Calendar of Events
ONGOING
Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen® Cooking Show airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30 to 1 p.m. on SNN Comcast Channel 6. Repeats Monday through Friday 12:30 to 1 a.m.
Free Yoga on Venice Beach – Meet at the Venice Beach Pavilion at W. Venice Avenue and the Gulf. For a list of times and days, visit YogaWithElin.com or call 941-408-YOGA (9642).
Historic Venice Train Depot Tours – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Venice Historic Train Depot on Seaboard Avenue in Venice. Info: 941-412-0151, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit VeniceHistory.com.
Venice Night Owls – Over 50 participating merchants on Venice Island have extended their hours until
8 p.m. every Thursday evening. Info: 941-484-6722.
The Needle Exhibit, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, at the Venice Archives at the Historic Triangle Inn, 351 Nassau Street S., Venice. The exhibit features a history of colorful handmade needlework with a Venice connection, some dating back to the early days of Venice. Info: 941-486-2487.
Saturdays – Farmers’ Market, 8 a.m. to noon, Centennial Park, on the corner of Tampa and Nokomis avenues in downtown Venice. Shoppers will find a variety of fresh produce, plants and herbs, homemade bread and pastries, candles, soaps, honey, jewelry, and much more. Info: 941-234-6321.
Saturdays – Free Tasting, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Venice Olive Oil Company, 101 W. Venice Avenue, Suite 5, on Venice Island. Visitors are invited to stop by and sample a variety of spreads, ‘Wind and Willow’ dips, gourmet olives, and more. Info: 941-483-4200.
Saturdays and Sundays – English High Tea, (Traditional or Royal) is served from 1 to 5 p.m. in Morgan’s Restaurant at The Bentley’s Boutique Hotel, 1660 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey. Info: MorgansSarasota.com. Reservations: 941-966-2125.
MAY
1 and 2 - The Needle Exhibit, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Venice Archives at the Historic Triangle Inn, 351 Nassau Street S., Venice. The exhibit features a history of colorful handmade needlework with a Venice connection, some dating back to the early days of Venice. Info: 941-486-2487.
5 – Myakka Butterfly Walk and Nature Adventure Class, 10:30 a.m. to noon at Myakka River State Park, 9 miles east of I-75 on SR-72 (Clark Road), Sarasota. Participants will be led on a leisurely one-mile hike where they will discover how to find, enjoy and identify butterflies in the springtime. Guide Laurel Rhodes will explain the importance of butterflies as pollinators and as indicators of the health of an ecosystem. Moderate hiking across unleveled, sandy terrain can be expected. Reservations are required. Cost: $10/ Friends Members or $15/non-members. Info: 941-316-8139 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
11 – Concert featuring Bluestar, 7 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Avenue, on Venice Island. Kick back, relax and enjoy an evening of blues. The band includes guitarist and vocalist, Johnny Guitar; Skofield on keyboards; bass player and vocalist, Beth the Velvet Hammer; lap steel player, Brian Byrd, and drummer, Bob Laflamme. Info: 941-484-6722.
11 and 12 – Sidewalk Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the avenues of downtown Venice. Info: 941-484-6722 or VeniceMainStreet.com.
19 – Movie under the Stars, begins at sunset in Centennial Park in downtown Venice with “Footloose” (2011) to be shown. The Community Youth Development Program and the YMCA have partnered with Venice MainStreet, making this event possible. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, and may also bring their own picnic items. Hotdogs, popcorn and water will be offered at no charge. Info: 941-484-6722.
22 – Local Memories of the Great Depression, 7 p.m. in the Mark Manor building of Village on the Isle, 920 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Videographer Ted Koszarski presents video memories of the Depression by local residents. Cost: Free. Info: 941-412-0151 or VeniceHistory.com.
26 – Venice’s 1st Brew Bash, 4 to 8 p.m. will be held in the 200 block of Miami Avenue in downtown Venice. Participants to this event can enjoy tasting over 80 craft and import beers. Presented in partnership between Gold Coast Distributing and Venice MainStreet, Inc. Must be 21 or older to participate and bring valid ID at the door. Admission includes armband and glass for tasting. Tickets: $25 in advance; $35 at event. Info: 941-484-6722 or VeniceBrewBash.com.
JUNE
2 – 85th Anniversary Chalk Fest, 8 a.m. to noon on the sidewalks of Miami Avenue in downtown Venice. This community-focused event is open to children of all ages, as well as artists from the Venice Art Center. Pre-registration at the Venice Art Center is appreciated. Spectators are welcome to come by and watch as participants bring the sidewalks of Miami Avenue to life. Judging of chalk art contest on downtown sidewalks takes place from 11 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by Venice MainStreet and Venice Art Center. Info: 941-484-6722.
8 – Concert in the Park featuring Velvet Hammer, 7 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Avenue in downtown Venice. The band, which has a blues sound, will perform songs by Santana, Eric Clapton, and original compositions. Info: 941-484-6722.
11 – Venice Gulf Coast Living Magazine Evening Mingle, 5:30 to 7 p.m. hosted by Bonefish Grill, 1681 US-41 Bypass S., Venice. Cost: $5/person; reservations and advanced payment are required, as seating is limited. Info: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 941-488-5083 or turn to the inside of the VGCL front cover.
16 – Pups at the Point, 9 a.m. to noon at Historic Spanish Point, 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Visitors may bring their dogs with them as they tour the museum’s 30-acre site on Little Sarasota Bay. Normal admission rates apply. Info: 941-966-5214 or HistoricSpanishPoint.org.
16 and 17 – 20th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Miami Avenue in downtown Venice. Peruse booths filled with paintings, stained glass, photography, personalized products for children and pets, and much more. A green market for plants, handmade soaps, tangy BBQ sauces and live orchids will also be included at the event. Admission: Free. Info: ArtFestival.com.
17 – Father’s Day Compass Event, 9 a.m. to noon at Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Get outside on Father’s Day weekend and learn how to use a compass. This family fun event features courses for beginners as well as those who are up for a challenge. Lunch will be provided at no charge. Pre-registration begins June 1. Info: 941-483-5956.
22 – Bandana in Concert, 7 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Avenue, on Venice Island. Enjoy the sounds of classic rock music performed by this talented group of musicians and vocalists who originated in Venice, Florida, over two decades ago. Info: 941-484-6722.
