50-plus fun things to do in July in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda

Earlier in June , we officially entered summer, and with it the slowdown in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties as the snowbird population is away. Yet that doesn't mean year-round residents will be bereft of things in do in July, the first full month of summer.

The month will kick off with Fourth of July weekend, featuring fireworks displays and other annual festivities across all three counties, with another holiday getting an early celebration later in the month with Christmas in July. Then there'll be plenty of the concerts, comedy shows, movie screenings, theater productions, art exhibitions and other events this area hosts year-round.

Here are more than 50 things to do in July in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, presented in roughly chronological order. Event details are subject to change.

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75-plus fun things to do in June in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda

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Fireworks on the Lake

Nathan Benderson Park hosts this early Fourth of July celebration featuring live music by Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio, a kids zone, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a fireworks show around 9 p.m. 5-10 p.m. July 3; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; free general admission, $25 and up parking, $100 VIP viewing experience; 941-358-7275; nathanbendersonpark.org

Independence Day Celebration

The Bradenton Marauders' match against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels will also serve as an Independence Day celebration with post-game fireworks and T-shirt giveaway for the first 1,500 fans. The inaugural Bradenton Baseball Mayor's Classic hot dog eating contest will also take place at 5:30 p.m. ($25 entry fee; competitors must register in advance by contacting brian.thiers@bradentonpd.com or 941-932-9364.) 5 p.m. gates open, 6:30 p.m. first pitch July 3; LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; $11-$15; milb.com/bradenton

‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’

Ken Ludwig, the author of such hits as “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Crazy for You” and stage versions of “Murder on the Orient Express” and “The Three Musketeers,” finds inspiration closer to home with his new play “Dear Jack, Dear Louise.” Audiences meet stage versions of Ludwig’s own parents, who meet through an exchange of letters during World War II. His father was a military doctor in Oregon and his mother was an aspiring actress and dancer. July 3-Aug. 11; Florida Studio Theatre, Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $25-$46; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

Independence Day Parade

The annual parade spans Anna Maria Island from Coquina Beach (North Entrance) to City Pier Park in Anna Maria, with child-safe water toys permitted to be used during the parade. 8 a.m. staging, 10 a.m. parade kickoff July 4; Anna Maria Island; amiprivateers.wildapricot.org

Fourth of July Celebration and Kid Fest

Myakka River spot Snook Haven hosts this Fourth of July celebration with ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages and corn off the grill, along with strawberry funnel cake and fresh watermelon slices; live music by Old Glory Band, 1-4 p.m.; half-off canoe and kayak rentals, and kids' activities. 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. July 4; Snook Haven, 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice; free entry; 941-485-7221; snookhaven.com

Fourth of July at Fishermen's Village

Fishermen's Village celebrates Fourth of July with the annual Freedom Swim starting at 1:30 p.m., live music by From the Edge Band and Mark Gorka from 5 to 9 p.m., and a fireworks display starting at 9 p.m. Noon-9 p.m. July 4; Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; 941-639-8721; fishermensvillage.com

Manatee County Fourth of July Celebration

Bradenton Alive hosts this inaugural event featuring live music by Emmet Stevens Jr. (3-6 p.m.) and 22N (6:30-9:30 p.m.), plus a view of the fireworks display on the Manatee River. 3-9:30 p.m. July 4; Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; free entry; bradenton-alive.com

Palmetto Fourth Fest

The annual Fourth of July celebration will feature live music by One Night Rodeo, Scarlet Drive and Beatdown Band, food trucks and vendors, beer and beverage garden, kids zone and fun, and fireworks around 9 p.m. at Green Bridge Pier. Chairs and blankets are allowed for the fireworks show, but coolers, tents and outside alcohol are prohibited. 5 p.m. July 4; Riverside Park, 801 Riverside Drive, Palmetto; 941-723-4988; facebook.com/palmettocra

Freedom Festival

The City of North Port's annual festival will feature a kids fun zone, food options, vendors and community organizations, live music by Tobacco Rd Band and fireworks, with seating available inside the stadium or outside on the lawn. 5-9:30 p.m. July 4; CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port; free; northportfl.gov

