Take a class … learn something new this September
• Siesta Key Rum offers daily, free 40-minute tours of its fully air-conditioned Drum Circle Distillery in Sarasota, near Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. Learn how this popular local rum has become an international sensation, sample rums and visit the gift shop. Free tours are held at 1 and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Call 941-702-8143. The distillery is located at 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota. Visit Siesta Key Rum.
• Take a party hors d’oeuvres class at Two Chefs Market & Bistro and get ready for the start of the season. The class will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17. Cost is $85 plus tax per person. Learn to prepare six savory and sweet dishes and take home a recipe book featuring the six party hors d’oeuvres. Enjoy complimentary snacks, prosecco cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages during the class. Call 941-924-6277 to reserve your spot. Two Chefs is located at 4141 S. Tamiami Trail, No. 10. Visit Two Chefs Market & Bistro.
• Suncoast Technical College’s ACE program offers a wide array of adult community enrichment classes in the arts, technology, health, languages, travel, life, cooking, leisure and current events. ACE is one of Florida’s oldest, largest and most vibrant adult enrichment programs. Classes are affordably priced and held at various locations. The new fall printable course catalog will be available beginning Sept. 8. Fall classes start Sept. 28. Suncoast Technical College is located at 4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota. Call 941-361-6590 or register online through Sarasota County Schools.
• Unlock your inner artist at a Shattered Glass workshop, next to Paisano’s Italian Bakery. Create DIY 3D art and resin projects ranging from jewelry to charcuterie boards, clocks, frameable art and more. Just in time for fall, try the resin and glitter pumpkin pour workshop. Call 941-554-4599. Shattered Glass is located at 2740 Stickney Point Road. Visit Shattered Glass DIY.
• The YMCA of Palmer Ranch, a large community fitness and recreation center, is launching its fall programming. Find membership information, pricing, class schedules and more at 8301 Potter Park Parkway, Sarasota. Call 941-922-9622 or visit Palmer Ranch YMCA.
Siesta Key 2026 Visitor’s Guide & Local Resources Directory
The new Siesta Key 2026 Visitor’s Guide & Local Resources Directory is online through the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Printed copies of the colorful booklet are filled with coupons, discount codes and ideas for things to do. Stop by the Siesta Key Chamber at 5223 Avenida Navarra to pick up a copy. Call 941-349-3800 or visit the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce website.
Podcast Fans
Tune in to the weekly Siesta Sand Live podcast, a lively talk show featuring news, community leaders and all things Siesta Key. Presented by the Siesta Sand and The Big Tiki Lounge, the podcast is hosted by Natalie Gutwein and recorded at The Big Tiki Lounge. Watch it on YouTube and Facebook or at SiestaSand.us, and listen on Apple Podcasts.
Beyond the Beach is Sarasota County Government’s informative podcast offering a unique perspective on all things Sarasota. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Running News
Santa Claus is coming to town for the 50th annual Sandy Claws 5K and 1-mile fun run, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Dec. 12 on Siesta Beach. Registration is now open.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is working in partnership with presenting sponsor New Balance University. This longtime tradition brings out Sarasota runners for the chip-timed 5K, sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and part of the MTC Race Series.
There is also a separate 1-mile fun run open to kids, adults and families who enjoy a walk, run or stroll along the shoreline. For questions about the races, which will bring out Santa, his elves and a cast of other local costumed characters, contact the race director at parksonline@scgov.net. For general information or to register for the 5K or 1-mile fun run, call Sarasota County’s 311 line.
Library Happenings
Gulf Gate Library’s Forty Carrots Partners in Play interactive family play sessions begin Wednesday, Sept. 2. The library will also host a blood drive with SunCoast Blood Centers from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14.
All that jazz
Jazz lovers won’t want to miss a special free Music in the Libraries concert performed by acclaimed New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett and the Daniel Bennett Group from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. Recorded performances by the Daniel Bennett Group are available on YouTube. See the Gulf Gate Library’s schedule for additional September programs.
