Wondering what to do this weekend? Take a look at these local events and pick your favorites! See you around town, having some fun and supporting our local businesses!
~Heather
https://makingfldreams.kw.com/
Newcomer Day
Saturday, May 04, 2024
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
George Mullen Activity Center
1602 Kramer Way, North Port, FL, 34286
Offered in collaboration with the North Port Chamber of Commerce, this free expo-like event features information tables staffed by more than 60 community organizations, government agencies, and local businesses. Anyone interested in learning more about North Port is invited.
If you are interested in promoting a services to the community, please complete our Vendor Application according to the event you wish to participate in:
May(PDF, 1006KB) Newcomer Day application
For more information contact 941-429-PARK (7275).
North Port’s Got Talent
Saturday, May 04, 2024
6:00 PM
Join us in celebrating local talent at the third annual North Port’s Got Talent! Over the past two years we have seen over 50 North Port based talent groups bring their passion to the stage.
Admission is $5 per person and complimentary for children ages 3 and under.
Tickets may be purchased online and picked up at Will Call the day of the event. You may purchase tickets prior to the event at the George Mullen Activity Center or Morgan Family Community Center. The day of the event, you may purchase tickets at the North Port Performing Arts Center.
Event is located on the grounds of the North Port High School.
North Port Performing Arts Center
6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port, FL, 34291
Community Budget Input Meeting
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Overview
Tuesday, May 07, 2024
9:00 AM
Join an in-person budget input session focusing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. The meeting will also be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. There will be opportunities to ask questions both online and in person.
North Port City Hall
4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port, FL
Community Budget Input Meeting 2
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Overview
Tuesday, May 07, 2024
6:00 PM
Join an in-person budget input session focusing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. The meeting will also be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. There will be opportunities to ask questions both online and in person.
North Port City Hall
4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port, FL
https://www.northportfl.gov/Community-Recreation/North-Port-Aquatic-Center
9th Annual Key Agency A Night At the Races
A night of virtual horse racing - casino games - food & beverages - valet parking - hat contest - photo booth - 50/50 - live auction - raffle prizes
Each ticket includes Food, Beverages and $10 in play money. Any winnings will be redeemed in play money and can be used to bet, play casino games or buy raffle tickets. (Live auction Items will need cash, check, or credit card). You must be 21 to attend this event.
At The Gate Reception at 4:00 pm before the doors open.
Individual Ticket: $75 (includes $10 startup play money)
Couples Tickets: $125 (includes $20 startup play money)
1/2 Table Sponsor - 4 people, premier seating, recognition, $50 startup play money: $350.00
Table Sponsor - 8 people, premier seating, recognition, $100 startup play money: $650.00
Sponsorships still available - CLICK HERE
Have you ever wanted to “own” a race horse? Now you may be a Race Horse Sponsor - 4 left. Choose the race, choose the horse, name the horse. CLICK HERE for more information
To donate a raffle/live auction item, please complete and return Raffle/Live Auction Form
9th Annual Key Agency A Night At the Races
Kids to Parks Day
Saturday, May 25, 2024 | 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Kids to Parks Day is a nationally coordinated event designed to connect kids and families to local, state and national parks in a fresh, fun way.
Start the day with donuts at Highland Ridge Park, where you can also learn the fundamentals of tennis! Next, we will shoot hoops at LaBrea Park.
At the final stop, you can give it a go with a bow and arrow at the George Mullen Activity with archery!
Join us throughout the day for one or all three activities as your schedule allows.
8-9:30 a.m. - Donuts & Tennis
Highland Ridge Park, 6225 Kenwood Dr.
10-11:30 a.m. - Basketball
LaBrea Park, 6430 LaBrea St.
2-4:30 p.m. - Archery
George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way
https://www.northportartcenter.org/
https://www.northportsymphony.com/
Visani’s Theatre of Events
Delicious food combined with hysterical entertainment. Sounds like the perfect recipe for date night! - HEATHER’S PICK!!!
https://visanientertainmentinc.thundertix.com/
Special Events
Save the date for these upcoming special events and click here for more details!
https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-services/recreation-pools/programs/
- Pitch, Hit & Run - May 18, 2024
- Moonlight Movie - May 25, 2024
- Moonlight Movie - Oct. 19, 2024
CONTACT E-MAIL
[email protected]
COST
$90.00 per Individual Ticket
$20.00 per Mulligan
$360.00 per Team of 4
CANCELLATION POLICY
No Refunds after April 19,2024
Day of Celtic Music
Saturday, May 18, 2024
12:00pm-9:00pm
Fishermen’s Village Center Court and Dry Beach
Fishermen’s Village presents the 4th annual Day of Celtic Music, presented in partnership with the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida and the New World Celts (Sarasota Chapter), Visitors to Fishermen’s Village will experience authentic Celtic musicians from all over the country, joining together to bring this fun, interactive annual event to fruition! Featuring: McIntyre Band, 12-3 Sunset Beach, Mac Tier Band, 12-4 Center Court, Kellyn Celtic Dancers 3 & 5 pm, Center Court, Celtic Conumdrum 5-9 pm Sunset Beach and West of Galway, 6-9 pm Center Court. Family Friendly activities include Divas ‘N Dolls Fairy Hair, Face Painting, Balloon Creations and Celtic Vendors.
https://www.fishermensvillage.com/events
Mobile Food Pantry schedule
May 23, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Harry Chapin Mobile Food Pantry will continue to be in Punta Gorda on the 4th Thursday of each month until further notice, offering healthy foods for the needy.
The mobile pantry, assisted by volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference, will be located in the Sacred Heart Church parking lot, 211 W. Charlotte Avenue, from approximately 10 a.m. to noon, or until the food runs out.
Fresh produce and other healthy foods will be distributed. Recipients are asked to bring a bag or box to carry their food.
The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need through a network of nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties. These agencies, including St. Vincent in Punta Gorda, provide food to thousands of people monthly.
St. Vincent is an international Catholic lay organization founded in 1833 to serve the poor, regardless of religious affiliation. It provides food, clothing, home furnishings, and financial assistance to individuals and families in need.
YMCA Memorial Day 5K
May 27, 2024
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/YMCAMemorialDay5K
Event Description:
5K through downtown Punta Gorda along the waterfront.
Military: Active, Reserve, Retired and Veteran service members receive $5.00 off of the registration fee. Please email your name, rank, and service to [email protected] for your special discount code.
Sponsorships opportunity available! Please contact our Race Director Andrea at 810-599-7909
Dance Fusion Class
In-person and by Zoom Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:30 to 9:30 AM
If you have never experienced Dance Fusion with Carla Peralta, you are missing a great time. The music is fabulous, Carla’s energy is contagious and the participants are a dedicated, warm and welcoming group of individuals.
Dance Fusion happens at Punta Gorda Isles Association, 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda, FL and by Zoom on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
All workouts are $10 per session, pay when you arrive or register on-line to attend by Zoom.
Contact Carla with questions at email [email protected] or 941-276-1887
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 or by Zoom
Fees/Admission: $10.00
Wine-O Bingo
Every Friday night from 6-8pm!
https://www.coastal-expressions.com/events
Come in and enjoy wine-o bingo this Friday night!
We play a couple games of bingo with wine - get your seat before we fill up! You can win a bottle of wine if you have a winning board!
Coastal Expressions & Wine, LLC
1133 Bal Harbor, Suite 1135
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
Lori Sandage - (941)214-8599
Fees/Admission: $6 admission which gives you your wine-o bingo board for multiple games of bingo where you can potentially win a bottle of wine!
Learn how to dance Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, Lindy Hop, and Swing this month.
The Social Latin class is from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM.
The All About Swing Class is from 6:45 PM to 7:30 PM.
Following these classes is 2 intermediate dance lessons.
The cost for classes: 1 class ($12) - 2 classes ($17) - 3 classes ($22) - 4 classes ($27)
Location:
Punta Gorda Woman’s Club
118 Sullivan Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Every Wednesday starting at 6:45 PM
To register for classes call Laura @ (330) 501-2366
Send an Email
Fees/Admission:
1 class ($12) - 2 classes ($17) - 3 classes ($22) - 4 classes ($27)
https://www.meetup.com/Charlotte-Harbor-Ballroom-Dance/photos/31770887/
History Park Sunday Market
Every Sunday Year Round from 9 AM - 1 PM, the best local food and artisans in our region gather at the History Park Sunday Market located in the heart of historic Punta Gorda, Florida.
It’s THE event of the week where you can shop for local fresh Florida produce directly from local farmers, select from bread & pastry bakers, taste home cooking from our food vendors, discover the amazing selection of flowers and plants, and of course enjoy the artisan products, music, and ambiance of a historic setting and market experience. It’s a great destination to meet your friends and neighbors, shop, and enjoy our fantastic Florida weather!
History Park opened in 1999 as an outdoor museum consisting of a collection of historical structures in a garden setting, and offers a beautiful backdrop to the market as well as an opportunity to explore history.
History Park, 501 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda FL, 33950
Punta Gorda Farmers Market
Every Saturday 8am-1pm October - April
May- September 8am - noon
Farmers’ Market with produce, seafood, meat, ethnic cuisine, arts, crafts, live music, working artists and much more.
Featuring over 70 vendors. Located in downtown beautiful Punta Gorda.
Every Saturday rain or shine (unless it falls on Christmas Day, an active Hurricane Warning day or other unforeseen event).
