Before we begin October and a new lineup of things to do locally, we have a wide-ranging list of events this final weekend in September, spanning Manatee County to south Sarasota County.
The latter will host the annual Venice Beach Party, a free event featuring live music, food trucks and more on Saturday, while the German restaurant Edelweiss in Bradenton will kick off its month-long Oktoberfest celebration Friday.
In Sarasota, there'll be free, family-friendly events at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and downtown park the Bay, as well as an annual food and wine fest at the historic Sarasota Opera House, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
Friday
Looking for even more options? Just a bit before the weekend proper, at 7 p.m. Thursday, the Bay's free outdoor movie series Cinema at the Bay will screen the 1980 feminist workplace comedy "9 to 5," both co-starring and featuring an Oscar-nominated theme song by the recently departed Dolly Parton.
Also taking place 7 p.m. Thursday, at Oscura in Bradenton, will be a stand-up show by comedian Johnny Pemberton, known for his roles in shows such as "Fallout" and movies such as the Florida-set and shot "Mermaid." Tickets for the show, which also features Matt Fernandez, start at $35.75.
University Town Center will host its own free outdoor screening of last year's "How to Train Your Dragon" live-action remake at The Green at UTC at 8 p.m. Friday, with pre-show fun at 7 p.m. including face painting, concessions and character visits. And Taste of UTC, featuring three-course lunches or dinners at various restaurants, will continue through Sept. 30.
1. Venice Beach Party
Venice Beach will be the site of a beach party Saturday featuring live music, food, drinks and more.
Live music will be provided by Off the Road (1-3 p.m.) and The Landsharks Band, a Jimmy Buffett tribute show (4-6 p.m.); food trucks will include BrewBurgers, El Guero Tacos, GitChewSum BBQ, Nana's Bananas, Pop's Sunset Grill, Sharky's Snack Shack and Tzatziki Street; and there will be beer, wine and specialty drinks. A free trolley will run from Centennial Park to Venice Beach. Blankets and chairs are welcome, but no coolers or pets are allowed.
1-6 p.m. Saturday; Venice Beach, 101 The Esplanade S., Venice; free entry/parking; 941-484-6722; visitvenicefl.org
2. Oktoberfest at Edelweiss in Bradenton
German restaurant Edelweiss in Bradenton throws an annual month-long Oktoberfest celebration that'll kick off this year with a keg-tapping ceremony Friday with "30 liters beer on us" with entree purchase (though Edelweiss notes it runs out fast, and to arrive early).
The festivities will continue through Oct. 25, with other offerings including regular live music, everyday food and German draft beer specials, Friday and Saturday giveaways and best dressed contests, and more.
5 p.m. Friday through Oct. 25; Edelweiss, 611 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton; 941-748-3838; edelweissbradenton.com
3. Family Fest at Van Wezel
Inspired by its popular Friday Fest free outdoor concerts of years past, Van Wezel will host this second annual family-friendly (and also free) festival on the venue's back lawn and grand foyer.
There will be two performances of Asolo Rep on Tour's "Beanstalk: The Adventures of Jack and the Giant" at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and games with Florida Studio Theatre Improv at 11:30 a.m. Other offerings will include a Kids Market showcasing products made and sold by young entrepreneurs, food trucks and themed activities with local organizations.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; free; 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
4. Pura Vida Weekend at the Bay
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, downtown Sarasota park the Bay will host this free, two-day event with a lineup of well-being and cultural activities. Saturday will feature a wellness walk, yoga, a kayak mangrove discovery tour, a storytelling and creative workshop, and music by Alejandra Koss.
Sunday, presented by UnidosNow, will feature a 5K run/walk across the Ringling Bridge, Colombian coffee from 85 Drips and food from Chatarra and Taco Fusion (plus The Bay's own The Nest café), games and activities by Figuritas Entertainment, and music by Mateo Music Radio Duo and Juan Bongoe.
Saturday and Sunday; The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota; free; 941-203-5316; thebaysarasota.org
5. Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival
The historic Sarasota Opera House, which turned 100 years old this year, will hold its annual Food & Wine Festival on Saturday.
The festival will feature a variety of local eateries offering food samples alongside wine tastings. The event supports Sarasota Youth Opera.
1 p.m. Saturday; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; $75 advance, $85 day of, $150 VIP (includes special seating and early event access at 12:30 p.m.); 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top Sarasota area events this weekend include beach party, Oktoberfest
