100-plus fun things to do in March in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda

February offered a full lineup of events here in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties and, between the return of one of our largest annual events and two national holidays, March looks like it'll be even busier.

Several events such as two free monthly block parties and three-day music festivals will take place from March 1, with the annual Sarasota County Fair — celebrating its centennial this year — returning midway through the month. That'll be followed by local St. Patrick's Day festivities, with Easter events closing out March. Then there'll be plenty of the festivals, concerts, stage productions and art exhibitions that our area regularly hosts throughout the month.

Here are more than 100 fun things to do in March in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, listed in chronological order. Event details are subject to change.

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One Book One Community

“An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ed Yong was chosen as the 2024 One Book, One Community selection for Sarasota County. The author will talk about the book that explores how all animals, including humans, are in their own bubbles and cut off from the rest of the world. 10:30 a.m. March 1, Suncoast Technical College Conference Center, 4445 Career Lane, North Port; 7 p.m. March 1, Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota; free; sarasotacountylibraries.org/my-library/events/month/2024/03

Stories in Light and Sound

2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize finalist Maura Brewer, who uses video and images to explore the world, shares a Hermitage Artist Retreat program with David “Doc” Wallace, who uses music and sound to touch thoughts and emotions. 5:30 p.m. March 1; Hermitage Artist Retreat Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

Music on Main

The free monthly concert series and block party on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street features Eireann's Call in March, along with food vendors, beer trucks and kids' games and activities. 6-9 p.m. March 1; 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch; free; 800-307-2624; lakewoodranch.com/music-on-main

Fresh Fridays

The monthly event in downtown Sarasota will return with a Neighbors & Newcomers theme in March, with live music by Southbound 75, bites and beverages from downtown businesses and more. 7-10 p.m. March 1; State Street, Sarasota; downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays

‘LOVE between LINES’

Azara Ballet, which launched in the fall, returns to end its first season with “LOVE between LINES,” featuring four original contemporary ballets that touch on the theme of cultural freedom and liberation. Founder and Artistic Director Kate Flowers created “Love is Love,” while her partner and co-founder Martin Roosaare choreographed “Kodumaa.” Together they created “In the Studio” and Olivia Huseonica is staging “Ms. Protagonist.” 7 p.m. March 1-2; Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton; $35, $32 seniors/ages 1-18; $20 March 1 livestream; azaraballet.org

Renesito Avich and Friends

Sarasota resident, tres guitar player and two-time Latin Grammy nominee Renesito Avich and other musicians perform two nights at Fogartyville. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show March 1-2; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $30, $26 members, $15 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

Sarasota Orchestra Pops

Musician and singer Michael Cavanaugh, best known for performing the music of Billy Joel in Twyla Tharp’s Broadway dance hit “Movin’ Out,” expands his range in this Sarasota Orchestra Pops concert celebrating the music of singer-songwriters Paul Simon, James Taylor and Neil Diamond. Christopher Confessore conducts a program that includes “Sweet Caroline,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Your Smiling Face.” 7:30 p.m. March 1, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 2; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $55-$120; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

Englewood Food Truck Rally & Music Festival

The free, three-day festival will feature an array of food trucks, live music and an arts, crafts, and specialty products marketplace. 4-10 p.m. March 1, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. March 2 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. March 3; Pioneer Park, 348 W. Green St., Englewood; free admission; 941-487-8061; paragonfestivals.com

Lynne Koplitz

The Sarasota-raised comedian released the 2017 Netflix special "Hormonal Beast" and appeared in the films "The King of Staten Island" and "Top Five" and TV shows "Bupkis" and "Crashing." 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. March 1-2, 7 p.m. March 3; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $28; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com

Sean Chambers Red Hot Blues Festival

The three-day festival will feature blues and rock musicians Damon Fowler, RJ Howson and Les Dudek, Sean Chambers and the Savoy Brown Rhythm Section, J.P. Soars and the Red Hots, Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones and Trey Wanvig. 7 p.m. March 1, noon March 2 and 2 p.m. March 3; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; free general admission, $30 reserved seat all three days; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com

‘Intimate Apparel’

Lynn Nottage, the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, tells a story set in 1905 New York City, where a Black seamstress is seeking love and hopes she has found it in the letters she exchanges with a man from Barbados working on the Panama Canal. Aneisa J. Hicks makes her Asolo Repertory Theatre debut as Esther in the production staged by Austene Van. Through April 18; FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $29-$95; 941-351-8000; asolorep.org

‘Ruby’

Delayed by the COVID pandemic, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents the world premiere of a musical play by founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs and his brother Michael Jacobs, along with Nehemiah Luckett, Brennan Stylez and Antonio Wimberly. It’s about the 1952 murder of a white doctor in Live Oak, Florida, by a Black woman and a case widely covered by writer Zora Neale Hurston. Through April 7, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $50, $20 for students under 25 and active military, $40 for previews. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org

Maine Colony Community Day

The third annual event celebrates the historic neighborhood and clubhouse, with food, music, speakers, vendors and exhibits. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 2; Phillippi Crest Community Club, 2421 Burlington Lane, Sarasota; free, donations welcome; phillippicrestclub.com

Have Gun, Will Travel

The Bradenton Americana group is among Sarasota-Manatee's most successful musical acts, being covered by outlets such as NPR and No Depression and having their music appear on the TV shows "The Good Wife" and "The Ranch." 5-8 p.m. March 2; Waypoint Bar & Grill, 11000 U.S. Highway 41 N., Palmetto; 941-212-6600; waypoint27north.com

Kenwood Dennard's Grateful Groove

The drummer who's played with Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Jaco Pastorius will bring his interpretation of the Grateful Dead songbook, joined by other musicians including Gent Treadly. 7 p.m. March 2; Birdrock Taco Shack, 1213 13th Ave. W., Bradenton; $20 advance, $25 day of; 941-545-9966; facebook.com/birdrocktaco

Kat Riggins

The Miami blues musician has been nominated for multiple Blues Music Awards, including this year for Soul Blues Female Artist. 7 p.m. March 2; Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton; $12 advance, $17 day of; 941-243-3735; facebook.com/cottonmouthsoul

Quilting by the Gulf

The two-day event will feature traditional, modern and art quilts, demos from a variety of vendors, a boutique with handmade items and gifts, and raffle for a 90 x 90 "Sunshine & Sea Breezes" quilt. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 2 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 3; Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice; $10; vaqg.org

Downtown Venice Art Classic

The festival will feature juried artists from across the country showcasing their work along West Venice Avenue, including sculptures, paintings, jewelry and ceramics, benefiting Venice Main Street. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 2-3; 200-300 W. Venice Ave., Venice; free admission; artfestival.com

