School has started, and September is here. September kicks off with Labor Day Weekend and ends with your choice of numerous Oktoberfest celebrations. This is the perfect time to make the most of your weekends and take advantage of these fun local events!
September 1, 2018 – The Sarasota Farmer’s Market Woodstock Revival Redo: 9am – 2pm. This popular event is back and bigger than ever, spanning three blocks of downtown Sarasota with interactive activities for the whole family including a rock wall, high jumpers, FREE Photo Booth, peace sign painting and kids water slide! Adults will be able to enjoy retro revival band Paisley Craze, best dressed hippie contest and vintage VW show. The Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market can be enjoyed every Saturday from 7 am – 1 pm. 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, FL.
September 1 – 2, 2018 – 10th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival: 10 am – 4 pm. Art and craft vendors will be displaying their works, everything from one-of-a-kind art pieces to native plants! Free admission and parking. Miami Avenue in downtown Venice, FL.
September 1 – 2, 2018 – Sarasota Sailing Squadron 72nd Annual Labor Day Regatta It’s sailing’s biggest event of the year! The regatta is attended by sailors and sailing enthusiasts from ages 8 to 80, both from the U.S. and Canada and it draws about a thousand visitors each year. Free viewing for spectators. On City Island at 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL.
September 1 – 3, 2018 – 62nd Annual Pioneer Days Festival: 8 am – 3 pm. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Englewood with three fun-filled days of Cardboard Boat Races, Shipwreck Dance, Open Car Show, a Diaper Derby, a Fish-a-Thon, a Corvette Car Show and more. The Pioneer Days Parade begins at 9 a.m. at St. Raphael’s Church. West Dearborn Street, Olde Englewood Village, Englewood, FL.
September 6, 2018 – Ringling Underground: 8 pm-11 pm. This monthly event features an eclectic mix of local and regional live music. Check out up-and-coming artists displaying their work in the Museum of Art Courtyard. Select galleries will be open until 11:00pm. Admission: $15. Free for Members with “Art After Five” admission and College Students ID. Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL.
September 7, 2018 – Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch: 6 pm – 9 pm. It’s the first Friday of the month, so that means it must be time for Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch. Bring your chairs and leashed pets but please leave the cooler at home. Beer, wine and food available for purchase.
September 8, 2018 – 15th Annual Venice Triathlon: 7:30 am start. For those adventure seekers, start training to Swim .25 mile – Bike 12.1 Miles – Run 3.1 Miles. This event is USAT sanctioned and is open to individuals or relay teams. The morning starts at 7:30 a.m. at Sharky’s on the Pier, 1600 S. Harbor Drive, Venice and moves in a closed course through downtown Venice. Click here for registration and more info
September 8, 2018 – Literacy Among the Trees in Celebration of International Literacy Day: 10 am – 2 pm. Fun and family event features various literacy activities and readings for all ages to enjoy. The park’s normal entrance fees will be waived if you donate a gently used family friendly book or present a library card. Oscar Scherer State Park, 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL.
September 14, 2018 – 17th Annual Summer Music Fest, “Friday Fest at the Van Wezel 5 pm – 9 pm. Enjoy an evening on the bay front and live music with the Dr. Dave Band. 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 takes place rain or shine, it moves indoors in case of inclement weather. Bayfront Lawn, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL.
September 14 – 16, 2018 – Sarasota Bradenton Fall Home Show: Friday & Saturday: 10 am – 7 pm, Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm. Check out this event for the latest and greatest new ideas for your home. Free admission and parking. Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL.
September 15, 2018 – Keep Sarasota County Beautiful on the Annual International Coastal Clean Up Day: 9am – 12 pm. Various locations include: Sarasota, Venice, Laurel, Nokomis, North Port and Englewood. At Oscar Scherer State park you may paddle or walk along South Creek picking up trash on the banks or by walking the shores of the freshwater lakes. Free event and park entry for registered participants. Canoes are provided but limited. Registration opens in early August or call (941) 861-5000 Click here for updates, locations and more information.
September 15, 2018 Sidewalk Astronomy: Sunset – 10:30 PM. Courtesy of the Deep Sky Observers, come see the night sky and heavenly bodies most of us miss every night. Telescopes provided to the public. The Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL.
September 22, 2018 – 34th Annual Siesta Key Triathlon. There’s a .3 mile swim, a 13 mile bike race and a 3.1 mile run. The course includes Siesta Key Beach and benefits the national champion Sarasota YMCA Sharks Swim Team. Various options and registration fees. 7 a.m. Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL. Click here for more info and sign up.
September 22, 2018 – National Public Lands Day: 8:30 am – 11:30 am. Taking place at The Celery Fields, the event will focus on trail beautification, branch/debris removal, and general cleanup of the park. 6893 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL.
September 22, 2018 – Museum Day Live at the Ringling Museum: 10 am – 5pm. Celebrate Smithsonian Magazine’s, all venues of the Ringling Museum will be open and free of charge as part of Museum Day Live! It’s a great time and price to explore the Ringling Museums and grounds. Explore paintings and sculptures in the Museum of Art, participate in a scavenger hunt through the Circus Museum, and enjoy the grounds and playspace. Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL.
September 22, 2018 – Manatee Village Historical Park – Scarecrow Workshops: 10 am – 11:30 am or 12 pm – 1:30 pm. Get in the fall spirit and create your very own life-sized scarecrow! Ideal for families and small groups of friends. Each group will be provided with the frame, stuffing, material for a head covering, and an instruction packet. Participants are asked to bring the clothing, shoes, and decorations – traditional or creative garb encouraged. This family-friendly event will also feature simple crafts for children, free of charge to workshop participants. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy our courtyard after you are finished. $20 per scarecrow. Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton, FL.
September 22, 2018 – Venice Beach Party, Music and Beer Festival: 2:45 pm – 7:45 pm. Don’t miss this “Lovin’ our Locals” event! Get in the party mood with live music, children’s activities, food vendors, beer and spirits. Free admission. No coolers or pets. Venice Beach, 725 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL.
September 24, 2018 – Full Moon Walking Ghost Tour at Historic Spanish Point: 8 pm or 9 pm. Explore Historic Spanish Point by moonlight! On our Full Moon Walking Ghost Tour, you will hear tales of intrigue and mystery about Sarasota and Florida history as you visit the historic houses, prehistoric burial mound and pioneer cemetery of Historic Spanish Point. Tickets are $20 per person. Historic Spanish Point, 337 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL.
September 29, 2018 – Annual National Public Lands Day at Oscar Scherer State Park: 9 am – 2 pm. Volunteer and take part in the work service projects. Live music and lunch provided at noon. It’s a work project to give back to the environment for all ages, fun activities & various demonstrations & informational booths. Oscar Scherer State Park, Rt. 41, 1843 South Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL. More info at (941) 483-5957.
September 30, 2018 – Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Team: 2pm. Come out and watch the first Sunday afternoon show of the new fall season at Ski-A-Rees Stadium. This free show takes place at 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway (near/behind Mote Marine Aquarium on the water.) More info at (941) 388-1666.