The Yoga Sanctuary
Check website for dates and times
http://www.theyogasanctuary.biz
No flexibility required—all ages and body types welcome! This six-week series, limited to eight students only, will walk you through the basics of yoga. Learn pose anatomy and alignment, the foundations of yoga philosophy, as well as ways to personalize your yoga practice for specific issues or injuries. Not only will you receive a copy of Yoga Fan: Practice Guide for Everyday, but you will also be given personalized guidance and support to help you to continue practicing yoga even after you finish the course.
Location:
The Yoga Sanctuary
112 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Contact Information:
941-505-9642
Dance Classes - Intermediate Series
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
https://www.meetup.com/Charlotte-Harbor-Ballroom-Dance/photos/31770887/
Dance Lessons with USA Dance #6126
Learn how to dance Rumba, Quick Step, Cha Cha Cha, and Tango.
Intermediate classes start at 7:30 PM until 9:00 PM.
Each intermediate class is 45 minutes.
You do not have to take both classes.
The cost for classes: 1 class ($12) - 2 classes ($17) - 3 classes ($22) - 4 classes ($27)
To register for classes call Laura @ (330) 501-2366
Punta Gorda Woman’s Club
118 Sullivan Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Every Wednesday starting at 7:30 PM
Trivia Night @ Coastal Expressions & Wine!
Every Thursday Night
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
https://www.coastal-expressions.com/events
We are having some fun at Coastal Expressions with TRIVIA
Calling all of the smarty pants & gamers out there to come hangout with us every Thursday night from 6-8PM
Please just give us a call to make a reservation (941) 214-8599 or send us a message on Facebook!
We are located in PGI! Heres our address:
1133 Bal Harbor, Suite 1135
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
Contact:
Lori Sandage
*** Note: Do to increased costs to pay for our Trivia Host and the cost of prizes we will have to implement a $20.00 minimum spend on Trivia nights***
Ladies Dancing Class
Learn to dance without needing a partner. Each week you will learn a routine from latin, ballroom, and swing styles. (Salsa, Bachata, Charleston, Swing, Paso Doble, Fox Trot, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Disco, Samba, and more!
Class is $10 for USA members and $12 for non-members.
Date/Time Information:
Every Wednesday night starting 6 PM at Woman’s Club Punta Gorda.
Every Thursday morning starting at 10:30 AM at PGICA Punta Gorda.
Every Thursday afternoon starting at 5:00 PM at Gran Paradiso - Resident and Guest.
Every Friday morning starting at 9:30 AM at Riverwood - Resident and Guest.
Contact Information:
Send an Email
The best way to apply moves, techniques and styles learned from dance lessons. A great way to meet make new friends.
Please call to book your spot.
Location:
Punta Gorda Woman’s Club
118 Sullivan Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Date/Time Information:
Social Dance Party every 4th Sunday of each month.
Lesson and Party from 2:00pm to 5pm.
Contact Information:
For more information call Laura @ (330) 501-2366
Send an Email
Fees/Admission:
$15 USA Dance Members per person
$25 USA Dance Members Couple
$17 Non-member per person
$30 Non-member couple
“Waves: Movements that Move Us”
with Hermitage Fellows Rebecca Crenshaw and Bess Wohl
Friday, May 10 at 6:30pm
Hermitage Beach (entrance at 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood, FL 34223)
Register here.
Registration is required. $5 per person.
Beach-loving Sarasotans are no strangers to the sand and sun, but that familiar environment can be transformed by the creativity of artists like Rebecca Crenshaw and Bess Wohl. A violinist whose practice is shaped by the sound waves she creates with bands like Grammy Award-winners Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons as well as her community-oriented yoga practice, Rebecca Crenshaw is a New Orleans-based artist and educator. Hermitage audiences will remember Tony Award-nominated playwright Bess Wohl from her sharing of Camp Siegfried on the beach before its successful Off-Broadway run; her Broadway and Off-Broadway plays like Grand Horizons and Small Mouth Sounds are praised by audiences and critics alike for their poignant humor, smart characterizations, and inventive theatricality. Join these two innovative Hermitage Fellows on the Hermitage Beach as the sun sets into the Gulf of Mexico.
A New Orleans-based teaching artist and violinist/violist, Hermitage Fellow Rebecca Crenshaw combines knowledge, connection, expression, and balance in her work, whether teaching, performing on a concert stage, developing arts-integrated curricula, or leading a yoga class. Her passions and talent for building community, promoting playful expression, and healing the mind and body continue to afford her professional opportunities that benefit the local and global music communities while fostering self-awareness, enrichment, and creativity. In addition to active collaborations with New Orleans artists and musicians, Crenshaw has performed and recorded with artists such as Arcade Fire, Mumford & Sons, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Samantha Fish, Judith Owen, Ronnie Spector, and more. She has 15 years of teaching experience and, in 2021, earned an Executive Graduate Degree from the Global Leaders Program’s 360° Executive Education Program for Arts Innovators. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance as an RYT 500 instructor and has been teaching yoga since 2015.
Hermitage Fellow Bess Wohl’s plays include Camp Siegfried (developed in part at the Hermitage), Grand Horizons (Tony Nominations for Best Play; Outer Critics Circle Honor, Drama League Award nom.), Make Believe (NYTimes Critics’ Pick, Best of 2019, Outer Critics Circle Honor), Continuity, Small Mouth Sounds (John Gassner Outer Critics Circle Award, top ten lists in The New York Times, The New York Post, The Guardian and others), American Hero, Barcelona, Touched, In, Cats Talk Back, and the musical Pretty Filthy, with composer/lyricist Michael Friedman and The Civilians (Lucille Lortel and Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Musical). Her plays have been produced or developed at theaters in New York and around the country, including Second Stage, Manhattan Theater Club, Ars Nova, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Goodman Theater, Geffen Playhouse, People’s Light, The Contemporary American Theater Festival, Vineyard Arts Project, Pioneer Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Northlight Theater, TheaterWorks New Works Festival, Ojai Playwright’s Conference, Cape Cod Theatre Project, PlayPenn, and the New York International Fringe Festival (Award for Best Overall Production). In 2015, Bess won the Sam Norkin special Drama Desk Award for “establishing herself as an important voice in New York theater, and having a breakthrough year.” Other awards and honors include the Athena Award for her screenplay, Virginia, a MacDowell Fellowship, and inclusion on Hollywood’s “Black List” of Best Screenplays. She is an associate artist with The Civilians, an alumna of Ars Nova’s Play Group, and the recipient of new play commissions from Manhattan Theatre Club, Hartford Stage, and Lincoln Center. She also writes screenplays and has developed multiple original television projects for HBO, ABC, USA, FOX, Disney, Paramount, and others. She is a graduate of Harvard and the Yale School of Drama.
Viva Divas Weekly Coffee Chat
Ladies are welcome to join our weekly coffee chat at Culture Coffee.
It’s a great way to meet other women in the community and learn more about the events held by the Viva Divas Sisterhood.
Free to join our group and optional events are held almost every day of the week.
10:00-2:00 pm
Culture Coffee
405 West Dearborn Street
Englewood Fl, 34223
Artists display, sell and create art at Pioneer Plaza
On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday from October-April.
Our Artist Colony Ensemble plays classical, opera, broadway and some favorites part of the day.
Profits support, art, music and the drama department at our schools.
Musicians and Artists can contact Sydney [email protected].
Location:
Pioneer Park
300 Dearbon Street
Englewood, Florida
Jazzercise
Classes are Mon-Sat 9-10am LO Strength Tues/Thurs 10:15-11am
Our classes incorporate dance cardio with strength training to sculpt and tone your muscles in the ultimate full – body workout. Whether you’re looking for physical results or a way to relieve stress and FEEL your best, our instructors will guide you every step of the way in your wellness journey!
Location:
Jazzercise Englewood
3069 S. McCall Rd.
Englewood FL, 34224
Manta Market Fine Arts, Crafts Artisanal Foods and More!
A Great Market to find unique gifts, Art for your home and body from over 80 talented vendors!!!
Come hungry! We have Shay’s Legendary BBQ, Empanadas, J. Wandrey’s Funnel Cakes, Donuts, Fresh Smoothies, coffee drinks, ice cream treats and other sweet treats to keep you replenished! Each Market is a little different, you will see your favorite vendors and always some new ones to check out!
We have it all from watercolors, acrylic paintings, prints, photography, pottery, jewelry, fused glass, stained glass, mixed media art, customizable gifts, wearable art, home decor, resin arts, mosaics, beauty and health goods, custom wood turned art, woodwork and carvings, garden sculpture, handmade furniture, plants and More!!!
TY for supporting our local and friendly artists!
Convenient parking and restrooms! Parking at either entrance.
Please share/follow our FB page to keep updated!
https://m.facebook.com/LBHSMantaMarket/
Location:
Lemon Bay High School
2201 Placida Rd
Englewood Florida, 34223
Discover Dearborn!
A way for business owners to stay open a little later and help gain the visibility of local folks that would have missed out on experiencing the street we all love!
It occurs on the 4th Tuesday of the month, always a Tuesday!
With Music, Raffles, Food, and Fun; you’re hard pressed to have a bad time! Come and enjoy that makes our street the eclectic hang out it truly is. Be apart of the growing community of those that Discover Dearborn!
Location:
450 West Dearbon Street
Englewood FL, 34223
Farmers Market
Join Us In The Garden For Food, Produce, Handmade Jewelry and Art, Music, and More
Location:
The Open Studio
380 Old Englewood Road
Englewood FL, 34223
Community Beach Yoga
EVERY DAY! All Year Round, all ages and abilities welcome! Certified husband and wife instructor and celebrating 15 years of yoga on Englewood Beach.
Yoga classes are designed for all abilities and ages. Visitors, locals and newcomers are equally welcome to our small Beach Yoga community. No previous Yoga experience is required.
Bring a blanket, a bottle of water and clothing that allows freedom of movement.
Morning classes to get the day started right.
Rain or Shine! Please make sure to dress warm enough on colder days, we will.
The teachers are certified. Plenty of Free parking is available.
The Yoga classes are supported by your donations.
Location is on the North End of Manasota Beach
Time: 8:30am-9:15am
8570 Manasota Key Road
Englewood FL, 34223
Cruisin’ on Dearborn
Hundreds of cars and thousands of car lovers converge on Dearborn Street for this car show.
Music to cruise by sponsored by Olde Englewood Village Association.
Free Admission!
Event takes place every 1st Saturday of the month from 2-8pm unless replaced by a street-closing event.
Location:
W Dearborn Street
Englewood, FL 34223
The Englewood Area Orchid Society is an organization of beginners at orchid culture, orchid hobbyists, master gardeners, and professional growers. Everyone is welcome.
EAOS meets at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Monday of every month except December and August
St. David’s Episcopal Church, 401 S. Broadway, Englewood, Florida.
Membership in our society is $15 per year per family.
Our monthly meeting program usually features an orchid expert as guest speaker. There is a plant table for those who want to show the plants that they are growing.
Our biggest event of the year is our annual orchid show in Englewood, where orchid clubs from places like Sarasota and Venice join us to display members’ orchids. Awards are given by American Orchid Society judges. Vendors are on hand with orchids and supplies, and growing tips.
BINGO NIGHT
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT
GREAT PRIZES FOR EVERY ROUND
FOOD AVAILABLE
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
DOORS OPEN AT 4PM
GAME STARTS AT 5:30 PM
CONTACT: CHRIS JAGELSKI 410-688- 0567
Venice Theater Presents: Intro to Acting 6 WEEK SERIES
This will be a 6 week series every Tuesday evening starting May 7th through June 11th.
Sign up information and more details to come!
Solis Hall
19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
Venice Symphony Community Chamber Concert
May 5th
3:30-5:00 pm
Sponsored by Capstan Financial, enjoy an afternoon of beautiful sounds as the Venice Symphony Community Chamber Concert performs on the stage of Solis Hall. Guests are welcome to bring chairs, but please leave coolers at home. You may purchase to go food & beverages from any one of our vendors in Downtown Wellen.
Connect Summer Series: Boost Your Brand with AI
MAY 9th
5:30 - 8:00 PM
Learn to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools that will transform your marketing approach with insights and practical applications for chatbots, creative production tools, cross-channel analytics, data exploration, and more to boost your business. This comprehensive workshop covers topics such as chatbots for customer engagement, data-driven decision making, automation for efficiency, and more.
Speaker and Moderator: Zeev Wexler
Zeev Wexler is a digital industry leader, marketing automation disrupter, and CEO of a rapidly growing marketing firm. He has over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, business strategies and has achieved many successes, including being named one of LinkedIn’s top 20 world experts.
Networking 5:30-6:00pm
Workshop 6:00pm-8:00pm
Solis Hall
19745 Wellen Park Blvd
Outdoor Movie Series
May 11 from Dusk.
Our outdoor movie series allows you to enjoy a monthly themed movie on the great lawn in front of Solis Hall! Gather your friends and family and bring your comfortable set up; lawn chairs, blankets, etc. Kick back with food & to-go alcoholic beverages from our downtown restaurants & food yard, and enjoy an outdoor movie on the Jumbo screen. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, but please leave coolers at home. Movie starts at dark.
Popcorn is available for purchase at PopDawgs food container in the food yard.
May 11th Movie: Field of Dreams
Science Talks with Mote
MAY 20 from 6:00 PM
Downtown Wellen Park
19745 Wellen Park Blvd,Venice, FL 34293
Science of Harmful Algal Blooms
Join us for an eye-watering exploration of the science, impact, and solutions surrounding Florida Red Tides.
Led by Mote’s ocean experts, this engaging presentation will reveal some of the mysteries of red tides and how they affect our environment, economy, and health.
Through captivating visuals, real-life case studies, and interactive discussions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the causes, effects, and management of these harmful algal blooms. Plus, learn about cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and practical strategies that Mote is developing to protect our coastlines. Whether you’re an environmental enthusiast, a concerned citizen, or a curious learner, this presentation is a must-attend event. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and make a positive impact on our oceans and communities.
$10 registration fee. Sign Up Here.
