Free music festival, 'Ferris Bueller,' more fun things to do in Sarasota area this weekend
While we're already looking ahead to a full schedule of exciting August events, we still have a full roster of fun things to do this final weekend of July in Sarasota and Manatee counties. One of my all-time favorite comedy movies will be shown at CoolToday Park, and a classic film that I've seen performed as an impressive stage play will be screened at the Sarasota Opera House.
Additionally, we have a free music festival at a Sarasota brewery, circus thrills, and laser light shows in downtown Bradenton. Lastly, if you're a rock music fan looking for a great summer read, check out Alan Paul's new book, "Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the 70s," which largely focuses on Sarasota County resident Dickey Betts.
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1. CoolToday Park in North Port ends its Movie Nights with screening of 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'
CoolToday Park, the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, concludes its popular Summer Movie Nights series on Sunday with a screening of the 1980s comedy classic 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off.' John Hughes' brilliant tribute to truancy (and love letter to his hometown of Chicago) stars Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara and Alan Ruck.
The Movie Nights take place inside the stadium with the films shown on the scoreboard. Parking is free, and seats are available in the seating bowl. Please note that outside food, beverages, and chairs are not allowed inside the stadium. However, you can enjoy refreshments at the Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill, which is open during the event. 5 p.m. Sunday; CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, North Port; $7 adults, $3 (ages 4-9); 941-413-5004; cooltodaypark.com/movies
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2. Neverfest II at Big Top Brewing in Sarasota
The second annual Neverfest features the local ska-punk band Neverless, along with about 10 more music acts playing on two stages at Big Top Brewing. In addition to serving fresh, award-winning beer, the festival will also offer food, vendors, and games for attendees to enjoy throughout the day, and admission is free so you will have more money for adult beverages! 3 p.m. Friday; Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; free; 941-371-2939; bigtopbrewing.com
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3. Watch the classic movie 'You Can’t Take It With You' at Sarasota Opera House
The historic Opera House in downtown Sarasota continues its annual summer movie series with a screening of the 1938 romantic comedy "You Can’t Take It With You." Directed by Frank Capra and starring Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore and James Stewart, the film is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. 7:30 p.m. Friday; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
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4. Summer Circus Spectacular continues at The Ringling in Sarasota
The annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling, Summer Circus Spectacular brings family-friendly entertainment to the lavish and intimate Historic Asolo Theater. The production features world-class circus artists including aerialists, acrobats, contortionists and clowns. Also, keep in mind after attending Summer Circus Spectacular, you can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the same day for just $5 more. Today-Aug. 12; Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $20, $13 ages 12 and under, $50 opening night gala and performance; 941-360-7399; ringling.org
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5. Laser Light Nights return to Bishop in downtown Bradenton with music by Aerosmith, Lady Gaga
Since relaunching last May, the planetarium laser light shows set to music by star rock and pop acts have been a huge success. This week's lineup, which features part-time Sarasota resident Joe Perry's band Aerosmith, is as follows: Kiss 7 p.m. today (July 27), Aerosmith 9 p.m. today (July 27), Foo Fighters 7 p.m. Friday, Rage Against the Machine 9 p.m. Friday, Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" 7 p.m. Saturday, and Lady Gaga 9 p.m. Saturday.
The shows are held at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton, located at 201 10th St. W., near the west entrance to Riverwalk. Beer, wine, soda, water, and snacks will be available for purchase in the planetarium lobby from 6 to 9 p.m., and they can be taken into the theater. Please note that no outside food or drink is permitted inside the lobby or theater. Tickets are priced at $15. For more information, visit bishopscience.org/laser-light-nights.
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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 festival, fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend
