50+ fun things to do in September in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
While we're still in the slowest time of year here in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, with summer also coming to a close, there'll still be plenty of fun things to do locally in September.
The month kicks off on Labor Day weekend with events including a 75th annual Sarasota regatta. Then as summer officially ends Sept. 23, we'll see the return of fall festivities such as one of our annual pumpkin festivals, as well as local performing arts venues starting up their new seasons, including our area's largest, Van Wezel.
And throughout the month, there'll be plenty of concerts, festivals, film screenings, stage productions, art exhibitions, comedy shows and more. Here are more than 50 fun things to do in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties in September. Event details are subject to change.
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Laser Light Nights
Returning to The Bishop Museum's planetarium last year after a two-decade absence, the pop and rock music laser light shows conclude this year with David Bowie, Prince and two showtimes of "Summer Rewind: A Medley of Summer Favorites." 7 and 9 p.m. Sept. 1-2; The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton; $15; 941-746-4131; bishopscience.org
Labor Day Regatta
Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosts the 75th annual regatta, which draws hundreds of sailors ages 8-80 from across the U.S. and Canada, with activities including a Friday night welcome party, five separate race courses, Saturday dinner and Sunday awards ceremony. 5 p.m. Sept. 1-4 p.m. Sept. 3; Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-2355; sarasotasailingsquadron.org
Fan Appreciation Night
Minor League Baseball teams the Bradenton Marauders and Palm Beach Cardinals square off in this game featuring the "largest and last fireworks" of the season. 5 p.m. gates, 6:30 p.m. first pitch Sept. 2; LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; $10-$14; milb.com/bradenton
Music on Main
The free monthly concert series and block party on Lakewood Ranch's Main Street features Taylor Opie Band in September, along with food vendors, beer trucks and kids' games and activities. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 2; 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch; free; 941-907-9243; lakewoodranch.com
Selwyn Birchwood
The Florida native, guitarist/singer-songwriter and two-time Blues Music Award winner (including Song of the Year in 2022) visits after releasing his latest album "Exorcist" on esteemed label Alligator Records earlier this year. 7 p.m. Sept. 2; Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton; $20 advance, $25 day of; 941-243-3735; facebook.com/cottonmouthsoul
Downtown Venice Labor Day Weekend Craft Festival
The 14th annual outdoor craft festival takes place on Miami Avenue in downtown Venice. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 2-3; 200 W. Miami Ave., Venice; free admission; 561-746-6615; artfestival.com
Birdrock Taco Shack Eighth Anniversary Celebration
The restaurant and venue in Bradenton's Village of the Arts celebrates its eighth anniversary with live music including Blues Music Award-nominated guitarist, singer-songwriter and former Anna Maria Island resident Damon Fowler; and Matt Burke, frontman for Bradenton American group Have Gun, Will Travel. 5-11 p.m. Sept. 3; Birdrock Taco Shack, 1213 13th Ave. W., Bradenton; 941-545-9966; facebook.com/birdrocktaco
Kash'd Out
The reggae rock group originating from Orlando that released its latest album "Butter" earlier this year plays a headlining show shortly before tour dates supporting Fortunate Youth. Fellow Floridians ichroniq also perform. 6 p.m. Sept. 3; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $20; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com
Music Movie Mondays
Burns Court Cinemas' series, where it screens a movie related to music the first Monday of every month, in September features the 2013 documentary "Muscle Shoals" about the titular city and its renowned FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound studios. 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. doors) Sept. 4; Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Court, Sarasota; $15 including one beer, wine or champagne; 941-955-3456; filmsociety.org
Jimmy Shubert
The one-time doorman of the famed Comedy Store and member of Sam Kinison's Outlaws of Comedy has also released stand-up specials such as 2019's "Zero Tolerance." 7 p.m. Sept. 6-7 and 10, 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Sept. 8-9; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $26; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com
‘Baggage’
Lemon Bay Playhouse launches a new season with this Sam Bobrick comedy about two difficult single people who meet over a mix-up with their luggage and force themselves to start forging a friendship that eventually turns into an unlikely relationship. Jenni Elliott directs a cast that includes Mike Gilbert, Carol Warren, Mariah Phillips and Matt Kennedy. Sept. 6-24; Lemon Bay Playhouse, 96 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; $25, $20 students; 941-475-6756; lemonbayplayhouse.com
Open Juried Exhibition
ArtCenter Manatee is offering a $1,500 first place prize for its first show of the new season. The open, all-media, juried exhibition will be displayed in all galleries in the center, where it runs Sept. 6-Oct. 6, with an opening reception 5-7 p.m. Sept. 7. There are several other prizes offered, including $1,000 for second place. ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; 941-746-2862; artcentermanatee.org
Blurry
The self-described "Southern-fried grunge" band from Atlanta performs with Domino Pink, Peace Cult and Pet Rock. 7 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show Sept. 8; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $15 advance, $20 day of; 941-201-4950; oscura.live
Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show
The show features a wide selection of home improvement professionals in an interactive environment. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 8-9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 10; Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; free online registration, $10 at the door; homeshowflorida.com
‘Reefer Madness’
Director Kelly Wynn Woodland has put together a cast of familiar performers and some of her longtime favorites for a new production of this campy musical that pokes fun at the 1936 cult film that warned of the dangers of marijuana. Venice Theatre last produced the show in 2008. The cast includes Jason Ellis, Caitlin Ellis, Patrick Mounce, Vera Samuels and Steve O’Dea. Sept. 8-Oct. 8; Pinkerton Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice; $37, $22 college students, $15 for youth (who must be at least 18); 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
Exotic Cars on the Circle
Admire exotic supercars at this event, with proceeds benefitting Flight to the North Pole, a charity that provides financial and emotional support to terminally ill children and their families in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 9; St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free admission, minimum $25 donation to show car; starmandscircleassoc.com
Sarasota Wellness Expo
The sixth annual event will feature more than 50 exhibitors including medical professionals, fitness instructors, insurance agents, veterinarians and holistic practices, as well as free health screenings, product samples, fitness demos, giveaways and more. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 9; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; free; 727-674-1464; floridapenguinproductions.com
Party on the Plaza
CoolToday Park hosts this party featuring live music by Pure Country, a Southwest Florida country band that plays the hits of the '80s, '90s and early '00s. 5 p.m. gates, 7 p.m. music Sept. 9; 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, North Port; $15, $120 VIP (includes four tickets with chairs, four beverages and reserved space near the stage); 941-413-5004; cooltodaypark.com
Patrick Bettison and Phill Fest
Jazz Club of Sarasota's Monday Night Jazz Cabaret series continues with Bettison — mainly known for playing electric bass, chromatic harmonica and keyboards — and guitarist Fest. 6:30 p.m. doors, dinner/drinks, 7:30 p.m. show Sept. 11; John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota; $34-$39; 941-260-9951; jazzclubsarasota.org
‘Songs for a New World’
Before winning Tony Awards for “Parade” and “The Bridges of Madison County,” and writing “The Last Five Years,” composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown enjoyed his first staged production with this theatrical song cycle. It is a collection of songs connected by characters at a moment of decision. A new production opens the Manatee Players’ Kiwanis Studio series with Alexander Zickafoos, Chris Cordero, Dave Springer, Madison Bradley and Michelle Anaya, under direction by Neil Addison. Sept. 14-24; Manatee Performing Arts Center Kiwanis Studio Theatre, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton; $27; 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
'From Here to Eternity'
Sarasota Opera's Movies at the Opera House series screens the 1953 film and winner of eight Oscars including Best Picture, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
Wedding Expo
The expo will feature more than 20 local vendors in the wedding industry, including photographers, videographers, musicians, florists, decor rentals, wedding planners, bridal boutiques, men’s wedding attire, bakeries, hair and make-up artists, calligraphy and stationary providers and more. 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m. Sept. 16; Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice; $25 per person, must be purchased in advance online; wellenpark.com/events
Jim Breuer's True Breu Weekend
The comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member takes part in a weekend of events that includes a recording of his podcast "The Breuniverse," comedy show, rooftop experience with silent disco, and breakfast buffet with Breuer sharing stories. Sept. 16-17; Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; $135-$250, $100 breakfast buffet, $55-$85 comedy show only; jimbreuer.com
Halfway to St. Patrick's Day
The Punta Gorda Irish pub and venue Celtic Ray celebrates the halfway mark to the next St. Patrick's Day with this event featuring live music by Paul Duffy and Champ Jaxon. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sept. 17; Celtic Ray Public House, 145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda; 941-916-9115; celticray.net
Wedding Show
The Bridal Exchange hosts this wedding show featuring area vendors, hundreds of dollars in giveaways, food and cake samples, a bridal runway show and more. Noon-4 p.m. Sept. 17; Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $10 online, $15 at the door, free under age 16 or brides who show proof of downloading The Bridal Exchange app at the door; thebridalexchange.com
Miss Clara's Boat Tour and Beer Tasting
Departing from Hart's Landing, this boat tour aboard the Miss Clara features free Big Top beer. 7 p.m. departure Sept. 21; Hart's Landing, 920 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota; $49 per person; missclara.com/bigtop
Friday Fest
The free outdoor summertime concert series held on Van Wezel's lawn comes to a close this year with Jah Movement, as well as food and beverages from local vendors. Bringing blankets or lawn chairs is encouraged, but bringing in outside food, drinks or coolers is prohibited. 5-9 p.m. Sept. 22; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; free; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Steve Byrne
The comedian starred in and co-created the TBS sitcom "Sullivan & Son" and has released stand-up specials such as last year's "The Last Late Night" on Amazon Prime, taking inspiration from late-night talk shows. 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Sept. 22-23; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $28; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com
Key Lime & Tropical Fest
The annual festival will feature live music, restaurants offering tropical food and drinks and vendors showcasing their unique creations throughout the promenade. Noon-6 pm. Sept. 23; Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; free admission/parking; 941-639-8721; fishermensvillage.com
Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival
Local restaurants serve bites, wine and more at this benefit for Sarasota Youth Opera, with performances from the Youth Opera chorus and Sarasota Opera artists, as well as raffles and other activities, throughout the event. 1-4 p.m. Sept. 23; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $75 advance, $85 at the door; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org/foodandwinefest
Men Wear Pink Fashion Show
American Cancer Society's Men Wear Pink candidates strut their stuff in the name of fashion and fundraising at this annual show, with ticket purchases going toward the candidate of your choice and his fundraising efforts and also including reserved seating, swag bag, complimentary valet parking and pre-show appetizers. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 23; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; 941-552-7000; mallatutc.com
Slap of Reality
The Tampa punk band that rose to prominence in the late '80s and early '90s performs with Defrauded (featuring members from Venice punk group No Fraud and other bands), Caswell the Mighty and Las Nadas. 7 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show Sept. 23; Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; $5; 941-201-4950; oscura.live
Drag Queen Bingo Extravaganza
Tamiami Trails and special guest stars perform at this variety show that also includes three games of bingo called throughout the show. 8 p.m. Sept. 24; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $25; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com
‘Ruthless’
Once upon a time, Britney Spears and Natalie Portman were understudies for the leading role of 8-year-old Tina, who believes she was “Born to Entertain” in the musical “Ruthless.” But Tina’s mother, Judy, wants her daughter to have a normal childhood. This musical by Marvin Laird and Joel Paley is a spoof of classic musicals like “Gypsy” and such films as “The Bad Seed” and “All About Eve” as it looks at how far Tina is willing to go to become a star. Scott Keys directs the the first show of The Players’ 94th season, with a cast that includes Allie McLaughlin as Tina, Jennifer Baker as her mother, Judy, and Heath Jorgenson as the agent Sylvia St. Croix. Sept. 27-Oct. 15; The Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Suite 1130; $30, $13 students 24 and younger; 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
The Sugarhill Gang
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with this show featuring the group whose 1979 single "Rapper's Delight" was the first rap song to become a Billboard Top 40 hit, joined by Melle Mel and Scorpio from fellow classic hip-hop group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. 7 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Sept. 28; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $40; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com
'In the Heights'
The Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater screens the 2021 film based on Lin-Manuel Miranda's pre-"Hamilton" stage musical, with the movie's cast including "Hamilton" star Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Melissa Barrera and the South Florida-raised Leslie Grace. 1 p.m. Sept. 29; The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $20, $18 members, $10 students with ID; 941-359-5700; ringling.org
‘The Treasure of the Sierra Madre'
Sarasota Opera's Movies at the Opera House series continues with John Huston's 1948 film, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, which won him two Oscars and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his father Walter Huston. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
'Glitter & Doom'
Local LGBTQ+ film fest Fabulous Independent Film Festival presents this musical featuring the songs of the Indigo Girls as an opening night film this year. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29; Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Court, Sarasota; $10, $8 students with ID; fabaf.org
'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' with Barry Bostwick
Van Wezel hosts a screening of the 1975 cult classic horror-comedy musical joined by actor Barry Bostwick, who played Brad Majors in the film, live shadow cast Hell on Heels, memorabilia display, costume contest and more. 8 p.m. Sept. 30; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $42-$72; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
St. Armands Craft Festival & Sidewalk Sale
The free, outdoor event takes place over two days inside St. Armands Circle Park, featuring work from more than 175 artisans and craft persons. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 30-Oct. 1; St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free admission; 561-746-6615; artfestival.com
Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival
The 35th annual festival features daily activities including a food truck rally, craft show, live music, kids fun zone, hold-a-skunk, pony, mini-train and hay rides, hug-a-goat, wildflower maze, enchanted unicorn encounter, butterfly garden experience, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends starting Sept. 30-Oct. 1 through Oct. 28-29; Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota; free admission, certain rides and activities $1-$10, $5 parking; 941-377-0896; fruitvillegrovefarm.com
Continuing
Ringling Museum
There are several continuing exhibits around The Ringling. “Mountains of the Mind” in the Chao Center for Asian Art features “scholar rocks” on display through June 23. “Working Conditions” features photos about human labor from the Ringling’s own permanent collection through March 3 in the Searing Galleries. In the Monda Gallery through Oct. 15 is “Lorna Bieber: Natural World,” featuring work by an artist who recycles materials and manipulates imagery. “Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art,” the museum’s first presentation of contemporary art by Native American artists with historic ties to Florida, continues through Sept. 4 in the Searing West Wing Galleries. “Art Deco Lacquer and Textiles from Japan” continues through Oct. 22 in the Chao Gallery. “As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Selections from the Bring Gift and The Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art” continues through Jan. 7 in the Searing Wing.
Florida Studio Theatre
Two summer cabaret series carry over into September. The extended “Divas Three” features music by some of the most influential women artists from four decades of pop music history, through Sept. 17 in the Court Cabaret. $25-$39. In the Goldstein Cabaret, the newly opened “Creedence Clearwater Remixed” is a tribute to one of the most beloved bands of the 1960s and 1970s, a troubled group that had a huge impact, through Oct. 22. $18-$39. Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
Art Center Sarasota
Art Center Sarasota closes its season with three solo shows and a juried show with an Abstract View theme. It features work by Lauren Mann, a portrait artist based in Clearwater; Irene Tate, originally from Sofia, Bulgaria and now based in Gainesville; and Ry McCullough, an artist and educator working in Tampa. The juried show encompasses all forms of non-representational art from Abstract Expressionism to Cubism and Minimalism. Through Sept. 30; Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org
Venice Theatre
Carter W. Lewis’ comic drama “Golf With Alan Shepard" about a group of grumpy old men playing golf, discussing their problems, loves and fears about life as they have an out-of-this-world encounter with the astronaut who hit the longest golf shot in history, continues through Sept. 10. Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice; $35, $22 college students and educators, $15 youth; 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
Sarasota Art Museum
There are several continuing exhibitions on display around the museum. Carlos Bunga has created a temporary structure out of cardboard and masking tape he calls “Reassembling Spilt Light," on display through Oct. 29. You can see how Chakaia Booker repurposes tires and other materials in her exhibition “Surface Pressure,” also through Oct. 29. And you have until Sept. 17 to see the varied images featured in “The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion.” Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
Selby Gardens
The work of Sarasota designer and illustrator John Pirman is highlighted in a career retrospective exhibit “Diving Into Nature,” which continues indoors and outdoors through Sept. 17 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota; 941-366-5731; selby.org
Farmers markets for Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
Sarasota Farmers Market
The year-round market in downtown Sarasota features vendors selling produce, plants, artisan goods, and food and drink, also featuring live music and other entertainment. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays; 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota; sarasotafarmersmarket.org
Venice Farmers Market
The year-round market features farm, food-related, artisan and greenery vendors. 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays April-September, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays October-March; 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice; thevenicefarmersmarket.org
Newtown Farmers Market
The market offers fresh local produce, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, and other goods. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and first and third Fridays; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota; newtownnation.com
Siesta Key Farmers Market
The market located in Siesta Village features fresh produce, art, clothing and more. 8 a.m.-noon Sundays; 5124 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; siestakeyfarmersmarket.org
Fresh Harvest Farmers Market
The Downtown Wellen farmers market features nearly 40 different vendor booths offering locally grown and produced food including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages, as well as a limited selection of craft vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays; Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice; wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market
Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch
The year-round market features more than 100 local vendors offering organic produce, flowers, specialty spices/rubs, honey, bread and other baked goods, prepared foods, pet products, jewelry and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays; 1561 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch; themarketlwr.com
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Contact him at jay.handelman@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Fun Sarasota Bradenton Venice Charlotte things to do, events September