Memorial Day – Live Music: Casey Church
May 27th from 1:00-5:00 PM
Join us for Memorial Day-Live Music! Casey Church will be performing under the Heritage Tree in downtown Wellen Park from 1:00pm-5:00pm.
Downtown Wellen Park
19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
Tai Chi – Downtown Wellen
WEDNESDAY’S 9:00-10:00 AM
The Be Well Fitness Series brings you Tai Chi on The Great Lawn in Downtown Wellen every Wednesday starting November 1st.
Classes are complimentary (subject to change).
*Please bring a mat and a towel.
This will be an outdoor class. All ability levels are welcome.
RSVP to reserve your spot and sign your waiver.
Please note all participants are required to read and accept the fitness waiver, which is available when you reserve your spot.
Downtown Wellen Park
19745 Wellen Park Blvd,Venice, FL 34293
Wellen Wednesday’s Drop-In Cornhole
WEDNESDAY’S 6:00-10:00 PM
Join us for Wellen Wednesdays every Wednesday night in Downtown Wellen for drop-in cornhole!
Play a game or two with your fellow neighbors and enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds, and tastes of downtown Wellen Park.
Cornhole tournament draw time will be precisely at 6:30pm.
No outside food or alcoholic beverages is permitted during this event. To-go alcoholic beverages are sold by the restaurants and food containers.
Downtown Wellen Park
19745 Wellen Park Blvd,Venice, FL 34293
Dueling Pianos Playing Under The Heritage Tree
3rd Thursday of the month from 6:00-10:00 pm
Enjoy the sight and sounds of Dueling Pianos playing under the Heritage Tree in Downtown Wellen Park on the third Thursday of the month as part of our Winter Music Series! These talented musicians will perform to the backdrop of beautiful Grand Lake.
No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants.
Bring your lawn chair and blankets to sit on and join us for a night of Dueling Pianos in Downtown Wellen! We hope to see you there!
Rev up your engines!
Wellen Park and Co-Sponsors, Foxtail Coffee, and Antique Automobile Club of America-Venice Region, are excited to offer car enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to come together for an informal early morning gathering to share their passion for all things automotive.
We welcome all makes and models to join us monthly on the first Saturday of the month from 7:30am-10:30am. Show cars will be in the parking lot behind the 2 story building downtown. Spots will be reserved for the show cars with blue cones. A directional parking attendant will be at the parking entrance off of Sunglow Blvd. We can’t wait to see you at the next gathering, and invite you to stick around afterwards for some shopping and dining in Downtown Wellen.
All attendees will receive 50% off of drip, iced, and cold brew coffee from 7-10 a.m. at Foxtail Coffee.
First Fridays NoFilter Concert!
NoFilter
#NoFilter is an explosive, concert-style, dance band featuring 5 Singer-Musicians, a State-of-the-Art Lighting & Video Package, and LED Drum Routines that are all perfectly synced to the music for the entire performance! From the chart-topping hits of today to the classics of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, #NoFilter brings a fast-paced, energetic performance that’s sure to keep you dancing, singing, and entertained all night!
6:00pm-7:00pm: Opening band
7:00pm-10:00pm: NoFilter
No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants mobile bars.
Bring your lawn chair and blankets to sit on and join us for a night of music in Downtown Wellen! We hope to see you there!
Join us in Downtown Wellen for the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market every Sunday!
Shop fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seafood, cut flowers and more!
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
19745 Wellen Park Blvd.,
Venice, Florida 34293
In partnership with the Venice YMCA, you are invited to ‘shimmy’ the pounds away! A new year a new you. Join us in Downtown Wellen Park on the Great Lawn area for a ‘fabulous and fun’ Zumba class.
Meet on the Great Lawn at 9 a.m. on Mondays – Classes are complimentary (subject to change).
This will be an outdoor class. All ability levels are welcome for this class you just need to reserve your spot and fill out a waiver.
Please note all participants are required to complete a fitness waiver, which is available when you reserve your spot.
RSVP to reserve your spot!
The Be Well Fitness Series brings you Yoga on The Great Lawn in Downtown Wellen every Saturday.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Classes are complimentary (subject to change).
*Please bring a mat and a towel.
This will be an outdoor class. All ability levels are welcome.
RSVP to reserve your spot!
Please note all participants are required to read and accept the fitness waiver, which is available when you reserve your spot.
It’s officially ‘season’ here in Wellen Park and we’re showcasing our Downtown Wellen Winter Music Series.
Join us for live music & entertainment as follows:
Dueling Pianos -The first Thursday of the month we’ll have Dueling Pianos performing under the Heritage Tree from 6-10PM
Friday Night Live – Band on Solis Hall stage from 6-10PM
Saturday Sounds – Live music under the Heritage Tree from 6-10PM (except 1/27, 2/17, 3/16, 4/20, 5/10 when we’ll have Outdoor Movie Night on the lawn)
Sunday Groove – Live music under Heritage Tree from 9am-1PM
No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants.
