2017 August Sarasota Events Calendar

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

August 1 - 2, 2017: The Kids Summer Beach Runs are 1-mile beach runs held every Tuesday (through Aug. 8) at Siesta Beach on Siesta Key near the pavilion, and every Wednesday (through Aug. 9) at Brohard Beach (1600 Harbor Drive) next to the Venice Fishing Pier, near Fins at Sharky's, Venice. Participation ribbons 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. There's a one-time $1 registration fee. The runs are a popular summer event combining exercise and fun. More at 941-861-5000. August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

August 1 - 5, 2017: The Sarasota Slam is taking place with Billfish, Wahoo, Tuna, Grouper, Snapper, Trout, Redfish, Offshore and Inshore Divisions. They're bringing back 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, 2017: Enjoy watching the Florida State DanceSport Championships. Celebrate their 45th Anniversary of the Triple Crown Dance Sport Event, the first and longest running DanceSport series in the world. They have also added Pro Open Showdance and Rising Star & Open Grand Championships to all four of their dance championships. The even 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. (941) 753-7940. More info here.

August 4, 2017: 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 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 8 - 9, 2017: The Kids Summer Beach Runs are 1-mile beach runs held every Tuesday (through Aug. 8) at Siesta Beach on Siesta Key near the pavilion, and every Wednesday (through Aug. 9) at Brohard Beach (1600 Harbor Drive) next to the Venice Fishing Pier, near Fins at Sharky's, Venice. Participation ribbons 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. There's a one-time $1 registration fee. The runs are a popular summer event combining exercise and fun. More at 941-861-5000.August Sarasota Events on Escape-to-Sarasota

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 Sarasota Events

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 12, 2017: Enjoy a short road trip and a new tropical fest, Tiki Fest 2017. It's their 2nd Annual Tiki Fest with live music, Hula Dancers, Ukulele performers, tiki toss and tiki bowling games, trop rock music, coconut painting, photo op’s, tiki carvings, Hawaiian leis giveaways, drink and food specials, tiki merchandise and tropical clothing store promotions and more. 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 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 on a sandbar near Jewfish Key, a private island, near Longboat Key. The fest is being called "the largest party on the water" by organizers. East of north Longboat Key. Have fun, stay safe and be safe. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. More info and register for free here.

August 17, 2017: Stroll, shop & sip - or sip, shop & stroll! It's the downtown Venice Wine Walk. Stroll the avenues and enjoy free wine from participating stores and wine specials at participating restaurants. To participate you must check in and get a 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 Sarasota Events

August 18 - 20, 2017: 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 $4. 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 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 20, 2016: Smile and say "cheese" for the Manasota Grilled Cheese Festival! From the best gourmet grilled cheese food and dessert trucks on Earth you'll get a chance to partake in such faves as gourmet grilled cheese and dessert treats. Plus there's a live music line up that includes Jah Movement along with full liquor bars and arts and crafts. Free admission and parking. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sutton Park, 1050 Sixth St. W., Palmetto.

August Sarasota Events

August 20, 2016: Grab a cold one or two at the Sarasota Beer Fest from among a variety of 80 local and national craft beers. Plus, there will be food samples from local restaurants, live music, non-alcoholic beverages and more. $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Click here for more info.

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, 2017: Get hoppin' & boppin' at the Rockin', Rollin', Readin' Sock Hop fundraiser for children's literacy sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Venice. Music, raffles, auctions dinner from Sharky's. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL. Tickets $50. Reservations: 941-416-2147

 August 25 - 26, 2017: You are cordially invited to Manatee Village Historical Park’s Afternoon Tea to be held at Charms of Leffingwell in the heart of historic Ellenton. Charms of Leffingwell is an antiques gallery and tea room located in the historic Mathews House. The event will open with a short talk about the history of afternoon tea in England, the popularization of afternoon tea by Queen Victoria, and tea traditions in Florida. There will also be a brief discussion of the history of the Mathews House, and the process of restoring it into the tea room it is today. Dress-up is encouraged. There will be a best hat contest with a prize from Walk Bradenton. The teas will include freshly brewed hot tea of your choice (over 20 types to chose from!), homemade scones, Devonshire cream, pastries, and savories. Limited space. Tickets are $20.00. Tickets are on sale from July 10 through August 18, and must be purchased by cash or check in person at Manatee Village, or by mail to Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34208. Charms of Leffingwell, where the tea will be held, is located at: 905 Leffingwell Avenue, Ellenton, FL 34222. Make checks payable to the Manatee County Historical Commission.  If mailing a check, call in advance 941-741-4076 to make your reservation and download the ticket order form here.

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