Do This: Fourth of July in Sarasota

FRIDAY, JULY 3

+ Powerboats by the Bay — takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, July 3; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 4; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at Centennial Park, 1565 1^st St. Free.

See the participating powerboats up close and in person at this free event while enjoying food, music and vendors. No pets or coolers.

+ Festival Parade of Boats — takes place at 6 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Sarasota. Free.

Join in the festivities as the parade of boats makes its way down Main Street from U.S. 301 to Gulfstream Avenue.

+ Red, Hot and Blue — takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Cock & Bull Pub, 975 Cattlemen Road. $20.

What better way to celebrate your patriotism than with a burlesque show? This vintage Coney Island-themed performance by Black Diamond Burlesque will have you seeing fireworks.

The local troupe will put on a special patriotic Independence Day performance, which includes special guest Francean Fanny and music by Combo Vimana.

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SATURDAY, JULY 4

+ Fourth of July Hootenanny — takes place from 1 to 10 p.m. at JDub’s Brewing Co., 1215 Mango Ave. $50 in advance, or $55 at the door. Free admission to the tap room.

JDub’s Brewing Co. is hosting its first annual Fourth of July Hootenanny, featuring live music by Mike Tozier, Summer Survivors and Hail Dale, an inflatable slip ‘n slide, food from Mouthole BBQ and a selection from SRQ Cigars. 

Event ticket includes a meat platter and all-you-can-drink beers from open until close. Tap room admission is free.

+ Marie Selby Botanical Gardens All American Barbecue — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave. $30 to $150.

Celebrate the Fourth of July in the most American way possible: with a summer barbecue.

Relax in the gardens near the bayfront, listen to the Lauren Mitchell Band and savor food from Michaels on East, Polo Grill, Fete Catering, Southern Smoke BBQ, Brick’s BBQ and La Dona Donuts. Stick around to watch the bayfront fireworks show.

+ Siesta Key Fourth of July Fireworks — takes place at 9 p.m. at the north end of Siesta Key Beach. Free. VIP party at 5 p.m. Tickets available for $150, $15 for children ages 11 to 15 and free for children 10 and younger.

The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual fireworks display on the beach. Not only is it one of the best views in town, the display is also one of the largest in the state.

Fireworks display is free, or spring for the VIP package, which includes on-site parking, catered dinner and beer, wine and soft drinks, live music and a preferred viewing area.

+ Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular — takes place at 9 p.m. at the Sarasota Bayfront. Free.

Part of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, this free annual fireworks display is visible from anywhere near the bayfront and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.

Watch from an anchored boat, set up a lawn chair or just stroll around Bayfront and Island Park for the best views.

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SUNDAY, JULY 5

+ Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix Races — takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lido Beach, between New and Big passes.

Watch the main event everyone’s been waiting for as powerboats and jet skis race to the finish in the scenic Gulf of Mexico.

Awards ceremony will follow between 4 and 5 p.m. at the Sandcastle Resort on Lido Beach.

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