Taste of Punta Gorda

The 16th annual event will feature restaurants and food trucks from Punta Gorda and nearby communities serving “tastes” of signature dishes, along with a kids' zone, live music and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 3; Laishley Park, 120 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda; $7, $40 VIP, free under age 12; tasteofpuntagorda.org

Musical Journey to Ireland

Singer, composer, pianist, comedian and storyteller Cahal Dunne performs favorite Irish melodies and tales from his home in Ireland in this concert program. 2 p.m. March 3; Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte; $28, $14 for students; 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org

Cantors in Concert: A Musical Mitzvah for Israel

Cantors and cantorial soloists from the Sarasota area and the Bay Area Cantorial Association are joining their voices for a concert benefiting the Israel Emergency Fund of the Jewish Federation of North America. Among the local congregations represented are Temple Sinai of Sarasota, Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key, the Jewish Congregation of Venice, and Temple Emanu-El of Sarasota. 3 p.m. March 3; Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota; $36 suggested donation at the door (cash or check only); 941-383-3428

Hannah Cope and Marcelina Suchocka

Two of the Sarasota Orchestra’s newest musicians, Hannah Cope, harp, and Marcelina Suchocka, percussion, join together for an Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota program that features solos for each instrument and classics reimagined for marimba and harp duets. 4 p.m. March 3; First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota; $40; 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org

Rotterdam Philharmonic

Conductor Lahav Shani, the youngest chief conductor in the 100-year history of the Rotterdam Philharmonic, is joined by pianist Daniil Trifonov, for this Sarasota Concert Association program. Trifonov will play Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The concert also includes Arvo Part’s “Swansong” and excerpts from Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet.” 7:30 p.m. March 3; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $35-$135; 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org

Mort Skirboll Jewish Film Festival of Sarasota-Manatee

The annual Jewish film festival features movies such as "Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara" by Italian director Marco Bellocchio, which competed for the Palme d'Or at last year's Cannes Film Festival, among other titles. March 3-7; The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota; $15-$36, $80 bundle; jfedsrq.org/jff

Sarasota Ski-A-Rees

The Sarasota group's spring season of weekly water ski shows continues through this month. 2 p.m. March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; free admission; 941-388-1666; skiarees.com

‘Dancing Through Life with James Whiteside’

Dancer-choreographer James Whiteside, who has been a principal dancer and choreographer for American Ballet Theatre, shares stories about his career in a Hermitage Artist Retreat program. Whiteside, who has performed leading roles in “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker,” “Romeo & Juliet” and “Giselle,” is also a playwright, podcast host and storyteller. 5:30 p.m. March 4; Hermitage Artist Retreat Palm House, 6630 Manasota Key Road, Englewood; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight

Key Chorale Student Scholars perform a recital in this annual soiree featuring music, cocktails and light bites. 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 4; Westcoast Black Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota; $25; 941-552-8768; keychorale.org

‘Stayin’ Alive’

The music of the Bee Gees comes to the stage in this tribute group show featuring such disco hits as “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin’,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and more tender songs including “How Deep Is Your Love” and “Massachusetts.” The songs are accompanied by video clips, photos and images of the group. 7:30 p.m. March 4; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $35-$60; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Ringling by the Bay

The bayfront live music series will feature Paisley Craze on March 4 and soulRcoaster on March 18, with one chair per person available along with food and beverage for purchase (no outside food, drink, coolers, chairs or pets are permitted.) 5:30 p.m. March 4 and 6 p.m. March 18; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $25, $20 members; 941-359-5700; ringling.org

The Righteous Brothers

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-inducted vocal group known for songs such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” and their rendition of “Unchained Melody" still features original singer Bill Medley and Bucky Heard, stepping in for Bobby Hatfield, who died in 2003. 7:30 p.m. March 5; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $40-$80; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

‘Let’s Hang On!’

The sounds of the 1960s come alive with a performance by this group, featuring 10 singers recalling the sounds of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and the musical “Jersey Boys.” 7:30 p.m. March 5; Charlotte Players at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda; $45-$51, $23-$26 students; 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org

Powel Crosley Estate Annual Open House

Visitors can enjoy a docent-supported roaming tour throughout the historic mansion and the surrounding grounds, with no reservations or admission needed for the open house dates (though donations are appreciated) and concessions available for purchase. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 5-6; Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-722-3244; powelcrosleyestate.com

Modern Marimba

The nonprofit arts hub Modern Marimba works to inspire healing, peace, justice and liberation through music. Co-founders and musicians Tihda Vongkoth and Steph Davis perform on marimba, xylophone, vibraphone and other instruments during a Sarasota Concert Association music matinee. 2 p.m. March 6; First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota; sold out, but a wait list is available; 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org

The Midtown Men

Original stars of the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys” come together in this musical offshoot, with the quartet singing iconic hits of the 1960s, from The Beatles and The Beach Boys, to Chicago, The Temptations, and, of course, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The group features Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and J. Robert Spencer. 7:30 p.m. March 6; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $40-$80; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Igor & Red Elvises

The "Siberian surf rock" group visits Englewoods on Dearborn this month along with two dates at Celtic Ray Public House. 6:30 p.m. March 6; Englewoods on Dearborn, 362 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; $10; 941-475-7501;  englewoodsondearborn.com; 8 p.m. March 7 and 4 p.m. March 31; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net

‘Luck of the Irish’

The Sarasota Orchestra’s Great Escapes series gets in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with this concert led by guest conductor Steven Jarvi. It features Leroy Anderson’s “Irish Suite” and the enduring “Danny Boy.” March 6-10, Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The March 7 and 9 concerts will run about 105 minutes and the other performances will be one hour with no intermission. $47-$63. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

‘The Wizard of Oz’

Dingbat Theatre Project puts its own spin on a classic with a contemporary take on the beloved musical “The Wizard of Oz." Thayer Greenburg plays Dorothy Gale, with Amanda Heisey as the Scarecrow, choreographer Brian F. Finnerty as the Tin Man and director Luke Manual as the Cowardly Lion. March 6-24, Loveland Performing Arts Theatre, 157 S. Havana Road, Venice. $25-$40, $12 for students. 941-451-7706; dingbattheatre.org

‘The Art of Murder’

Joe DiPietro, author of some of the most popular plays and musicals in the theater, devised a murder mystery set at a remote Connecticut estate that is home to an eccentric painter. Jack has plans to kill his art dealer, who he thinks wronged him, and Jack’s wife is nervous about his plans. March 6-31. Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood. $25, $20 for students. 941-475-6756; lemonbayplayhouse.com

Duo Chinoiserie

The pairing of Chinese guzheng performer Jing Xia and classical guitarist Bin Hu comes to a luncheon program presented by Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. The guzheng is an ancient Chinese zither, and together the two instruments create unique sounds. 11 a.m. March 7, Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $68. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org

