Looking for fun things to do? Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice this weekend
From a free waterfront concert to a festival celebrating one of the South's most famous foods, we have a lot of exciting October events happening this weekend.
In addition to the five events featured below, Hungarian Festival at Sarasota Fairgrounds and Fall Festival at University Town Center both take place Saturday and Sunday. Also, one of my favorite comedians, Sebastian Maniscalco, sold out two shows on Sunday at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Speaking of sellouts, all the tickets for the Monday, Oct. 23 event at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre featuring a Q&A with bestselling rock author Alan Paul moderated by yours truly, followed by a concert of Allman Brothers music by an all-star band, have also been sold.
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1. Free events at The Bay Turns One! festival in Sarasota
The Bay, the bayfront public park along Sarasota Bay adjacent to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, celebrates its one-year anniversary from today through Sunday with dozens of free events. These include a not-so-scary "Boo! at The Bay" Halloween trick-or-treating event on Friday, and the second annual Multicultural Festival at The Bay, along with a bayside concert featuring Journey's former lead singer, Steve Augeri, on Saturday. On Sunday, there's the Second Annual Taste of The Bay food festival in partnership with the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, and a "Soul & Sass" concert by Sarasota’s nationally acclaimed Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
The Nest, operated by the Venice Pier Group, will offer food and drink specials during certain events. Additionally, there will be beer/wine booths located throughout the park during various events, as well as food trucks. The Bay is at 655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit thebayturnsone.org.
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2. Sun Fiesta for bed races and more in downtown Venice
One of Venice's longest-running events, Sun Fiesta, debuted in 1973 and continues this year with another schedule of free, fun events, including live music, arts and crafts vendors, and the beloved bed race. There will also be food vendors, a beer and wine tent, a raffle, and an auction. Plus, don't forget to get your Sun Fiesta T-shirts at this event, which the Women's Sertoma Club of Venice has sponsored and organized since 1994. Friday-Sunday; Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; free admission; womenssertoma.com/sun-fiesta
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3. Back to Angola Festival in Bradenton
If you have yet to explore the expanded Bradenton Riverwalk, this is the perfect weekend. The fourth annual Back to Angola Festival is being held at the newly revamped Manatee Mineral Springs Park, located by the Riverwalk's beautiful boardwalk and observation tower. This three-day festival honors the Angola maroon (escaped slave) community that lived by the park from 1812 to 1821. The event will feature discussions with historians, archaeologists, and descendants, as well as basket weaving and wood carving demonstrations. You can also enjoy music, a costume workshop, and Bahamian dishes such as conch fritters, conch salad, and fried fish. 6-8 p.m. Friday, 1-8 p.m. Saturday, 4-8 p.m. Sunday; Manatee Mineral Springs Park, 1312 Second Ave. E., Bradenton; free; eventbrite.com
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4. Sarasota Pride Festival in downtown Rosemary District
Attendees are invited to celebrate love, diversity, and equality at the Sarasota PRIDE Festival dubbed "LGBTQ+ A LOT MORE" and held in the booming Rosemary District. There will be lots of entertainment including Thorgy Thor of "RuPaul's Drag Race," a Pride Concert, and The Pride Market featuring LGBTQ+-inspired products and food and beverages. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday; Boulevard of the Arts in The Rosemary District. For more information, visit ppsrq.org.
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5. Big Mama’s Collard Greens Festival returns to Newtown in Sarasota
One of the greatest staples of Southern cuisine will be on full display at the seventh annual Big Mama's Collard Greens Festival, held in the heart of Sarasota's historic Black neighborhood, Newtown. Cooks will be competing for prizes, and attendees can feast on soul food fare while enjoying plenty of live entertainment. BMCGF is a family-friendly, no-alcohol event. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday; Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., Sarasota; newtownnation.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 things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice this weekend
