Hi Everyone,
Lots and lots of fun things I've found that are going on in the Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice area this weekend:
THRU FEB 8, 2020
The Fence -- largest public photo exhibit in the US. Displayed on the grounds at Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota.
THURSDAY
Carriage Rides with Santa -- Lakewood Ranch's Main Street, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, also carolers.
Sarasota Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony -- at Five Points Park, 6 - 8 pm, Santa, music, carolers.
FRIDAY
Food Truck Rally at North Jetty Park -- 5 - 8 pm, 1000 S.. Casey Key Rd.
Gazebo Starlight Cinema -- free movie "Home Alone" at the gazebo, Venice's Centennial Park, starts at 5:20 pm.
Sledding with Santa -- Lakewood Ranch's YMCA hosts a sledding party with REAL SNOW, hot chocolate, arts & crafts for the kiddies. 5:30 - 8 pm, 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Lakewood Ranch's Music on Main -- free music, family friendly activities, 6 - 9 pm.
Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armand's Circle -- lighting of the tree, Santa, merchant specials, 6 - 9 pm.
Bradenton Blues Festival's Blues Appetizer concert -- Riverwalk Pavilion, 6 - 9 pm, free admission.
Holiday at Spanish Point -- movie "Santa Claus," treats, crafts, activities. 6 - 9 pm, regular admission prices.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Artwalk at Bradenton's Villages of the Art -- special Village Wonderful artwalk with music, food, special discounts. Fri 6 - 9:30 pm, Sat 11 am - 4 pm. On 12th St W in downtown Bradenton.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY
Gem, Jewelry & Bead Show -- Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 10 am - 5 pm, $5/adult.
Sarasota Art & Handmade Home Show -- ceramics, glass, paintings, photography, leather goods, furniture & more by over 100 artists. Robarts Arena at the Sarasota county fairgrounds. Frid & Sat 10 am - 5 pm, Sun 10 am - 4 pm.
Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival -- food, live music, market place. Fri 4 - 9 pm, Sat 11 am - 9 pm, Sun 11 am - 6 pm. Admission $5/person. Siesta Key pavilion area.
SATURDAY
Sarasota Farmers Market -- downtown at Lemon & Main, 7 am - 1 pm.
Central Sarasota Farmers Market -- corner Proctor & Beneva, 8 am - 1 pm.
Bradenton Farmers Market -- on Old Main Street (400 12th St W), 9 am - 2 pm. Veggies, organics, fresh eggs, seafood and more.
Bradenton Blues Festival -- live music 11 am - 8 pm, Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton, tickets $20 students to $115 VIP.
Venice Christmas Boat Parade -- starts at 6 pm on the Intercoastal at Albee Rd Bridge, travels south to Circus Bridge in Venice.
Sarasota Holiday Parade -- travels down Main Street, starts at 7 pm.
Palmetto Christmas in the Park -- at the Historical Park & Museum, 515 10th Ave W, 3 - 8 pm, free admission.
North Port Tree Lighting & Parade -- parade starts at 5 pm on Sylvania Ave, south on Sumpter to City Hall. Festival at the City Center till 8:30 pm.
Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K -- sign up required for runners, 5 - 9 pm, Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.
Handel's Messiah performance -- Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd, $25/adult, $10/child or student, starts 4 pm.
Classic Car & Bike Show -- Rossiter's Harley Davidson grounds, 9 am - 1 pm, 330 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota.
Jingle & Jog 5K Run or 1 Mile Walk for The Haven -- fundraiser, registration fees required, 7 am - 12 pm, The Haven, 4405 Desoto Rd, Sarasota.
THRU DEC. 9TH
Gingerbread House Festival on display at the UTC mall, regular mall hours.
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, 9 am - 1 pm
Siesta Key Drum Circle -- just before sunset at Siesta Key public beach, everyone welcome.
Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show -- starts at 2 pm Sunday, 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway (by Mote).
Santa Paws at UTC (University Town Center) -- for pet owners, special meet & greet with Santa at the Grand Court area, 6 pm.
The Gamble Plantation Christmas Open House -- historical Christmas at the plantation, arts & crafts, music, free admission, 10 am - 3 pm, Ellenton.
Venice Chorale Holiday Pops with Brass -- holiday favorites & a brass band, Venice Performing Arts Center, 7 pm. Ticket info at: 218-3779
Jingle Paws Jubilee -- big pet adoption event, pet vendors, pics with Santa, holiday dress parade, prizes. 12 - 5 pm, Phillippe Estate Park, Sarasota.
Tampa: Ybor City Cigar Festival -- if you feel like a road trip, Ybor City is hosting their big cigar festival, 11 am - 5 pm with premium cigars, live music, gourmet food trucks.
Have a great weekend. Enjoy.
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