2018 August Sarasota Events Calendar

The August Sarasota Events Calendar - A listing of fun, free or inexpensive, Sarasota happenings around the sun coast.

August 1, 2018: The Kids Summer Beach Runs are 1-mile beach runs held every Tuesday (through Aug. 7) at Siesta Beach on Siesta Key near the pavilion, and every Wednesday (through Aug. 8) at Brohard Beach (1600 Harbor Drive) next to the Venice Fishing Pier, near Fins at Sharky's, Venice. For ages 1 - 17, participation ribbons are awarded along with a free ice pop each week. Registration at each location begins at 5:30 p.m. and the beach run starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Free. The runs are a popular summer event combining exercise and fun. Complete four runs and earn a free custom T-shirt along with other prizes. More at 941-861-5000.  August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

August 1 - 4, 2018: The Sarasota Slam is taking place with Billfish, Wahoo, Tuna, Grouper, Snapper, Trout, Redfish, Offshore and Inshore Divisions. They're bringing back again this year the billfish and fun fish divisions. Marina Jack is home base for the tournament, Bayfront, downtown Sarasota. More info about the Sarasota Slam by clicking here.

August 1 - 5, 2018: Enjoy watching the Florida State DanceSport Championships. Celebrate their 46th Anniversary of the Triple Crown Dance Sport Event, the first and longest running DanceSport series in the world. The event also features country & western, 2-step, cha cha, waltz, east coast swing and much more in 2 age categories and all levels.The venue remains the Ritz-Carlton,  1111 Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, FL (941) 753-7940. More details and tickets here.

August 3, 2018: The Lakewood Ranch sponsored Music on Main Street free monthly street party is from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. There will be beer, wine and food sales. Bring your chairs, but leave coolers at home. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a short leash. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Lakewood Ranch is off University Parkway east of I-75.

August Sarasota Events

August 3 - 5, 2018: It's the Tampa Bay Comic Con, a huge event for fans and aficionados of everything comic books! The weekend will be filled with celebrity guests and appearances. Friday: noon - 12 a.m., Sat: 8 a.m. - 12 a.m., Sun: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Weekend pass: $60, Single day: $30 for Friday, $40 for Saturday only and $30 for Sunday only. Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa, FL. Click here for more info.

August 4 - 5, 2018: You're invited to Repticon Sarasota 2018, a two-day expo highlighting reptile shows, events, activities and sales. You'll have a chance to see live reptiles from around the world plus the chance to purchase pets and supplies direct from experts. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (VIP Entry at 9:00 am). Sunday: 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. (No VIP Early Entry). Various ticket prices on line and at the door. Sarasota County Fairgrounds, Potter Building, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL. More info here.  August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

August 5, 2017: The 3rd Annual Manatee County-wide Pet Adopt-A-Palooza will feature over 100 adoptable pets to choose from. Manatee County license tags will be for sale and specialty retailers and fun pet vendors will offer pet related products and Feld Entertainment's Monster Mutt Truck will be onsite for photo opportunities. Free pet adoption and expo-style event with ten local rescue and animal welfare organizations. Food, drinks and lots of family fun. Pet toy donations welcome. 11a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Boulevard, Palmetto. More info: 941-713-3105. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August 6, 2017: There's a party going on called Very Merry Jerry Day, the 9th annual, in fact, to celebrate and remember the late Jerry Garcia of the band The Grateful Dead. Community radio station WSLR sponsors the annual commemoration with live bands performing: 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Michael Miller Band, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The Grass Is Dead, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The Grass Is Dead, 8:40 p.m. –  9:40 p m The Schmitz Brothers. Admission: $15. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m. Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center Patio, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

August Sarasota Events

August 7 - 8, 2018: The Kids Summer Beach Runs are 1-mile beach runs held every Tuesday (through Aug. 7) at Siesta Beach on Siesta Key near the pavilion, and every Wednesday (through Aug. 8) at Brohard Beach (1600 Harbor Drive) next to the Venice Fishing Pier, near Fins at Sharky's, Venice. For ages 1 - 17, participation ribbons are awarded along with a free ice pop each week. Registration at each location begins at 5:30 p.m. and the beach run starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Free. The runs are a popular summer event combining exercise and fun. Complete four runs and earn a free custom T-shirt along with other prizes. More at 941-861-5000. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

