Free beach party, pumpkin fest, more fun things to do this weekend in Sarasota and Manatee

Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

Before making plans for October, enjoy a superb lineup of fun (and free!) events happening this weekend in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties during the final weekend of September.

In addition to the five outdoor events featured below, which include a free beach party with a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, there are also several indoor movie screenings taking place this weekend.

These include the Fabulous Independent Film Festival taking place Friday through Sunday at Burns Court Cinemas in downtown Sarasota. Plus, you can catch "In the Heights" at 1 p.m. on Friday at Historic Asolo Theater, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Sarasota Opera House, and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" with a special appearance by the film's costar Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors) at 8 p.m. on Saturday at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

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1. Venice Beach Party with food, drinks and Jimmy Buffett tribute band

The Venice Beach Party, which debuted in 2016, returns this weekend.
The Venice Beach Party, which debuted in 2016, returns this weekend.

The annual Venice Beach Party, which debuted in 2016, returns on Saturday with a full lineup of free fun. The music acts include the Jimmy Buffett tribute band Beach Bumz and there will be food for sale by outstanding south Sarasota County restaurants such as BrewBurgers and Pop's Sunset Grill. Additionally, there will be beer and wine vendors plus specialty drinks by the landmark Sharky's on the Pier. 3-8 p.m. Saturday; Venice Beach, 101 The Esplanade, Venice; free admission; visitvenicefl.org

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2. Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival

A beloved Sarasota tradition now in its 35th year, the Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival returns with numerous family-friendly activities including a food truck rally, craft show, live music, kids fun zone, and lots of sweet animal experiences such as "hold-a-skunk," "hug-a-goat" and horse-drawn carriage rides. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 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

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3. Parktoberfest at The Bay in Sarasota

Put on your favorite lederhosen or dirndl and enjoy Oktoberfest festivities at The Bay on Sunday. The DeLeon Family Band will be performing traditional polka music for those ready to join in on the chicken dance, and The Bay's concession stand, The Nest, is teaming up with Sun King Brewery to offer German-inspired and locally crafted beers. The Nest will also be serving brats and soft pretzels with beer cheese sauce, and a currywurst food truck will be present at this free admission event. 5-7 p.m. Sunday; The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota; thebaysarasota.org

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4. Ski-A-Rees return to Sarasota's City Island

Ski-A-Rees, a nonprofit water skiing team, has performed a weekly show on City Island near Ken Thompson Parkway since 1957. Members hold regular practices and participate in state, regional and national competitions.
Ski-A-Rees, a nonprofit water skiing team, has performed a weekly show on City Island near Ken Thompson Parkway since 1957. Members hold regular practices and participate in state, regional and national competitions.

They're back! The beloved Sarasota water skiing team formed in the 1950s returns for the winter season and will be performing with 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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5. St. Armands Craft Festival & Sidewalk Sale

After being flooded by Hurricane Idalia, Sarasota's famed restaurant and shopping hub, St. Armands Circle, has returned to its former beauty and is now hosting a craft festival and sidewalk sale this weekend. This free event will showcase works from more than 175 artisans and will take place inside St. Armands Circle Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; starmandscircleassoc.com

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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: Best things to do this weekend: Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Florida