Looking for fun things to do this Father's Day weekend? Top 5 events in Sarasota area
Our roster of June events in Sarasota and Manatee counties heats up this Father's Day weekend with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family, as well as some just for adults.
For those seeking air-conditioned activities, we have the annual Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling as well as the return of ReptiCon in Sarasota.
The latest edition of the weekly Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park in North Port features an action film that Dad should appreciate, especially when paired with a ballpark beer and hot dog. Additionally, there's the Dad's Day Block Party at The Mall at UTC in Sarasota.
While Juneteenth isn't until Wednesday, we have the free Juneteenth Arts Festival also occurring on Father's Day. Continue reading for more information on all of these events.
Please contact the venue or organizer before attending any events due to the heavy rainfall expected. As of Wednesday, it was forecasted "to continue across portions of the Florida peninsula during the next few days," according to the National Hurricane Center.
Additionally, all events for Big Gay Weekend have already been postponed.
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1. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling in Sarasota
It's the opening weekend for Summer Circus Spectacular, the annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling that brings family-friendly entertainment to the lavish and intimate Historic Asolo Theater. The production features world-class circus artists including contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, the Bello Sisters acrobatic hand balancing, and hair hang act by Camille Langlois. 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. Friday, June 14-Aug. 17; Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $20, $15 children age 12 and younger, $75 opening night; 941-360-7399; ringling.org
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2. WBTT presents second annual Juneteenth Arts Festival in Sarasota
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's free Juneteenth Arts Festival will feature businesses, organizations and food vendors, short films by students from Ringling College of Art & Design, as well as dance and live music on an outdoor stage. Celebrating Juneteenth on Father’s Day has inspired family-friendly activities such as free haircuts for Dads and Toni Kennedy’s “What’s Poppin’ Penny,” an interactive, educational and entertaining show for children. Noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota; free admission; 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
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3. ReptiCon returns to Sarasota
Everybody’s favorite reptile and exotic animal expo returns to Sarasota County with another bunch of vendors and breeders. The family-friendly event offers educational activities and, of course, you will have plenty of opportunities to consider a new family pet among the hundreds of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spiders and small exotic animals. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota; $10, $5 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under; repticon.com/florida/sarasota
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4. Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park in North Port
CoolToday Park's popular Summer Movie Nights series, which features films shown on the scoreboard, continues with a Father's Day screening of the Dad-approved "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One." The seventh installment in the popular "Mission: Impossible" action film series features Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt leading his team against a rogue artificial intelligence. 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
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5. Dad's Day Block Party at The Mall UTC in Sarasota
Before or after treating Dad to a meal and drinks at one of his favorite UTC area restaurants — such as Ford's Garage, Yard House and The Capital Grille — bring him over to the annual Dad's Day Block Party. The event will feature free Father's Day activities, sports player meet-and-greets, more than 40 vendors, as well as giveaways and raffles.10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 15; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; free entry/parking; 727-674-1464; floridapenguinproductions.com
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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: Best things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton Father's Day weekend
