Local events for August 2018 in Sarasota and Manatee

August has arrived, and the end of summer is rapidly approaching. It’s time to leave the comfort of your AC and squeeze in some last-minute fun before school starts. Check out our list of local events throughout Sarasota and Manatee for some great ideas.

August 1, 2018: The Kids Summer Beach Runs – 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 pm and the beach run starts promptly at 6:30 pm. Free. Complete four runs and earn a free custom T-shirt along with other prizes.

August 3, 2018: Music on Main Street – Downtown Lakewood Ranch host a free monthly street party.  6 pm – 9 pm. There will be beer, wine and food sales. Bring your chairs but leave the cooler 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 3 – 5, 2018: 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 am., Sat: 8 am – 12 am, Sun: 9 am – 5 pm. 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.

August 4, 2018: AquaPalooza 2018 – An on the water party for boaters with music and fun in the sun, free giveaways and more. The fest takes place at New Pass Sandbar, just in front of the MarineMax Marina, 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL. The fest is being called “the largest party on the water” by organizers. Have fun, stay safe and be safe. 10 am – 4 pm.

August 11, 2018: 3rd Annual Tiki Fest 2018 – Enjoy a short road trip to the Tiki Fest, featuring 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 16, 2018: Downtown Venice Wine Walk – Stroll, shop & sip – or sip, shop & stroll! 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 pm – 8 pm in downtown Venice.

August 25, 2018: Bradenton Marauders Fan Appreciation Night – Bradenton Marauders will take on Dunedin featuring ZOOperstars for Fan Appreciation Night. 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 pm with first pitch at 6:30 pm. LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL.