Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2
There’s no place like Sunny Sarasota this summer! Seas the day in Sarasota county with the hottest spots of the season. Read below for a complete guide to your best vacation yet!
July Events
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix
June 29 – July 7
Ready, set, go – get ready for the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix! An annual Sarasota favorite, this family-friendly, fun event takes off on June 29th, running through July 7th. Some dates to remember: July 3rd – the festival kickoff at Van Wezel, a spectacular evening of fireworks and more! July 5th – the Boats on Main block party. July 6th – Car show and motorcycle event at Rossiter’s Harley Davidson. July 7th is the highlight of the festival, where you can watch the powerboat races at Lido Beach.
Looking for more places to sit back and watch the fireworks? Check out this guide to Independence Day Fireworks in Sarasota!
Art and a Movie at The Ringling
July 8 & 22, Aug. 5
Have you been looking for cost-friendly ways to spend your Sarasota vacation this summer? This July, The Ringling brings you Art and a Movie, a summer film series documenting three women whose art is featured in the museum. Each film will be shown on a Monday, the day that the Ringling waives the admission fee all year long. The films will be introduced by staff, who lead a short Q&A on the featured artist.
Lionfish Derby
July 14
Sarasota fun fact! Did you know that the lionfish population in Sarasota are a venomous and invasive species, that disrupts the ecosystem in the entire Gulf? Reef Environmental Education Foundation has found a fun, creative solution to this problem! 6 years ago, this foundation started a one-day competition in order to remove as many lionfish as possible. This exciting competition, with a delicious finish, was so successful they have held it every year since. The annual Sarasota Lionfish Derby, held at Mote Marine Aquarium, starts July 12th, weigh-in and tastings starting on July 14th.
Improv Festival
July 12-14
Theatre troupes from across the globe take the stage for the 10th Anniversary Sarasota Improv Festival. A three-day long event, these performances are sure to leave you laughing!
Beach Volleyball
July 13-14
Are you looking for fun ways to spend your time in the sun? Siesta Key Beach holds an annual Dig the Beach Volleyball Tournament, the perfect way to get moving while still relaxing!