Looking for fun things to do? Top 5 events in Sarasota area this Veterans Day weekend
The holidays are almost here, and our list of best November events in Sarasota-Manatee includes a bunch of big ones this weekend.
Personally, I can't get enough of stone crab and other locally sourced seafood, so you should find me at the Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival, stuffing my face while jamming out to some Grateful Dead tunes.
However, that's not even the largest festival happening this weekend. That honor has to go to the four-day bash taking place on Sarasota's best-known beach, which is a short drive from downtown Sarasota, where the Veterans Day Parade will take place. Speaking of holidays, Santa will be making his first appearance of the season on Saturday.
Continue reading for more information about all of these events, as well as a craft beer festival being held outside one of my favorite pizza joints in Southside Village.
Best restaurants in downtown Sarasota? Here are 10 of my favorites, from fancy to casual
Best waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there!
Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday
1. Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival returns to Siesta Beach
World-famous Siesta Beach will once again host the Crystal Classic, featuring 24 artists participating in a Master Sand Sculpting competition, along with sand sculpting lessons and demonstrations, as well as an amateur contest. And don't forget about all the other festivities taking place during this hugely popular four-day event. There will be live bands, the Barefoot Beach Bar Party Tent, and Vendor Village featuring 80-plus retail vendors and five food trailers that are all open to the public. Friday-Monday; Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota; $12, $10 senior/military, $6 ages 5-17 (one-day), $40, $20 ages 5-17 (four-day), $12-$55 amateur competition, $55 reserved parking day pass; siestakeycrystalclassic.com
10 best beaches and restaurants nearby in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice area
2. Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony in downtown Sarasota
Put on something patriotic Saturday morning and find a spot in downtown Sarasota to watch the city's annual Veterans Day Parade. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Osprey Avenue and Main Street and will move westward on Main Street, ending at Gulfstream Avenue. The festivities will culminate with an 11 a.m. ceremony at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park at the corner of Gulfstream Avenue and Main Street. 10 a.m. Saturday, Main Street, Sarasota; 941-812-5406; sarasotafl.gov
Craving an awesome sandwich? 10 best restaurants and delis in Sarasota and Bradenton
3. Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival along north Sarasota Bay
Nestled along north Sarasota Bay in the commercial fishing village of Cortez, the outstanding Swordfish Grill will host its 11th annual Stone Crab and Music Festival featuring plenty of claws along with a bounty of other fresh Gulf seafood dishes, plus lots of ice-cold adult beverages. The beloved annual event also features another first-rate music roster including famed Grateful Dead tribute act Uncle John's Band performing 2 p.m. Saturday on the main stage by the eating area with a large tent. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar, 4628 119th St. W., Cortez; $5, free ages 12 and under (admission), $5 per car (parking); cortezstonecrabfestival.com
Best waterfront restaurants in Cortez Village on Sarasota Bay and what to eat and drink there
4. Santa’s Grand Arrival at University Town Center
The holiday season kicks off early again this year at University Town Center with Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade (6:30-7:45 p.m.), the first light show of the season, a fireworks display (7:45 p.m.) and much more, including internationally acclaimed Sarasota aerialist Nik Wallenda wire-walking across Cattlemen Road to light UTC’s 50-foot-tall Christmas tree (6:15-6:30 p.m.) The evening’s grand finale will be an after-party performance by Bradenton’s own nationally famous rock band We The Kings (8:15-10 p.m.). There will also be the Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival starting at noon in the Mall at UTC main entrance lot, as well as pop-up food stations and concessions in the West District at UTC. Additionally, there are great UTC restaurants such as Yard House, Rocco's Tacos and Ford's Garage. Noon-9 p.m. Saturday; University Town Center, 210 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; utcsarasota.com
Craving an amazing burger? Here are my top picks in Sarasota and Bradenton
5. SRQ Craft Beer Festival at Origin in Sarasota
Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe, one of my favorite spots for pizza as well as wings, will host the fifth annual SRQ Craft Beer Festival at its original restaurant location in Southside Village just south of downtown Sarasota. There will be food, live music and exclusive tastings from numerous award-winning breweries including local and regional favorites such as Big Top, Calusa, and Green Bench. Noon-4 p.m. Sunday; Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe, 1837 Hillview St., Sarasota; $25; facebook.com/originpizzacafe
Best restaurants for pizza in Sarasota, Bradenton — from authentic Italian to fun toppings
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 things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton on Veterans Day weekend
