Fun things to do: Top 5 events happening in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend: Jan. 5-7
While the holiday season is behind us, there are plenty of fun things to do in January for those fortunate enough to be in sunny Sarasota-Manatee.
In addition to the five events highlighted below, the newly reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be performing at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa from Friday through Sunday. Ringling Bros. is operated by the Ellenton-headquartered Feld Entertainment and has a rich history with Sarasota dating back nearly a century. For more information, visit ringling.com.
Now, though, let's look at what's happening closer to home, beginning with a free block party in downtown Sarasota.
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1. Fresh Fridays' New Year on the Block party in downtown Sarasota
Shake off that New Year's Eve hangover and return to downtown Sarasota for the monthly Fresh Fridays block party featuring a "New Year on the Block" theme. Enjoy live music, drinks, including bubbly, and food from some of downtown's best restaurants including Beso, one of my favorites to open in 2023. 7-10 p.m. Friday; State Street, Sarasota; downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays
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2. Paranormal Cirque brings R-rated thrills back to Palmetto
The Bradenton-based, nationally touring Paranormal Cirque's R-rated show returns with more scares and laughs, while incorporating elements of circus, theater and cabaret. All the fun and thrills take place under their imposing big top tent set up in Palmetto, which can be seen from Bradenton Riverwalk (glowing red at night), and is a short walk from waterfront restaurant fave Riviera Dunes Dockside Social Bar and Grill. 7:30 p.m. today and Friday (Jan. 4-5), 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday; Riviera Dunes Marina, 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto; $20-$60 (guests ages 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult, no guests under age 13 admitted), $5 parking; 941-704-8572; paranormalcirque.com
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3. 'Orchids in Paradise' at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
One of the region's longest running events, The Sarasota Orchid Society's 66th annual show and sale is this weekend at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, located by the city's new public park The Bay, which shares waterfront property with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall overlooking Sarasota Bay. Expect more than 20 vendors filling the auditorium "with an explosion of color and smells, exhibiting and selling thousands of blooming orchid plants, as well as presenting gorgeous displays," the local orchid society notes on its website. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; $5; sarasotaorchidsociety.org
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4. Bradenton Boat Show at Convention Center in Palmetto
A bunch of new boats will be displayed, both indoors and outdoors, along with fishing gear and more this weekend during the Bradenton Boat Show. Attendees can also visit the Captain Joe Fishing School, where participants rig lures, tie knots or learn how to throw a cast net. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto; $6 adults, free ages 12 and under; 727-894-3644; bradentonboatshow.com
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5. Free block party Music on Main continues in Lakewood Ranch
The monthly Lakewood Ranch block party series Music on Main continues with the street lined with food vendors and beer trucks, as well as rides and activities for children. The free entertainment includes singer Jesse Daniels performing country, rock and soul songs. 6-9 p.m. Friday; Main Street, Lakewood Ranch; lakewoodranch.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 fun free things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend
