- May 3, 2024
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Ladies and gentlemen, start your calendars. The social scene on Longboat Key is ramping up.
Now that we survived or enjoyed the major winter holidays, it’s time for Longboaters to turn their attention to the year ahead. And what a year of events it’s sure to be, because Longboaters know how to throw a (lawn) party, a parade, a potluck, a fashion show, a — well, you get the idea.
We can’t wait to document and share the events that lie ahead in 2024.
Jan. 15, Feb.12, March 11 and April 15 at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Visit Facebook.com.
Is shopping really an event? When you’re browsing the wares on offer in the open-air market that pops up monthly on the Town Center Green, then absolutely it is. We’re talking about one-stop shopping for boho beach style, rum cakes, canine fashion and so much more spread out across a variety of creative booths. There’s live music, food trucks, cooking tools and demonstrations and floral displays. It’s a can’t-miss event, which is why we’re glad there are still four chances to check out the market. The market opens at 10 a.m. on the Town Center Green on each date.
Jan. 15, Feb. 12 and March 11 at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road. Visit TheParadiseCenter.org.
It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and The Paradise Center will teach you everything you need to know to start playing. No equipment necessary. Just wear court shoes and come ready to learn from instructor Terri Noyes in this special workshop series. The workshops start at 11:30 a.m. in The Paradise Center parking lot, 546 Bay Isles Road.
RSVP for Special Programs at The Paradise Center by calling 941-383-6493 or emailing [email protected].
Jan. 19-21 at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center, 590 Bay Isles Road. Call 941-316-8367.
Love tennis? Like a challenge? Then you don’t want to miss this tournament Jan. 19-21 at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. It all kicks off with a reception catered by Harry’s Continental Kitchens from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Public Tennis Center. Then the real action starts. Four people per team (two men, two women), four levels of play. Men and women play doubles. When finished, one man and one woman go straight into singles, and the other players are up next. It’s the best three out of five pro sets. Winner moves onto the next round.
More than 100 players take part each year. There’s a $50 entry fee per player. Nonplayers can attend the reception for $30. Call 941-316-8367 for more info or to register.
Jan. 27, Feb. 17 and March 16 at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road. Call 941-383-2466.
Ready to rock? Look no further than the Town Center Green, which will play host to outdoor concerts this winter. Bring a chair and a picnic snack or two. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. VIP tables for eight people will be available for $250. Contact the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce for tickets and information at 941-383-2466. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Concerts begin at 5:30 p.m.
The lineup includes Kettle of Fish, SoulRcoaster, and Yesterdayze. Kettle of Fish describes itself as an “amalgam of rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul.” SoulRcoaster plays a wide range of covers from “Etta to Gaga, classic rock to Motown, jazz, ballads, disco and even a little country.”
Yesterdayze will take you back to the 1960s with Top-40 covers from Motown to the British Invasion.
Concert lineup:
March 7 at Longboat Island Chapel, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Call 941-383-4738.
This is not your typical fashion show. The show takes over the Longboat Island Chapel’s sanctuary and includes a sit-down lunch, raffle, and a signature drink. All the fashions and accessories come from the warehouse. Volunteers, members and shoppers are the models — 10 of them to be exact. OK, technically 11, because each year there is one special mystery guest model. After the show, there’s even more fun, because the thrift shop opens and hosts a special sale, just for the fashion show attendees. The 2023 show drew more than 220 people, said Karen Pashkow, event organizer.
At 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 7, the doors of the Longboat Island Chapel open for the show. For more information contact the Lord’s Warehouse at 941-383-4738.
March 8-9 at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Visit StMarkLBK.org.
Let’s get ready to rummage! It’s one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for St. Mary, Star of the Sea, and it’s set for March 8-9. It’s such a draw that the church now offers early-bird shopping for $5. There’s likely to be a line to get in because you’re sure to find bargains on clothing, furniture, art, collectibles, housewares and jewelry.
July 4 at Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road.
You’re probably not going to forget about the Fourth of July, but here’s your extra early reminder to arrive early to the annual July 4 Freedom Fest, because if you show up late, you might just miss the “Shortest Parade in America” starting at Bicentennial Park on Bay Isles Road. You do not want to miss the Hot Diggity Dog contest.
Nov. 11 at various locations. Visit LongboatKeyRotary.org.
Longboat Key honors its active and former military service members every year with a patriotic display on Veterans Day. The Rotary Club of Longboat Key pays tribute with packed programs, including music, flags, food and guest speakers.
Nov. 26. Details to come.
Each year Longboat’s faiths come together to celebrate religious community unity with a special dinner and service, which is held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Each year a different church or synagogue hosts the event, with other aspects like the dinner and message also working on a rotation, so each of the half-dozen religious communities from St. Armands to Longboat Key is equally represented. The well-attended event draws hundreds of people.
Nov. 29. Details to come.
What better way to kick off the most wonderful time of the year? The day after Thanksgiving, Longboat Key comes together on the Town Center Green for this free community event to celebrate with a tree-lighting and Santa, holiday music, raffles and lots of local nonprofits.
Details to come. Visit LBKLawnParty.org.
Even though we just dined and donated by the bay, it’s never too soon to start thinking about the next Longboat Key Kiwanis Club Lawn Party, coming next December. The annual Longboat Key Lawn Party helps kids in need by donating to the Children's Guardian Fund. There will be great bites and wonderful wine from more than 25 local restaurants. Live entertainment, food and drinks are all included with admission. The 2023 iteration also saw a next-level addition to the fun. Each attendee received a tray upon entrance to load up on laps around the vendors’ tents. It also made standing, grazing and browsing that much handier.
