Ranch Nite Wednesdays returns to Waterside Place

Ranch Nite Wednesdays is back for the season at Waterside Place.

“We have a lot of returning vendors, so we’re excited to have them back, but there are a lot of new vendors, too, in the night market,” said Nicole Hackel, the Lakewood Ranch events and resident experience manager. 

Ranch Nite rambles down Island Cove Terrace in sections. It starts with a row of food trucks that turns into the night market, where vendors sell everything from baked goods to leather pocketbooks.

The food and shopping depends on the week because the food trucks and vendors are rotated out to keep the experience fresh for regular visitors. 

After exiting the night market, the plaza is straight ahead and a massive game of cornhole is around the corner. The league has grown to include 508 players.   

The plaza offers a craft cocktail truck on the sidewalk and live entertainment under the pavilion. Fancy Larry & the Plain Jaynes was the band for Ranch Nite’s 2023 debut on Oct. 4. 

The band was a hit with the crowd. 

“I love sultry voices,” Country Club resident Sandra Aranibar said of the singers. 

Aranibar was enjoying a night out on the town with her two dogs, Cali and Bella. She’s lived in the Country Club for 20 years.

“I can’t believe how it’s blown up,” she said. “People would come, but it used to be half this.”