Siesta Key Community Calendar of Events

One Saturday a month De Soto National Memorial will feature Food Truck Saturdays. Come out on January 17th were we will feature the Chi-Phi the taste of two Cities, and Wal Pow food trucks from 11:00 until 2:00. Then join us for our living history demonstrations throughout the day!~All events and programs are subject to change due to weather.~

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes, and fun activities. Best for ages 0-5, but the whole family is welcome!

LOCATION: School Board Chambers, Bla

Create this delicate spring blossom wreath for your home.  All materials provided.  No registration required.  This is a popular event.  Seats are limited.  Line-up tickets are available at the Reference Desk one hour before the event.  One per person present.

LOCATION: School Board Chambers, Bla

Look for flyovers, migrants, and woodpeckers. 2 mile loop walk, mainly in the sun and sandy trail. 2 mile loop walk, mainly in the sun and sandy trail. No restrooms.

Look for flyovers, migrants, and woodpeckers. 2 mile loop walk, mainly in the sun and sandy trail. 2 mile loop walk, mainly in the sun and sandy trail. No restrooms.

A Junk Journal Club for enthusiasts.  Please bring your own journal and glue.  Meet new friends and carve out some time for yourself and your thoughts....

Hang out as you please and play a variety of board games, video games, and card games with your friends! All games will be provided. Ages 11-18 only.

LAB & HC Communications Committee Meeting

Create this delicate spring blossom wreath for your home.  All materials provided.  No registration required. This is a popular event.  Seats are limited.  Line-up tickets are available at the Reference Desk one hour before the event.  One per person present.

Spanish Group Conversation.

Join us for an afternoon of STEM fun! Experiment with Shrinky Dinks, where you take a colorful drawing and shrink it down to be a charm, keychain, jewelry, accessory, or decoration all your own!

Join us to learn more about agencies and organizations providin

Wingspan is a card-driven, resource-building board game in which players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. RSVP so we know how many tables to set up. Click here to RSVP to Stacy

Wingspan is a card-driven, resource-building board game in which players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. RSVP so we know how many tables to set up. Click here to RSVP to Stacy

Every baby can be a library baby!  Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes, bounces, tickles, and more that are designed especially for the littlest of littles, plus some time to visit with other caregivers and playtime for the littles with special toys just for them.  Best for ages 0-2. Registration required.  Check in at the youth desk when you arrive.

If you are a homeschool teen who loves to try new things, look no further than Gulf Gate's monthly homeschool program! Hang with us once a month and enjoy experimenting, creating, or just having fun at the library. This month, we will be painting a blank wooden puzzle canvas so that when it dries, you have your very own custom puzzle to take home. Registration required. For ages 11-18.

For this Advanced art class, Jenny will show how to draw a Purple Martin, especially since we have a large nesting box (like a hotel for Martins!) at the SAS Nature Center. Jenny will discuss Purple Martins and why we have the nesting boxes on site in the first place. We may even have the opportunity to see the birds for inspiration during class! Jenny will teach how to draw 2-3 additional birds as well as a variety of Florida animals as time allows. A nature journal is a lens that focuses your attention, enriches your experiences, and develops your skills as a naturalist. This practice also enhances your observations, curiosity, and joy. Nature Journaling can consist of field notes, field sketches, observations, thoughts, feelings, or anything that captures your curiosity. Jenny Cherry was a featured artist at the Nature Center in May 2023. She is a graduate of the Ringling College of Art and Design and an avid illustrator of portraits and landscapes. Registration Required CLICK HERE  

For this Advanced art class, Jenny will show how to draw a Purple Martin, especially since we have a large nesting box (like a hotel for Martins!) at the SAS Nature Center. Jenny will discuss Purple Martins and why we have the nesting boxes on site in the first place. We may even have the opportunity to see the birds for inspiration during class! Jenny will teach how to draw 2-3 additional birds as well as a variety of Florida animals as time allows. A nature journal is a lens that focuses your attention, enriches your experiences, and develops your skills as a naturalist. This practice also enhances your observations, curiosity, and joy. Nature Journaling can consist of field notes, field sketches, observations, thoughts, feelings, or anything that captures your curiosity. Jenny Cherry was a featured artist at the Nature Center in May 2023. She is a graduate of the Ringling College of Art and Design and an avid illustrator of portraits and landscapes. Registration Required CLICK HERE  

Join us for a Family Camping Adventure at Crowley Special Group Pricing!!  $35 per person (ages 6 and up – under 6 no charge)(with Not a Clue Adventures and Crowley Museum and Nature Center)Guided Camping, dinner, breakfast, and guided activities included. Tents can be provided for an additional fee/reserved in advance by CALLING Jeanene at 813-789-0904: $20 (4-person capacity) $35 (6-person capacity) Activities Include:Tour of Crowley Museum and Nature Center, Visit to Tatum House, Blacksmith Shop, Saw Mill, Old Schoolhouse, Museum, and guided nature hiking along the Children's Discovery Path (learn about native animals and birds). Learn more about early Florida Pioneers.2 pm -9 am Reservations must be received 4 days in advance and can be placed online at https://notaclueadventures.com/family-camping-adventure-at-crowley/ If you have any questions please contact Jeanene at 813-789-0904 4/11 – Spring in Myakka5/9 – May is in Bloom

Intermediate Birding, 1.5 hours – SAS Nature Center and garden.  This more advanced course is designed for birders seeking to enhance their skills. It builds upon the knowledge gained in Birding 101. REGISTER HERE If you are a member, be sure to log in (upper right corner in black bar) before registering.

Intermediate Birding, 1.5 hours – SAS Nature Center and garden.  This more advanced course is designed for birders seeking to enhance their skills. It builds upon the knowledge gained in Birding 101. REGISTER HERE If you are a member, be sure to log in (upper right corner in black bar) before registering.

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 @ 4:00pm & 7:00pmTickets: $25 + fees Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of music at the Singerâs Showcaseâfeaturing the incredible talent of the Venice High School Choral Program!Join us for a high-energy celebration of voice and performance as our talented soloists and ensembles take the stage. From powerful opera to show-stopping Broadway hits and your favorite popular songs, thereâs something for everyone to enjoy! Sip, snack, and soak in the music with delicious appetizersâand donât miss our crowd-favorite dessert auction, where you might just take home a sweet masterpiece! This is an open seating event, so come early to grab your spot!Doors open at 3:45 PM for the 4:00 PM show and 6:45 PM for the 7:00 PM show. Best of all, your support makes a difference! Proceeds from this yearâs event will help our VHS choral students travel to Boston to perform in the 250-year celebrationâan incredible and memorable opportunity for these talented singers. Want to support a specific student? Simply enter their name in the designated box at checkout. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Weâd love to hear from you! Please contact the VHS Choral Boosters at vhschoralboosters@gmail.com or visit vhschorus.org for more information. đ Important Location Note:This event will NOT be held at the Venice Performing Arts Center.Join us instead at:Unity Church of Venice125 N. Jackson Rd.Venice, FL 34292 Come for the music, stay for the fun, and leave inspiredâwe canât wait to see you there! đś

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 @ 4:00pm & 7:00pmTickets: $25 + fees Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of music at the Singerâs Showcaseâfeaturing the incredible talent of the Venice High School Choral Program!Join us for a high-energy celebration of voice and performance as our talented soloists and ensembles take the stage. From powerful opera to show-stopping Broadway hits and your favorite popular songs, thereâs something for everyone to enjoy! Sip, snack, and soak in the music with delicious appetizersâand donât miss our crowd-favorite dessert auction, where you might just take home a sweet masterpiece! This is an open seating event, so come early to grab your spot!Doors open at 3:45 PM for the 4:00 PM show and 6:45 PM for the 7:00 PM show. Best of all, your support makes a difference! Proceeds from this yearâs event will help our VHS choral students travel to Boston to perform in the 250-year celebrationâan incredible and memorable opportunity for these talented singers. Want to support a specific student? Simply enter their name in the designated box at checkout. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Weâd love to hear from you! Please contact the VHS Choral Boosters at vhschoralboosters@gmail.com or visit vhschorus.org for more information. đ Important Location Note:This event will NOT be held at the Venice Performing Arts Center.Join us instead at:Unity Church of Venice125 N. Jackson Rd.Venice, FL 34292 Come for the music, stay for the fun, and leave inspiredâwe canât wait to see you there! đś

Explore the Raymond Road boardwalk and surrounding wetlands.

Explore the Raymond Road boardwalk and surrounding wetlands.

Tina Morris, Ornithologist, regales us with Return to the Sky – Bald Eagle Reintroduction. In the spring of 1975, on the eve of the US Bicentennial, Tina was selected to reintroduce Bald Eagles into New York State in the hope that the species could eventually repopulate eastern North America. This presentation is based on her 2024 book Return to the Sky: The Surprising Story of How One Woman and Seven Eaglets Helped Restore the Bald Eagle. NOTE: This will be a hybrid meeting. We will be meeting in person at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center. You may also choose to zoom into this meeting. Zoom registration will begin in mid-March. The publisher Chelsea Green has set up a 35% discount for the book – be sure to use the code CGP35 Click Here to Order – and remember to use the code: CGP35

Tina Morris, Ornithologist, regales us with Return to the Sky – Bald Eagle Reintroduction. In the spring of 1975, on the eve of the US Bicentennial, Tina was selected to reintroduce Bald Eagles into New York State in the hope that the species could eventually repopulate eastern North America. This presentation is based on her 2024 book Return to the Sky: The Surprising Story of How One Woman and Seven Eaglets Helped Restore the Bald Eagle. NOTE: This will be a hybrid meeting. We will be meeting in person at the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center. You may also choose to zoom into this meeting. Zoom registration will begin in mid-March. The publisher Chelsea Green has set up a 35% discount for the book – be sure to use the code CGP35 Click Here to Order – and remember to use the code: CGP35

Join presenter Amy Bradley each month for a special class with hula hoops, props, games, and activities designed especially for littles!  Best for ages 1-5. Registration required. Check in at the youth desk when you arrive.

Test your bird knowledge with trivia questions and fellowship.

For all your precious trinkets, a cherry tree blossom trinket dish.  As this is a 2-part class, the second half will be a watercolor springtime tree painting.  This is the follow up lesson to the autumn tree watercolor painting that we did this fall. All materials will be provided.  Dress for painting. No registration is required.  First come, first seated. Line-up tickets are available at the Reference Desk one hour before the event.  One per person present. (This is a one-time only class.)

Test your bird knowledge with trivia questions and fellowship.

Want more anime or manga in your life? Whether you've just discovered anime or you've been reading manga for years, this is the place to meet fellow fans, watch and discuss your favorite series, and eat yummy snacks! We may occasionally do a craft or a game, too!Meetings held on the second Tuesday of each month from 4:45-6pm. Ages 13-18 only.

Stu Wilson (512-897-8341) and Cathy Paris will meet you at the entrance to Broadway Beach 7001 Seabreeze Ave. (West end of Broadway St. @ north end of LBK). Expect beach sand walking and sand paths/boardwalks mainly in the sun. First, we will look for migratory shorebirds on the beach. Then we will travel south to Joan Durante Park (5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive) to look for migrant warblers, vireos, etc. Restrooms are located at our second stop at Joan Durante Park. Note: the original plan was to visit Leffis Key to the north, but that park remains closed for repairs.

Stu Wilson (512-897-8341) and Cathy Paris will meet you at the entrance to Broadway Beach 7001 Seabreeze Ave. (West end of Broadway St. @ north end of LBK). Expect beach sand walking and sand paths/boardwalks mainly in the sun. First, we will look for migratory shorebirds on the beach. Then we will travel south to Joan Durante Park (5550 Gulf of Mexico Drive) to look for migrant warblers, vireos, etc. Restrooms are located at our second stop at Joan Durante Park. Note: the original plan was to visit Leffis Key to the north, but that park remains closed for repairs.

French Conversation and Culture Group. All are welcome to come and practice your French. Discussions in French are very expansive and include culture, language, cuisine, travel and local events. There are often special presentations in French announced just prior to the meeting.

