Free tiki festival and more fun things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton, Punta Gorda this weekend

Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

It's the first weekend of August, and our list of events in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties includes a free tiki festival, a back-to-school bash, pro baseball, fireworks, a block party, and roller derby action.

In addition to the five events spotlighted below — which include fun, free and indoor options — keep in mind that the Summer Circus Spectacular continues. The annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling continues to bring family-friendly entertainment to the lavish, intimate and nicely air-conditioned Historic Asolo Theater on the museum grounds at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. For more information, visit ringling.org.

Meanwhile, Laser Lights Nights continues at the equally cool Planetarium at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton at 201 10th St. W., near the west entrance to Riverwalk. For more information on these planetarium laser light shows set to music by star rock and pop acts, visit bishopscience.org.

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1. TikiFest at Fishermen’s Village on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda

Thanks to its seven 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 will be even more fun Saturday for the seventh annual TikiFest. The free event will feature live island music and dance as well as food, art and activities. Noon-9 p.m. Saturday; Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; fishermensvillage.com

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2. Back to School Bash at The Mall at University Town Center

The Mall at UTC's annual Back to School bash features live entertainment, kids activities, face painting and more. Attendees will also have the chance to meet with community resources, after school programs, healthcare providers, pediatricians, optometrists, and tutors. Plus, they're giving away 250 backpacks and thousands of school supplies through an interactive scavenger hunt. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; 727-674-1464; floridapenguinproductions.com

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3. Marauders Back to School Night at LECOM Park in Bradenton

Marauders Back to School Night at LECOM Park in Bradenton includes post-game fireworks.
Marauders Back to School Night at LECOM Park in Bradenton includes post-game fireworks.

The Bradenton Marauders, a Class A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, continue their baseball season with a game at home against the Tampa Tarpons on Saturday, which is also Back to School Night. There will be a backpack giveaway for the first 500 attendees ages 12 and under and post-game fireworks. 5 p.m. gates, 6:30 p.m. first pitch Saturday; LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; $8-$12; milb.com/bradenton

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4. Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch

Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch is Friday.
Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch is Friday.

The first Friday of the month means you can enjoy the free Lakewood Ranch block party Music on Main, where you’ll find the street lined with food vendors and beer trucks, as well as rides and activities for children. Entertainment includes Silverback Rock N’ Roll Band playing hit songs from the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s. 6-9 p.m. Friday; Main Street, Lakewood Ranch; lakewoodranch.com

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5. Bradentucky Bombers roller derby action in Ellenton

The Bradentucky Bombers have a home game Saturday in Ellenton.
The Bradentucky Bombers have a home game Saturday in Ellenton.

Billed as "the most exciting game on eight wheels," The Bradentucky Bombers continue their 17th women's flat track roller derby season this weekend with a home game against Panama City Beach's Sugar Sands Roller Derby. Like most sporting events, beer and other concessions are available for purchase. 5 p.m. (4:30 p.m. doors) Saturday; Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton; $10 (online presale), $15 (door), $10 (kids 6-12) and free for children 5 and younger; bradentuckybombers.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: Tiki festival and more fun things to do in Sarasota area this weekend