Please note: This list will be periodically updated when new information becomes available. Whether your children are temporarily out of school or you’re looking for a place to take your mind off of Hurricane Ian and its aftermath, browse this list of things to do in Sarasota County and the surrounding area. Special concert The Sarasota Orchestra and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are co-presenting a special concert with proceeds to benefit Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. The performance will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 7, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets are $10 to $25 and all proceeds from the concert benefit the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The Sarasota-based Patterson Foundation is providing a dollar-for-dollar match for donations to the fund, up to $750,000. As a special note, Michael Saunders & Company will match up to $50,000 in staff and agent contributions to the fund. Address: 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 Find out more and get tickets by clicking here. Additional donations may be made at the performance or by clicking here. Sarasota Art Museum As a symbol of gratitude, the Sarasota Art Museum will offer free admission for all, opening Tuesday, October 4 through Sunday, October 9. The Bistro will serve free coffee, water and a warm cup of soup while supplies last. In addition, the full Bistro menu will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Address: 1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 Find more by clicking here. Libraries The Manatee County and Sarasota County library systems each have a calendar of free events, with lots to choose from for kids. View the Manatee County online calendar by clicking here. View the Sarasota County online calendar by clicking here. Mote Marine Mote Marine Laboratory has opened following Hurricane Ian - children 2 and under are free. Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236 Buy tickets at their website by clicking here. Selby Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is open regular hours at its Downtown Sarasota campus - ages 4 and under are free. The Historic Spanish Point campus remains closed until further notice.
Address: 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Visit their website by clicking here.
Ringling
The Ringling is open to the public beginning, Tuesday, October 4. Visitors are welcome in the Museum of Art, including the Searing Wing, the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, the Circus Museum and Tibbals Learning Center. As grounds continue to be cleared from Hurricane Ian, all gardens and Ca' d'Zan are closed.
Address: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
For more information, click here.
Bounce Down Under Bounce Down Under is Sarasota’s largest Aussie-themed indoor inflatable party and play center, offering 11,000 SF of air-conditioned fun for kids up to 13 years of age. After Ian, they are open normal business hours. Address: 935 N Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232 Check out pricing and hours by clicking here.