Learn about birds and their habitats, food, nests, etc. while playing a competitive game. Wingspan is a card-driven, resource-building board game in which players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. Players spend food resources to add birds, which are represented by 170 individually illustrated cards, to the forest, prairie, and wetland habitats on their player boards. RSVP so we know how many tables to set up. Click here to RSVP to Lynn

Learn about birds and their habitats, food, nests, etc. while playing a competitive game. Wingspan is a card-driven, resource-building board game in which players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. Players spend food resources to add birds, which are represented by 170 individually illustrated cards, to the forest, prairie, and wetland habitats on their player boards. RSVP so we know how many tables to set up. Click here to RSVP to Lynn

scrabble game

Take a colorful drawing and shrink it down to be a charm, keychain, jewelry, accessory, or decoration all your own! For ages 10-18.

A harbinger of spring, a nester for you to paint.  As this is a 2-part class, the second half will be a watercolor springtime tree painting.  This is the follow up lesson to the autumn tree watercolor painting that we did this fall. All materials will be provided.  Dress for painting.  No registration is required.  First come, first seated. Line-up tickets are available at the Reference Desk one hour before the event.  One per person present. (This is a one-time only class.)

Wingspan is a card-driven, resource-building board game in which players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. RSVP so we know how many tables to set up. Click here to RSVP to Stacy

Wingspan is a card-driven, resource-building board game in which players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. RSVP so we know how many tables to set up. Click here to RSVP to Stacy

Dates: Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 7:00pmFriday, April 17, 2026 @ 7:00pmSaturday, April 18, 2026 @ 1:00pmSunday, April 19, 2026 @ 2:00pmTickets: $17 Venice High School Theatre Presents: Pippin â High School Production With its medieval setting and modern twist, this magical musical follows a young prince in search of meaning, adventure, and his place in the world. Featuring unforgettable music and dazzling theatricality, Pippin is a story for anyone whoâs ever wondered what their âextraordinaryâ looks like. PG-13 *This is a General Admission Performance **Visit or Call the Box Office for Student Prices ***Valet Parking is NOT available for this performance

Join presenter Adrianne Pezzella for a special music and movement program especially for children and their caregivers to attend together. Enjoy quality time together singing, dancing, getting some exercise, and having fun! Registration required. Best for ages 0-5. Check in at the youth desk when you arrive.

Dates: Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 7:00pmFriday, April 17, 2026 @ 7:00pmSaturday, April 18, 2026 @ 1:00pmSunday, April 19, 2026 @ 2:00pmTickets: $17 Venice High School Theatre Presents: Pippin â High School Production With its medieval setting and modern twist, this magical musical follows a young prince in search of meaning, adventure, and his place in the world. Featuring unforgettable music and dazzling theatricality, Pippin is a story for anyone whoâs ever wondered what their âextraordinaryâ looks like. PG-13 *This is a General Admission Performance **Visit or Call the Box Office for Student Prices ***Valet Parking is NOT available for this performance

Faith Jones of the Florida Bluebird Society will give us the latest information on these beautiful jewels.

Dates: Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 7:00pmFriday, April 17, 2026 @ 7:00pmSaturday, April 18, 2026 @ 1:00pmSunday, April 19, 2026 @ 2:00pmTickets: $17 Venice High School Theatre Presents: Pippin â High School Production With its medieval setting and modern twist, this magical musical follows a young prince in search of meaning, adventure, and his place in the world. Featuring unforgettable music and dazzling theatricality, Pippin is a story for anyone whoâs ever wondered what their âextraordinaryâ looks like. PG-13 *This is a General Admission Performance **Visit or Call the Box Office for Student Prices ***Valet Parking is NOT available for this performance

Faith Jones of the Florida Bluebird Society will give us the latest information on these beautiful jewels.

Explore the world of chemical reactions featuring liquid nitrogen, as Sub-Zero provides fun demonstrations of scientific principles, ending with a frozen treat! Be a part of these interactive scientific demonstrations of the power of liquid nitrogen and then sample the delicious flash-frozen ice cream results. All ages are welcome!Space is limited to 100 participants. Tickets are required and will be available at the youth desk starting at 1:00 pm. Tickets available while supplies last.

Join Kathryn and other guest trip leaders to learn how to find birds by song, calls, ID, and habitats.

Join Kathryn and other guest trip leaders to learn how to find birds by song, calls, ID, and habitats.

Dates: Thursday, April 16, 2026 @ 7:00pmFriday, April 17, 2026 @ 7:00pmSaturday, April 18, 2026 @ 1:00pmSunday, April 19, 2026 @ 2:00pmTickets: $17 Venice High School Theatre Presents: Pippin â High School Production With its medieval setting and modern twist, this magical musical follows a young prince in search of meaning, adventure, and his place in the world. Featuring unforgettable music and dazzling theatricality, Pippin is a story for anyone whoâs ever wondered what their âextraordinaryâ looks like. PG-13 *This is a General Admission Performance **Visit or Call the Box Office for Student Prices ***Valet Parking is NOT available for this performance

"Looking for migrants and flyovers. Less than one quarter mile of shaded walk. Restrooms."

"Looking for migrants and flyovers. Less than one quarter mile of shaded walk. Restrooms."

Join us for Adult Coloring Group the first and third Monday of every month! All materials provided.

Join UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County for an engaging presentation to learn about Sarasota's tortoise and freshwater turtle species!Turtle or tortoise? Join a UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County educator for an engaging presentation to find out what makes them different and take a peak into the world of Sarasota's tortoise and freshwater turtle species!Please register for this event here.

Join jazz vocalist Darienne Oaks and pianist David Lahm for an unforgettable hour of Paging Through the American Songbook—a vibrant journey through beloved jazz standards from the Great American Songbook. Immerse yourself in timeless melodies, rich harmonies, and the classic charm of America's most iconic tunes.*** No registration is required. First come, first seated ***

Date: Monday, April 20, 2026 @ 7:00pmTickets: $39-$99 EXECUTIVE PRODUCER MARY ANNE COSTANZOBACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Queen Nation is an amazingly accurate tribute to a throwback 70s-80s Queen concert. The band was formed in 2004 by LA based music agency DMHE. Queen Nation is the West Coastâs longest running most authentic fully costumed re- creation of a Vintage Queen concert. The show consists of four musicians who all sing and perform in character and in period costumes while playing live note-for-note renditions of Classic Queen songs. Featured frontman vocalist Gregory Finsley is an amazing singer with an uncanny tone that matches the late great Freddie Mercury to a tee. Gregory also is an excellent concert trained pianist which allows him to accurately recreate what Freddie Mercury magically did live on stage in Queenâs original four piece lineup. Queen Nation has been crowned by their loyal legions of fans as âThe Peoples Choice Tribute To Queen Championsâ and rightly so because arguably they are one of the hardest working tribute bands in the US. Their Pollstar averages are at: 1,600 + tickets and over $35K gross. They have also been honored to recently be inducted into the California Music Hall Of Fameâs inaugural class and voted âThe Best Live Bandâ at the VCMAâs.========================================================Queen Nation band members are :Gregory Finsley: vocals & keyboards as Freddie MercuryMike McManus: guitar as Brian MayPete Burke: drums as Roger TaylorParker Combs: bass as John Deacon

LOCATION: School Board Chambers, Black Awning

Enjoy this free storytime program from The Ringling that connects art with early literacy. At this program, we read together, make art, and learn about an object in the museum. Plus, continue the fun by taking home a surprise! Best for ages 0-5. Take-home surprises are limited. Tickets are required to receive take-home surprise and are available starting at 10 a.m. Check in at the youth desk when you arrive.

Join us to discuss The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle.The game is afoot! Join us to discuss Sherlock Holmes's greatest adventure: a mysterious death, an ancient legend, a spectral beast, and shadowy clues across the moors. Come to the book club? Why, that's elementary. No registration required. First come, first seated. Contact adult services librarian Lucy with any feedback or input: lmaddox@scgov.net.See you at Gulf Gate!

Add a touch of romance to your yard or party.  All materials provided.  No registration is required.  Seating is limited.  First Come, first seated.  Line-up tickets are available at the Reference Desk one hour before the event.  One per person present.

