures the spirit and sound of Sabbath’s golden era. Don’t miss your chance to experience this electrifying performance. Tickets are $27.50 and are available at TrollMusic.com.
Peace of Woodstock
Relive the spirit of the 60s at the Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, on Friday, August 1 at 7pm as a tribute band brings the legendary Woodstock Festival back to life. Featuring iconic hits by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Who, and more, the performance blends vintage stage setups, period costumes, and authentic instruments to transport you to a time of peace, love, and music. Tickets are $51 and can be purchased at MilitaryHeritageMuseum.org.
A Tale of Duty and Valor
Experience an evening of myth, movement, and majesty as SaiNrityalaya School for Dance presents “A Tale of Duty and Valor” on Saturday, August 2 at 7pm at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. This captivating dance-drama, adapted from an ancient Indian epic, tells the story of a dutiful prince exiled by a royal decree, a heroic rescue mission to save his kidnapped wife from a fearsome demon king, and a triumphant return to his kingdom. Blending classical Indian dance with evocative storytelling, this production brings to life themes of sacrifice, courage, and righteousness that continue to resonate across cultures. Tickets start at $20, available at SarasotaOpera.org or by calling 941•328•1300.
Improv on the Edge
Prepare to laugh until it hurts as twelve lucky audience members steer the show in Improv on the Edge, the riotous Saturday night comedy experience at Florida Studio Theatre. Each week, the fate of the performers lies in your hands as you pick the night’s lineup of unpredictable games, sending a quick-witted cast into a frenzy of spontaneous sketches, scenes, and songs. With no script and no safety net, anything can happen—and it usually does. Performances run every Saturday in August (August 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30) at 7:30pm at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street, Sarasota. Show runs 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets range from $14 to $18 and can be purchased at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling 941•366•9000.
A Preview of Venice Theatre’s 76th Season
Join Venice Theatre’s Executive Director Kristofer Geddie for a special free preview of the theatre’s 76th season on Monday, August 4, 6:30 to 8pm, at Solis Hall in Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Boulevard, North Port. This engaging evening will feature an inside look at the upcoming season, exciting announcements, and the latest on construction progress. It’s also your chance to offer input and share ideas about how Venice Theatre can better serve the community. For more information, visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115.
From August 1 to 31, Sea Grape Gallery in Punta Gorda will spotlight colored pencil artist Anne Tuttle as its Artist of the Month. Anne, who discovered her passion for the fine art medium of colored pencil in the late 1990s, brings a realist approach to her artwork that emphasizes accuracy, precision, and depth through layered technique. Her work explores a wide range of subjects, including portraits, still life, nature, and maritime themes, all crafted with a keen eye for detail and an experimental spirit. Visitors to the gallery will find a selection of Anne’s intricately detailed drawings on display, showcasing the power of pencil and paper to evoke beauty and emotion. To view more of her work and that of other gallery artists, visit www.seagrapegallery.com. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda and can be reached at 941•575•1718.
Play Reading Series
Sarasota Jewish Theatre invites the community to experience its summer 2025 Newish Jewish Play Reading Series, a showcase of contemporary Jewish-themed plays presented at The Sarasota Players, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. “Time Will Tell” by Jeffery Kin will be performed on Monday, August 4, 7:30pm. Inspired by an Isaac Bashevis Singer short story, this updated love story examines imperfections, longing, and timeless connection. “A Black and White Cookie” by Gary Morgenstein will be performed on Monday, August 11 at 7:30pm. When a rent hike threatens his newsstand, Harold Wilson finds unexpected support in Albie Sands, a Jewish Communist. Together, they forge a touching friendship in this award-winning story of resilience and unity. Single tickets are $20. To purchase tickets visit ThePlayers.org or call 941•365•2494. Audience members will have the opportunity to provide feedback on each reading to help SJT shape future programming. Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org for more information.
Selby Gardens Accepting Submissions for Photography Exhibition
Calling all photographers! Selby Gardens’ 45th Annual Juried Photographic Exhibition will be displayed online from August 28 through September 30. Presented in partnership with Observer Media Group, this celebrated exhibition invites artists to creatively capture the beauty of nature across five distinct categories: Living Art – Interpret nature through artistic use of light, color, and composition; Make a Splash – Feature the scenic aquatic beauty of Selby’s bayfront sanctuaries; Plant Portraits – Highlight the striking personalities of Selby Gardens’ plant life; The Birds and the Bees – Focus on the vibrant wildlife at both Sarasota campuses; and Black + White – Showcase nature’s elegance through monochromatic photography. Online submissions will be accepted August 4 to 11. For more information, visit selby.org
Don’t Dress for Dinner
What starts as a perfectly planned weekend of passion quickly devolves into a tangled web of deception in “Don’t Dress for Dinner”, playing August 6 through 24 at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street, Sarasota. Bernard has orchestrated a romantic getaway with his mistress, counting on the alibi of his unsuspecting best friend Robert. But when his wife catches wind of Robert’s visit and plots a tryst of her own, the stage is set for a cascade of mistaken identities, unraveling secrets, and comedic chaos. With a running time of 2 hours and 15 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission), this fast-paced farce offers both evening and matinee performances. For tickets and showtimes, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call the box office at 941•366•9000.
Friday Night Concert Series
Head to downtown Venice for an evening of live music featuring Jillian Brown Music at the Friday Night Concert Series on Friday, August 8 from 7 to 9pm at the Centennial Park Gazebo, 200 W. Venice Avenue. This is a free community concert, hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal Communities. Bring your own chairs or blankets. Please note: no alcohol is permitted in Centennial Park. For more info, visit VeniceMainStreet.com.
