Festivals and more fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend
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February is an action-packed month here in Sarasota and Manatee counties, with this weekend featuring a fun lineup of festivals and more, including a very dog-friendly Super Bowl party for all of you football and/or Taylor Swift fans.
In addition to the events highlighted below, you can visit the free Embracing our Differences exhibit on Bayfront Park and/or check out the park's new shipwreck-themed playground and splash pad. Plus, you're right by O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill if you need a drink or bite, but prepared for lines at the popular waterfront destination.
Finally, don't forget that Wednesday, Feb. 14, is Valentine's Day, and there are plenty of great romantic restaurants to choose from in Sarasota and Manatee.
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1. Phil's Phundraiser Benephit at Big Top Brewing in Sarasota
If you've spent any time enjoying live music in Sarasota and Manatee counties, chances are you've met beloved local emcee and performer Phil Phunn,, who is battling colon cancer. To raise money for their pal, an all-star roster of musicians will be performing at Big Top Brewing. These include Duane Betts (co-founder of the Allman Betts Band), Chris Anderson (former Outlaws lead guitarist), and Frank Hannon (co-founder of Tesla), as well as Mike Kach, Pedro Arevalo, and Frankie Lombardi, who played with Duane for many years in Dickey Betts' Great Southern group. Expect special guests as well, such as the recently announced addition of bassist Richard "Hombre" Price, whose long, impressive resume includes playing alongside the original Allman Brothers Band lineup and appearing on Lucinda Williams' 1998 Grammy-winning album "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road."
In addition to exceptional music, beers like Big Top's Intercostal Amber Ale (my current fave), and outstanding pizza and wings by Origin, there will be autographed items up for raffle and auction, including a guitar signed by the entire Tesla band, whose rock and pop hits include their Top 10 rendition of the song "Signs" from 1990. 6 p.m. Saturday; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $20 general admission (and $250 up front table for eight); 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com
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2. Motorworks Brewing Country Festival in Bradenton
I've heard plenty of great country tunes performed in the gorgeous beer garden at Motorworks, but this weekend, the Bradenton brewery will be hosting its first country music festival. Davenport, Florida native Aaron Kelly, a fifth-place finalist on season nine of 'American Idol' in 2010 and a new Sarasota County resident, will headline the festival. It will also feature local favorite Eric Von Band, Chas Collins Band, Keepin' It Country, and a Shania Twain tribute act. Bring your appetite for Southern food to pair with Motorworks' delicious beers like the V Twin Vienna Lager. Feeling adventurous? Rumor has it the festivities will include a mechanical bull. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; $35; 941-567-6218; motorworksbrewing.com
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3. Scottish Highland Games & Celtic Festival at Manatee County Fairgrounds
Looking to have some old-school fun? The Suncoast Scots are hosting this inaugural celebration of Scottish and Celtic heritage. Festivities include a bagpiping competition, heavy athletic events including the tossing of telephone poles, food, beverages and other assorted family-friendly activities. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1500 14th Ave. W., Palmetto; $15 advance, $20 day of, free ages 12 and under with attending adult; suncoastscots.com.
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4. Boo's Super Bowl Party in Sarasota
This entertainment complex in downtown Sarasota's Rosemary District featuring an indoor/outdoor dog park, a full bar, and some of the area's best pizza, will be hosting a Super Bowl party for all of us who want to watch the big game with our fur kid (who must be first registered at boosdogbar.com). The event will feature a game day buffet, TVs in the indoor dog park and restaurant, projector in the outdoor yard and projector inside. 5:30 p.m. Sunday; Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar, 1314 10th St.., Sarasota; $19.95-$29.95 (tickets include buffet and one well/house/domestic drink); 941-960-2669; boosdogbar.com
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5. Watch the Ski-A-Rees for free at Sarasota's City Island
They're back! The Sarasota water skiing team formed in the 1950s has returned for their winter/spring season with performances featuring free bleacher seating (donations encouraged) at 2 p.m. Sundays on City Island; near Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and the Save Our Seabirds Wild Bird Learning Center. Looking for nearby dining and drinking suggestions? Stop by Old Salty Dog or New Pass Grill, two of my favorite waterfront restaurants in Sarasota. For more information, visit Facebook.com/Ski.A.Rees.
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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Festivals and more top fun things to do in Sarasota area this weekend