Bring your lawn chair and blankets to sit on and join us for a night of music in Downtown Wellen! We hope to see you there!
“Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens: Sound and Silence”
with Hermitage Fellows Bill Bowers and Kavita Shah
Thursday, May 2 at 6:30pm
Historic Spanish Point (entrance at 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229)
Register here.
Registration is required. $5 per person.
We say a lot with our words, but in the hands of a gifted artist, the notes in between and the gestures underneath unlock even deeper expression. Hear from two such creators in “Sound and Silence” as part of Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens series, featuring returning Hermitage Fellows Bill Bowers and Kavita Shah. A celebrated mime by training and a master of physical theater techniques, Bill Bowers is a charismatic storyteller who is currently writing his remarkable life story in a memoir about making theater all over the world. Hailed for her “amazing dexterity for musical languages” (NPR), Kavita Shah speaks several languages and sings amazingly in them all. These two Hermitage Fellows embrace both the sounds and the silences surrounding them as opportunities for connecting through performance.
As an actor, mime, and educator, returning Hermitage Fellow Bill Bowers has traveled to all fifty of the United States, and throughout Europe and Asia. His Broadway credits include Zazu in The Lion King and Leggett in The Scarlet Pimpernel. Bowers has written and performed his own plays Off-Broadway and in theaters around the world. These plays include: ‘Night Sweetheart ‘Night Buttercup, Under a Montana Moon, It Goes Without Saying, Beyond Words, and All Over the Map. His newest solo play, The Traveler, is streaming on line and he has just completed filming an adaptation of Peter and the Wolf with the American Classical Orchestra that will air on PBS this season. A returning Hermitage Fellow, Bowers has been hailed by critics as “the great American mime,” winning top honors at festivals throughout the world. He was a student of the legendary Marcel Marceau. Bill-Bowers.com
Hermitage Fellow Kavita Shah is an award-winning vocalist, composer, researcher, and educator who makes work in deep engagement with the jazz tradition, while also addressing and advancing its global sensibilities. A lifelong New Yorker of Indian origin hailed for possessing an “amazing dexterity for musical languages” (NPR), Shah incorporates her ethnographic research on Brazilian, West African, and Indian traditions into her original music. Notable projects include “Visions” (2014), co-produced by Lionel Loueke, “Folk Songs of Naboréa” (2017), presented at the Park Avenue Armory, and “Interplay” (2018) in duo with François Moutin, which was nominated for France’s Victoires de la Musique for Jazz Album of the Year. Shah regularly performs her music at major concert halls, festivals, and clubs on six continents. She holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Harvard and a Master’s in Jazz Voice from Manhattan School of Music.
“Seeing Oneself and Celebrating Identity”
with Hermitage Fellow Shayok Misha Chowdhury
Presented in partnership with ALSO Youth and Asolo Repertory Theatre
Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30pm
Asolo Repertory Theater’s Koski Center (entrance at 1009 Tallevast Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243)
Register here.
Registration is required. $5 per person.
Not only are the arts for people of all backgrounds and identities, but they have the power to shape us, and the world in which we live. Obie Award-winning Hermitage Fellow, playwright, director, and poet Shayok Misha Chowdhury’s work crosses continents, encompassing different languages, peoples, cultures, identities, and beliefs. Fresh from his critically acclaimed play at Soho Rep and Theater for a New Audience (NY Times Critic’s Pick), this Relentless Award Winner shares work and talks process in a candid and empowering program.
Hermitage Fellow Shayok Misha Chowdhury is an award-winning writer and director based in Brooklyn. A Mark O’Donnell Prize and Princess Grace Award recipient, Misha was an inaugural Project Number One Artist at Soho Rep, where his new play Public Obscenities recently premiered, co-commissioned by NAATCO. The production, which Misha also directed, was a NY Times Critic’s Pick and transferred subsequently to Theater for a New Audience. Misha was also awarded a Jonathan Larson Grant for his body of work writing musicals with composer Laura Grill Jaye; their most recent collaboration, How the White Girl Got Her Spots and Other 90s Trivia, was awarded the 2022 Relentless Award. As a Resident Artist @ HERE Arts Center, Misha is developing Rheology, a concert-memoir-physics-symposium, for which he was awarded an inaugural Sundance Asian American Fellowship. Other collaborations: SPEECH (Philly Fringe) with Lightning Rod Special; Brother, Brother (New York Theatre Workshop) with Aleshea Harris; MukhAgni (Under the Radar @ The Public Theater) with Kameron Neal; Your Healing Is Killing Me (PlayMakers Rep) with Virginia Grise. Misha was also a soloist and collaborator on the Grammy-winning album Calling All Dawns. Misha is the creator of VICHITRA, a series of sound-driven, cinematic experiments, including Englandbashi (Ann Arbor Film Festival); The Other Other (Ars Nova); An Anthology of Queer Dreams (Audio Unbound Award finalist); and In Order to Become (The Bushwick Starr), which he is developing into a live Carnatic opera. Residencies: Hermitage Artist Retreat, Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, Ucross, SPACE on Ryder Farm, Mercury Store. He has taught and directed at Stanford, Brown, NYU, CalArts, Fordham, Syracuse, UArts, Hunter College, CMU, and Williams.
“A Piano Performance: Sonata in Memoriam Lloyd Arriola”
with Hermitage Fellow Robert Pound
Presented in partnership with Oak Street Stage
Friday, May 24 at 5:30pm
Oak Street Stage (entrance at 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL 34237)
Register here.
Registration is required. $5 per person.
A chance encounter at the Metropolitan Opera in 2015 with Lloyd Arriola, a Juilliard-trained pianist, sparked a conversation for a commission to be composed by Hermitage Fellow Robert Pound. Something ambitious, evocative, and undeniably powerful was needed to satisfy Arriola’s thirst to extend the canon and Arriola couldn’t wait to perform it. When Arriola suddenly passed away in 2016 at the age of 43, this solo piano composition took on an entirely new dimension, which Pound used his residency at the Hermitage to create. Hear insights from the composer and the sweeping, complex result performed by a close friend and fellow Julliard-trained pianist, Charles Hulin IV, interpreted as only someone with such insight into the source material can.
Hermitage Fellow and composer Robert Pound’s numerous works have been featured by the Atlanta Symphony (Irrational Exuberance, 2005; Heartenings, 2011) and the Columbus Symphony which commissioned a luminous jewel lone (2002) jointly with the River Center for the Performing Arts. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra commissioned Pound’s Fêtes and Fireworks in celebration of its 35th anniversary (2005). His recording of The Orbit of the Soul, settings of texts by Oscar Wilde, was released in October 2018 and hailed by Fanfare as “a positively revelatory release.” Albany Records released Pound’s album of song cycles, Relics of Memory, in 2020, earning acclaim from Opera News. His music may also be heard on recordings by trumpeter Jack Sutte (The Cleveland Orchestra), Fanfare Alone (2014) and Beyond the Moon (2011). Pound has received commissions from such distinguished ensembles as the Corigliano Quartet, the Amernet Quartet, the Timaeus Ensemble, Alarm Will Sound, and the Florestan Recital Project. His works have also been featured by the Verge Ensemble, the New Juilliard Ensemble, and at Fondation Bemberg. In 2011, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra commissioned Pound to compose a fanfare for the 10th anniversary of Robert Spano as Music Director and Donald Runnicles as Principal Guest Conductor. He has composed numerous works for the theater including What Passes for Comedy (Chain Theatre, NYC), The Dance of Death (Jean Cocteau Repertory Theatre, NYC), and Oedipus at Colonus (Handcart Ensemble, NYC). His music has also been adapted for film by director Rick Hamilton. In March 2002, Pound was Composer-in-Residence at Columbus State University. In 2020, Pound was a Fellow at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and Masters and Doctoral degrees from the Juilliard School, where he was a composition student of Stephen Albert and Milton Babbitt. Also, an active conductor, Pound has appeared as guest conductor with the Atlanta Symphony, as conductor of the Verge Ensemble at the June-in-Buffalo Festival, as a Fellow at the Tanglewood Festival of Contemporary Music, as Music Director of the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, and as Director of the orchestra at Dickinson College, where he is Professor of Music.
A Juilliard-trained pianist, Charles Hulin IV was a prize winner in the Hilton Head International Piano Competition and a recipient of special recognition for collaborative work in the Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition. Hulin studied with Yoheved Kaplinsky at Juilliard and Ellen Mack at Peabody while participating in the masterclasses of Leon Fleisher. Before moving to Florida, he performed extensively in the mid-Atlantic states, frequently appearing with members of the U.S. Naval Academy Band and as a soloist for performances of the Richmond Ballet. He has participated in a wide range of festivals including University of Richmond’s Third Practice Festival of Electro-Acoustic Music, the University of Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium, and the annual conference of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada. The recording of his own hymn-inspired concert works, Be Thou My Vision, is available online. Currently, Dr. Hulin directs the study of piano and music theory at Southeastern University and coordinates the Lasker Summer Music Festival.
Learn from a retired chiropractor, teaching Pilates 15 years. Bring your own Pilates mat, and water.
RSVP (space limited)
Dr. Francine 607-621-8285
Suggested donation $10
At: Cape Haze Clubhouse
180 Spyglass Alley
Placida FL, 33946