J.P. Soars and the Red Hots

South Florida guitarist and singer-songwriter J.P. Soars and his band the Red Hots received four Blues Music Awards nominations in 2022: Band of the Year, B.B. King Entertainer and Instrumentalist — Guitar for Soars, and Instrumentalist — Drums for bandmate Chris Peet. 6:30 p.m. March 7; Englewoods on Dearborn, 362 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; $7; 941-475-7501; englewoodsondearborn.com

Ringling Underground

The concert series held in The Ringling's courtyard, also featuring up-and-coming artists and free admission for students, returns in March with Wolves of Glendale, Treedomm, and House of I. 8-11 p.m. March 7; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $15, free students with ID/members; 941-359-5700; ringling.org

‘Little Women’

The Broadway musical version of the Louisa May Alcott novel tells the story of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they pursue their lives under the watchful eye of their mother, Marmee, while their father is off serving as a chaplain for the Union Army in the Civil War. March 7-8; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $45-$105; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Through Women's Eyes International Film Festival

The 25th annual film festival centered on advancing gender equality features movies from several countries. March 7-12 (streaming), March 8-10 (in-person); various venues; $12 single film block, $50 five-film pass, $125 all-access in-theater pass, $145 all-access online viewing pass; twe2024.eventive.org

‘Parade’

The Manatee Players presents the Tony Award-winning musical by Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry based on the true story of Jewish businessman Leo Frank, accused of killing a young girl who worked for him at his pencil factory in Georgia in 1913. He was later lynched. The 1998 musical was revived last year on Broadway. Scott Keys directs with Heather and Craig Weiskerger playing the Franks. March 7-17; Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; $33-$38; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com

‘Communicating Doors’

Preston Boyd stages Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy about Poopay, a “working girl” at the Regal Hotel who is in danger after an elderly client tells her about the deaths of his two previous wives. Somehow, Poopay is able to travel through time to warn the wives of what’s about to happen. March 7-24; Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria; $28-$30, $18-$20 students with ID; 941-778-5755; theislandplayers.org

Live Music Bingo

Live music bingo is similar to regular bingo but instead of calling out numbers, music is played and you find the song title on your card. 6-8 p.m. March 8; Hamlet's Eatery, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota; no charge to play; 941-445-1938; hamletseatery.com

Camp Trash

The indie-emo band from Bradenton that's signed to national label Count Your Lucky Stars Records performs with Cherish This, The Pilot Waves, Radaghast and charlie. 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show March 8; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $10; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

Celebrating Ned Rorem

Soundbox Ventures continues its “Listen Hear” salon concerts by celebrating the composer Ned Rorem, including his song cycle “Aftermath,” which was written following the Sept. 11 attacks. Violinist Max Tan and pianist Marisa Gupta are joined by baritone Tom Meglioranza and cellist Lev Mamuya for the program. 7 pm. March 8; St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key; free; soundboxventures.org/events

Zo? Lewis

The U.K.-born folk musician has released music on Judy Collins' Wildflower record label and has also opened for Collins, Indigo Girls and Pat Benatar. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show March 8; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $22, $18 members, $11 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469;  fogartyville.org

BélO in Concert

The Ringling’s Art of Performance series presents the singer-songwriter BélO, one of the most beloved musicians in Haiti. It is part of the series’ ongoing salute to artists from Francophone countries. 7:30 p.m. March 8-9; Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $30-$40; 941-360-7399; ringling.org

Ballet Hispánico

The largest Latinx/Latine/Hispanic cultural organization in the United States, Ballet Hispánico offers a company, a school of dance and community arts partnerships. It is designed to break stereotypes and celebrate the diversity of Hispanic cultures through dance. The Sarasota Ballet presents the much acclaimed company. March 8-11; FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $40-$125; 941-359-0099; sarasotaballet.org

‘The Women of Broadway Cabaret’

Katherine Michelle Tanner, founder of Tree Fort Productions Projects, has created a musical salute to some female theater composers, with selections from different shows and stories about the writers. Tanner wrote and directed the show and will perform with Martina Long, Kathryn Parks, Ciana-Noelle Bostock, Mila Alice and Sharon Ohrenstein. March 8-17; Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $40; treefortproductionsprojects.com/tickets

‘Up on the Roof’

After a brief pause, the hit Florida Studio Theatre cabaret celebrating pop hits by such songwriters as Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Burt Bacharach, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, returns. Jannie Jones, Jacquelyne Paige, Joey Panek and Brandon Wardell also are back to sing music that became the soundtrack of an era. March 8-24; Florida Studio Theatre Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $18-$42; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

Palmetto's Heritage Festival

This free event will have a park open house and family activities, with this year's festival also featuring The Original Florida Highwaymen Art Show & Sale. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 9; Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto; free; 941-721-2034; manateecountyagmuseum.com

Le Marche Bohemien

The Parisian-inspired outdoor marketplace will feature work in a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography and wearable art. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 9; Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota; free admission; destinationdowntownsarasota.com

Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival

The St. Patrick's Day celebration will feature Celtic food, craft beer, live entertainment, kids' activities, a Lucky Dog Parade and 21-and-up relay race. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. March 9; Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure PIace, Bradenton; lwririshcelticfestival.org

Sarasota Cigar Box Guitar Festival

The festival will feature musicians who play cigar box guitars and other homemade instruments, including John Nickel, Steve Arvey, and the Garbage-Men. Noon March 9; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com

Terry Fator

Ventriloquist Terry Fator turned a victory on the second season of “America’s Got Talent” into a long-running headlining act in Las Vegas. He is taking his show “On the Road Again” with a tour that brings him to Sarasota for a show with music, puppets and comedy. 7:30 p.m. March 9; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $75-$105; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival

The outdoor gallery will feature original, handmade works in mediums including painting, sculpting, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 9-10; 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch; free admission; 800-307-2624; lakewoodranch.com

‘Luisa Miller’

It has been 25 years since the Sarasota Opera last staged this opera as part of its long-running Verdi Cycle. Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi, who has conducted every piece Verdi composed, will lead the Sarasota Opera Orchestra in this romantic drama about a woman who is in love with the son of a ruthless count who forbids them from being together. March 9-24; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $32-$165. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org

‘Embodied’

The Ringling highlights the human figure with a special exhibit from its collection of modern and contemporary art, including William Villalongo’s 2021 “Still Life with Quilt and Drinking Gourds” and Tony Tiger’s “Time and Place: Egmont Key – Indian Territory – LA – Oklahoma," created in 2019. It is the first abstract painting by a contemporary Native American artist acquired by the museum. March 9-Sept. 21, 2025; The Ringling Searing Wing, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; 941-359-5700; ringling.org

Taste of Sri Lanka

The sixth annual fundraiser for Blue Lotus Buddhist Meditation Center will feature a vegetarian dinner, music and dancing, and a live auction. 4-7 p.m. March 10; Jewish Congregation of Venice, 600 N. Auburn Road, Venice; $39, $15 under age 12, free under age 3; 941-323-8033; blbmc.org

Poetry Mic

Bookstore1Sarasota hosts poets Meredith Holmes and Susan Nussbaum reading from their works in this monthly event featuring writers who live in the Sarasota area. 2-3 p.m. March 10, Bookstore1, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Free. 941-365-7902; saraasotabooks.com

Daniel Bennett Group

The New York saxophonist plays a CD release show for the new album "Mr. Bennett's Mind." 4:30 p.m. March 10; First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; free; 941-955-0935; firstsrq.com

The Tamuritzans

Artistic Director George Kresovich describes the group as offering “folk with a fresh coat of paint.” The ensemble features 27 artists from Croatia, Bulgaria, Armenia, Ukraine and other countries performing music from across cultures. 5 p.m. March 10; Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota; $20-$40; 941-552-5325; gpactix.com

Oscars Viewing Party

Burns Court Cinemas hosts a viewing party of this year's Oscars, with tickets including unlimited popcorn and choice of one alcoholic or fountain beverage. 6 p.m. red carpet preshow, 7 p.m. Oscars begin March 10; Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota; $15; 941-955-3456; filmsociety.org

Paul Anka: Seven Decades Tour

Paul Anka, one of the most successful singers and songwriters, has sold more than 100 million albums, thanks to such hits as “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “Puppy Love,” “Diana,” “Lonely Boy” and “My Way.” He marks his 70 years in show business with a return to Sarasota. 7 p.m. March 10; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $85-$135; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

‘Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight’

Choral Artists of Sarasota presents the Florida premiere of a piece by renowned African-American composer Florence Price. She set her music to a 1914 poem by Vachel Lindsay, but the score was lost for nearly 50 years. It will be performed with Haydn’s “Mass for Troubled Times,” also known as the “Lord Nelson Mass.” 7 p.m. March 10; Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; $40, $5 students; 941-387-4900; choralartistssarasota.org

The Black Feathers

The folk duo from the U.K., who previously played Sarasota's Fogartyville, return to play another local show at Venice's Troll Music. 7-9 p.m. March 10; Troll Music, 628 E. Venice Ave., Venice; $20; 941-484-8765; trollmusic.com

’Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat’

This new exhibit at the Sarasota Art Museum explores the impact of world events on artists creating new work, and how their work impacts the viewer. Curated by Dan Cameron, the show features work by 10 U.S.-based artists who have been fellows at the Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key. Artists featured are Diana Al-Hadid, Sanford Biggers, Chitra Ganesh, Todd Gray, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Michelle Lopez, Ted Riederer, John Sims, Kukuli Verlarde and William Villalongo. March 10-July 7; Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotartmuseum.org

Nir Eyal

The author of "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" and "Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life" speaks as part of the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall series. 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 11; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $85-$125; rclassociation.org

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

In addition to leading Sarasota’s La Musica International Music Festival, pianist Wu Han is also the co-artistic director (with her husband, cellist David Finckel) of this renowned chamber group. The ensemble performs a La Musica concert that includes works by Beethoven, Rossini, Britten, Duruflé and a Johann Hummel septet. 7 p.m. March 11; Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota; $60; 941-347-9656; lamusicafestival.org/tickets

Anthony Geraci and the Boston Blues Allstars

The group was nominated in 2021 for Band of the Year at the Blues Music Awards, the same awards where Anthony Geraci has also won Instrumentalist — Piano (Pinetop Perkins Piano Player) twice. 7 p.m. March 12; Birdrock Taco Shack, 1213 13th Ave. W., Bradenton; 941-545-9966; facebook.com/birdrocktaco

Hermitage Writes: Mesha Maren

The Hermitage Artist Retreat and the creative writing department at Ringling College partner on this program featuring novelist and Hermitage fellow Mesha Maren for the Visiting Writers Forum. She will talk about reshaping stories and genres and read selections from her work. 7 p.m. March 12; Ringling College of Art and Design Goldstein Library, Room 113, 1228 Dr. Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

Champions of Magic

A cast of five magicians from the United States and England bring an array of illusions from Houdini’s water torture cell escape act to levitation, predictions and more. The production has been described as “The Avengers of Magic.” 7:30 p.m. March 12; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $30-$65; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Curtis on Tour

This concert features three Curtis Institute of Music alumni and three current students performing string sextets by Strauss, Berg and Brahms. The alumni include Benjamin Beilman, violin; Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; and Oliver Herbert, cello. Presented by Artists Series Concerts of Sarasota. 7:30 March 12; Neel Performing Arts Center, State College of Florida, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton; $40; 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org

Rick Springfield

The rock musician known for songs such as his Grammy-winning No. 1 hit "Jessie's Girl" released his most recent album "Automatic" last year. 7:30 p.m. March 13; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $70-$85; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Tas Cru

The Blues Music Award-nominated musician performs multiple local shows after releasing a live album earlier this year. 6:30 p.m. March 13; Englewoods on Dearborn, 362 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; $7; 941-475-7501; englewoodsondearnborn.com; 7 p.m. March 14; Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton; $10; 941-243-3735; facebook.com/cottonmouthsoul

‘Better Late’

Larry Gelbart is best known for creating a hit TV series out of “M*A*S*H” and for a number of other pointed comedies on stage and film. His overlooked comedy “Better Late” makes a comeback at the Sarasota Jewish Theatre where it will be directed by Carolyn Michel. It’s the story of a married couple whose relationship is tested when they invite the wife’s cranky first husband to stay with them while he recuperates from a stroke. March 13-21; The Sarasota Players Studio, Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota; $18-$36; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org; sarasotajewishtheatre.com

Hermitage Sunsets

Opera composer Kamala Sankaram joins with performer, composer and storyteller Etienne Charles for “More Than Music,” a Hermitage Sunsets program at Nathan Benderson Park. They will talk about creating new music and offer selections from their work. Charles was a 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize finalist. 6:30 p.m. March 14; Nathan Benderson Park Family Finish Tower, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

‘Neil Berg’s 114 Years of Broadway’

Composer, lyricist and producer Neil Berg is back with a new edition of his concert program celebrating the best of Broadway musicals performed by five Broadway performers. 7:30 p.m. March 14; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $47-$78; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Strings Con Brio

The chamber orchestra led by veteran musician, educator and conductor Kenneth Bowermeister performs Baroque, Classical and Romantic masterpieces, as well as favorites from Broadway and the movies in this concert program. 7:30 p.m. March 14; Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota; $15-$20; 941-552-5325; gpactix.com

