Fun Things to Do and See in Sarasota!
September 2024

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR

September 2 | Labor Day

September 11 | Patriot Day

September 22 | Frist Day of Fall

September 1

15th Annual Labor Day Craft Festival

The Venice community's overwhelming support contributes to the craft festival's success. Situated on Miami Avenue in Downtown Venice, this vibrant Gulf Coast town boasts historic charm, natural beauty, and a variety of independently owned shops and restaurants.

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September 1 - 2

Englewood Pioneer Days

Englewood Pioneer Days returns with the theme "Happy Days Are Here Again." The event kicks off on Saturday, August 31, with cardboard boat races at Indian Mound Park. The Pioneer Days Parade begins at 9 AM on Dearborn Street, followed by family fun at Pioneer Plaza with games and live music.

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September 2

Labor Day Picnic & Pig Roast - Venice

The Labor Day picnic begins at 3 PM, with dinner served at 4 PM featuring roast pig, plantains, BBQ beans, potato salad, coleslaw, dessert, and drinks. Beer and wine will also be available. Reserve your spot quickly, as this event is expected to sell fast.

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September 6

Music on Main - Lakewood Ranch

Music on Main is a free monthly concert and block party held on the first Friday from 6-9 PM. It features local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and kids' activities. Proceeds benefit a different local non-profit each month, making it a fun event for a good cause.

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September 7

Exotic Cars on the Circle - St. Armands

Exotic Cars On The Circle returns to St. Armands Circle Park, showcasing stunning supercars at this free event. Running from 9 AM - 3 PM, it's a chance to admire and discover new favorites. The event is sponsored by Ferrari Drivers SRQ.

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September 7

SarasotaCon Carlisle Inn Conference Center

The Sarasota Beauty, Health & Wellness Expo returns to The Mall at UTC on September 7, from 10 AM - 2 PM. Featuring over 40 vendors across beauty, health, and wellness industries, the event offers something for all ages.

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September 13 - 15

Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show

The Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show aims to inspire and motivate you for your next home improvement project, whether minor or major. With a variety of professionals in a fun, interactive setting, you'll leave confident and excited about your project’s possibilities.

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September 14 - 15

Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix - Lido Beach

Lido Beach offers the perfect beach backdrop for the thrilling double-bill of powerboat and personal watercraft racing. Sarasota's race is the second longest-running in the U.S., featuring a technical course with challenging turns and unpredictable seabed variations.

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September 21

Key Lime & Tropical Fest - Punta Gorda

The annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest at Fishermen's Village is a highly anticipated event. Enjoy live music with The Kollections Band from 12-3 PM in center court, and Trop Rock Junkies from 5-9 PM on the beach. Village restaurants will offer tropical food and drinks, while vendors display unique creations from 12-6 PM.

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September 21

Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Fest

The 2024 Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival invites you to support Sarasota Youth Opera & Education. Enjoy wine tasting and cuisine from top restaurants across Sarasota and Manatee counties. VIP entry begins at 12:30 PM for $100, with general admission at 1 PM for $75 in advance or $85 at the door.

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September 21 - 22

St. Armands Art Festival & Craft Marketplace

This popular free outdoor event at St. Armand’s Circle Park offers a vibrant setting for art lovers. Over two days, guests can explore and admire the works of more than 175 artisans and craft persons. Running from 10 AM - 4 PM, it’s a must-attend for fans of unique, handcrafted art. Sponsored by ArtFestival.com.

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September 24 - 25

Shrek The Musical - Van Wezel

The story of Shrek, an unlikely hero, unfolds as he embarks on a life-changing journey with a witty Donkey and a strong-willed princess. This hilarious stage spectacle brings the beloved ogre back, inspired by the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks animated film.

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September 26

Wines Around the World: Argentina

Pier 22 Restaurant in Bradenton invites guests to their ballroom for a global wine tour, featuring select wineries and paired light bites. Each $30 ticket includes four distinctive wine samples (3 oz. each), hors d'oeuvres, and a raffle ticket for a giveaway.

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September 27

Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place

The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble and Choral Artists of Sarasota present "Autumn Serenade," a musical celebration of fall’s beauty and tranquility. Limited seating is available, so attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

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September 28

8th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza

Adopt-A-Palooza returns on Saturday, September 28, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center for its 8th annual event. As Manatee County's largest one-day pet adoption event, it features over 100 adoptable pets from local shelters and rescues.

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September 28

Venice Beach Party 2024

Venice MainStreet invites you to enjoy live music, food trucks, and drinks on the beach. With free entry, parking, and a trolley from Centennial Park to Venice Beach, it’s the ideal beach day. Entertainment features the Sarasota Steel Pan Band from 1-3 PM and Karate in the Garage from 4-6 PM.

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LIVE

Local Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre

Running through October 13, “The Four C Notes”. Four performers bring vintage dance moves and the music of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons to life. Enjoy a nostalgic journey with hits like "Big Girls Don’t Cry," "Walk Like A Man," "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You," and "Let’s Hang On."

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Venice Theatre

Through September 15, "The Mousetrap," Agatha Christie’s brilliant mystery thriller, features a plot and colorful characters that have contributed to its status as the longest-running show of any kind in the world. Since its debut in London’s West End in November 1952, it continues to captivate audiences with its enduring appeal.

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Lemon Bay Playhouse

Opening September 4, “Spreading it Around”. Angela Drayton, a wealthy widow in an upscale retirement community, grows frustrated with her ungrateful children and creates the “S.I.N. (Spending It Now) Foundation” to aid those in real need. Her greedy son, fearing loss of inheritance, plots to have her committed.

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Sarasota Opera House

The Sarasota Opera House’s Classic Movies series presents cherished films from the 1930s to the 1990s this summer and fall. On September 13, the featured film is “A Fistful of Dollars.” Tickets are $12 for general admission, and advance purchase is recommended.

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Players Centre for Performing Arts

Beginning September 11 - “Suessical the Musical” is a vibrant, magical extravaganza that whisks audiences away to imaginative realms. From the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus and the hidden world of the Whos, the colorful characters bring Dr. Seuss’s whimsical universe to life in an enchanting musical adventure.

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Manatee Performing Arts Centre

Opening September 19, "The Fantasticks," the world’s longest-running musical, weaves a timeless tale of love with poetic charm and simplicity. This romantic and humorous story follows a boy and a girl, separated by their fathers’ schemes, who ultimately discover true love. The show’s universal appeal is enhanced by its memorable, classic songs.

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Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

September 20, “Friday Fest – K-Luv and The United Funk Foundation”. The free outdoor summer concert series, returns with an exciting lineup of bands performing from 5-9 p.m. on the Van Wezel lawn. Attendees can enjoy music, sunsets, and local food vendors.

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Dingbat Theatre Project

Opening on September 20, “Hercules”. Dingbat's Hercules is a high-energy, comedic adaptation of the Greek myth of Heracles. Two actors guide the audience through a wild adventure as Hercules tackles twelve labors, including slaying the Nemean Lion and capturing Cerberus.

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McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre

September 29, “Drag Queen Bingo”. Join the fun at this glamorous cabaret featuring Tamiami Trails and special guest stars in a hilarious variety show. Enjoy live performances by the area's top Drag Queens and play three exciting rounds of Bingo. Laugh, celebrate, and let loose at this dazzling event!.

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