August 11, 2018: Enjoy a short road trip and the 3rd Annual Tiki Fest 2018. Tiki Fest features Hula Dancers, Live trop rock and steel drum music, Finest Painting by MaryRose, balloon creations and juggling by Jeff the Juggler,  tiki toss and tiki bowling games, coconut painting, photo op's, tiki carvings, Hawaiian leis giveaways, drink and food specials, tiki merchandise and tropical clothing store promotions. Put on your grass skirt or tropical themed shirt and join the fun. Free admission and parking. Noon - 4 p.m. Fisherman's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL.

August 11, 2017: Check out Friday Night Free Music with Mindy Simmons in the Gazebo in Centennial Park in downtown Venice. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. 7 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Venice.

August 12, 2017: Get wet and have some fun. It's the Sarasota YMCA Splash Bash. Water Park access is free and open to the public. No fee to join! They'll also have face painting, entertainment and food available for purchase. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Evalyn Sadlier Jones Branch, 8301 Potter Park Drive, Sarasota. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

August Sarasota Events

August 12, 2017: To put a little fun in the dog days of a Sarasota summer it's the AquaPalooza 2017, an on the water party for boaters with music and fun in the sun, free give-aways and more. The fest takes place at New Pass Sandbar, just in front of the MarineMax Marina, Sarasota. The fest is being called "the largest party on the water" by organizers. Have fun, stay safe and be safe. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. More info and register for free here.

August 16, 2018: Stroll, shop & sip - or sip, shop & stroll! It's the downtown Venice Wine Walk. Stroll the 3 avenues of historic downtown Venice and enjoy wine from participating stores and wine specials at participating restaurants. To participate you must check in and get a $10 (21 and over) wrist band from the kiosk in Centennial Park or Breezeway on Miami Ave (Next to Burgundy Square Cafe) the night of the event. Pick up your wristband and a list of participating downtown businesses offering discounts and specials. A novel way to approach shopping! 5 p.m - 8 p.m. downtown Venice.

August 17 - 19, 2018: There's a Gem, Jewelry & Bead Show with lots on display to see from dealers from around the country selling gems, jewelry, beads, crystals and more. Adults $5. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

August 19, 2017 - September 4, 2017: The annual Englewood Pioneer Festival is a family-friendly occasion filled with fun events including: Aug. 19: Little Miss Pageant, Aug. 26: Chalkfest 4.0, Aug. 26: Kids Shipwreck Dance, Sept. 2 Cardboard Boat Race, Shipwreck Dance & Taste of Englewood, Sept 3: Fish-a-Diaper Derby, Pioneer Days Festival and Open Car Show, Sept  4: Englewood Pioneer Days Parade & Festival and Corvette Car Show. Click here for more details.

August Sarasota Events

August 19 - 20, 2017: Here's your chance to audition for this year's Sarasota Medieval Fair. Auditions will be Saturday and Sunday at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, off Fruitville Road, site of the Fair during three November weekends. All ages welcome for General Cast and other categories of players. 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Ringling Woods behind Robarts Arena. Audition times and more info here.

August 25, 2017: Enjoy an evening on the bayfront and some free live music at the 16th annual summer music fest, "Friday Fest '17", at the Van Wezel with local favorites, the Jah Movement Reggae Band, adding their own touch of R&B, soul and funk to some of the best live reggae music. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, take in the music along with the beautiful Sarasota sunset and enjoy food and beverage from local vendors. Outside food and drink is prohibited. This free concert series takes place rain or shine, it moves indoors in case of inclement weather. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Bayfront Lawn, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

 August 25, 2017: Check out Friday Night Free Music with Koko Ray in the Gazebo in Centennial Park in downtown Venice. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Venice. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

August 25, 2018: The Bradenton Marauders will take on Dunedin and will also host Fan Appreciation Night featuring ZOOperstars. Every fan in attendance will receive complimentary raffle tickets for big prizes. Fireworks will follow the last out in the ninth inning. Tickets are $6 - $10. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with first pitch at 6:30 p.m. LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL.

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