Local events for June 2018 in Sarasota and Manatee

June is here and tourist season has come to an end. Traffic is lighter, the beaches are less crowded and it’s the perfect time for residents to go out and enjoy some fun local events. If you’re looking for something to do in the month of June, just keep on reading!

June 1, 2018 – Live Music in the Park at Cafe in the Park: 6-9 Free admission!! Enjoy good music, good food and views of Sarasota’s most popular downtown park. Seating is limited so feel free to bring a beach chair or folding chair. Located south of downtown Sarasota in Payne Park, 2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL.

June 1, 2018 – Music on Main the first Friday of each month: 6p.m – 9 pm Beer, wine and food available. Bring your chairs, but no coolers allowed. Dogs are welcome but must be friendly and 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

June 2, 2018 – World Oceans Day at Mote Aquarium: 10am – 1 pm Come celebrate the wonders of the marine world with games, crafts and lots of opportunities to learn something new. The family festival is free with regular paid admission to Mote Aquarium and is free for Mote Members. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL. More about World Oceans Day here.

June 2 – 3, 2018 – 7th Annual Suncoast Tarpon Shootout Charity Tournament: 6 am Sunday – 2 pm Saturday Featuring 4 divisions: pro, amateur, individual (kayak, fly, paddle board) and one for selected veterans. Prizes and entry fees vary from division to division. Captain’s meeting is June 1 at 7 p.m. at Hooters in Sarasota. The tournament’s goal is to raise $30,000 for 4 charities: Valor Service Dogs, Heroes on the Water, All Children’s Hospital, and Operation Second Chance.

June 5 – 6, 2018 – The Kids Summer Beach Runs: 5:30 pm 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. 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.

June 8 – 10, 2018 – Bradenton Boat Show: 10 am Huge selection of new boats, boating accessories, fishing gear and more. Plus the Captain Joe Fishing School where you can learn from expert anglers. Admission: $5, 12 and under are free. Free parking. Fri – Sat 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd, Palmetto.

June 12 – July 28, 2018 – The Ringling Museum Summer Circus Spectacular It’s presented in collaboration with The Circus Arts Conservatory of Sarasota. Various show days and times. Tickets are $16 Adults/ $12 Children 12 and under. The Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL. 941-358-3180. Visit www.ringling.org/events for further information on dates, times and details.

June 17, 2018 – Selby Garden Music Series Season Finale – 1 pm – 3 pm with live music by Diego Figueiredo with Chiaraizzi combining Jazz, Bossa Nova and Classical. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Limited seating provided on first come, first served basis. Food and drinks available on site for purchase. No outside food/beverages allowed.  Adults: $25. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL. More info: 941-366-5731.

June 22, 2018 – 17th annual summer music fest kicks off summer with “Friday Fest” at the Van Wezel – 5 pm – 9 pm with live music by Jah Movement, fronted by hometown hero and vocalist extraordinaire Shantel Norman, Jah Movement plays top 40, Funk, Soul, R&B and Calypso Dance 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. The Bayfront Lawn, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL.

June 30, – July 1 2018 – Sarasota Offshore Boat Races with Superstock & AquaX Races. Live Race Broadcast & Activities from the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach. Best Viewing off Lido Beach. Free admission and open to the public. There’s also VIP Race Viewing available at the Sandcastle Resort. There’s a full slate of racing and festival activities.

Saturday June 30, 2018:  
AquaX Pro Race 1 – 8:30 a.m. –  9:30 a.m.
Superstock Practice & Race 1 & 2 – 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Official Testing – 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Superstock Race 2 & 3 – 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
AquaX Pro Race 2 – 4 p.m.
Best Viewing off Lido Beach
Grand Prix Fan Fest at Van Wezel – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday July 1, 2018: 
AquaX Pro Race 3 – 8:30 a.m.
Superstock Race 3 & 4 – 9:15 a.m.
Super Vee Lite Class, 10:30 a.m.
Superstock 300 Class Race – 12:00 p.m.
Super Cat Class Race – 1:30 p.m.
Unlimited / Super Vee Class Race – 3 p.m.
Awards Ceremony – 5 p.m.
Best Viewing off Lido Beach
Grand Prix Fan Fest at Van Wezel – 10 a.m. –  6 p.m.