Featured Events in North Sarasota in July, 2025 (July Updated)

Information Source: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County | eventbrite

The Banned Book Club is led by Bryn Durgin, dedicated to reading and protecting the most important and threatened books for our generation. July's pick is Looking for Alaska , the award-winning, genre-defining debut from John Green. The book has been banned or challenged because of claims that it "normalizes dishonesty, hazing, underage drinking, and smoking." We will meet in person in the loft at our store at The Mark, 117 S. Pineapple Ave. The book club is $12, which includes a copy of L ooking for Alaska to be picked up at Bookstore1 any time before our meeting. ABOUT THE BOOK: Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award • A Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist • A New York Times Bestseller • A USA Today Bestseller • NPR’s Top Ten Best-Ever Teen Novels • TIME magazine’s 100 Best Young Adult Novels of All Time • A PBS Great American Read Selection • Millions of copies sold! Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words—and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet François Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps.” Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young, who will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps. Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another. A modern classic, this stunning debut marked #1 bestselling author John Green’s arrival as a groundbreaking new voice in contemporary fiction. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Green is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of books including Looking for Alaska , The Fault in Our Stars , and Turtles All the Way Down . His books have received many accolades, including a Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and an Edgar Award. John has twice been a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and was selected by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. He is also the writer and host of the critically acclaimed podcast The Anthropocene Reviewed. With his brother, Hank, John has co-created many online video projects, including Vlogbrothers and the educational channel Crash Course. He lives with his family in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can visit John online at johngreenbooks.com. ABOUT BOOK BANS: Book bans in public schools have recurred throughout American history, and remain an issue of concern to us at Bookstore1Sarasota. Over the past years, the scope of such censorship has expanded rapidly. In the 2023-2024 school year, PEN America counted more than 10,000 book bans in public schools. And everywhere, it is the books that have long fought for a place on the shelf that are being targeted. Books by authors of color, by LGBTQ+ authors, by women. Books about racism, sexuality, gender, history. PEN America pushes back against censorship and the intolerance and exclusion that undergird it. Learn more here: https://pen.org/banned-books-list-2025/ Information Source: Bookstore1Sarasota | eventbrite

Join us for an engaging and transformative class designed for aspiring hairstylists and salon owners who want to elevate their business through effective social media marketing and branding strategies! Led by industry experts Brooke Raymond and Micah Beasley, this session will provide you with invaluable insights on how to enhance your online presence, create eye-catching content, and attract more clients to your salon. Discover proven techniques to showcase your unique style, connect authentically with potential customers, and build a standout brand that resonates in today’s competitive market. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your potential and take your hairstyling business to the next level—secure your ticket now and start your journey to success! Information Source: BROOKE RAYMOND | eventbrite

FREE BOOKS. FREE LUNCH. FREE ADMISSION. This event will feature art activities, music making, and read-aloud featuring a mindful moment. Please Note: Once you RSVP for the event, you will need to fill out a once-a-year registration form. Click here to fill out the registration form. This forms helps us continue to provide free educational programming! Mr. Stevey & Friends is a free community program geared towards pre-school and elementary school aged children and their families to engage in mindfulness activities and create art in all its various forms! Local artists guide participants in activities and make-and-take art projects, and read-alongs. Each event includes a free, healthy lunch for the whole family, and each child will receive free books to help build their at home library, and a special prize to take home at the end of the day! About Mr. Stevey Programs This program is a collaboration with Newtown Nation, the Newtown Farmer’s Market, and Florida Arts and Culture. Mr. Stevey Jones is the 2023 Appleton Award Winner and certified mindfulness teaching artist for the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. Come and join us! All are welcome! Information Source: Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation | eventbrite

Join Dr. Katherine Clements, our ecology and natural resources educator to learn more about our five species of owls native to Sarasota County, with a special focus on our smallest resident, the Eastern Screech Owl. Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to build a screech owl box to provide habitat in your very own landscape. Sarasota County summer interns of will be on hand to assist with the building. Drills and screwdrivers will be provided for use. If you have your own drill, please bring for your own use if possible. ***Register and pay for each person who is building an owl box. If you wish to have others join you free of charge, that are not building their own box, provide that information during registration. Minors must attend with an adult. Please register for this event ONLY at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com rather than any third-party websites, as they are not affiliated with our classes and events. Once registered, you will receive an Eventbrite confirmation email. Only those registering through EventBrite will have materials provided. For questions or further information, please call 941-861-9900 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu. If you require special accommodations to attend one of our events, please contact us in advance at 941-861-5000 or sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu. NOTE: Classes and events may be canceled at any time due to low registration or other circumstances, with full refunds issued for paid events. Similar classes or events often are offered on future dates. --- Type: Take a Class Topic: Nature Organization name: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Information Source: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County | eventbrite

