Hi Everyone,
Because of the upcoming holiday, here's an expanded list (thru 4th of July weekend) of fun things I've found that are going on in the Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice area:
June 29 - July 7: Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival -- the big boats come to Sarasota for a week of events, parties & racing. Info at: Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix
Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix :: Home
FRIDAY
Free Music Friday Night -- Venice's Centennial Park at the gazebo, 7 - 9 pm, bring lawn chairs.
SATURDAY
Sarasota Farmers Market -- downtown at Lemon & Main, 7 am - 1 pm. Please note: market has moved temporarily to First Street & Lemon due to construction going on in the Lemon & Main area.
Central Sarasota Farmers Market -- corner Proctor & Beneva, 8 am - 1 pm.
Bradenton Farmers Market -- downtown Bradenton on Main Street, 9 am - 2 pm.
Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic (part of the Powerboat Festival) -- The Meadows Country Club, reistration 7 am, play starts at 8:30 am.
Barstool Open Putt-Putt Tournament -- downtown Venice on Tampa, Venice & Miami Avenues, $20/person, sign up at Made in Italy, event 12 - 6 pm.
Pete Seeger Tribute Songfest -- Fogartyville Community Center, 525 Kumquat Ct in Sarasota, 8 pm, $15/person at the door.
Cat Depot's Kitten Whiskers Shower & Donation Drive -- games, giveaways, adoptions. 2542 17th St in Sarasota, 1 - 5 pm.
SUNDAY
Bridge Street Market --great farmers market option on Anna Maria Island, 10 am - 3 pm
Coquina Beach Market -- at the south end of Coquina Beach, 10 am - 4 pm
Siesta Key Farmers Market -- Siesta Village Plaza, 8 am - 2 pm
Siesta Key Drum Circle -- just before sunset at Siesta Key public beach, everyone welcome.
Powerboat Grand Prix Boat & Personal Watercraft Fun Run -- boats, jet skiis. Marina Jack. Registration 10 - 11 am, Run starts 11 am. $20/person to participate, proceeds to charity.
TUESDAY - July 2
Friendliest Catch Fishing Tournament -- for physically and mentally challenged participants, starts 9 am, Sarasota Outboard Club on City Island.
WEDNESDAY - July 3
Fireworks on the Lake Run -- 4 mile race around Nathan Benderson Park that includes a final "floating mile." Fireworks afterwards. Race starts 7 pm, fireworks 9 pm. No pets due to fireworks.
Baseball: Bradenton Marauders vs Jupiter Hammerheads at LECOM Park, 6:30 pm, fireworks after the game. Tickets $7 - $12.
Grand Prix Festival Red, White & You Kick Off Party -- open bar & food stations, $75/persn, 6 - 10 pm, Van Wezel.
THURSDAY - July 4th
Fireworks Displays: all start at approximately 9 pm
Sarasota -- Sarasota Bay Park
Venice -- Venice Jetty
Palmetto -- Sutton Park
Bradenton -- Riverwalk Park
Anna Maria Island -- Sandbar Restaurant on the beach
Englewood -- Blind Pass Beach
Sounds of Independence -- concert by the Sarasota Opera House, 4 pm, tickets $5 - $45.
Historic Spanish Point Independence Day Celebration -- bring your own picnic lunch, 11 am - 1 pm. $15/adult.
Longboat Key Freedom Fest & Hot Diggity Dog Parade -- parade starts at 9 am at Town Hall, activities 9 - 11 am at Bicentennial Park.
All American BBQ & Independence Day Celebration at Selby Gardens -- 6 - 9:30 am, $45/adult, $10 ages 12 & under, ages 3 & under get in free.
Myakka River Kayak Festival & 4th of July Blast -- kayaking, live music, craft beers. Snook Haven in Venice, 11 am - 4 pm.
Anna Maria Island Privateers 4th of July Parade -- starts at Coquina Beach (south) and heads to the north end of the island, 10 am. Festivities 10 am - 1 pm.
Palmetto 4th Fest -- family friendly activities, food & beer vendors, live entertainment 5 - 9 pm. Event runs 3 - 9 pm with fireworks at 9 pm. Sutton Park.
Pier 22 Pig Roast & Buffet -- celebrate with a pig roast & watch the fireworks on the riverfront. 6 - 9 pm, $69.95/adult, $19.95/child.
South Venice Civic Association July 4th Celebration -- BBQ & hamburgers, rock band, 2 - 6 pm. $10/adult, kids under 12 get in free. 7200 Alligator Dr, Venice.
North Port Freedom Festival -- Cool Today Park in the West Villages, 4 - 9:30 pm. Activities, food vendors, fireworks after dark.
Punta Gorda Fisherman's Village Independence Day Celebration -- freedom swim, live music, kids crafts & more. Noon - 9 pm, fireworks at 9 pm.
FRIDAY - July 5
Grand Prix Meet & Greet the Drivers -- at the Hyatt Regency ballroom, Sarasota, 1:30 - 3 pm. Adults $5, kids 18 & under get in free.
Boats on Main Block Party -- powerboats on display, live music, food vendors. Sarasota Main Street, 6 - 10 pm.
SATURDAY -- July 6
Grand Prix Fesitval Car Show & Motorcycle Event -- at Rossiters Harley Davidson, 330 Cattlemen Rd, 10 am - 3 pm.
SUNDAY - July 7
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Boat Races -- can be seen from Lido Beach, 10 am - 4 pm. Awards Ceremonies afterthe races at 6 pm, Hyatt Regency ballroom.
Have a great weekend. Enjoy!
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