Fourth of July All-American Cookout

Selby Gardens' annual Independence Day celebration features family-friendly activities and games before the fireworks display over Sarasota Bay, with all-inclusive tickets also offering onsite parking, a buffet dinner by Michael's on East, open bar and prime fireworks viewing. 5:30-9:30 p.m. July 4; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; $35, $25 members, $10 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under (general admission), $200, $50 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and under (all-inclusive), $15 parking pass; 941-366-5731; selby.org

Fourth of July at Pier 22

The recently renovated downtown Bradenton waterfront restaurant will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet and soft drinks (alcoholic drinks may be purchased separately) and a fireworks show. 6:30 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. buffet, 9:30 p.m. fireworks show July 4; Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton; $120, $50 under age 10 (plus tax and service fee); 941-748-8087; pier22.com

Red, White and Boom!

General admission includes access to the Riverside Plaza to watch the fireworks (bring chairs or blankets to sit), plus food trucks, drinks and laser light show available for purchase, with VIP offering complimentary access to the laser light show, reserved tables and advanced 6 p.m. entry. 7-10 p.m. July 4; The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton; $25, $35 VIP, $20 children ages 4-10, $5 add-on laser light experience; 941-746-4131; bishopscience.org

Stars, Stripes and Rooftop Delights

The Westin Sarasota's 19th-floor The Roof Bar and Eats hosts this Fourth of July party with panoramic views of downtown Sarasota (including, hopefully, the fireworks), a barbecue buffet, welcome drink and DJ. 7-11 p.m. July 4; The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota; $130, $50 under age 12 general admission, VIP reserved seating also available; 941-217-4777; eventbrite.com

Siesta Key Community Fireworks

The annual holiday display returns, with fireworks launching at dusk. 8-9:30 p.m. July 4; Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key; 941-349-3800; my.siestakeychamber.com

Venice Fourth of July Fireworks Show

Fireworks will be shot from the South Jetty around 9 p.m. and last an estimated 30 minutes. The fireworks may be viewed on area beaches, as well as other locations around Venice, but the South Jetty and Jetty Jack's concessions will be closed for safety. 9-9:30 p.m. July 4; Humphris Park (South Jetty), 2000 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice; venicegov.com

Bayfront Fireworks

Suncoast Charities for Children, in partnership with Marina Jack, once again present this annual Fourth of July event, with best viewing from Bayfront Park near Marina Jack. July 4; Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota; donations to support the fireworks accepted ; 941-365-4232; suncoastsummerfest.org

Music on Main

The free monthly concert series and block party on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street features Frisson in July, along with food vendors, beer trucks and kids' games and activities. 6-9 p.m. July 5; 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch; free; 800-307-2624; lakewoodranch.com/music-on-main

Let's Make a Splash! Mermaid ArtWalk and Market

Village of the Arts' monthly ArtWalk features a mermaid theme in July, featuring a live mermaid on July 6 as well as an interactive photo scavenger hunt, live music and pop-up vendors, as well as the Village's regular lineup of art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants. 6-9:30 p.m. July 5 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 6; Village of the Arts, 1227 12th St. W., Bradenton; free; villageofthearts.org

Classic Movies at the Opera House

The screening series of classic movies at Sarasota Opera House continues with the 1954 Marlon Brando drama "On the Waterfront" on July 5, and George Lucas' 1973 coming-of-age film "American Graffiti" on July 19. 7:30 p.m. July 5 and 19; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org

Laser Light Nights

July's lineup of laser light shows set to music includes Pink Floyd, Elton John, Queen, Michael Jackson, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Journey, Prince, Aerosmith, KISS, Van Halen, AC/DC, Bad Bunny, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, '80s night and 2000s pop and Motown medleys. 7 and 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays July 5-Aug. 31; The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton; $15; 941-746-4131; bishopscience.org

Hot Dog Day

Hamlet's Eatery celebrates its fourth birthday and National Hot Dog Day with this event featuring hot dogs (regular or vegan) with various toppings, beer including free samples from Big Top Brewing Company and Sun King Brewing, and live music. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 6; Hamlet's Eatery, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota; 941-445-1938; hamletseatery.com

Fourth of July Weekend BBQ

Rosemary District restaurant and dog bar Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar celebrates the holiday weekend with $12.95 barbecue plates, $12 Tricolor Bomb Pop/Rocket Pop slushie drink specials, a $5.95 Special Hot Dog Four-Legged Platter doggy dish, complimentary cake and live music by Dirty Little Secrets. 5-9 p.m. July 6; Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar, 1314 10th St., Sarasota; 941-960-2669; boosdogbar.com

‘Freedom! The Musical’

FST Improv presents an Independence Day-themed show inspired by the story of the American Revolution that looks into the backstory behind major historic events, which may have some comedic connection to actual history. The cast of improvisers shares those stories in a musical format made up on the spot. 7:30 p.m. July 6; Bowne’s Lab, Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $18; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

Student artist showcase

Arts Advocates will showcase the recipients of its 2024 scholarships with an exhibition that includes visual art and video of performances by the winning students. 2-4 p.m. Saturdays July 6-Aug. 31; Arts Advocates Gallery, Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; artsadvocates.org

‘Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan’

The Ringling opens an exhibition of 41 ceramic sculptures by 36 contemporary female Japanese artists. It includes veterans of the field who remain active today as well as emerging artists, such as Mori Aya and Kawaura Saki. The exhibit comes from the collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz and is curated by Janice Katz, the Roger L. Weston Associate Curator of Japanese Art at the Art Institute of Chicago, which organized the show. July 6-April 6, 2025; The Ringling, Chao Center for Asian Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; 941-359-5700; ringling.org

‘The Sleeping Beauty’

Tchaikovsky’s familiar music is paired with the choreography of Petipa for this classic ballet performed by the Royal Ballet in this HD at the Opera House presentation. Marianela Nuñez and Vadim Muntagirov star in the production, with Koen Kessels leading the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. 1:30 p.m. July 7; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $20, $18 Sarasota Opera subscribers, $12 students; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org

Sarasota Players New Play Festival

The Sarasota Players launches its annual new play reading series with five new plays by area authors and featuring local actors and directors. In order they include Douglas Gearhart’s “Life is Small”; Bill Bozzone’s “Yumee and Jack”; Hannah Mitchell’s “Happy Endings Wedding Chapel, a play in one week”; Jenna Jane’s “Life Corp”; and Mimi Ayers’ “Man 2 Man A HueMan Race Play in Two Acts.” 7:30 p.m. July 8-12; Sarasota Players, Crossings at Siesta Key Shopping Center, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota; $10 per reading, $24 for 3, $35 for all five; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org

Steve Hytner

The stand-up comedian has appeared on several TV shows, including an multi-episode run on "Seinfeld" as Kenny Bania. 7 p.m. July 10; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $31; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com

2024 Hermitage STARs

Five arts teachers from across Florida have been selected for residencies at the Hermitage Artist Retreat, which leads to a public program of the work they have been developing. It is a family-friendly showcase presented in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto counties and the Englewood YMCA. This year’s teachers represent Polk, Hillsborough, Columbia, Leon and Seminole counties. They include instructors in glass, ceramics and sculpture, theater and music. 2 p.m. July 12; Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

Christmas in July

The seasonal sale presented by Venice MainStreet features discounts and the chance to win one of several gift baskets, ride a free trolley, and meet Santa. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 12-13; Downtown Venice District, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; 941-484-6722; visitvenicefl.org

Sarasota Improv Festival

The 14th annual festival brings together more than 16 top improv troupes from across the country and Chile. The two-day festival features multiple performances in various venues on the Florida Studio Theatre campus. This year’s headliner is the Los Angeles-based Impro Theatre. Along with returning favorites like SAK Comedy Lab, Dad’s Garage and Available Cupholders, troupes new to the festival include Jet Eveleth from Los Angeles, Lospleimovil from Chile, and Brotha, Sista from Minneapolis. There also will be improv workshops during the day. July 12-13; Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $10 most shows, $25 Impro Theatre shows, $49 Friday pass, $59 Saturday pass, $75 two-day pass; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

Big Gay Beach Party 9

Rescheduled from its initial June date due to weather, the party brings together Sarasota's LGBTQ+ community and allies to North Lido for a day at the beach. Bring your own beach amenities and clean up after yourself. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July 13; North Lido Beach, 1-85 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; free; biggayweekend.com

Cornhole and Cocktails Festival

The fifth annual event features an indoor cornhole tournament, restaurants with samples of their food and cocktails, and breweries, wineries and distilleries with samples of their selections. 3-7 p.m. July 13; Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto; $50 (21 and older only); manateesunrisekiwanis.com

Pride Night

The Bradenton Marauders' match against the Jupiter Hammerheads will feature a pre-game parade around the field and Pride in the Plaza, presented by sarasotaout.com . 5:30 p.m. gates open July 13; LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; $9-$13; milb.com/bradenton

Summer & Soul

The summer night flea market and music festival will feature live music hosted by Lemon Royale and special guest Nasja Moné inside and soul food, food trucks, Friendly City Flea artisan market and nonprofit community partners outside. 6-10 p.m. July 13; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; free; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

The Freecoasters

The Fort Myers ska-reggae group has toured with other bands including The Slackers and Mustard Plug. 9 p.m.-midnight July 13; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net

Summer Movie Nights

CoolToday Park hosts this series with movies shown on the scoreboard that includes "Arthur the King" on July 14, "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" on July 21 and "The Shallows" on July 28. 5 p.m. July 14, 21 and 28; CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port; $7, $3 ages 4-9, free ages 3 and under; 941-413-5004; cooltodaypark.com/movies

Newish Jewish Play Reading Series

Sarasota Jewish Theatre presents staged readings of “newish” works. The series opens July 15 with Gary Morgenstein’s “Dancing on Glass,” about two broken families drawn into a case of antisemitism. Carole Braverman’s “Original Tenants” on July 22 is described as an “Our Town” set in Brooklyn. The final play is Wendy Kout’s “We are the Levinsons” is about what happens when an adult daughter moves in with her newly widowed father. 7 p.m. July 15, 22 and 29; Sarasota Players, Crossings at Siesta Key Shopping Center, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota; $12 per play, $30 for all three; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org

Florida Highwaymen talk

Arts Advocates presents the discussion “6 of 26: Six of the Original Florida Highwaymen Artists’ Paintings in the Arts Advocates Collection.” It will be led by lead docent Stephenie Frasher, who will talk about work by Alfred Hair, Al Black, Rodney Demps, James Gibson, John Maynor and Sam Newton. She will include video clips of the artists demonstrating their painting style and discussing their personal stories. 4-6 p.m. July 16; Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $5 non-members, free Arts Advocates members; artsadvocates.org

‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.’

Student performers in a summer theater camp at the Manatee Performing Arts Center present a stage version of the popular Disney animated movie. It’s the story of a mermaid who dreams of living on land and falling in love with a prince, but her efforts are threatened by the power-hungry Ursula, who steals the mermaid’s voice. 7 p.m. July 19; Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; $20 adults; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com

Bring the Buffalo to the Range

Evie's Tavern previously shared owners with White Buffalo Saloon, a country music nightclub, bar and restaurant that closed in 2021 . Now Evie's Tavern on the Range will host a weekend of White Buffalo Saloon-esque events that includes a Friday ladies' night, Saturday party and Sunday cowboy brunch. July 19-21; Evie's Tavern on the Range, 4725 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; 941-377-0990; facebook.com/eviesontherange

