Featured Events in Sarasota in December, 2024(December Updated)

About Sunday Polo Sunday Polo at The Sarasota Polo Club requires a ticket for admission. Gates open every Sunday at 10:00 AM and the feature match begins at 1:00 PM after the opening Parade and Live National Anthem. Pre-purchased tickets is your best option via our website at www.sarasotapolo.com. Options are available for purchase upon arrival but will be limited. General bleacher seating is the most basic option while reserved tailgates, midfield premium seats, tables or VIP midfield boxes are our favorite options. We have multiple Bars on site for drink purchases. Join thousands of fans for exciting polo action, opening parade, live national anthem, theme weeks, half-time entertainment, wagon rides, food, drinks and traditional champagne divot-stomping. Dress comfortably and for the weather. Remember, you will be walking on grass. Well-socialized dogs are welcome on a leash. For more information or for FAQ please visit: www.sarasotapolo.com We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to experience the thrill of Sarasota Polo, “the fastest game on four feet!” For FAQs, Ticket purchases or to Learn the Polo Basics visit SarasotaPolo.com Information Source: Sarasota Polo Club | eventbrite

Discover artwork, jewelry, crafts, glass art, ceramics and more at this new annual Holiday Art Mart, Sunday, December 22 from 10AM-4PM. Meet over 30 different artists and see the unique giftable items they will have for sale. We will also offer holiday themed beverages during the day to keep the spirits bright. Art Ovation will be a festive wonderland to heighten the holiday spirit, so come and enjoy the atmosphere. Information Source: Art Ovation Hotel | eventbrite

Grab a partner, or come solo and join HaoleNaut 941 Cornhole and UTC for a social event and tournament for novice to advance players. Don’t have a partner? No problem, we’ll pair you up with one! *Registration starts at 6:00 PM *Music, raffle, food and drinks available for purchase *Outdoor tournament on The Green at UTC, across from Michaels TWO DIVISIONS 1. Social Division – BYOP ($10 Entry Per Team) – Novice/Intermediate –Double Elimination using Scorholio software –60% Cash Payouts to top teams –Download the Scorholio App to follow along 2. Competitive Division – Blind Draw ($10 Entry Per Player) – Competitive/Advanced –ACL Local Points – Double Elimination –90% Cash Payout to top teams –Anyone can play – Create an account on iplayacl.com BAGS Players are encouraged to bring your own bags. If you don’t have any, we will have plenty available to borrow or purchase. If you’re playing in the competitive division, they must be ACL approved. Please no corn filled bags GENERAL RULES –Race to 21 – No Bust Rule –Double Elimination Bracket, Single Game on each side –Cancelation scoring with three points for each bag in the hold and one point for each bag on the board. Contact Dustin Hoffman with any questions at dustin.hoffman941@haolenaut.com Information Source: University Town Center | eventbrite

Welcome to Starr Camps - Christmas Break Volleyball & Basketball Camp! This exciting camp is perfect for kids and teens aged 9-18 who love sports. Join us at 8751 Fruitville Rd for a fun-filled week of volleyball and basketball activities. Our experienced coaches will help you improve your skills while having a blast with new friends. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to stay active and learn new techniques during your Christmas break. Sign up now and get ready for an unforgettable camp experience! Information Source: eventbrite

Sarasota Choral Society Messiah Come join us for a magical evening of music at the Church of the Palms Presbyterian USA. The Sarasota Choral Society will be performing the iconic piece, Messiah. Don't miss out on this incredible in-person event filled with beautiful harmonies and festive cheer. Get ready to be swept away by the enchanting voices of the choir as they bring this timeless classic to life. Mark your calendars and experience the joy of the holiday season with us! Information Source: Sarasota Choral Society | eventbrite

This round-table will engage a public audience with the history of the Italian Renaissance by challenging received ideas about the nature of maps and the history of European exploration. By exploring complexities of artistic representation, spatial projection, and map production, the presentation will broaden attendees’ understanding of Renaissance culture and world history before the Age of Exploration, while also introducing them to some of the digital techniques scholars now use to study such maps. Presenters will include Carrie Beneš (New College of Florida), Chet Van Duzer (Rochester Institute of Technology), and Jessica Maier (Mount Holyoke College). Participant Bios: Carrie Beneš is a cultural historian of premodern Italy and the Mediterranean, focusing on the classical tradition, the cultural history of landscape and identity, and mapping/geospatial analysis. She is the author of Urban Legends: Civic Identity and the Classical Past (2011) as well as A Companion to Medieval Genoa (2018), and co-director of the La Sfera Project (sferaproject.org). Chet Van Duzer is a widely-published historian of cartography and one of the world’s leading authorities on medieval and Renaissance maps. He is a board member of the Lazarus Project at the University of Rochester and a researcher-in-residence at the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University. He is the author of Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps (2013) as well as Henricus Martellus’s World Map at Yale (c. 1491): Multispectral Imaging, Sources, and Influence (2019). Jessica Maier is an art historian of European Renaissance art and architecture in a global context, focusing on traditionally overlooked categories of imagery such as prints, illustrated books, maps, and city views, which provide new insight into a period of extraordinary cultural activity. She is the author of The Eternal City: A History of Rome in Maps (2020) as well as Rome Measured and Imagined: Early Modern Maps of the Eternal City (2024). Laura Morreale is a cultural historian of the late medieval Italian peninsula whose interests in French-language writing extend to the Latin East. She is the creator of several digital projects such as the Oxford Outremer Map and the Harvard-based DALME Project (Documentary Archaeology of Late Medieval Europe)—as well as one of Dr. Beneš’s co-directors on the La Sfera Project. She is co-editor of the two-volume Digital Medieval Studies—Practice and Preservation (2022) and Experimentation and Innovation (2024). Information Source: New College of Florida | eventbrite

Join the conversation with Dave Mishkin, the radio play-by-play announcer of the Tampa Bay Lightning and author of the debut novel "Blind Squirrel." Explore the world of hockey and healing as Mishkin discusses his book, which follows the journey of Noah Nicholson, a gifted but troubled minor-league hockey player. Meet a cast of unforgettable characters, from Noah's supportive family to his quirky teammates. Dave Mishkin, a seasoned broadcaster with years of experience in hockey, brings his storytelling skills to life in "Blind Squirrel." Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of sports and resilience with a talented author. The event will take place at Bookstore1Sarasota in Sarasota on December 2, 2024. Tickets are available for purchase, including options that come with a copy of the book. Alternatively, you can register for free to attend the event. Seating is limited, so if you're unable to make it, kindly inform the organizers to allow others to take your place. For more information and to secure your spot, please email bryn@sarasotabooks.com. Don't miss out on this insightful and engaging event with Dave Mishkin.

Come hear from bestselling novelist Bonnie Kistler as she talks about her latest thriller, SHELL GAMES, that steps seamlessly into the realm of domestic, psychological suspense. This is a whodunit, whydunit, and a satire of the lives of the rich, famous, and sometimes clueless—in today's Florida. Buy the book and get it signed!About SHELL GAMES: A NOVEL by Bonnie Kistler “A truly spectacular psychological thriller with a dazzling mystery at its core. SHELL GAMES is the ultimate one-sitting read that has everything—incredible family dynamics, characters that burst off the page and a premise so deliciously enticing and surprising that the pages quite simply turn themselves. Bonnie Kistler is a genius!”—Matthew Blake, author of ANNA O A dazzling thriller about a young woman whose fabulously wealthy mother might be the victim of an elaborate con or might be losing her mind—and the daughter can't tell where the truth lies. Julie’s mother Kate is a force of nature––a glamorous woman of seventy, a self-made real estate developer, a grande dame in Florida society, and a power broker in Florida politics. It wasn’t easy for Julie to grow up in the shadow of such a dynamo, but she loves her mother, and she and her husband Eric are thrilled when Kate marries her long-lost high school sweetheart, a salt-of-the-earth man named Charlie. But their storybook romance ends abruptly. On their wedding night, Kate calls the police in hysterics to report that Charlie just confessed to a notorious unsolved crime from decades before. Charlie says she imagined it. Eric says that Kate has dementia. And the FBI says that Charlie couldn’t possibly have committed that crime. Julie doesn’t know what to believe. Is her brilliant mother losing her mind? Or is sweet, lovable Charlie gaslighting Kate to gain control of her fortune? As Julie tries to navigate through this maze of paranoia and mind games, cracks start to develop in her own marriage as it seems that Eric is keeping secrets . . . Set against a backdrop of rampant development and devastating climate change, SHELL GAMES is a psychological thriller that will make your head spin and the pages turn as you wonder exactly who is doing what to whom. About the Author Bonnie Kistler is the author of THE CAGE and HER, TOO. A former Philadelphia trial lawyer, she was born in Pennsylvania and educated at Bryn Mawr College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She and her husband now live in southwest Florida and the mountains of western North Carolina. ................................................................. Registration will end 1 hour before the event's scheduled time.Tickets may be purchased that include a copy ofSHELL GAMES,or you may register to attend free of charge.All signed up and unable to go? Please let us know! Seating is limited and there may be people on our waitlist who would like to to take your place. Please send an email to bryn@sarasotabooks.com ASAP and hopefully we'll see you next time.Clickhereto go to the Bookstore1Sarasota website:https://www.sarasotabooks.com/. Information Source: Georgia Court | eventbrite

Join our spoken word community and take part in our Poetry Open Mic! Share original work or recite your favorite poem. Whether you're a reader or a member of the audience, everyone is welcome. The sign-in for reading begins at 11:30 a.m.Sign up to read a poem when you arrive, but get your free tickets in advance! Not a writer and not interested in reading a poem? No worries - come be part of the audience, discover our diverse local literary talent, and cheer them on.Here's how it works: Sign-in for readers begins at 11:30 a.m.Readers will be called to the mic in the order in which they sign in.Poems may be no more than one page in length, single-spaced.Each reader will read just one poem.Original poetry is encouraged, but readers are welcome to read another author's work if they so choose.................................................................... Clickhereto go to the Bookstore1 Sarasota website:https://www.sarasotabooks.com/ Information Source: Georgia Court | eventbrite

Join Us for an Exclusive Masterclass with Broadway Star Tiffany Haas! Get ready to dive into the world of Broadway with the one and only Tiffany Haas! This in-person event will be held at the Music Compound where you'll have the chance to learn from a true Broadway pro. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, this masterclass is perfect for anyone looking to hone their skills and learn from the best. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to work with Tiffany Haas! ✨ Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024 ✨ Time: 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM ✨ Location: Music Compound, Sarasota, FL Description: Step into the spotlight and learn from Broadway star Tiffany Haas in this inspiring and educational masterclass! Tiffany, renowned for her performances on Broadway and her work as a vocal coach and author, will share her expert insights on audition preparation, performance techniques, and how to bring your best self to the stage. Whether you're an aspiring performer or a seasoned artist, this is an experience you won't want to miss! Event Highlights: 2:30 PM: Doors OpenEnjoy a Meet & Greet, tour the Music Compound, and check in.2:45 PM: Masterclass BeginsDive into Tiffany's exclusive tips, exercises, and strategies to elevate your performance.4:00 PM: Book Signing & NetworkingWrap up the event with the opportunity to purchase Tiffany's book and have it personally signed.4:30 PM: Event ConcludesAbout Tiffany Haas: Best known for her role as Glinda in Wicked on Broadway, Tiffany Haas is also a celebrated author, motivational speaker, and vocal coach. With years of professional experience and a passion for mentoring performers, Tiffany's masterclasses have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams with confidence and skill. Learn more about her expertise here. Event Details: This event is perfect for performers, students, and Broadway enthusiasts.Tickets are limited to ensure an intimate and engaging experience.All day-of operations and support will be managed by Music Compound's professional team to ensure a seamless experience.Tickets are for masterclass attendees. Parents or transportation providers will be asked to hang in one of our lobbies or drop off and go. Space is limited and reserved for performers.Special Partnership Acknowledgment This masterclass is proudly funded by The Pops Orchestra as part of its mission to inspire and engage the community through music and education. We’re thrilled to partner with Pops Orchestra to make this event possible! Music Compound, the host partner, is delighted to provide the venue for this masterclass and support this collaboration by waiving the rental fee for our valued partner, Pops Orchestra. Don’t miss Pops Orchestra’s event featuring Tiffany Haas the same weekend! Secure your tickets today and make it a weekend to remember filled with music and inspiration. Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35505 Information Source: eventbrite

Congratulations you have been invited to test and promote to your next belt! Please register and select the appropriate ticket based on your belt level you are currently at, not the belt you are going for. Registration deadline is December 5th. Late fees will apply for anyone registering late. Anyone that does not register by the deadline will be autobilled with the late fee as described in the members' signup checklist. It is a guardian's responsibility to contact us if they are not allowing a child to promote due to behaviors outside of the class or if they are unable to attend testing for any reason. For off-the-mat issues, we prefer to be alerted long beforehand and allowed a child a time period to improve their behavior. Please contact us with any questions on testing and eligibility. White through orange belts will test during their normal class times Dec 7th-12th. Intermediate & Advanced testing (current belt: Purple belt & above) is Sat Dec 7th from 1pm-3/4pm. Red belts only promote every 6 months. (They are still required to participate in intermediate/advanced testing if not up for promotion. Their testing is sponsored if not up for promotion.) All students that pass their test will be invited to belt graduation to be presented with their new rank and diploma. Graduation will be held on Saturday, December 14th 11:00am-12:30pm at Community Day School, 4335 Wilkinson Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233 (enter off of McIntosh Road). Graduation is not required to receive your belt but it is an amazing experience and celebration for family & friends to come join and watch our members show off! Please email us at info@pmautc.com if you are able to help with setup and/or tear down. Keep training til the belt turns black! Information Source: Premier Martial Arts | eventbrite

This limited two-performance event brings together the harmonious sounds of handbells and the radiant voices of young singers for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't miss this opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends as we celebrate the spirit of the season together. Students 18 & under free, at the door Information Source: Ring Sarasota Handbell Ensemble | eventbrite