This neuroscience-research based workshop dispels outdated myths about the brain and brain function, specifically through the foundational concept of neuroplasticity.  This workshop describes new and exciting brain activation alternatives to crossword puzzles.  Participants learn how the nervous system functions; including the anatomy of the brain and the main functions of each part, the different types of fuel necessary for optimized performance, and novel ways to activate areas of the brain responsible for memory.   *** These classes are popular. Seating is limited. No registration required. First come, first seated ***

Explore birds in our native gardens and Palmer Road boardwalk.

Explore birds in our native gardens and Palmer Road boardwalk.

As the Sarasota County Veteran's Services Outreach Officer,  Aretha Gipson will provide an overview of VA benefits available to veterans and their families. The seminar will cover eligibility and application basics for disability compensation, pensions, Aid and Attendance, VA health care, and survivor benefits. Attendees will also learn how to avoid common claims mistakes, access local resources, and get their questions answered in a supportive, informative setting.

Join us for an afternoon of creative expression and calm.  Each month we will work on diamond painting a coaster based on a holiday/seasonal theme.  This group is extremely popular, and seating is limited to 8.  Please be sure to see the Reference desk for line-up tickets one hour before the event.  All materials are provided.

With local artist, Shelly Augsbury, to guide you, teens and their families can create their own trinket trays out of air-dry clay. Or, take your trinket tray a step further and turn it into a miniature game tray, making your own game pieces to turn a classic like tic-tac-toe into a game individual to you!Recommended for ages 12-18. Parents and siblings welcome, but please register them as well.

We are organizing monthly Coffee Chat events to engage parents and community members in topics important to education.

Add a touch of romance to your yard or party.  All materials provided.  No registration is required.  Seating is limited.  First Come, first seated.  Line-up tickets are available at the Reference Desk one hour before the event.  One per person present.

Spanish Group Conversation.

Who doesn't love a good CRAFTernoon? Join us each month for a fun craft. All you need to bring is your creativity! This month, learn how to paint a symmetrical butterfly! Recommended for ages 5-12.

Join other teens at our monthly Teen Advisory Board Meeting. The Board will discuss topics related to teen library services, teen programs and the teen collections. Attendees will receive community service credit for their time at the meeting.

Wingspan is a card-driven, resource-building board game in which players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. RSVP so we know how many tables to set up. Click here to RSVP to Stacy

Wingspan is a card-driven, resource-building board game in which players compete to attract birds to their wildlife reserves. RSVP so we know how many tables to set up. Click here to RSVP to Stacy

We conclude our journey through India with a visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering, drawing over 640 million people in just six weeks—a breathtaking display culture, and devotion. India's architectural legacy, from the iconic Taj Mahal to other Mughal masterpieces, speaks to its enduring grandeur. In the Kanha National Tiger Reserve, Bengal tigers roam as regal symbols of strength and beauty, embodying the untamed spirit of the land.Join us for the final part of the series with travelogue expert Jane Mahler, as she continues to share her passion for exploring the world and inspiring others through her journeys.No registration required. First come, first seated.

Dates: Friday, April 24, 2026 @ 7:30pmSaturday, April 25, 2026 @ 3:30pm & 7:30pmTickets: $44-$84 Celebrate the vibrant sounds of the nation with our last concert of the season. This concert features John Williamsâ The Cowboys Overture, Leonard Bernsteinâs Times Square: 1944, and Coplandâs iconic Appalachian Spring along with much more. Our guest vocalist for this concert is Andrea Ross.

Explore birds in our native gardens and Palmer Road boardwalk

Join us for a guided nature journaling event, where participants will learn to observe and record the natural world through drawing and writing. This hands-on program offers a relaxing way to connect with nature while sharpening observation skills. This program is suitable for all ages, but does require periods of sustained focus and quiet observation. All participants under the age of 16 must attend with a parent or guardian. This program is limited to 15 participants. REGISTER HERE

Join us for a guided nature journaling event, where participants will learn to observe and record the natural world through drawing and writing. This hands-on program offers a relaxing way to connect with nature while sharpening observation skills. This program is suitable for all ages, but does require periods of sustained focus and quiet observation. All participants under the age of 16 must attend with a parent or guardian. This program is limited to 15 participants. REGISTER HERE