Powerboat races and more fun events! Top 5 things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend
Before all of the exciting July 4th events take place, we have five fun pre-Independence Day activities lined up for this weekend in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties, including one of the biggest of the year.
Yes, everyone should experience the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix taking place along Lido Beach at least once in their lifetime. Other options include the Suncoast's Largest Food Truck Festival at University Town Center, a Great American Picnic at Downtown Wellen Park near North Port, and back in Sarasota, there is also Hot Dog Day at Hamlet's Eatery and Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling.
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1. Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is Friday through Sunday
The 39th annual P1 Offshore Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday with a "pit party" that includes live music, food trucks, and local vendors at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's parking lot. The motorsports action then takes place along Lido Beach, where the event features 60 powerboat racing teams from Europe, Australia, Canada, and the U.S., drawing a sea of spectators. Both the pit party and races are free to attend, with VIP options priced $150-$350. For more information, visit p1offshore.com/sarasota.
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2. Suncoast's Largest Food Truck Festival 3.0
Head out to UTC this weekend for what's being billed as "Street Food Heaven" with 70 different vendors offering a wide variety of casual cuisines. Monday night ends with the always-impressive Fireworks on the Lake at neighboring Nathan Benderson Park. 2-7 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, and 3-9 p.m. Monday; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; $5 entry fee, free under age 18; 727-674-1464; floridapenguinproductions.com
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3. Great American Picnic in Downtown Wellen
Downtown Wellen Park invites you to kick off a fun-filled Independence Day weekend with live music, family-friendly activities, a pie bake-off, and plenty of food and drink options. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and find a spot on the Great Lawn to enjoy a day that will include a performance by local country music standout Derek Lersch. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice; wellenpark.com
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4. Hot Dog Day at Hamlet's Eatery in Sarasota
The food truck Hamlet's Eatery, permanently located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, celebrates National Hot Dog Day and their own birthday with a "hot dog extravaganza." In addition to dogs and an array of tempting toppings, there will be live music by Geri Blunt and beer samples from Sun King Brewing and Big Top Brewing Company. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; Hamlet's Eatery, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota; 941-445-1938; hamletseatery.com
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5. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling in Sarasota
An 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 through 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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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: Fun, free things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice this weekend
