While we will definitely see a slowdown of events in the Sarasota area in June with the snowbirds gone, there will still be some big festivities that month, including the return of a summer show showcasing Sarasota’s ties to the circus.Other annual events returning in June in Sarasota will include a classical music festival, a guitar and amp show, and a celebration of cars, boats and motorcycles (albeit with a new name this year).
There also will be a fishing tournament and festival with live music and fireworks in Bradenton, and an expo featuring adoptable pets in Palmetto.
A popular downtown Sarasota street party will return for its final installment this season, while another block party will celebrate dads ahead of Father’s Day in University Town Center, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will celebrate Juneteenth with a festival expanding to two days this year.
And although Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will largely have an empty stage until season starts, it will host a highly acclaimed guitarist and singer-songwriter.
Here are the biggest events coming to the Sarasota area in June, presented in chronological order. Event details are subject to change.
Sarasota Music Festival
The annual classical music festival presented by Sarasota Orchestra features pre-professional musicians sitting side-by-side with faculty artists during multiple performances, as well as The Masters in Concert at Sarasota Opera House and a lecture by former festival music director Robert Levin. June 1-13; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota and Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $15 and up (lecture), $29 and up (The Masters in Concert), $35 and up (other concerts); $10 (day pass), $75 (two-week pass): 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org/festival
Fresh Fridays
The popular monthly street party series in downtown Sarasota will hold the final event of this season, Dance Dance Sarasota, featuring music by DJ D2, dance instruction, outdoor games, activities, local vendors and giveaways. 7-10 p.m. June 5; North Palm Avenue, Sarasota; free; facebook.com/freshfridayssrq
Sarasota Guitar & Amp Show
The third annual show will offer attendees the chance to buy, sell or trade guitar gear with dealers from the country. Along with new or vintage guitars, amps, pedals and parts, the event will feature a giveaway for a custom-built guitar, raffles and food concessions. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. VIP Dealer Day Friday June 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 6 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 7; Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $15 advance, $20 day of, free ages 12 and under (daily admission June 6-7), $175 (VIP Dealer Day Access and entire show); 941-993-3098; sarasotaguitarshow.com
Dad’s Day Block Party
The block party held the same month as Father’s Day has the theme “Create Your Own Superhero & Bring Your Super Dad!” this year, with attendees encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero or Tampa Bay sports team athlete and enjoy live entertainment, games and activities, mixology demonstrations, superhero cape and mask giveaways (while supplies last), vendor resources, and meet and greets with former Bucs and Lightning players. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 6; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; free entry; 727-674-1464; floridapenguinproductions.com
Summer Circus Spectacular
Sarasota’s Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling once again team up for this summer show held at the Historic Asolo Theater on the latter’s campus, featuring circus artists from around the world. Attendees can also pay an additional $5 for admission to The Ringling’s Circus Museum. June 12-August 8; Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $20, $15 ages 12 and under, $75 June 12 opening night performance and reception; 941-360-7399; ringling.org
Fire Charity Fishing Tournament & Festival
The 19th annual fishing tournament (with a kids tournament) will also include a June 13 festival featuring cornhole; live music by Luke Andrews, Ridge Country Band, Bill Vinhage, Madd Love and headliner Dylan Cotrone; and a Zambelli fireworks show. June 13-14; Riverwalk, 444 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; free entry festival, $20 entry kids tournament, $175-$550 entry fishing tournament; 941-726-6171; firecharityfishing.org
Juneteenth Arts Festival
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s annual festival celebrating Juneteenth will expand to two days this year. Day one will feature a Juneteenth Arts Gallery, light bites from G’s Southern Kitchen, and a Words, Beats & Movement presentation spotlighting local talent. Day two will feature live music, spoken word, African dance, films from local filmmakers and Ringling College students, workshops, and performances from WBTT artists and Stage of Discovery students, including a special performance of Brian L. Boyd’s “ENIGMA.” 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 19 and 1-7:30 p.m. June 20; Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota; free; 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
Adopt-A-Palooza
Manatee County’s largest one-day pet adoption and expo-style event returns for its 10th anniversary, with more than 100 adoptable pets from Manatee County Animal Welfare, local shelters and rescue partners; more than 40 pet vendors, and auctions, raffles and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 20; Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto; facebook.com/manateecountyanimalwelfare
Vince Gill
The guitarist and singer-songwriter’s numerous accolades include 22 Grammys, four solo No. 1 country hits, being asked to join the Eagles after Glenn Frey’s death, and — just recently — having his song “Go Rest High on That Mountain” chosen for addition to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. 7:30 p.m. June 26; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $85-$187; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Motors & Moorings Weekend
Suncoast Charities for Children’s Waves & Wheels event returns with a new name. The luau-themed party Lei’d Back for a Great Cause will feature tropical light bites, a welcome cocktail, live music, limbo contest and best Hawaiian outfit competition. The Big Kahuna Dice Run lets participants join by car, boat or motorcycle, starting at Marina Jack and traveling to multiple stops, where participants roll a set of three dice at each location before scores are tallied and cash prizes are awarded to the top three. 6-9 p.m. June 26; Sarasota Event Center, 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota (party); 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 27; Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota; $30 each event, $50 both events; 941-487-7904; suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Biggest events and festivals coming to Sarasota area in June
Reporting by Jimmy Geurts, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