Classic Movies at the Opera House: Chinatown
Step into the shadowy world of film noir as the Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, presents the 1974 cinematic masterpiece “Chinatown” on Friday, August 8 at 7pm. Starring Jack Nicholson as hard-boiled private eye J.J. “Jake” Gittes and Faye Dunaway as the enigmatic Evelyn Mulwray, this mystery unravels a chilling tale of corruption, deception, and dark family secrets in 1930s Los Angeles. With a haunting score and brilliant direction by Roman Polanski, Chinatown remains one of the greatest detective films of all time. Run time is 2 hours 11 minutes. Tickets are $12 and available at SarasotaOpera.org or by calling 941•328•1300.
Paintings & Stuff Exhibit
Explore creativity in all its forms at Paintings & Stuff, a juried exhibition running through August 13 at The Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Avenue South, Venice. The exhibit also includes an Altman-Vogt Solo Exhibition by featured artist Cosette Kosiba. To learn more visit VeniceArtCenter.com.
Sarasota Art Museum Exhibits
Three exhibitions are at Sarasota Art Museum through August 10, each exploring a different facet of contemporary life through the lens of African American experience, self-preservation, and technology. “Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press” showcases works by seventeen artists including Martin Puryear, Kerry James Marshall, and the Gee’s Bend Quilters. This national exhibition celebrates African American creativity and influence on today’s art world. “Chris Friday: Where We Never Grow Old” marks the first solo museum exhibition for the multidisciplinary artist, known for her emotionally rich chalk drawings. Friday’s immersive installation reflects on personal sanctuaries and the spaces we create to feel safe and seen. “Jillian Mayer: Slumpies” invites a playful and critical interaction with technology. This interactive sculpture series encourages guests to sit, climb, and “slump” into sculptural forms designed to support the body while using digital devices, blurring the line between furniture and art. For museum hours, tickets, and more information, visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org or call 941•309•7662.
The Artist Colony is now selling their “Discover Englewood Village” calendar for $10, which includes October 2025 to September 2026. The calendar has events that are happening in Englewood preprinted on the calendar, such as farmer’s markets, free music venues, and celebrations and special events. Purchase your promotional calendar at the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, Culture Coffee, Dearborn St. Café and Bakery, the Green Artist, the Art Alliance, Wild Thang, Miss Kitty at Coastal Emporium and the Open Studio.
Dorothy’s Dictionary
From now to Sunday, August 10, experience the power of words and unexpected connection in “Dorothy’s Dictionary”, presented at the Keating Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota. This play follows the unlikely friendship between a troubled teen and a strong-willed woman, brought together through the transformative world of books. Through humor and heartfelt moments, the story explores memory, identity, and the healing language offers. Matinees and evening performances are available. Ticket prices start at $25. To learn more or purchase tickets, call 941•366•9000 or visit floridastudiotheatre.org.
Call for Photo Entries
Charlotte County is requesting photo submissions for the “Live, Work and Play in Charlotte County Calendar Contest”. The 2026 calendar theme is “Live, Work and Play in Charlotte County” reflecting the county vision: “To preserve and enrich our community’s quality of life for those who live, work and play in our paradise.” Photos must be taken in Charlotte County. Submit photos online at CharlotteCountyFL.gov/contest by Friday, August 15. Calendars will be available late November at county facilities.
Creative Liberties’ Artists-in-Residence: Anne Elhajoui & Nora Jane Long
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Galleries & Creative Academy welcomes award-winning designer Anne Elhajoui and Emmy-nominated filmmaker and multimedia artist Nora Jane Long as Artists-in-Residence, now through August 30, at the Gaze Gallery at ARCOS, 340 Central Avenue in Sarasota’s Rosemary District. This residency invites the public to experience new interdisciplinary work exploring justice, memory, and human connection, blending Elhajoui’s bold design aesthetics with Long’s narrative visual style. Learn more at CreativeLiberties.net.
Eclectic Expressions
Discover the creativity of local talent at “Eclectic Expressions”, a rotating summer exhibit featuring juried members of the Island Gallery and Studios in Bradenton. This collection will be on display now through August at the Arts Advocates Gallery, located inside The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To learn more visit islandgalleryandstudios.org or artsadvocates.org.
Contemporary Photography and the Birds
Soar into summer with “The High Life: Contemporary Photography and the Birds” at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota. This international exhibition features seventy striking works by over fifty artists, curated by William Ewing and Danaé Panchaud and organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography. On view indoors and throughout the gardens from Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, September 14, the show invites guests to explore the beauty, mystery, and symbolism of birds through a global lens. To learn more visit Selby.org or call 941•366•5731.
“Through the Veil”
Step into a luminous world of memory, identity, and reflection with “Through the Veil”, the first solo museum exhibition by artist Lillian Blades at the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. This immersive, site-specific installation invites visitors to wander through a suspended labyrinth of mixed-media veils crafted from acrylic, fabric, found materials, and shimmering surfaces, bathed in light from the museum’s central skylight tower. Inspired by her Bahamian heritage and her late mother’s legacy as a seamstress, Blades’ radiant color palette and intricate assemblages reflect themes of connection, transformation, and cultural discovery. The exhibition’s centerpiece is surrounded by wall-mounted works that further expand the viewer’s journey through layers of light, texture, and personal meaning. Curated by Lacie Barbour, “Through the Veil” runs now through October 26. To learn more visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org or call 941•309•7662.
Note: Event listings are published as accurately as possible. We recommend contacting the numbers provided to confirm details or request further information. To submit an event for consideration in “Arts & Entertainment,” please send details and/or a photo to The Englewood REVIEW, 370 W Dearborn St, Suite B, Englewood, FL 34223, or email us at info@englewoodreview.com. And visit our website at englewoodreview.com to check out our interactive calendar where you are invited to add your event.