Join Dr. Katherine Clements, our ecology and natural resources educator to learn more about our five species of owls native to Sarasota County, with a special focus on our smallest resident, the Eastern Screech Owl. Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to build a screech owl box to provide habitat in your very own landscape. Sarasota County summer interns of will be on hand to assist with the building. Drills and screwdrivers will be provided for use. If you have your own drill, please bring for your own use if possible. ***Register and pay for each person who is building an owl box. If you wish to have others join you free of charge, that are not building their own box, provide that information during registration. Minors must attend with an adult. Please register for this event ONLY at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com rather than any third-party websites, as they are not affiliated with our classes and events. Once registered, you will receive an Eventbrite confirmation email. Only those registering through EventBrite will have materials provided. For questions or further information, please call 941-861-9900 or email sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu. If you require special accommodations to attend one of our events, please contact us in advance at 941-861-5000 or sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu. NOTE: Classes and events may be canceled at any time due to low registration or other circumstances, with full refunds issued for paid events. Similar classes or events often are offered on future dates. --- Type: Take a Class Topic: Nature Organization name: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Information Source: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County | eventbrite

Join us on Thursday, July 4th, 2024 at 7:00 PM at The Westin Sarasota for an evening of Stars, Stripes, and Rooftop Delights . Celebrate Independence Day in style under the stars with panoramic views of Downtown Sarasota. Dance to the beats of the DJ, and immerse yourself in the stunning panoramic views from Sarasota's tallest rooftop. Included in your ticket cost is a BBQ buffet. Limited tickets are available, and they will go fast – secure your spot now for a Fourth of July celebration you won't want to miss! VIP Reserved Seating is available. Please contact us at brendan.obrien@westinsarasota.com for more information. *View of fireworks is not guaranteed. Information Source: The Westin Sarasota | eventbrite

Ticket Price Includes: Exclusive rooftop access for fireworks show All Day Golf Pass Unlimited access to the gaming area Light Bites Fireworks start approximately at 9 PM Information Source: PopStroke | eventbrite

This course should be considered a must for all parents, grandparents and babysitters. Infant CPR is for new parents, grandparents, family members and anyone who wants to learn lifesaving infant CPR and choking skills. It is not for certification purposes. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment by using the AHA's research-proven practice-while-watching technique, which provides students with the most hands-on CPR practice time possible. Information Source: Sarasota Memorial Hospital | eventbrite

Event Highlights: DOORS OPEN 7pm CLOSE 4am NEXT DAY 7:00 PM - Doors Open & Freedom Fiesta Begins! Description: Arrive and settle in as the evening kicks off! Enjoy welcome drinks, mingle with fellow patriots, and soak in the festive atmosphere with deep house background music. Performer: Resident DJ [or 'Live Music'] 8:00 PM - All-American BBQ & Bites Description: Our delicious food stations open! Indulge in classic BBQ favorites, gourmet snacks, and refreshing beverages designed to fuel your celebration. Dance Party Ignites! Description: The party truly kicks off! Our incredible DJ the stage, spinning all your favorite hits to keep the dance floor buzzing. Get ready to move! After-Hours Groove Description: The celebration continues into the early morning! Our DJ will keep the beats flowing, ensuring the good times roll until the very end. As the sun prepares to rise, we'll wrap up an epic 4th of July celebration. Thank you for joining us! Information Source: SRQ Beats | eventbrite

Join us at the center for Stitch’n’Bitch, a cozy, creative night where you can craft, connect, or just hang out with good company. Bring your current project ro soime new. We will have some hot tea and water. BYOB and bring snacks if you like. We have plates and stuff if needed. Information Source: Fabulous Arts Foundation | eventbrite

