https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/events/2022/01/31/fun-events-in-february-top-10-things-to-do-for-sarasota-bradenton-port-charlotte-florida/9283197
Wade Tatangeloand Jimmy Geurts Sarasota Herald-Tribune January 31, 2022
Top 10 things to do in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte
From food and music fests to power boat races and a circus show, the biggest events taking place this month in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice and Port Charlotte.
To help plan ahead, here's our list of the top 10 things to do this month in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. You'll find everything from food and music festivals to power boat races and a circus show.
Please keep in mind that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, events are often canceled or postponed. We highly recommend checking the status online or by phone before attending any of our picks for weekend fun. For instance, a few events set to take place this month have already been put on hold, including Venice Pride Festival, which has been rescheduled for Nov. 12.
Charlotte County Fair, now-Feb. 6
The 33rd annual Charlotte County Fair brings another bunch of family-friendly activities and live entertainment, as well as tasty foods, to Port Charlotte. Info: thecharlottecountyfair.com
Giving Hunger the Blues, Feb. 6
The 24th annual music festival benefitting Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is set to take place at Nathan Benderson Park, with a lineup including Blues Music Award-winning musicians Selwyn Birchwood and Albert Castiglia. Info: jazzclubsarasota.org/giving-hunger-the-blues
Circus Sarasota, Feb. 11-March 6
Held under a big top in Nathan Benderson Park on the Regatta Island, this year’s show is set to feature an international cast of circus artists, including some who’ve appeared on “America’s Got Talent” such as Bello and Annaliese Nock. Info: circusarts.org
Bradenton Area River Regatta, Feb. 12
The largest single-day spectator event in Manatee County returns to the shorelines of Bradenton Riverwalk and Palmetto with powerboat races, concerts, fireworks and many other family-friendly activities included in this free event that debuted in 2015. Info: bradentonarearegatta.com
Thunder by the Bay, Feb. 18-20
The 24th annual music and motorcycle festival returns to Sarasota Fairgrounds with live music including rockers FireHouse (“Love of a Lifetime,” “When I Look Into Your Eyes”), along with vendors, motorcycle competitions, food court, “Thunder Alley” and more. Info: thunderbythebay.org
St. Barbara Greek Festival “Glendi,” Feb. 18-20
St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church hosts this celebration of Greek culture, now in its 38th year, that in past years has featured authentic foods, folk dancing, crafts and live music. Info: stbarbarafestival.org
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, Feb. 19-20
Seafood, live music, libations and nautical art will again be the main attractions at this event celebrating its 40th year in the historic commercial fishing village of Cortez, nestled along north Sarasota Bay just east of Anna Maria Island. Info: cortez-fish.org
Venice Italian Feast & Carnival, Feb. 24-27
Pizza, calzones and cannoli are just a few of the tempting foods likely to appear on the menu at the 33rd annual event presented by the Italian American Club of Venice. Info: italianamericanclubofvenice.com
Osfest, Feb. 26
Local reggae favorites Jah Movement throw this sixth annual block party honoring the late Oswald Caines, who used to play in Democracy Reggae Band, with live music, vendors and more on Main Street and Lemon Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Info: jahmovement.com/osfestreggaeblockparty
Spring training, Feb. 26-March 29
Baseball fans will find the reigning world champion Atlanta Braves kicking off spring training at their CoolToday Park home in North Port against the Boston Red Sox on Feb. 26. Meanwhile, Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota is spring training home to the Baltimore Orioles, Bradenton’s LECOM Park is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ and Charlotte Sports Park is the spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays, whose Kevin Cash is a Tampa native who was named the American League Manager of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
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