WEEKEND BEST BET:Thunder by the Bay

The roar of choppers and hogs will boom in downtown Sarasota for three-day long 17th annual Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival. Thousands of motorcyclists, enthusiasts and residents will make trip to take in live concerts, vendors, food samplings and the chance to mingle with other motorcyclists.

A "Born to Be Wild" party will kickoff the festivities downtown at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9 at the Francis Ballroom at Louie’s Modern. Guests can expect whiskey, wine, craft beer and cigar tastings. There will be an open bar featuring specialty drinks, food samplings as well as live music.

The Main Street festival will start on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with displays, demos, live music and vendors.

For the complete list of Thunder by the Bay events visit, thunderbythebay.org.

Sarasota Police Department will enforce street closures and traffic will be diverted from select streets for the festivities. Any vehicles parked in those areas during the listed hours will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Street Closures for Thunder by the Bay:

Jan. 9, at 3 p.m. to Jan. 11, at 8 p.m.

· Main Street from U.S. 41 to the 1300 block alleyway

· Gulfstream Ave., west & east side from Main Street to Cocoanut

· Gulfstream Ave., west side, from Main Street to McAnsh Square

· Main Street from U.S. 41 to Gulfstream Avenue

Jan. 10, at 6 a.m. to Jan. 11, at 8 p.m.

· Central Avenue from First Street to Main Street

· First Street from Central Avenue to Pineapple

· Gulfstream Avenue, east side, from Main Street to Banana Court

· Gulfstream Avenue, east side, from Main Street to the Parking Garage Entrance

· Main Street from Bayfront Drive to the Roundabout

· Main Street from the Roundabout to Lemon Avenue

· North Palm Avenue from Main Street to the alleyway at Epicure

· South Palm Avenue from Main Street to McAnsh

Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. to Jan. 11, at 7 p.m.

· Main Street from Lemon Avenue to Orange Avenue

· Lemon Avenue from First Street to the Gator Club Alley