Christmas in July

The Anna Maria Island Privateers and Drift-In AMI will host this annual fundraiser featuring a lotto board, raffle basket and $5 appetizer buffet from local restaurants. 6-10 p.m. July 20; Drift-In AMI, 56 Church Ave., Bradenton Beach; amiprivateers.wildapricot.org

Palomino Blond

The Miami alternative rock/shoegaze band that claims it "sometimes sounds evil, sometimes sounds pretty" will perform with Paper Lady, Domino Pink and New Aesthetics. 7 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show July 20; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $10 advance, $15 day of; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

ReptiCon

The reptile and exotic animal convention visits Manatee County for two days. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 21; Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto; $15, $6 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under (both days), $10-$11, $6 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under (one day); repticon.com/florida/bradenton

‘I puritani’

Vincenzo Bellini’s final opera is performed by the De Nederlandse Opera company in this HD at the Opera House screening. Staged with a darkly dramatic flair by Francisco Negrin, the opera is about how Elvira’s love for Arturo overcomes the power games happening in Puritan England. Mariola Contarero stars as Elvira opposite John Osborn as Lord Arturo Talbo. Giuliano Carella directs the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera. 1:30 p.m. July 21; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $20, $18 Sarasota Opera subscribers, $12 students; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org

‘The Outsider’

Florida Studio Theatre presents the regional premiere of Paul Slade Smith’s comedy about politics, without the divisive aspects of politics. It’s about a guy who seems to be the worst possible candidate ever to run for office, and he doesn’t want to be governor. But somehow, Ned Newley might be just what voters are looking for. July 24-Aug. 18; Florida Studio Theatre, Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $25-$46; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

‘Interrupted History’

Jeffery Renard Allen, the author of six books of fiction and poetry, including the novel “Song of the Shank,” joins with Iranian artist Yasi Alipour for a Hermitage Artist Retreat program that focuses on how artists deal with expression and history in different mediums. 6:30 p.m. July 25; Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

Music for Joe: A Memorial Concert

The concert paying tribute to local musician Joe Bucci, who recently died, will feature Suburban Wasteland, The Losing Game, colours and The Prospect (the latter two reunion sets), with ticket proceeds going to the Bucci family. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show July 26; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $10; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

‘In the Round’

Sarasota Contemporary Dance continues its series of live performances during its Summer Intensive Programs, which gives choreographers a chance to start developing new work on dancers. Audience members get a chance to provide feedback following each performance during a discussion with Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. 7 p.m. July 26; SCD Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300, Sarasota; $20-$25, $10 student rush, $10 virtual streaming; sarasotacontemporarydance.org

‘We Are Still Tornadoes’

Tree Fort Productions presents a stage version of Michael Kun and Susan Mullen’s 2016 novel “We Are Still Tornadoes,” adapted for the theater by Indianapolis-based playwright Lou Harry. It’s about Cath and Scott, who have been friends and neighbors all their lives, and how they cope with the challenges after high school graduation. Liam Ireland is Scott and Ciana-Noelle Bostock is Cath in the staging by artistic director Katherine Michelle Tanner. July 26-28; Tree Fort Productions, Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $30; treefortproductions.com

Doug MacLeod

The singer-songwriter and guitarist has won numerous Blues Music Awards, most recently Acoustic Blues Album earlier this year for 2023's "Raw Blues 1." 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show July 27; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $20, $18 members, $10 students; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

‘The End of the World (with a 15-minute intermission)’

FST Improv creates a fully improvised and original motion picture live on stage. The cast of We’re Doomed presents a disaster movie based on whatever title is suggested by the audience. 7:30 p.m. July 27; Bowne’s Lab, Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $15-$18; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

Seranation

The St. Pete reggae rock band was among the acts included on "The House That Bradley Built," a charity compilation honoring Sublime's late lead singer Bradley Nowell, and has also collaborated with Rome Ramirez of Sublime with Rome. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show July 28; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $20; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

Drag Queen Bingo Extravaganza

Tamiami Trails and special guest stars perform at this variety show that also includes three games of bingo called throughout the show. 8 p.m. July 28; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $26; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com

'Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration'

