Top 5 things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice this weekend including Christmas in July
Our list of fun events taking place in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties includes downtown Venice's Christmas in July festivities. We also have four other great options, including screenings of two of my all-time favorite movies (one indoors and the other outdoors), roller derby action, and a must-attend event for local cat lovers.In addition to the five events spotlighted below, 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/laser-light-nights.
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1. Christmas in July in downtown Venice
One of Sarasota County's most beloved annual traditions continues this weekend in Venice. The city's historic downtown will feature Christmas-themed windows and discounts, and you can register to win one of several gift baskets, ride the trolley both days, and, yes, meet Santa, who will likely be wearing shorts and shades. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Downtown Venice District (Miami, Tampa, West Venice avenues); 941-484-6722; visitvenicefl.org
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2. 'Big Lebowski' at Sarasota Opera House
The historic Opera House in downtown Sarasota continues its annual summer movie series with a screening of the Coen brothers' 1998 cult classic"The Big Lebowski" starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman. One of the greatest comedies of the past century, the film that launched Dudeism and The Church of the Latter-Day Dude should be a thrill to see on the big screen at the stately opera house. 7:30 p.m. Friday; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $12; 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
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3. 'Jaws' at CoolToday Park in North Port
CoolToday Park, the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, continues its popular Summer Movie Nights series on Sunday with a screening of "Jaws." Because, really, evey summer movie night series should include a showing of Steven Spielberg's masterful 1975 thriller starring Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, and Robert Shaw giving a truly brilliant performance as the shark hunter Quint.
The Movie Nights take place inside the stadium with the films shown on the scoreboard. Parking is free, and seats are available in the seating bowl. Please note that outside food, beverages, and chairs are not allowed inside the stadium. However, you can enjoy refreshments at the Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill, which is open during the event. 5 p.m. Sunday; CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, North Port; $7 adults, $3 (ages 4-9); 941-413-5004; cooltodaypark.com/movies
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4. Bradentucky Bombers roller derby action 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 by facing off against Lakeland's Swan City 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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5. Sarasota-Bradenton Cat Extravaganza & Rescue Awareness Event
Feline fanatics will not want to miss the "cat extravaganza" being held this weekend at Manatee County's convention center in Palmetto. There will be a shopping village, charities and rescue, and you can enter your cat in the competition or just watch the fun take place on the catwalk. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto; $15, $12 ages 12-17 and 65 or older; lcwwgroup.com/events
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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: Christmas in July in Venice: Fun things to do in Sarasota this weekend
