May is upon us which means another fun-filled month of local events. Grab your family, friends and some sunblock and head out to enjoy all the perks of living in paradise!
May 1, 2018 – Kayak Trip on the Myakka River: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – This trip will head down river along the scenic Myakka River from Snook Haven with all kayak equipment provided. Call John Sarkozy at (941) 966-7308 for exact launch location and required reservations.
May 2, 2018 – Beach Market at Coquina Key: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Wander around a great selection of local art, food, crafts and clothing while the AMI String band sets the mood and the white sand beach beckons. Take a break with food and drinks at the Gulf at Coquina Café and feel free to bring the whole family. 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, Bradenton, FL
May 4, 2018 – Music on Main: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Feel free to bring your own seating and remember to wear an elastic waistband to accommodate all of the amazing refreshments you’ll get to try. Dogs welcome, outside beverages not. 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL
May 5, 2018 – Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM – From amateurs to sand sculpture gurus, everyone is welcome to sign up and try their hand in this competition or just to come by and support the artists and enjoy the view. Bring a cooler and some chairs and make a day of it but don’t forget your sunblock. For more information call 941-861-5000. 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL
May 5, 2018 – 2nd Annual Venice Seafood & Music Festival: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Hosted by Venice MainStreet and Paragon Festivals, this event can be broken down into a pretty simple equation: food + music = happy people! Sample a variety of fresh seafood dishes and drinks or dance the afternoon away with a variety of live bands. Continues on Sunday from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Centennial Park, 200 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL
May 6, 2018 – Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team: 2:00 PM – This free event is the team’s last show of the year so make sure you don’t miss it! 1602 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
May 9, 2018 – Kick Off to Tarpon Season Party & Captain’s Meeting: 6:00 PM – Come be a part of one of the longest running tarpon events in Florida with a fishing tournament, food, drinks, auctions and raffles. For more information visit http://www.sarasotatarpontournament.net/ 5377 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL
May 10, 2018 – Under the Big Top Market: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM – Free admission, family and dog friendly! Food trucks will be on site as well as Big Top Brewers to keep you satisfied while you browse local, handmade art, crafts and more. Enjoy the magical view of twinkle lights strung along the ceiling of the big top while you support local businesses. Ringling Museum grounds, Bayshore Gardens. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-358-3180
May 12, 2018 – 9th Annual Harvey Milk Festival: 2:30 PM – 12:00 AM – This is the last day of a three day festival that brings together emerging artists and musicians to honor Harvey Milk. For more information visit www.harveymilkfestival.org N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL
May 13, 2018 – Mother’s Day: Treat your mom to day of pampering and fine dining. Visit http://www.dinesarasota.com/your-guide-to-mothers-day-brunch-and-dinner/ for a list of local restaurants offering Mother’s Day specials.
May 17, 2018 – Ladies Night: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Ladies, bring your friends out and celebrate each other with discounts at more than 35 businesses, raffles and refreshments available all around St. Armands Circle. Find more details at www.Facebook.com/StArmandsCircleLadiesnight or call 941-388-1939
May 19, 2018 – Live Music in the Park: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Bring the whole family to enjoy live music, food and company in one of Sarasota’s most popular parks. Free admission. Payne Park, 2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL
May 19, 2018 – Sidewalk Astronomy: 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM – Courtesy of the Deep Sky Observers, come see the view most of us miss every night through telescopes provided to the public. The Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL
May 21, 2018 – Ringling by the Bay: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Enjoy live music from Kettle of Fish, good food and a gorgeous setting at the Ringling Bayfront Gardens. Please call 941-358-3180 for tickets. Ringling Blvd & Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL
May 25, 2018 – Escape Velocity: 9:00 PM – 11:59 PM – Bring all your friends and experience one of five escape room games, play board games or spend the whole time dancing on a dazzling lit dance floor. 18+ event. 6250 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL
May 28, 2018 – Sarasota Memorial’s Day Parade: 10:00 AM – This year’s theme is “All gave some. Some gave all.” Come on out and help honor veterans and those who are currently serving, followed by a memorial ceremony at 11:00 AM at Chaplain J.D. Hamel Park. Keep your fingers crossed for an Air Force fly over right as the parade begins. Beginning from Osprey and Main in Sarasota. More info at: 941-364-2263. 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
May 28, 2018 – Annual Memorial Day Concert: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Featuring the Sarasota Concert Band, lawn chairs and coolers welcome. Admission is $5.00 for adults, attendees 16 years old and under are free. Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL