May is a vibrant month in the Venice, Sarasota & Englewood area, with many exciting events taking place. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a cultural experience, or a chance to support a good cause, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Every Saturday, from 8:00am to 1:00pm, in front of Venice City Hall, stroll the Farmer’s Market, offering locally grown produce and handmade goods. While you’re there, enjoy live music from local entertainers and indulge in delicious food and drinks. For a cultural experience, catch The Complete Works of William Shakespeare playing at the Venice Theater from May 5th through the 21st. The play is a comedic romp through all of Shakespeare’s works and is sure to delight theatergoers. On Thursday nights, head over to CoolToday Park for trivia night, where $20 will get you unlimited food and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as draft specials. It’s a great way to spend an evening with friends and family.
For a night of live music and dancing, don’t miss Ringling by the Bay on May 1st and 15th. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on the bayfront, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy great music and mingle with fellow attendees. If you’re looking to learn more about gardening, the Master Gardener Plant Clinic at Gulf Gate Library is the perfect opportunity to receive research-based lawn, garden, landscape, and pest management advice from the University of Florida. The clinic takes place on the first and third Monday mornings of the month from 10am to 12 pm.
For professionals looking to network, Coffee Connections hosted by Family Life Chiropractic on May 4th is a great way to connect with other business professionals while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Support a good cause by participating in the Venice Falcon Soccer Club 5K on May 6th, benefiting the Venice Falcons Soccer Club. If you enjoy golfing, head to the Benjamin Gilkey Fund 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament for a chance to win awards, bid on silent auction items, and enjoy live music and more.100% of the proceeds benefit The Benjamin Gilkey Fund for Innovative Pediatric Cancer Research. For the animal lovers, join the 7th Annual Adopt A Palooza Adoption Event and Pet Expo on May 12th & 13th to help homeless pets in Manatee County find their forever homes. The event is free and features all kinds of pet vendors.
For a fun and educational experience, consider, A Day in the Life: The Dolphins of Sarasota Bay with Mote Marine Laboratory on May 11th. Participants will learn about the dolphins that the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program have been studying for over 50 years, as well as catch and release animals in Sarasota Bay. On May 20th, head to Nathan Benderson Park for the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival, which features races, a beer garden, food trucks, health and wellness activities, and more. The event is free and open to everyone aged 12 and up.
For those interested in veganism, don’t miss the 2023 Sarasota Vegan Fest on May 21st. This event features live music, shopping, vendors, and lots of delicious vegan food, as well as a family fun zone with games and activities for children of all ages.
On May 22nd, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce will host its 23rd Annual Golf Tournament at TPC Prestancia’s Stadium Course, featuring a continental breakfast, 18 holes of golf, awards, prizes, and more.
Finally, on May 27th, the Venice Symphony presents its annual Patriotic Pops Concert at CoolToday Park, led by Music Director Troy Quinn. It’s a perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend and celebrate the country’s heritage.
Overall, May is shaping up to be an exciting month in the area, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music, outdoor activities, and community events.