Dance Makers

Each year, Sarasota Contemporary Dance invites rising choreographers to create new work on the company. This year’s program features rhythmic beats in Frances Bradley-Vilier’s “Tap”’; jazz moves created by Courtney Jones; the interdisciplinary style of Andrea Ward and a finale called “JUSTICE’ by Vince Hardy. 7 p.m. March 14-16, 3 p.m. March 17; Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $20-$55. $25 streaming tickets; 941-260-8485; sarasotacontemporarydance.org

‘Rhapsody in Blue @100’

Guest conductor Peter Oundjian is joined by pianist Michelle Cann for this Masterworks concert that marks the 100th anniversary of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” That anniversary coincides with the 75th birthday of the orchestra. Cann also will be performing Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in D Minor in a program that also features Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. 7:30 p.m. March 14, Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton; 7:30 p.m. March 15-16 and 2:30 p.m. March 17, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $35-$105; 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

Remembering John Sims

Sarasota High School art students and their teacher, artist Anita Wexler, offer a tribute to the memory of Sarasota artist John Sims, who died in 2022. March 14 (opening reception)-March 29 (closing reception); Art & Frame, 1055 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Sarasota

‘Nunsense II: The Second Coming’

Dan Goggin’s first sequel to his monster hit “Nunsense” features the return of the Little Sisters of Hoboken, who have gotten bitten by the show business bug. March 14-31; Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte; $32, $16 students; 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org

Art Center Sarasota exhibits

Photographer Michael Kinsey focuses his lens on leaders in the Sarasota area Black community for the exhibit “Views from the New Horizon: Portraits from Sarasota Magazine’s 'Listening to Black Voices' Series.” It’s one of four new shows at Art Center Sarasota, including Ukrainian-born artist Natasha Dikareva’s “Through Sorrow into Light,” a display of sculptures that look at the current sociopolitical climate; Angela Pilgrim’s “Rooted in Spirit,” which explores Black women through printmaking, painting and mixed media, and “Great Artists Steal,” an open juried show. March 14-April 20; Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org

Arabian Nights

Music Director Troy Quinn leads The Venice Symphony through a program of exotic favorites including its first performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.” The program also includes Maurice Jarre’s overture to “Lawrence of Arabia” and Ernest Gold’s theme to the film “Exodus.” 7:30 p.m. March 15, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 16. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. $39-$66. 941-207-8822; thevenicesymphony.org

Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival

The festival, organized by the locally based Paragon Festivals, will offer seafood, live music, and arts and crafts. 4-10 p.m. March 15, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. March 16 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. March 17; Coquina Beach, 2651 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach; free admission; 941-487-8061; paragonfestivals.com

St. Patrick's Day at Shamrock Pub

After having held an outdoor block party for St. Patrick's Day for the past several years, Shamrock Pub owner Derek Anderson says the bar will return to its roots and move inside this year, featuring live music including Clover's Revenge, Lesa Silvermore, Physical Plant, and Blue Skye Pipes and Drums, plus Hobson's Choice BBQ onsite serving corned beef and cabbage all three days. March 15-17; Shamrock Pub, 2257 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; 941-952-1730;  facebook.com/shamrockpub

‘Deceit Outwitted’

Each year the Sarasota Opera tries to produce an opera that has been long overlooked or is rarely performed. This season’s entry is the comedic “Deceit Outwitted” by Joseph Haydn. It was written during the composer’s time working for the Esterházy family in Vienna, and many of his operas were not discovered until after World War II. Hanna Brammer, William Davenport and Filippo Fontana are among the returning singers featured. March 15-23; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $32-$155; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org

Sarasota County Fair

The fair, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, features rides, food, live entertainment, livestock exhibits and more. March 15-24; Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $10 advance, $12 day of adults, $5 advance, $6 day of ages 6-12, $6 seniors ages 55 and up/military, free ages 5 and under, with admission specials; 941-365-0818; sarasotafair.com

Wellen Park Half Marathon and 5K

Both races start and finish at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen, with an awards ceremony featuring multiple categories. Runners and attendees are encouraged to dress up in green gear for St. Patrick's Day, along with live music and food and drink from Downtown Wellen restaurants and The Yard eateries. 7:30 a.m. half marathon, 7:45 a.m. 5K March 16; Sollis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice; $85 half marathon, $35 5K; wellenpark.com

Grand Tasting Brunch, Winefest & Charity Auction

Florida Winefest & Auction presents the event with brunch and wine served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. featuring local restaurants' signature dishes and vintners pouring their finest wines, followed by the 1-4 p.m. live auction. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 16; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $275; floridawinefest.org

St. Patty's Day Parking Lot Party

The day-long event will feature live entertainment including local bands, Irish dancers, pipe and drums, as well as food, beer and cocktails. Noon March 16; British Open Pub, 367 Jacaranda Blvd., Venice; $10; 941-492-9227; britishopenpub.com

Party on the Pass

The event featuring light bites at food stations from area restaurants will benefit Mote's marine animal rescue, rehabilitation and release programs. 7 p.m. March 16; Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; $175 individual tickets, sponsorships also available; 941-388-4441; mote.org

Roy Book Binder

The acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter, who was friends with Dave Van Ronk and Rev. Gary Davis and blends their respective folk and blues sounds into his music, will perform with Pedro Arevalo. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show March 16; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $26, $22 members, $13 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

Springfest

Anna Maria Island Art League hosts the 36th annual festival featuring hand-crafted items for sale by talented artists, along with live music and a food court. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 17; City Field, 6001 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; free admission/parking; 941-778-2099; islandartleague.org/festival

Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair

The event will feature an array of hand-crafted works including paintings, jewelry, photography and ceramics, with the chance to chat with the artists themselves, as well as a craft and green market area. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16-17; 1718 Main St., Sarasota; free admission; artfestival.com

Art in the Park

The 24th annual art show will feature more than 160 paintings, photographs and sculptures, most of which will be available for purchase along with prints, note cards and other items. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16-17; University Park Country Club, 7671 The Park Blvd., University Park; free admission/parking; artintheparkupcc.com

Enchanted Garden Family Festival

The annual festival features “unicorn" rides and fairy houses, arts and crafts, and storytelling. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16-17; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey; included with admission ($18, $11 ages 5-17/member guests, free members/ages 4 and under; 941-366-5731; selby.org

St. Paddy’s Trip to America

Irish-American balladeer Dwight Sullivan performs a St. Patrick’s Day program of classic Irish song favorites, and Irish humor and history with scenes from modern Ireland. Guinness will be available. 7-9 p.m. March 16-17; Troll Music, 628 E. Venice Ave., Venice; $15; 941-484-8765; trollmusic.com

Tour de Parks

The 21, 35 and 62-mile bicycle rides support the Legacy Trail, with breakfast, lunch, rest stop snacks, and technical T-shirts for the first 650 registrants included. 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. March 17; Venice Train Depot, 303 E. Venice Ave., Venice; $60, $65 after March 13; friendsofthelegacytrail.org/tour-de-parks-information