July 8 More Major Gifts Faster with RPM (Qualifies for 1 CFRE credit) presented by Jennifer Filla, CEO Aspire Research Group, LLC and President Prospect Research Institute Whether you are a development department of one or major gift team of ten, moving major gifts faster follows the same train tracks. Jen Filla takes you on a ride to discover how Research and Prospect Management (RPM) moves you faster down the tracks and how to avoid common pitfalls. Walk away with a framework you can use to better design and implement RPM in your development department. After this session, participants will be able to: 1.    Explain how prospect identification fits into the major gifts program 2.    Recognize how qualification becomes a bottleneck 3.    Apply a prospect management framework to keep major gifts moving Information Source: AFP Southwest Florida Chapter | eventbrite

Join us inside the candle ambiance of Michael's Wine Cellar for one of our most popular wine tasting events. Mingle with fellow wine lovers as you begin your evening sipping on champagne. Then, sit back and be expertly guided through 6 incredible wines expertly curated by our staff—each wine with a story to tell. Sip, swirl, and savor your way through each vintage as you enjoy the perfect pairings of two delicious gourmet appetizer plates. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking to explore something new, our friendly staff is here to guide you through this educational and fun tasting experience. The $56 cover (plus tax) includes champagne and 6 wines paired with 2 small plates along with a $20 voucher to use on purchases totaling $50 or more, exclusively valid for the evening. **SEATING IS LIMITED and routinely sells out. Secure your seat today! -------------------- JUNE 4TH MENU: PASSED HORS D'OEUVRES: Guest Arrival ~ Empanada with Guava & Almond Crisp PLATE #1 ~ Baked Oysters Rockefeller with Spinach, Bacon, Parmesan & Anise (GF) ~ Tequila Grilled Shrimp ~ Korean Style Roasted Cauliflower in Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce (V) ~ Mini Ahi Tuna Burger with Asian Slaw PLATE #2 ~ Crostini with Flank Steak & Chimichurri ~ “Thai-Style” Fried Chicken Lollipops (GF) ~ Housemade Truffle Potato Chips Information Source: Michael's Wine Cellar | eventbrite

Caladiums, native to the tropical regions of South America, are prized for their stunning array of colors and patterns, making them a favorite choice for adding visual interest to landscapes, gardens, and indoor spaces. This class provides comprehensive guidance on cultivating and caring for these delightful plants, ensuring they thrive in Florida's unique climate. This class is suitable for gardening enthusiasts, landscape professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about cultivating and enjoying the beauty of caladiums in Florida's subtropical climate. Just in time for the 34th Annual Caladium Festival, July 25 - 27 (https://www.caladiumfestival.org), this class will help you select the right cultivar for your landscaping needs! Price of class includes caladium tubers for home growing. The cost to attend is $5.00 which includes a mix of caladium bulbs. Please register for this event ONLY at ufsarasotaext.eventbrite.com rather than any third party websites, as they are not affiliated with our classes and events. Instructor: Ashley Ellis, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Residential Horticulture Agent For questions or further information, please call 941-861-9826 or send an email to ellis.amae@ufl.edu. If you require special accommodations to attend one of our events, please contact us in advance at 941-861-9900 or sarasota@ifas.ufl.edu . NOTE: Classes and events may be canceled at any time due to low registration or other circumstances, with full refunds issued for paid events. Similar classes or events often are offered on future dates. --- Type: Take a Class Topic: Gardening, Horticulture, Water, Nature Organization name: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Information Source: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County | eventbrite

Florida based Reggae/Rock band Kash’d Out have been hustlin’ hard since the beginning. After founders Greg Shields (lead vocals) and Jackson Hauserman (guitar) met in a studio session, it wasn’t long before Kash’d Out’s clever lyrics and tasteful guitar riffs were complimented by the unique bass lines of Joey Brohawn, and rhythmic precision of drummer Marshall Hearne. Information Source: Big Top Live | eventbrite

Explore the art of expanding consciousness to travel outside the realms of physical reality. This 4-hour workshop teaches tools and techniques to explore the astral planes and other dimensions safely and effectively, even traveling to the Akashic Zone. Learn precautions and how to prepare the physical body, mind, and your surroundings for Astral Travel. These tools also aid you to improve meditation, conscious dreaming, and journeying. Advanced Registration and payment are required for this class. Prerequisites: Sacred Geometry 1 Instructor: Charles Cost: $150 Information Source: Logan Light Center: Spiritual Healing & Training | eventbrite

NOTE : Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the class start time, to check-in and get settled. Information Source: Sarasota Memorial Hospital | eventbrite