Major festivals, powerboat races, more fun things to do in Sarasota area this weekend
As we approach the peak of snowbird and tourist season, we're met with five major events this weekend, including several of Sarasota and Manatee counties' biggest annual festivals of the entire year. In fact, these events are so big, we're not even going to try ranking them this week.
We have outdoor festivals featuring motorcycles, powerboat races, seafood, and Greek cuisine, all paired with lots of live music and perhaps some adult libations. Seeking an indoors option? There's also a circus show kicking off this weekend.
In addition to the five events highlighted below, you can visit the free Embracing Our Differences exhibit on Bayfront Park and/or check out the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees water ski team performing with free bleacher seating (donations encouraged) at 2 p.m. Sundays on City Island.
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Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival
Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle and Music Festival roars back into the Sarasota Fairgrounds to celebrate its 26th anniversary and again raise money for Suncoast Charities for Children. The three-day festival features live music performances by Molly Hatchet, Grand Funk Railroad and Creed Fisher as well as a bike show, daredevil acts, motorcycle “sound off” competition and lots and lots of vendors. 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday, noon Sunday; Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $10 advance, $15 day of, free ages 12 and under, limited VIP tickets also available; 941-487-7904; thunderbythebay.org
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Bradenton Area River Regatta
The ninth annual Bradenton Area River Regatta brings a full schedule of free, fun, and family-events to the Manatee River area, from the Bradenton Riverwalk to the Palmetto waterfront. This year, the festivities kick off Friday at 7:15 p.m. with the Sky Elements Drone Light Show and a 7:30 p.m. free concert by a Fleetwood Mac tribute band at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion stage. The powerboat races begin at 1 p.m. Saturday (test runs should start around 10:30 a.m.) with live music on both sides of the river including a Taylor Swift tribute act at 3:45 on the Palmetto main stage. As someone who attends every year, I also highly recommend spending time watching Kristen "The Destroyer" Smoyer, a champion flyboarder, perform high above the river between boat races. 7:15 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. (LECOM 5K walk/run) Saturday; Manatee River; free admission; bradentonarearegatta.com
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Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
One of the longest running celebrations in the region, the 42nd annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival returns to the west end of the village in front of Star Fish Company, which was just named one of the best in the country by USA TODAY. Enjoy two days of food, libations, live music, nautical arts and crafts, touch tanks, "dock talks" and more along north Sarasota Bay at one of the state's last working waterfronts. 10 a.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday; 12306 46th Ave. W.; Cortez; $5 admission (free for children 12 and younger); fishcortez.org/commercial-fishing-festival
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St. Barbara Greek Festival
Guests are invited to "Be Greek for a weekend!" at the 40th annual St. Barbara Greek Festival featuring homemade Greek food and drink as well as live entertainment including traditional dance. There will also be a raffle to win a new car or $35,000. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday; St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota; 941-355-2616; stbarbarafestival.org
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Circus Sarasota
Those seeking high-flying thrills will want to check out the latest production of the long-running Circus Sarasota. The lengthy lineup features Joseph Bauer Jr. (ringmaster); The Bello Sisters (acrobatic hand balancing who competed on “America’s Got Talent”); Caleb Carinci (horseback riding); Duo Minasov (quick change artistry); Elan Espa?a (diabolo juggling); Noe Espa?a & Marcos Ponce Lopez (double wheel of destiny). Friday, Feb. 16-March 10; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; $30-$80, with 20% discount on opening week shows; 941-355-9805; circusarts.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 [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Festivals, boat races more fun things to do Sarasota area this weekend