Corvettes in Venice 'A Vette Together'

The 19th annual Corvette car show will also feature door prizes, food, basket raffle, DJ, 50/50 drawing and more. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 17; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; venicefloridacorvettes.org

St. Patrick's Day at Celtic Ray

The authentic Irish pub ("no green beer," it warns in advance) will feature live music from Shannonside (10 a.m.-noon), Clover's Revenge (noon-2 p.m.), Paul Duffy (2-5 p.m.) and Victims of Circumstance (6-9 p.m.); a limited menu including dishes such as fish and chips, Guinness stew and corned beef and cabbage, plus multiple food trucks, and two beer trucks with full-liquid mobile bars, plus an outside bar. 9 a.m.-2 a.m. March 17; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net

St. Patrick's Day at The Freckled Fin

Opening at 9 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day, Freckled Fin will offer free Jameson shots for the first 30 minutes, $5 Guinness and $6 Irish coffees until 11 a.m., and free Jello shots and swag giveaways while supplies last, plus music from Josh Gilton, DJ Chaos and Acoustic Thunder, Irish dancers, and food including corned beef and cabbage and Reubens. 9 a.m. March 17; Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-251-3930; freckledfin.com

St. Patrick's Day at McGrath's Irish Ale House

The Lakewood Ranch restaurant will feature Irish food and beers, live Irish music, dancers from Finnegan Academy and Drake Irish Dance Studio, and family fun such as a magician, balloon artist, face-painters, games and inflatables. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. March 17; McGrath's Irish Ale House, 8110 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch; 941-210-4398; mcgrathsirish.com

St. Patrick's Day at T.J. Carney's

The downtown Venice restaurant will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with live music and entertainment by Ken McBride, step dancers and bagpipers. 11 a.m. March 17; T.J. Carneys, 231 W. Venice Ave., Venice; 941-480-9244; tjcarneys.com

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Fishermen’s Village

The Punta Gorda destination will feature Irish music throughout the day including Black Velvet Band, Punta Gorda Bag Pipers and Jeff Walton, plus face painting and other fun including a "special appearance by the leprechaun." Noon-8 p.m. March 17; Fishermen's Village, 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; 941-639-8721; fishermensvillage.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade

The annual parade on Anna Maria Island will start at Holmes Beach City Hall, proceeding to 58th Street, Marina Drive, Palm Drive, Gulf Drive, Pine Avenue, Tarpon Street and Magnolia Avenue, ending at The Center of Anna Maria Island. 4-6 p.m. March 17; Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; centerami.org/events for more information or to register

Celtic Pops

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the Pops Orchestra celebrates Irish music and traditions with this concert led by music director Robyn Bell. It features the Jacobites Pipe and Drum group, Highland dancers and Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota. The program includes “Danny Boy,” “Tam O’Shanter” and “Scotland the Brave.” 3 p.m. March 17; Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota and 7:30 p.m. March 18; Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton; $30-$60; 941-926-7677; thepopsorchestra.org

Sarasota Jazz Festival

The annual festival features acclaimed jazz musicians such as Terell Stafford, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Wycliffe Gordon, Jeff Hamilton, Chucho Valdés, Steve Kovalcheck, Akiko Tsuruga, Paul Gavin, Valerie Gillespie, Grace Kelly and Houston Person, plus late night open jams, a trolley pub crawl, film screening and Jazz in the Park. March 17-23; various venues; event prices vary; sarasotajazzfestival.com

Paul Taylor Dance Company

The iconic modern dance company marks its 70th anniversary. The program includes Taylor’s acclaimed “Promethean Fire,” created after 9/11 and described by The New York Times as “quite simply one of the best dance works” he has created. It also includes the comedic “Gossamer Gallants” and the Florida premiere of resident choreographer Lauren Lovette’s “Echo.” 7 p.m. March 18; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $30-$80; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Doo Wop Project

Five stars from such Broadway shows as “Jersey Boys,” “A Bronx Tale,” “Motown: The Musical” and more, join voices in this concert show that offers new versions of classic doo-wop hits like “16 Candles” and “In the Still of the Night,” and adding a doo-wop style to more contemporary hits like Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.” 7:30 p.m. March 20; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $25-$65; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

‘The White Chip’

Sean Daniels, a Florida Studio Theatre Associate Artist and director of the new Recovery Project, is the author and director of this semi-autobiographical play (recently produced off-Broadway) about an alcoholic married theater director whose life is spinning out of control and how he finds his way to sobriety. Part of the FST Stage III series. March 20-April 12; Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $25-$46; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

Classics for Wind and Brass

This Sarasota Orchestra Chamber Soiree features Carl Nielsen’s Wind Quintet and Victor Ewald’s Brass Quintet No. 3. 5:30 p.m. March 21, Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $42-$52. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

The Supervillains

The reggae-ska-punk group hails from St. Cloud, Florida, but is a nationally touring act. 6 p.m. March 21; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $12; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com

Hermitage Writes: Elisa Bocanegra

Elisa Bocanegra, a Puerto Rican artist and founder of HERO Theatre, talks about her creative process and her involvement in the Nuestro Planeta new work commissioning project in this Hermitage Artist Retreat program as part of the Venice Writers Festival. Noon March 22; Jervey Venice Public Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

Jim Lauderdale

The country and bluegrass singer-songwriter has won two Grammys (and been nominated for seven) and written songs recorded by musicians such as George Strait, Elvis Costello and Blake Shelton. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show March 22; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $30, $25 members, $15 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

Kristin Chenoweth

The Tony and Emmy Award-winning star of such Broadway musicals as “Wicked” and “Promises, Promises,” and the TV series “The West Wing,” “Glee” and “Pushing Daisies,” returns to Sarasota as the special guest of the annual Sarasota Performing Arts Center Foundation Transformation Gala. 8:30 p.m. March 22; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $65-$100 (concert only); 941-239-6799; vanwezel.org

Venice Blues Festival

The festival will return for the first time since 2018 featuring two days and stages of live music, with Average White Band of Grammy-nominated No. 1 hit "Pick Up the Pieces" headlining, as well as a beer garden, food trucks and local vendors. 4-10 p.m. March 22 and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. March 23; Venice Airport Festival Grounds, 610 Airport Ave. E., Venice; $12 March 22, $24 March 23, $75 VIP each day; venicebluesfest.com

Cirque des Voix

Circus Sarasota artists perform their thrill acts while the 110 voices of Key Chorale and the Cirque Orchestra perform a range of musical favorites in this annual production. 7 p.m. March 22, 2 and 7 p.m. March 23. Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. $50-$100. 941-355-9805; circusarts.org

Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival

The event will feature a variety of authors in genres including children's books, fiction and nonfiction. March 22-23; West Blalock Park, 401 Pensacola Road, Venice and William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Public Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice; $20, $35 with box lunch (writers festival); venicebookfair.com

‘The Spitfire Grill’

Venice Theatre presents a musical version of the 1996 film about a woman who gets hired at a small café after being released from prison and how her spirit helps to change attitudes in the small town. Brad Wages directs a cast led by Vera Samuels as Percy and Lynne Doyle as the café owner. March 22-April 21; Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice; $37, $22 educators/college students, $15 youth; 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org

‘Dial M for Murder’

The classic cat and mouse murder mystery created by Frederick Knott (and turned into a hit film by Alfred Hitchcock) gets a contemporary update in a new version by Jeffrey Hatcher at Asolo Repertory Theatre. It’s still a story of blackmail and revenge, with lots of plot twists as a husband plots to murder his wife in 1950s London when his plans go awry. March 20-April 25; FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $29-$95; 941-351-8000; asolorep.org

‘Westminster’

Urbanite Theatre presents the second of three world premieres in its 10th season with Brenda Withers' play, which won the company’s 2023 Modern Works Festival. In “Westminster,” a woman gives her best friend a rescue dog as a surprise, which raises issues of class and accountability between two couples. Urbanite had a hit with an earlier Withers play called “Northside Hollow.” March 22-April 28; Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota; $42, $28 under age 40, $5 students; 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com

Cortez Nautical Flea Market

The market will feature new and used fishing gear, marine and diving equipment, and coastal arts and crafts, with food available for purchase as well. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 23; Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez; free admission; 941-708-6120; floridamaritimemuseum.org/nautical-flea-market

Eggstravaganza

The annual Easter event will feature an egg hunt, hanging out with the Easter bunny, face painting, food and drink vendors, and more. 9:30 a.m.-noon March 23; Waterside Park, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch; $20 non-residents, $10 residents; 800-307-2624; lakewoodranch.com

Ben Prestage

The Florida-raised "Deep South Swamp Music" performer is known for his inventive approach to instrumentation, simultaneously playing multiple instruments, including the diddley bow, which earned him a Blues Music Award nomination for Instrumentalist — Other. 2-5 p.m. March 23; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net

Charles Esten

The country singer who released the album "Love Ain't Pretty" earlier this year and actor who appeared on the TV shows "Nashville" and "Outer Banks" returns to Big Top. 7-10 p.m. March 23; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $30; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com

Mike + Ruthy

Husband-and-wife Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar, both members of the folk rock group The Mammals, also perform together as a duo. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show March 23; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $24, $20 members, $12 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

Robin Spielberg

Pianist and composer Robin Spielberg has around two dozen recordings to her credit, starting with her debut, “Heal of the Hand.” She will perform works that include original pieces and American standards. 7:30 p.m. March 23; Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota; $22.50-$27.50; 941-552-5325; gpactix.com

Joshua Bell/Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

In addition to being one of the foremost violinists in the world, Joshua Bell serves as music director of the acclaimed Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, a chamber orchestra formed in 1958 by Sir Neville Marriner. Bell and the ensemble will perform works by Rossini, Max Bruch and Johannes Brahms. 8 p.m. March 23; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $85-$130; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Venice Antique Automobile Club of America Car Show

The annual car show will feature more than 250 entrants and thousands of fellow enthusiasts, with over 70 trophies awarded in 20 classes. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 24; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice, $35 registration fee per vehicle (includes information packet, dash plaque, show t-shirt, and raffle tickets); veniceaaca.com

‘Peter and the Wolf’

This favorite by Prokofiev, considered a symphonic fairy tale for children, is presented for family audiences in two languages. 1 p.m. English, 4 p.m. Spanish March 24; Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $5 and up; 941-953-3434; saraotaorchestra.org

'The King of Kings'

The 1927 silent-era film by Cecil B. DeMille (who later filmed his 1952 Best Picture Oscar winner "The Greatest Show on Earth" in Sarasota) will be accompanied on organ by David Briggs. 7:30 p.m. March 24; St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota; free-will offering, no ticket required; bonifacechurch.org/music

Bill Evans

The jazz saxophonist has performed with Miles Davis, among many other musicians, along with a solo career that's included two Grammy-nominated albums. 7 p.m. March 25; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $44; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com

‘You are Free’

ensembleNEWSRQ returns with a varied program of work composed since 2016. It features Raven Chacon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning “Voiceless Mass” as well as the organization’s second world premiere and commission of a piece by Kyle Rivera. Musicians also will perform works by Sarah Kirkland Snider, Shawn Okpebholo and Ania Vu. 7:30 p.m. March 25; First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota; $25, $10 livestream; ensrq.org

Anna Maria Island Heritage Day Festival

The annual festival will feature arts and crafts booths, raffles and silent auctions, interactive kids area, strawberry shortcake and baked goods, tacos and more from Poppo's Taqueria, live music by the Anna Maria Island String Band, pirate invasion by the Anna Maria Island Privateers, and guided tours of the museum and Belle Haven Cottage. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 26; Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria; free, but donations greatly appreciated; 941-778-0492; amihs.org

Hermitage Writes: Brandel France de Bravo

Writer and poet Brandel France de Bravo, whose new work “Locomotive Cathedral” looks at her search for permanence in our changing world, talks about her writing process in this partnership with the creative writing department at Ringling College. 7 p.m. March 26; Ringling College of Art and Design Goldstein Library Room 113, 1228 Dr. Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

‘Hamilton’

Sarasota gets its shot at the biggest Broadway hit in years as Lin Manuel-Miranda’s hip-hop musical about the life and loves of founding father Alexander Hamilton arrives for a two-week run. It became a sell-out hit before it opened on Broadway in 2015. March 26-April 7; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $69-$289 (a lottery for 40 $10 seats will be held for all performances); 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

‘Piano Classics Remade’

Conrad Tao, a concert pianist and composer, presents a Hermitage Artist Retreat program that will show why he was described by New York Magazine as “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music.” He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony and other major international orchestras. 7 p.m. March 28; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; $5 registration; hermitageartistretreat.org

Children's Parade and Party in the Park

Floats engineered and built in schoolrooms and at home parade along the historic avenues of Palmetto, from the Manatee County Fairgrounds, south on 10th Avenue West and then along Fifth Street West to Lamb Park, which along with Sutton Park will host a "Party in the Park" with food, fun and kids activities. 10 a.m. March 29; 10th Street and Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W, Palmetto; 941-757-2909; desotohq.com

Caleb Caudle

The Americana/bluegrass musician recorded his album "Forsythia" at Johnny Cash's Cash Cabin amid the pandemic, with John Carter Cash producing. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show March 29; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $22, $18 members, $11 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org

Bruce Liu

The first prize winner at the 2021 Chopin International Piano Competition returns for a Sarasota Concert Association Great Performers series concert. Bruce Liu will be performing works by Rameau, Chopin, Ravel and Liszt. 7:30 p.m. March 29; Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota; $30-$85; 941-966-6161; scasarasota.org

The Landscape of Guitar

Guitarist Bruce Hecksel and singer-songwriter Julie Patchouli bring together music from their two projects. Terra Guitarra is described as one of the top nuevo flamenco groups in the world. Patchouli features the artist’s lead vocals, duets and compositions. 7:30 p.m. March 29; Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota; $22.50-$27.50; 941-552-5325; gpactix.com

Siesta Key Easter Egg Hunt

The annual Easter egg hunt also features games, activities, live animals and photos with the Easter Bunny. The event is limited to 200 children ages 1-6, with registered children receiving a goody-bag at check-in and attendees asked to bring a bag or basket to put eggs in. 9-11 a.m. March 30; Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Ave., Siesta Key; $12; 941-349-3800; my.siestakeychamber.com

ReptiCon

The reptile and exotic animal convention returns to Sarasota. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 30; Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota; $10, $5 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under; repticon.com

My Hometown Fest

The ninth annual festival celebrates local with food from more than 40 restaurants, craft beer and spirits, and live music. Noon-5 p.m. March 30; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; $30-$40; 941-993-9036; myhometownfest.com

The Applebutter Express

The "uncut ukulele funk" band has performed at massive music festival Bonnaroo and had their music appear in the 2014 Reese Witherspoon film "The Good Lie." 5-8 p.m. March 30; Waypoint Bar & Grill, 11000 U.S. Highway 41 N., Palmetto; 941-212-6600; waypoint27north.com

Covers are F---ing Dead

St. Pete's Wolf-Face, which takes inspiration from the Michael J. Fox film "Teen Wolf" including dressing in costume, will cover Swedish punk band Refused, while Gainesville's You Vandal will play the music of Taking Back Sunday and Bradenton's Suburban Wasteland will perform various punk and emo covers. 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show March 30; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $15 advance, $20 day of; 941-201-4950; oscura.live

Tournament of Fools

FST Improv presents what it calls a “knockdown, drag-out comedy battle royale” featuring ensemble members competing in a series of improv scenes, songs and games. 8:30 p.m. March 30; FST Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $15-$18; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

‘The Power of Peanut Butter & Other Winning plays’

Throughout the year, teams of actors from Florida Studio Theatre work with students around the world encouraging them to write new plays. The winning entries are collected and performed Story Theatre-style in this annual festival that is presented on weekends by FST’s Children’s Theatre. March 30-May 4; FST Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $10; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

Artist Series Salon

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents violinist Hina Khuong-Huu, first prize winner of the 2023 Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition, accompanied by pianist Rohan De Silva in an intimate recital. 4 p.m. March 31 and April 1; Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota; $60; 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org

Continuing

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Liz Duffy Adams’ “Born With Teeth” continues through March 29, rotating performances with this month’s new entry, “Intimate Apparel.” FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $33-$95; 941-351-8000; asolorep.org

Embracing Our Differences

The annual exhibition of 50 billboard-sized works of art accompanied by inspirational quotes from students and adults from around the world returns for its 21st season to Sarasota's Bayfront Park. (It will also be presented March 2-31 at Poynter Park, Third Street South and Ninth Avenue South, St. Petersburg.) Through April 14; 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota; embracingourdifferences.org

Florida Studio Theatre

Several productions that opened earlier in the season continue into March. Stefano Massini’s “The Lehman Trilogy” runs through March 29 in the Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $39-$59. The one-man play “A Night in November” runs through March 15 in the Stage III series in Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $25-$46. The cabaret show “Take it to the Limit” saluting rock ‘n’ roll rebels of the 1970s, continues in the Goldstein Cabaret through April 14. $37-$42. “The Flip Side,” a revue of songs that take a humorous look at life, runs through June 16 in the Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $37-$46. The FST Improv show “Life’s a Beach” continues at 8:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 23 in Bowne’s Lab. $15-$18. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org

FSU/Asolo Conservatory

The second-year students in the FSU/Asolo Conservatory master’s degree program are performing their own rotating repertory schedule, alternating performances of August Strindberg’s “Miss Julie” with Lynn Nottage’s “Clyde’s.” Through March 10; Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $28.80-$32; 941-351-8000; asolorep.org

The Ringling

There are multiple shows on display at the museum complex. “The True Story of Eve” features work by author and multimedia artist Michele Oka Doner. Through June 2, Monda Gallery. “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” continues through June 23 in the Chao Center for Asian Art. “Working Conditions,” an exploration of labor seen through the lens of photographers, continues through March 3 in the Searing Galleries. “Shinique Smith: Parade,” focused on European artistic tradition, continues through Jan. 5, 2025; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; 941-359-5700; ringling.org

Ringling College

Several shows continue continue in several of the Ringling College of Art and Design galleries. “George Pratt: Carnet de Voyage — Morac” continues through March 22 in the Selby Foundation Illustration Gallery. “Omar Chacon: Chromatic Echoes” continues through March 22 in the Thompson Alumni & Skylight Galleries. “Che Colore!” featuring selections from the Richard and Barbara Basch glass collection, continues in the Basch Gallery through March 22. “Fluid Impressions: The Paintings of Syd Solomon,” an exhibit curated by students, continues through March 25 in the Stulberg Gallery. And "Ligature Show XIV: Dimensions” runs through March 22 in the Smith Gallery. 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-359-7563; ringlingcollege.gallery

Sarasota Art Museum

“Picking Up the Pieces,” a new site-specific installation created for the Sarasota Art Museum by Judy Pfaff, is the artist’s reflection of the impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022 on the Fort Myers area. Through March 24; 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org

Sarasota Opera

With this month’s additions of “Luisa Miller” and “Deceit Outwitted,” the Sarasota Opera winter season will be in full swing in a repertory schedule. “Carmen” continues through March 22 and “Lucia di Lammermoor” runs through March 23. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $32-$165; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.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

Downtown Bradenton Public Market

The market on downtown Bradenton's Old Main Street features fresh produce, local art, music and free family activities. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays October-May; Old Main Street, Bradenton; realizebradenton.com/public-market

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.-2 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

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

The mid-week market offers local produce and plants, prepared foods, specialty and sustainable items, and Florida agriculturally-related products. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays October-April; Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; farmhousemarket.org

Englewood Farmers Market

The market features local and organic fresh produce, baked goods, meats, seafood, dairy, plants, herbs, prepared foods, honey, syrups, sauces, salsa and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays October-May; 335 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; englewoodfarmersmarket.org

Palmetto Farmers Market

The market, held the second Saturday of each month through April, features around 60 vendors, two food trucks, and more. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 9; Lamb Park, 950 Sixth St. W., Palmetto; facebook.com

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at [email protected]. Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact him at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best things to do in March near Sarasota, Bradenton, Port Charlotte