Don’t miss out! Top 5 things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice this weekend: July 12-14
It's now mid-July, officially the dead of summer, but don't worry — we still have a variety of fun events lined up for you this weekend in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
From Christmas in July to the Big Gay Beach Party, there are plenty of options. You can also enjoy festivals dedicated to cornhole and cocktails, as well as events happening at our local minor league baseball parks in Bradenton and North Port.
In addition to the five highlighted events below, don't miss out on the Sarasota Improv Festival. Taking place on Friday and Saturday at Florida Studio Theatre in downtown Sarasota, this event features performers from across the country for a weekend of spontaneous comedy.
Restaurant news: One of the best Mexican restaurants in Sarasota is permanently closing
10 best restaurants to visit now that tourist season is over in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice
50-plus fun things to do in July in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda
Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday
1. Christmas in July in downtown Venice
It's about halfway to Christmas, which means it's time to celebrate Christmas in July in historic downtown Venice. The annual event presented by Venice MainStreet features discounts at various shops, the chance to win one of several gift baskets, ride a free trolley, and meet Santa, who will likely be sporting shorts. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Downtown Venice District, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice; 941-484-6722; visitvenicefl.org
2. Cornhole and Cocktails Festival at Manatee Fairgrounds
Everybody's favorite lawn game will be the main attraction at this festival featuring an indoor cornhole tournament, music, food, drinks and raffles. There will be restaurants with samples of their food and cocktails, along with breweries, wineries and distilleries with samples of their beverages at this fifth annual fundraising event for Kiwanis Club of Manatee Sunrise. 3-7 p.m. Saturday; Veterans' Expo Hall, Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto; $50 (21 and older only); manateesunrisekiwanis.com
3. Big Gay Beach Party 9 in Sarasota
Postponed last month due to a stormy weather forecast, this popular annual beach bash brings together Sarasota's LGBTQ+ community and allies to North Lido for a fun day in the sugary white sands overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Organizers remind attendees to bring your own beach amenities and clean up after yourself. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; North Lido Beach, 1-85 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; free; biggayweekend.com
4. Marauders Pride Night 2023 at LECOM Park in Bradenton
The Bradenton Marauders, the Single-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, continue their baseball season by hosting the Jupiter Hammerheads and Pride Night. There will be a pre-game parade around the field and Pride in the Plaza, presented by sarasotaout.com. 5:30 p.m. gates open Saturday; LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; $9-$13; milb.com/bradenton
5. Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park in North Port
CoolToday Park's popular Summer Movie Nights series, featuring films shown on the scoreboard, continues with the canine adventure film "Arthur the King." Released earlier this year, the heartstring-tugging movie starring Mark Wahlberg is based on "Arthur — The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home," a memoir written by Mikael Lindnord and Val Hudson about a man and a dog who formed a deep bond during an adventure race in Ecuador. 5 p.m. Sunday; CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port; $7, $3 ages 4-9, free ages 3 and under; 941-413-5004; cooltodaypark.com/movies
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: Don’t miss out! Best things to do in Sarasota this weekend: July 12-14