For the first time since the multi-museum collaborative Skyway began in 2017, the Sarasota Art Museum joins with the Ringling Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, the Tampa Museum of Art and University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum to highlight the work of artists on all sides of Tampa Bay. Curators from the five museums selected 66 local artists from among 300 who responded to an open call. Sarasota Art Museum will feature 15 artists working in a range of media and at different stages in their careers. July 28-October 27; Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org

Continuing

Art Center Sarasota

“Beyond Comfort” is the theme for this year’s Art Center Sarasota annual juried regional show, which allows artists to define and explore aesthetics while exploring different concepts of beauty and how it factors into art. Art on display is available for purchase. The juror is Virginia Shearer, executive director of the Sarasota Art Museum. Through July 27; 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org

Summer Circus Spectacular

Circus Sarasota and The Ringling join together for this annual summer tradition in the Historic Asolo Theater. This intimate circus production features contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, the Bello Sisters acrobatic hand balancing, a hair hang act by Camille Langlois; slack wire by Antino Pansa and clowning by the returning Renaldo. Jared Walker serves as master of ceremonies. Through Aug. 17; Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $20, $15 children ages 12 and younger; 941-360-7399; ringling.org/event/fy25-summer-circus-3

The Ringling

“Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration,” with exhibitions at five museums on both sides of the Skyway Bridge, begins at The Ringling and will include the Sarasota Art Museum for the first time. Through Jan. 26. skywaytampabay.com . “On the Road,” a showcase of work by photographers Jill Freedman and Randal Levenson, who captured the lives of carnival and circus performers in the 1970s, continues through Aug. 25 in the Searing Galleries. “Embodied,” highlighting the human figure with pieces from the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art, continues through Sept. 21, 2025. “Shinique Smith: Parade,” focused on European artistic tradition, continues through Jan. 5, 2025; “Shared Vision: Art and Empathy,” a project with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, is on display through Aug. 8 in the Community Gallery. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; 941-359-5700; ringling.org

Ringling College

In 2001, Sarasota artist Jack Dowd unveiled a massive installation he called “Last Call” featuring a 22-foot mahogany bar with 13 life-size characters hanging around it. It was meant to evoke the spirit of the kinds of bars he used to manage earlier in his career. The installation was first seen at the Ringling Museum of Art, but this summer, you can see it in the Stulberg Gallery at Ringling College of Art and Design through Aug. 16; 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-359-7563; ringling.edu/galleries

Sarasota Art Museum

“Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat” continues through July 7, highlighting work by 10 artists who have been fellows at the artist retreat on Manasota Key. “The Truth of the Night Sky,” a collaboration between multimedia artist Anne Patterson and composer and sound artist Patrick Harlin, who also have ties to the Hermitage, continues through Sept. 29. Molly Hatch’s “Amalgam,” a display of ceramics that covers walls on two floors, continues through April 26, 2026; 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org

Farmers markets for Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties

Sarasota Farmers Market

The year-round market in downtown Sarasota features vendors selling produce, plants, artisan goods, and food and drink, also featuring live music and other entertainment. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays; 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; sarasotafarmersmarket.org

Venice Farmers Market

The year-round market features farm, food-related, artisan and greenery vendors. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays; 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice; thevenicefarmersmarket.org

Newtown Farmers Market

The market offers fresh local produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, and other goods. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and first and third Fridays; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota; newtownnation.com

Siesta Key Farmers Market

The market located in Siesta Village features fresh produce, art, clothing and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays; 5211 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; facebook.com/siestakeyfarmersmarket

Fresh Harvest Farmers Market

The Downtown Wellen farmers market features nearly 40 different vendor booths offering locally grown and produced food including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages, as well as a limited selection of craft vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays; Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice; wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market

Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch

The year-round market features more than 100 local vendors offering organic produce, flowers, specialty spices/rubs, honey, bread and other baked goods, prepared foods, pet products, jewelry and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays; 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch; themarketlwr.com

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing .

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 50-plus fun things to do in July in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda