We’ve definitely entered the steamy summer slowdown in Sarasota, when the arts calendar gets lighter and the temperatures get hotter. But with these long, light-filled days, outdoor events after sundown can be a great option. Or seek the comfort of A/C at a favorite theater or museum you haven’t been to for a while. And of course, this weekend…fireworks, and other July 4-related activities.

June 29 through July 19

If your typical arts-filled calendar has gone by the wayside because of your World Cup fever, you’re in luck. The Bay Park is screening FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on its stadium-size large screens under the shade of a massive tent from now until the grand finale July 19. You’re encouraged to bring a lawn chair for comfort and wear your team’s swag and colors. Go Team USA!

FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. Free. See complete listing of matches and start times at https://www.thebaysarasota.org/event/watch-it-at-the-bay-fifa-world-cup-2026/

— Carrie Seidman

July 2

Crossfire Creek, a country band out of Tampa, is the headliner this week at the every-first-Thursday “Live on The Green” concert at University Town Center. A five-piece band out of Tampa, this high-energy groups plays country Western favorites from artists like Luke Combs, Jason Aldean and Kane Brown. Break out the boots – and chairs and blankets (seating is limited) – and join this free concert on The Green, located near Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar at UTC.

“Live on the Green,” with Crossfire Creek at the University Town Center, 125 N. Cattleman Road, Sarasota. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Free. https://utcsarasota.com/whats-new/fun/utc-live-on-the-green/

— Carrie Seidman

July 4

We can guess where most people in town will be on Saturday night – within gazing distance of a fireworks display celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. There are several local displays to choose from – at Benderson Park, on Siesta Key or Longboat Key – but the big one will be over the bay in Sarasota. If you don’t have a boat or a penthouse condo to watch from, join the masses gathered around the bayfront. It’s not the 4th without a few oohs and aaahs.

Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks, launching from near Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota. Thirty minute display begins at 9 p.m. Best viewing from Bayfront Park, Island Park, Marina Jack’s or the Ringling Bridge.

— Carrie Seidman

July 4

You can celebrate the holiday in a slightly different way with FST Improv and its July 4th special edition “Freedom.” You may think you know the history of the United States and the American Revolution. But the improv troupe will provide the “back, back, backstory behind the major historic events” that led to the Declaration of Independence. And they’re presenting it as an original musical created on the spot.

FST Improv “Freedom” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. July 4 in Bowne’s Lab at Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. Tickets are $15-$18. floridastudiotheatre.org; 941-366-9000

— Jay Handelman

Through Aug. 1

Art Center Sarasota is sharing a bit of Sarasota’s creative history with “Architects Who Art: Designing the Cultural Coast,” one of four exhibits up through Aug. 1. This show features works by local artists who are also trained architects, and it includes pieces by such legends as Victor Lundy and Carl Abbott as well as Jerry Sparkman, Javier Suárez and Javi Suárez. “Composed” features work by Sarasota-based artist Anja Palombo, who employs physics, nature, form and space in her creations. Artist Cat Tesla explores healing, presence and the power of beauty in her solo show “Living by the Water.” There’s also a juried exhibition, “Medium Mutiny,” in which artists were asked to challenge their usual boundaries and experiment.

The Art Center Sarasota shows are on display through Aug. 1 at 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Admission is free. artsarasota.org; 941-365-2032

—Jay Handelman

Through Jan. 3

The Ringling is putting the circus in focus in its newly opened exhibition “Canvas City.” It explores the world of the traveling tented circus, featuring drawings of master tentmaker William Hobson, photos by Frederick W. Glasier and costumes made by seamstresses at the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. circus in Sarasota. The museum says the exhibit supplements its efforts to document its collection of circus costumes, which includes more than 1,500 pieces. Costumes on display will be rotated periodically during the exhibition.

“Canvas City” is on display through Jan. 3 in the Ringling art museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. ringling.org; 941-359-5700

— Jay Handelman