Arts on Palm Brings Together Downtown Sarasota for Fresh Fridays

October 23, 2024 | Sarasota

Get ready for an unforgettable night of art, music, and community spirit as Fresh Fridays returns on Nov. 1 with the exciting “Arts on Palm” event, which will not only celebrate the creative spirit of Sarasota, but also offer the opportunity to help give back to those who were impacted by Hurricane Milton.

From 7 to 10 p.m., South Palm Avenue will transform downtown into a vibrant, open-air arts collaborative filled with live music, performances, food, drinks, and creativity for all ages to enjoy.

Kicking off the night, Bay Kings Band will take the stage with their high-energy mix of classic hits, top 40s, and jazz, bringing their signature style back to Fresh Fridays. Known for their dynamic performances and incredible versatility, Bay Kings Band will keep the crowd dancing throughout the evening with their lively and engaging setlist.

In addition to the live music, local artists will be showcasing their talents through live painting demonstrations, adding a creative touch to the night’s festivities. Guests can watch as Sarasota’s finest painters create stunning works of art right before their eyes. Adding to the artistic energy, the Sarasota Players will also deliver a live performance, offering theater lovers the chance to experience dynamic moments from some of the best local actors.

Most importantly, this month’s Fresh Fridays event has a special focus on giving back. Fresh Fridays, along with the Sarasota Downtown Improvement District, are partnering with the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) to help raise money for their Gulf Coast Rapid Response Fund to aid those who’s live were changed by Hurricane Milton.

“We’re really excited to bring Arts on Palm to our community this month. Not only will the event showcase some incredible local talent in music, art, and theater, but it also provides us with a chance to give back to the community in a meaningful way. With the support of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, we’ll be raising money to help those affected by Hurricane Milton, and we’re grateful to everyone who’s coming together to make this event special,” said Joseph Grano, president of Next-Mark, and Fresh Fridays event organizer and promoter.

The Rapid Response Fund was launched by GCCF to support the community and its partners following the devastating impacts of local disasters. As they respond to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, their team is working with local organizations to gather boots-on-the-ground intelligence which informs the deployment of these funds to the areas of greatest need as quickly as possible. Giving to the Rapid Response Fund means that your gift will support the greatest need during local disasters impacting our region.

“Our team began preparations the week before Hurricane Milton’s arrival, and our board met to pre-authorize additional funding for our Rapid Response Fund. Because of this steadfast dedication, the first grant from our Rapid Response Fund was awarded to United Way of South Sarasota County seven hours before Hurricane Milton’s landfall,” said Gulf Coast’s President and Chief Executive Officer Phillip Lanham. “We know the need in our community is tremendous, and the road to recovery is long. We are a resilient community. Together, we will support each other through the revitalization and recovery process.”

Throughout the night, there will be opportunities for attendees to help raise money for this fund. Monetary donations will be accepted as well as a QR code for guests to scan to lend a helping hand. Or you can also visit, gulfcoastcf.org/freshfridays to donate.

Of course, no Fresh Fridays event would be complete without the delicious food and drinks from downtown Sarasota’s finest restaurants and bars. Our hospitality partners will be on hand, offering a diverse selection of local fare, perfect for every palate. Savor signature cocktails, craft beers, and culinary delights as you stroll through the festival and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Be sure to also come early toclaim your Fresh Fridays giveaway and take home a memento of this special event. Supplies are limited, so arriving early is the best way to secure your exclusive gift and start the night off right! Accessible and convenient parking will be available at Palm Avenue and State Street parking garages. Guests can stay up to date by following Fresh Fridays on their social media channels or by visiting their website at www.downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays.