For our can't-miss list of Halloween events, click here. 

🎶 Best of The Bay Music Fest

Sunday, Nov. 1, 1–7 p.m., The Bay, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota

Spend an afternoon by the water with a lineup that moves from country and folk to rock, soul and R&B. Scheduled performers include 2 White Crowe Band, Rosine, The Rockefellers, Speak Easy and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, with appearances by the Booker High drumline and Cirque Vertigo. Food trucks and activities begin at 12:30 p.m. This event is free. For more information, click here.

🎨 Sarasota Fine Art Show

Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota

Trade gallery walls for waterfront views at this juried show of original, handmade art. Browse paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and jewelry, meet the artists behind the work and look for something worth taking home. This event is free. For more information, click here.

📚 Off the Page: Publishing Day and Local Author Fair

Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota

Meet local authors, browse books and hear practical advice from publishing professionals, established writers and creative writing faculty. Young writers ages 7–11 can join Stan Tucker for an interactive workshop about finding their voices and becoming published authors. Seating is first come, first served. This event is free. For more information, click here.

🌹 Very Merry Jerry Day

Sunday, Nov. 1, 6 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m., Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota

Break out the tie-dye for Fogartyville’s annual celebration of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Hot Club SRQ, Dead All Over and Bluestar supply the soundtrack, with food trucks and vendors rounding out the evening. Tickets are $25, $20 for members and $12 for students ages 13 and older. For more information, click here.

🎻 Sarasota Orchestra: Adagio for Strings

Thursday, Oct. 29, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Hear Barber’s famous Adagio in its original, intimate setting as part of his complete String Quartet. Sarasota Orchestra musicians round out this hourlong Chamber Soirée with Bernstein’s spirited Dance Suite, Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin and Frank Bridge’s Phantasy Piano Quartet. Tickets start at $52. For more information, click here.

👵 Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

Saturday, Oct. 31, 1:30 and 7 p.m., Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Sophia’s out on bail, Blanche and Rose have launched a dating app for seniors and Dorothy’s trying to keep everyone—including her younger boyfriend—in line. This adults-only stage comedy gives the familiar foursome some decidedly un-TV-friendly adventures. Tickets are $58–$132. Ages 18 and older only. For more information, click here.

🤼 Micro Wrestling: Venice

Thursday, Oct. 29, 7–9 p.m., Hotel Venezia, 425 U.S. 41 Bypass N., Venice

Body slams, suplexes and championship ambitions come to Venice as the Micro Wrestling Federation brings its traveling show to Hotel Venezia. Expect singles matches, a brawl that spills beyond the ring and a Micro Rumble with the title on the line, followed by opportunities to meet the wrestlers and collect autographs. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $24.99–$46.99. For more information, click here.

🎭 Urinetown

Thursday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m., The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota

A water shortage has made private toilets illegal, a corporation charges for every bathroom visit and an unlikely rebel decides enough is enough. The Players’ high school actors tackle this sharp musical satire of corporate power, environmental catastrophe and Broadway itself. Tickets are $27. For more information, click here.

🎨 38th Annual Downtown Venice Art Festival

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., W. Venice Ave., near Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice.

Browse paintings, sculpture, jewelry and other original work as artists turn downtown Venice into an outdoor gallery. It’s an easy way to combine an art-shopping afternoon with a stroll through the historic district. This event is free. For more information, click here.

🎤 Poetry Open Mic!

Sunday, Nov. 1, noon–1 p.m., Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

Bring a poem to share or settle in to hear what local writers have been working on. Bookstore1’s open mic offers an intimate setting for original verse and a chance to discover voices beyond your usual reading list. This event is free or $9 to help with costs. For more information, click here.

🖼️ Echoes of Sarasota: City Hall Art Tour

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m.–noon, Sarasota City Hall, 1565 First St., Sarasota

Docent Diane Farber leads a look at the artwork inside City Hall, including pieces by Craig Rubadoux, William Hartman and other artists represented in Sarasota’s civic collection. The tour connects the art on the walls with the city’s cultural history. This event is free. Advance registration is available. For more information, click here.

🎻 Ehnes Quartet with Jonathan Vinocour

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota

The Ehnes Quartet welcomes San Francisco Symphony principal violist Jonathan Vinocour for Brahms’ String Quintets, Op. 88 and Op. 111. The extra viola brings a richer middle voice to the ensemble, making this a particularly appealing evening for chamber-music listeners. A postconcert meet-and-greet includes light refreshments. Tickets are $50 general admission or $70 VIP. For more information, click here.

🍸 Cocktails + Culture

Monday, Nov. 2, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Bistro at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Art provides the inspiration and Brad Coburn supplies the spirits at this cocktail demonstration and tasting. The N8 Hospitality founder explores Japanese flavors through two cocktails inspired by Chie Fueki’s interest in Japanese artistic traditions, connecting the evening to her exhibition, Painting the Floating World. Light bites and both cocktails are included. Tickets are $58 or $48 for museum members, with advance purchase required. For more information, click here.

📖 Viewpoint Lecture with Writer and Artist Tom McCarthy

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m., Chao Lecture Hall at The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

Writer and artist Tom McCarthy reads from his newest novel, The Rhys Poster, then joins Florida State University humanities professor Aaron Jaffe for a conversation with audience participation. A wine and beer reception follows, giving readers a chance to keep the discussion going beyond the lecture hall. Tickets are $10 or $5 for members. For more information, click here.