Free concert on the bay and more fun things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Bradenton

Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

While the temperatures don't exactly feel like autumn yet, fall finally arrives this weekend and with a fine lineup of fun September events happening in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties.

In addition to the five events featured below, be sure to consider visiting Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub & Grill on Monday, Sept. 25. One of my picks for best restaurants for great food while watching sports, Clancy's on Cortez Road in west Bradenton, will be hosting its annual Bar Wars at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Jameson this year, the event typically finds bartenders from various establishments vying for best cocktails honors along with other fun competitions.

Participants this year include Clancy's, Cork's Cigar Bar, Fanatics Sports Bar & Grill, Hurricane Hanks, Pour Decisions, Tommy Knockers, and Ugly Grouper. For more information, visit facebook.com/clancysirishsportspub.

Best restaurants in downtown Sarasota? Here are 10 of my favorites, from fancy to casual

Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday

1. Van Wezel's final Friday Fest of the season features reggae band Jah Movement

Shantel Norman, pictured here playing in front of 3,000-plus people at Friday Fest in 2016, is one of the lead singers of Jah Movement.
Shantel Norman, pictured here playing in front of 3,000-plus people at Friday Fest in 2016, is one of the lead singers of Jah Movement.

The Van Wezel concludes its popular outdoor concert series overlooking Sarasota Bay with a performance by one of the region's top acts: the reggae band Jah Movement. There will be food vendors and beer, wine and cocktails for sale, and while blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, outside food and beverages, including coolers, are prohibited. 5-9 p.m. Friday; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; free admission; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Best waterfront restaurants in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there!

2. Key Lime & Tropical Festival at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda

Fishermen's Village is on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda.
Fishermen's Village is on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda.

Thanks to its waterfront restaurants and bars all within a short stroll of one another, it’s always fun visiting Fishermen’s Village and perhaps staying in one of the suites on the second floor overlooking Charlotte Harbor and all of the adorable shops below. It should be even more fun Saturday for the 10th annual Key Lime & Tropical Festival, with live music throughout the day and various restaurants and shops offering various Key lime specialties. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday; Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; fishermensvillage.com

Craving an amazing burger? Here are my top picks in Sarasota and Bradenton

3. Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival

Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival (formerly titled "A Taste of Downtown") returns Saturday.
Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival (formerly titled "A Taste of Downtown") returns Saturday.

Sarasota Opera’s annual Food & Wine Festival (formerly titled “Taste of Downtown”) returns with favorite restaurants such as Michael’s on East, Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi Grill, Mattison’s and Selva Grill, along with new partners including Molly’s Pub and Shore. In addition to the tasty cuisine, the event will feature performances from the Youth Opera chorus and Sarasota Opera artists, plus raffles and other activities. 1-4 p.m. Saturday; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $75 purchased in advance, $85 purchased on the day of the event; sarasotaopera.org/foodandwinefest

Best restaurants for pizza in Sarasota, Bradenton — from authentic Italian to fun toppings

4. Free movie screening and concert at The Bay in Sarasota

Movie night at The Bay, a community, city and park conservancy initiative that aspires to transform 53 acres of city-owned land into a signature public park on Sarasota Bay.
Movie night at The Bay, a community, city and park conservancy initiative that aspires to transform 53 acres of city-owned land into a signature public park on Sarasota Bay.

The Bay, which aspires to transform 53 acres of city-owned land into a signature public park on Sarasota Bay, continues its free Cinema at The Bay series with a screening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. today (Sept. 21) of writer/director Christopher Nolan's 2010 sci-fi action film "Inception" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The park then hosts its weekly Sundays at The Bay from 6 to 7 p.m. with a free concert by David Munoz. The Bay is at 1055 Boulevard of the Arts. For more information, visit thebaysarasota.org.

Tacos, margaritas and more! 10 best Mexican restaurants in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice

5. Derric & Friends at Hamlet's Eatery in Sarasota

Singer, dancer and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe star Derric Gobourne Jr. will be performing soul and pop music favorites on the outdoor stage at Hamlet's Eatery along with other members of the Troupe. Hamlet's Eatery, located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, features a menu of traditional and vegan dishes. 5-8 p.m. Saturday; 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota; free admission; 941-445-1938; hamletseatery.com

Who lives here? Most famous celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Bradenton area

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 fun free things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Bradenton