Hello! Hope everyone is recovering from Hurricane Irma and that you are all looking forward to some fun in the sun this weekend. Take a look at all the fun local events happening near you!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

PUNTA GORDA CITY PARKS CLEAN-UP
MERRILL LYNCH
1190 W Marion Ave near Fisherman’s Village
From 8am to 3pm

City contractors start to haul brush piles Friday. Meet this Friday 9/22 at 8am in the Merrill Lynch parking lot at 1190 W Marion Ave near Fisherman’s Village. Bring gloves and water. Rakes, brooms, wheel barrows or tarps to haul brush are very helpful. We’ll work on Hounds on Henry and the Pittman park. Please RSVP and email Team@TeamPuntaGorda.org

2017 SARASOTA CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC
THE FOUNDERS GOLF CLUB
3800 Golf Hall Dr, Sarasota
From 11am to 5:30pm

The 2017 Sarasota Chamber Golf Classic welcomes golfers of all skill levels on Friday, September 22, at The Founders Club. This exciting day includes networking, 18-hole game and cart, complimentary beverages and snacks, lunch, contests and prizes, award reception and much more! The tournament is a scramble format, allowing golfers of all skill levels to participate.

FOURTH FRIDAY
DOWNTOWN VILLAGE
1800 Block of Fruitville Rd, Sarasota
From 5pm to 9pm

Forget the stress of the last couple of weeks and enjoy outdoor music, food trucks, guest vendors, face painting, henna tattoo, and merchandise and pottery painting specials.

FREE YOGA CLASSES
LEMON BAY YOGA STUDIO
380 Old Englewood Rd, Englewood
Starts at 5:30pm

Please join us to relax & unwind your body, recharge your energy levels & restore your nervous systems. This are FREE classes, open to all levels but you must be able to easily transition from seated to standing, no experience necessary. We have everything you’ll need at the studio, wear clothes that are comfortable to move in.

SEPTEMBER WINE TASTING
ISLAND TIME SPIRITS
421 Tamiami Trail S, Venice
From 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Stop by for the first Wine Tasting of the Fall…you never know what you’ll find! “Fall” for a new wine! $15 Admission includes a $10 coupon good towards the purchase of any wines sampled that evening! We need wine now more than ever!

WEEKLY WINE TASTING
CHEERS TO WINE
8225 Natures Way, Unit 111, Bradenton
From 6pm to 8pm

Join Cheers to Wine this week for their weekly wine tasting. $5 per person ~ Club members free.

CLYDESDALES ON SIESTA
SIESTA KEY OYSTER BAR
5238 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
From 6pm to 9pm

Local beer distributor Gold Coast Eagle is bringing the Budweiser Clydesdale horses to town for a whirlwind tour of the area. The massive and majestic beer emissaries will clomp their way through Siesta Key Village on Friday September 22. Join SKOB for prime viewing from their deck. Food featured will include Beer Braised Brisket Sliders with Horseradish Sauce, Beer Cheese Soup and plenty of drink specials! Join in for a photo opportunity with one of these beautiful and majestic creatures!

LIVE MUSIC IN THE PARK
CAFE IN THE PARK
2010 Adams Lane, Sarasota
From 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Greetings to all cafe and music fans. Join us this Friday Night for our concert event. Rain or Shine. Dinner and Drinks begin at 6:00 PM Friday night we warmly welcome back an extraordinary multi-talented musician. David Smash is a Lithuanian born musician, composer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

ESCAPE VELOCITY
ESCAPE REALITY
6250 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota
From 10pm to 1am

Join every Friday night at Escape Reality in Sarasota, Florida for ESCAPE VELOCITY – Electronic Dance Music hosted by Warp Corp. No cover, 18+ event. Live music this week from: Warp Corp and Dalco. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks. Bring your friends and experience one of 5 escape rooms with room for up to 8 players, play free board games or dance to the music on the lighted dance floor.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER, 23, 2017

13TH ANNUAL HUMANE SOCIETY GOLF TOURNAMENT
LAUREL OAK COUNTRY CLUB
2700 Gray Player Blvd, Sarasota
From 7:30am to 2pm

Join the 13th Annual Humane Society Golf Tournament benefiting the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC). This event will take place on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Laurel Oak Country Club. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Enjoy a continental breakfast before the shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. After a rousing round of 18 on one of Sarasota’s most challenging courses, settle in for a lunch reception and the announcement of the winning teams. Along the way, there will be prizes, a 50/50 drawing, and—of course—adoptable animals.

THE GREAT GAY 5K RUN/WALK SARASOTA
SIESTA KEY BEACH
946 Beach Road, Siesta Key
From 8am to 10:30am

Are you ready for a “gaytastic” weekend event in Sarasota, FL? Let’s celebrate the first annual Great Gay 5K! This fun run/walk is a celebration of the LGBT+ community, supporters, and athletes of all shapes and sizes. Simply put, if you love the amazing and cheerful community, show your support and enjoy the day with us! A portion of proceeds will go to a local non-profit charity. Registered participants will receive FREE race pictures, a dry-fit T-shirt, race medal and goodie bag. Everyone will receive an amazing gift! Rain or shine, we will see you there. Note: Only 800 guaranteed spots. Register now so you don’t miss out!

4TH ANNUAL FLIP FLOP WALK FOR AUTISM AWARENESS
JD HAMZEL PARK
2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota
From 8am to 11am

Join Face Autism as they walk to promote Autism Awareness for all the families who struggle with a child who has autism. Walk to experience the power of those united for a single cause by joining the Flip Flop Walk for Autism Awareness. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the U.S. and we need the Suncoast area to join our fight. Take the first step and register today as an individual, team or virtual walker and become a part of a fun and supportive family focused community promoting Autism Awareness.

CENTERSTONE 15TH ANNUAL WALK FOR LIFE
SUTTON PARK
1036 6th Street W, Palmetto
From 8am to 11am

This year Centerstone will present its 15th Annual Walk for Life, that’s right our 15th annual walk, that raises awareness for depression and suicide prevention. This year we are gathering at Sutton Park in Palmetto on Saturday, September 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. While the subject is serious, the mood and atmosphere is full of hope. This is a community event, with participation from high school Key Clubs, local churches, civic groups and other non-profits. We invite you to be a part of this event. You may also join us at the walk by registering on line athttps://donorlynk.com/centerstone/walk-for-life-2017/

FLOWTOPIA: FREE YOGA
CIRCUSOUL YOGA
4141 S Tamiami Trl #6 & #11, Sarasota
From 9am to 4:30pm

To help our great Sarasota community heal after Hurricane Irma, CircuSoul Yoga is hosting an ALL DAY free yoga event: Flowtopia!  Check the event link for the full schedule! CLASSES OFFERED: Aerial Yoga (beginners), Aerial Yoga (rockstars), Aerial Yin Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Hot Yoga, Warm Yoga, Yin Yoga & FREE Acupuncture, Kids Yoga and more….

2017 REEF & BEACH CLEANUP
BRADENTON YACHT CLUB
4307 13th Street W, Palmetto
From 9am to 6pm

Calling all Scuba Divers, Fisherman and Land Lubbers! Wanna do good for the environment and have a chance to win cash prizes? Then this tournament is for you!! Suncoast Aquaventures is hosting the 2017 Reef and Beach Clean up. The tournament is great for ALL ages!

ANTIQUES, ARTS, & CRAFT FAIR
MIXON FARMS
2525 27th Street E, Bradenton
From 10am to 3pm

It’s a fun shopping day at Mixon’s! Vendors selling their handmade crafts and more. It’s a fun and festive event that you are sure to find that perfect gift you’ve been looking for. In store specials are also going on and free wine sampling. Mark your calendars, you don’t want to miss this one it’s the last one of the summer.

MINI TERRARIUM WORKSHOP
WAGON WHEEL PLANTS
8855 Erie Rd, Parrish
From 10am to 11am

Join other succulents lovers for an hour long entertaining workshop designed to make you a garden artist, whether you’re just starting out or you are a gardening pro, this class will be a fun learning experience for everyone! This succulent mini terrarium workshop offers the attendants a way to express themselves while enjoying nature and good company. Enjoy a souvenir and a guided tour of Wagon Wheel Plants after the workshop. All materials are included, water provided, space limited. Cost is $18 per person.

FREE INTRO TO YOGA WORKSHOP
DRAGONFLY AYURVEDA & YOGA
439 Tamiami Trail S, Venice
From 1pm to 2:30pm

 

Are you curious about yoga? Want to find out if yoga is right for you? Come to this free workshop to find out what all the hoop-la is all about! This workshop will discuss yoga philosophy and why we do the things we do in yoga. We will review all the different types of yoga so you can decide what might be best for you and you will get to try out one of our aerial swings if you want! We will answer any questions that you may have. You will you with a good understanding about yoga and if it is right for you. Yoga can be for every fitness level, age…everyone. Come find out the amazing, healthful benefits of this ancient practice. ‘Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.’ The Bhagavad Gita.

TALK LIFE A PIRATE DAY
DRIFT INN
120 Bridge Street, Bradenton
From 1pm to 7pm

Come play with the pirates and see if you have what it takes to enter our Grog Off, Like a chili cook off, but pirate style!!!! Go to www. AMIPRIVATEERS.ORG and click on” Talk Like A Pirate Day” banner to enter!!! There will be raffle baskets, children’s tent with cotton candy, Bilge rat toss and Grey Beard himself, balloon extraordinaire, will be making an appearance. Not to mention the famous barnacle burgers and scurvy dogs…..But wait, theres more!!!! The infamous pirates and wenches will be available for photos througout the event, so come on out and enjoy the day with the Privateers!!!!

VENICE BEACH PARTY
VENICE BEACH
101 The Esplanade S, Venice
From 2:45pm to 7:45pm

Venice Honda & Venice Toyota present the Venice Beach Party! This is a Lovin’ Our Locals event, also in celebration of The City of Venice’s 90th Birthday. What better way to celebrate a birthday then to celebrate on the beach! Sarasota Steel Pan Band will start the party off to get you in the island mood. Kettle of Fish will have you kicking off your flip flops and dancing in the sand. Tropical Ave. will keep you in the jamming mood and bring you right into Sunset. This is a FREE event, so come on out!! Lawn chairs are highly encouraged. NO COOLERS or PETS PLEASE!

TASTE OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
MORTON’S GOURMET MARKET
1924 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota
From 4pm to 6:30pm

Morton’s is excited to present approximately 40 wines and 15 beers as well as a variety of foods inspired by the cuisine of the Pacific Coast. Taste your way through Morton’s Gourmet Market as we pair cheese and beer from the Rogue River, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with Salmon, and so much more! Try a sample of wines from the Columbia River Valley or Horse Heaven Hills all from Washington States premier wine producers. Pre-sale tickets on sale for $25 per person from September 1 – 22nd. Tickets are $30 per person day of the event. Please call us at 941-955-9856 or stop in to purchase your ticket.

OPENING CEREMONY 2017 ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS
NATHAN BENDERSON PARK
5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota
From 5:30pm to 9:30pm

This is a free and non-ticketed event. Ceremony begins at 7pm. Parking is $5 and will be located adjacent to the south end of the mall at University Town Center (where the circus tent was located during the Circus Sarasota winter show). At the end of the evening, Creative Pyrotechnics will light up the night sky with a dazzling firework show over Nathan Benderson Park. Spectators can also expect several surprises!

SCALLOPALOOZA, IT’S CLAMTASTIC 2017
SARASOTA YACHT CLUB
1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota
From 6pm to 10pm

Sarasota Bay Watch’s 8th annual fundraiser is getting a new tagline – “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic!” The community-driven scallop program is expanding to include southern hardshell clam restoration! Hardshell clams are an important part of our bay’s ecosystem, have great economic value, very few natural predators, are more resistant to red tide than other shellfish, and can live for 30 years or longer! Sarasota Bay Watch has volunteers and their boats, restoration experience; scientific partners, expert advisors, and equipment. They are ready to go! Meanwhile, the scallop restoration program is still going strong! They have scallops in the Community Scallop Nursery at Mote ready to be placed in cages in the bay for natural spawning. Soon they will collect a new batch of adult brood stock to start the next cycle of scallop restoration. To maintain this vigorous level of restoration Sarasota Bay Watch needs funds to raise the clams and scallops that replenish natural populations in our local waters. Please, help us by supporting Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic!

GORGEOUS GATSBY: MOM PROM
PINEAPPLE YOGA STUDIO
517 South Pineapple Ave, Sarasota
From 7pm to 9:30pm

Welcome to the First annual Moms Night Out in celebration of Sarasota Moms Blog’s 1st anniversary! After an amazing year of new resources, incredible stories from our contributor team, and memorable events, we are ready to get dolled up and party like it’s 1920! We will be partnering with Pineapple Yoga Studio to eat, drink and dance the night away. This is your excuse to get dressed up in 1920s inspired fashion {or a super fun dress you love} and enjoy a fab night out with your best girlfriends or come and meet some new friends! Sarasota moms can expect plentiful food and sweet treats, spirits, shopping opportunities and an evening out without the kids We are looking forward to seeing you soon and encourage you to join the Facebook Group for additional fun updates! ***Ticket includes entry to the event, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dessert, one complimentary drink coupon, a ticket to enter giveaways and an amazing SWAG bag filled with goodies. But most importantly, an evening out with your mom friends, dancing the night away! Tickets are limited and $40. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

FREE YOGA CLASS
FABLETICS UTC
140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota
From 9am to 10:30am

Looking for a fun new way to get fit with your baby and make new mom friends? Join us at the Fabletics store at UTC for a FREE babywearing dance fitness class this weekend! All babies that attend must be worn in a carrier but please note that wearing a baby is not a requirement to attend. Expecting mamas who are cleared for physical activity are welcome as well! As a thank you for attending, you will receive a $10 voucher towards your next Fabletics purchase! Class starts at 9:30am, but please arrive a little early to sign waiver. Get ready to groove, mama!

2017 WORLD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS
NATHAN BENDERSON PARK
5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
Event runs from Sept 23rd to Oct 1st 

From September 23 – October 1, 2017, the World Rowing Championships, an international rowing regatta organized by FISA (the International Rowing Federation), will be held at Nathan Benderson Park, a Grade A course in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida, “Where world class athletes come to compete.” In the 48 years of the event’s existence, the United States has hosted only one other World Championships, in 1994 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This nine day event is held at the end of the northern hemisphere summer. In non-Olympic years, it is the highlight of the international rowing calendar. Rowing takes place in 21 different boat classes for both men and women. Our goal is to attract athletes, family, friends and fans from around the United States and the world, to attend this world-class event, and grow the following of rowing in the US. For more information, please visit WRCH2017.com

HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF BENEFIT SHOW
JDUB’S BREWING COMPANY
1215 Mango Ave, Sarasota
From 12pm to 11pm