With season in full swing and Siesta Beach just named the No. 1 beach in the country by Tripadvisor, Sarasota and Manatee counties are brimming with big events this weekend — including several that are free to attend.
The biggest? The Bradenton Area River Regatta, returning with powerboat racing, live music, fireworks, and more along the Manatee River.
If you’re craving great food and festive vibes, you’ve got two top-notch options: the Venice Italian Feast & Carnival and Sarasota’s St. Barbara Greek Festival, both serving up authentic eats alongside entertainment.
Meanwhile, the beloved Ski-A-Rees hit the water again for their Sunday afternoon show, and Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton hosts an art market with live music by nationally acclaimed folk rockers Have Gun, Will Travel.
Read on for more information about these events happening today through Sunday.
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1. Bradenton Area River Regatta on Friday and Saturday
Flyboard champion Kristen Smoyer, of Sebastian, Florida, is seen here performing at the Bradenton Area River Regatta, where she is scheduled to perform again on Saturday between the powerboat races. The Green Bridge, pictured, will be closed to traffic and open to attendees.
The wildly popular — and completely free — Bradenton Area River Regatta celebrates its 10th year as Manatee County’s biggest event this weekend. The festivities kick off at 5:15 p.m. Friday with a free concert by tribute band ABBA Nova at Bradenton Riverwalk’s Rossi Park, followed by a combo drone/fireworks show at 7:15 p.m. and a performance by Fleetwood Mac tribute act Sweet Fleet at 7:30 p.m.
Then on Saturday, enjoy a full schedule of Powerboat Superleague Racing on the Manatee River, plus free family fun on both the Bradenton and Palmetto sides of the water. Expect everything from live music to stunt dog shows and appearances by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning street teams. Plus, don’t forget to watch for the always amazing acrobatics of flyboard champ Kristen Smoyer over the water. Pro tip: The Green Bridge will be closed to traffic and open to attendees — it’s the best spot to watch both the races and the high-flying Smoyer (pictured). 5:15 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday; Manatee River; free admission; bradentonarearegatta.com
2. Venice Italian Feast & Carnival
Pizza, calzones and cannoli are just a few of my favorite foods that should be on the massive menu at the 36th annual Venice Italian Feast & Carnival taking place today through Sunday.
Pizza, calzones, and cannoli are just a few of my favorite foods that should be on the massive menu at the 36th annual Venice Italian Feast & Carnival. Presented by the Italian American Club of Venice, this multi-day feast also features thrill rides, games, bands, and other live entertainment. 4 p.m. today and Friday, Noon Saturday and Sunday; Venice Airport, 150 Airport Ave. E., Venice; $5 per person, free kids under age 10 and active military, veterans, police and firefighters with ID; italianamericanclubofvenice.com/feast
3. St. Barbara Greek Festival in Sarasota
The 41st annual St. Barbara Greek Festival — aka “Glendi” — takes place on the grounds of Sarasota’s Orthodox church of the same name Friday through Sunday.
Opa! It’s time to eat, drink, and dance at the 41st annual St. Barbara Greek Festival — aka “Glendi” — on the grounds of Sarasota’s Orthodox church of the same name. In addition to all the delicious Greek food and fun, there’s also a raffle to win a new car or $35,000. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday; St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota; 941-355-2616; stbarbarafestival.org
4. Ski-A-Rees return to performing at Sarasota’s City Island
Sarasota Ski-A-Rees, which have a show at 2 p.m. Sunday at their facility on City Island, are seen here performing the ballet line in 2024.
They’re back! The beloved Sarasota water skiing team, formed in 1957, has returned for its winter and spring season, performing with free bleacher seating (donations encouraged) at 2 p.m. Sundays on City Island. “We are mostly cleaned up and have fixed things after the hurricanes decimated our site and are ready to have public shows again,” the Ski-A-Rees said in a statement. Performances continue through the spring each Sunday at 2 p.m., with the last show on May 11. 2 p.m. Sunday, Sarasota Ski-A-Rees, 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; free; 941-388-1666; skiarees.com
5. Bradenton Art Market with Have Gun, Will Travel at Motorworks
Have Gun, Will Travel.
Now, here’s a winning combination — a market featuring handmade creations from local artists in the beautiful beer garden of Motorworks Brewing, with live music by nationally acclaimed, Bradenton-based folk rock band Have Gun, Will Travel. Yep, grab one of Motorworks’ brews — such as their delicious V Twin Vienna Lager — and perhaps some nosh from one of the fine food trucks typically on-site, and enjoy. 7-11 p.m. Friday; Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton; 941-209-5913; motorworksbrewing.com
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 5 best things to do in Sarasota this weekend including free fun
