Free car show, music, food and more fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend
Our list of September events in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties continues with an eclectic roster of fun activities, including our featured one taking place on St. Armands Circle, which is back in business following flooding from Hurricane Idalia.
In addition to the five events spotlighted below, taking place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, consider checking out the return of Cinema at The Bay. The series continues at 7:30 p.m. today (Sept. 7) with a free screening of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," ahead of the third installment in the hit franchise set to be released on Friday (Sept. 8). For more information, visit thebaysarasota.org.
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1. Exotic Cars on the Circle at St. Armands in Sarasota
Stop by St. Armands Circle to admire some exotic cars at this free event with all proceeds benefiting 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. Before or after checking the cars, be sure to shop, dine or drink at the nearby businesses that recently had to recover from the Hurricane Idalia deluge, with Columbia and sister restaurant Cha Cha Coconuts receiving nearly a foot of flooding before managing to reopen the next evening. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; St. Armands Circle Park, 434 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free admission, minimum $25 donation to show car; starmandscircleassoc.com
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2. Party on the Plaza at CoolToday Park in North Port
The spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, as well as the year-round destination Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill, brings back its Party on the Plaza series with a performance by Pure Country. The country band shares a name with a 1992 film starring George Strait and plays the hits of the '80s, '90s and early '00s. 5 p.m. gates, 7 p.m. music Saturday; 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
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3. Manatee Pro Rodeo in Palmetto
Watch professional cowboys and cowgirls compete at the Manatee Pro Rodeo featuring bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping and more. Bring cash for concessions and parking. 5:30 p.m. (gates) 7:30 p.m. (rodeo begins) Friday and Saturday; Manatee Pro Rodeo, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Advance tickets are $20 and tickets at the gate will be $25. Tickets for children ages 5-12 are $10 and children 4 and younger are free. For more information, visit manateeprorodeo.com
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4. Jah Movement at The Bamboozer in downtown Bradenton, Celtic Ray in Punta Gorda, Gator Club in downtown Sarasota
Jah Movement, the best reggae band in the region, will bring their exceptional musicianship and captivating stage presence to the cozy Bamboozer Island Bar for a Saturday afternoon performance in downtown Bradenton. In addition to booking music acts such as Jah Movement, which returns again Sept. 23, Bamboozer is known for its extensive selection of frozen daiquiris, and they also feature a food truck out back specializing in delicious Cuban cuisine, typically served right to your table or bar seat. Jah Movement will then play a second show Saturday, at 8 p.m., at the excellent Irish pub Celtic Ray in Punta Gorda, in addition to their various other shows including 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the 110-year-old Gator Club in downtown Sarasota. 1 p.m. Saturday; The Bamboozer Island Bar, 313 Old Main St. (aka 12th St. W.), Bradenton; 941-748-7795; facebook.com/Bamboozer941
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5. Jimmy Shubert at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre in downtown Sarasota
Those seeking some edgy stand-up comedy will want to consider Jimmy Shubert this week at McCurdy's in downtown Sarasota. Shubert was part of Sam Kinison's "Outlaws of Comedy" before becoming a finalist on "Last Comic Standing" and landing various acting roles. 7 p.m. today (Sept. 7), 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday; McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $26; 941-925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.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: Free show, more fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend
