Summer Lovin' in Sarasota: 14+ Events and Activities to Add to Your July Itinerary

Summer is here and Sarasota is ready to show you a great time! July is the perfect month to explore the city and all of the amazing things it has to offer. From 4th of July fireworks and live music to festivals and shows, Sarasota is filled with exciting events and activities for you to enjoy this summer. Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or a tourist planning your next vacation, make sure to check out this list of 14+ events and activities in Sarasota this July!

The “Waves & Wheels" Fun Run

July 1st, 10am | Starting at Marina Jack

One of the exciting events happening in Sarasota this July is the "Waves & Wheels" Fun Run taking place on Saturday, July 1. This event is open to cars, boats, and motorcycles, and it promises to be a thrilling adventure for everyone involved.

The Fun Run will feature eight official stops, starting at Marina Jack. Participants will get to visit Adrenaline Harley-Davidson, Hot Sands Oasis Tiki Bar And Grill, Marina Jack, Stragglers Bar, Tarpon Point Grill & Marina, The Bridge Tender Dockside Bar, The Old Salty Dog (City Island), and The Point. Each stop offers unique experiences and a chance to earn points by playing games. The event is open to cars, boats and motorcycles.

This event is undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do in Sarasota this July, so don't miss out on the fun! Sign up for the "Waves & Wheels" Fun Run and experience Sarasota in a whole new way!

Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix

July 1st & 2nd, Hours Vary | Off Lido Beach

One of the most thrilling events on the July calendar in Sarasota is the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix. This exciting race has been taking place annually since 1984 and is celebrating its 39th anniversary in 2023. The race course runs from New Pass to Big Pass, covering a distance of 6 miles, and the offshore racing boats can reach speeds of over 100 mph!

The best part? This event is free to attend and open to the public! But if you want to catch the best views, head to Lido Key Beach, which is the perfect spot to watch all the action unfold. And you'll even catch a glimpse of the helicopters that are used to keep a watchful eye on the boats and drivers, with emergency divers and medical staff aboard.

Racing on the 6-mile course at Lido Beach will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, with the qualifying session for the exhilarating Class 1 powerboats at 2:00 p.m. On Sunday, the action will get underway at 10:00 a.m. with the fleet of Class 1 boats on the water at 1:00 p.m. This is definitely one of the top things to do in Sarasota this July, so don't miss out!

Suncoast's Largest Food Truck Festival

July 1st-3rd, Hours Vary | The Mall at UTC

Looking for delicious things to do this July in Sarasota? Make sure to attend Suncoast's Largest Food Truck Festival 3.0 at The Mall at University Town Center. Not only will you get to indulge in amazing food from various food trucks, but you'll also be supporting three local charities: Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida, Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida, and (SMART)Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc.

Entry tickets cost $5 per adult at the gate, and a portion of every ticket sold will go towards the charities. This event will take place on July 1st (2pm-7pm), July 2nd (12pm-6pm), and July 3rd (3pm-9pm), with Monday night ending with the amazing Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park. So, mark your calendar and get ready for some delicious food and a good cause!

Fireworks on the Lake

July 3rd, 5pm | Nathan Benderson Park

Why wait for the 4th to celebrate? Fireworks on the Lake, held annually on July 3rd, is a great way to celebrate Independence Day in Sarasota! Taking place at Nathan Benderson Park, this event includes live music, food and beverages, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Gates open at 5pm, so arrive early to secure your spot and enjoy the festivities. Live music starts at 5:30pm, featuring local musicians and bands to keep you entertained throughout the evening. The main event of the night, the fireworks display, begins at 9pm.

Admission to Fireworks on the Lake is free and parking ranges from $20 to $30 per car. For those looking for a VIP experience, a $75 per person ticket is available for access to a prime viewing area, free food and beverages, premium parking and exclusive access to the Finish Tower.

Make sure to mark your calendar for this exciting event and get ready to celebrate America's independence in style!

Suncoast Summer Festival's Fireworks

July 4th, 9pm | Sarasota Bayfront

If you're looking for a dazzling fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day in Sarasota, look no further than the Suncoast Summer Festival's Fireworks! Organized by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with Marina Jack and produced by Pyrotecnico, this display is sure to impress. The best viewing spot is Bayfront Park near Marina Jack, but you can see the fireworks from all over the Bayfront and downtown Sarasota. The show begins at 9pm, so get there early to snag a good spot. Don't miss out on this unforgettable display of patriotism!

City of North Port’s Annual Freedom Festival

July 4th, 5pm | CoolToday Park in Venice, FL

Looking for a fun-filled Fourth of July celebration in Sarasota? Look no further than the City of North Port's annual Freedom Festival, taking place on July 4th, 2023 at CoolToday Park! This FREE festival will feature plenty of activities, vendors, food options, and of course, a spectacular fireworks display.

One of the highlights of the festival is the children's activity section, which is sure to keep the little ones entertained for hours. Here, kids can enjoy free activities, vendors, lawn games, and more.

In addition to the kid-friendly activities, there will also be live music performed throughout the night featuring Tim Charron. His music is the perfect soundtrack for a fun-filled night of celebration. For those who want to relax and enjoy the fireworks show, there will be seating available both inside the stadium or outside on the Event Lawn. This way, everyone can enjoy the show no matter where they are.

So, mark your calendars for July 4th and head on over to CoolToday Park for the Freedom Festival. This is one event that you won't want to miss!

Laser Light Nights

Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nights, 7pm & 9pm | The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Ready to experience an immersive laser show that will leave you breathless? Laser Light Nights is back at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature! Running every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from now through September 2nd, 2023, this spectacular laser light show is the perfect opportunity to get out of the summer heat and enjoy an unforgettable evening out.

This event features a mesmerizing laser light show set to the latest hits, as well as classic tunes that will make you want to get up and dance. There are also exciting special effects, including fog, haze, and bubbles, to create a truly immersive experience.

Laser Light Nights Shows in July

• Saturday 7/1/23: The Rolling Stones at 7pm & Rush at 9pm

• Thursday 7/6/23: Aerosmith at 7pm & Van Halen at 9pm

• Friday 7/7/23: Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 7pm & Pink Floyd: The Wall at 9pm

• Saturday 7/8/23: Led Zeppelin at 7pm & Metallica at 9pm

• Thursday 7/13/23: Bob Marley at 7pm & Jimi Hendrix at 9pm

• Friday 7/14/23: Michael Jackson at 7pm & David Bowie at 9pm

• Saturday 7/15/23: Taylor Swift at 7pm & Bruno Mars at 9pm

• Thursday 7/20/23: Queen at 7pm & Prince at 9pm

• Friday 7/21/23: Elton John at 7pm & David Bowie at 9pm

• Saturday 7/22/23: The Beatles at 7pm & Journey at 9pm

• Thursday 7/27/23: KISS at 7pm & Aerosmith at 9pm

• Friday 7/28/23: Foo Fighters at 7pm & Rage Against the Machine at 9pm

• Saturday 7/29/23: Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 7pm & Lady Gaga at 9pm

Don't worry about getting hungry during the show, either – there will be food and drinks available for purchase onsite. However, be aware that the event involves bright, flashing lights and loud music, which may not be suitable for those with photo sensitivities.

Tickets for Laser Light Nights can sell out fast, so purchasing them online ahead of time is recommended to secure your spot. General admission is $15 per person, but you can also book a private Laser Light Night for $1,250. Overall, Laser Light Nights is the perfect way to kick back, relax, and let yourself be dazzled by one of the most breathtaking laser shows in town. Don't miss out on this amazing experience!

Music on Main

July 7th, 6pm-9pm | Lakewood Ranch Main Street

If you love food and live music, then Music on Main is the place to be! Presented by Grace Community Church, this free concert series is held on the first Friday of every month from 6 pm to 9 pm. The event features live music, local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids.

One of the best things about Music on Main is that proceeds from the event go towards supporting a different local non-profit organization each month. This makes the event a great opportunity to give back to the community while enjoying a night of fun and music.

For the July edition of Music on Main, you can look forward to a mix of Latin, R&B, and Island Dance music and this time, proceeds witll go towards the Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County. So come on down to Main Street and enjoy a night of great music for a good cause!

4th Annual Cornhole & Cocktails Festival

July 8th, 3pm-7pm | Manatee County Fairgrounds

The 4th Annual Cornhole & Cocktails Festival is back and better than ever! Taking place on July 8th, 2023 from 3-7 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, this event is the perfect mix of friendly competition and good times.

The festival boasts a fun indoor cornhole tournament, where participants can show off their skills and compete for prizes. Not only that, but there will also be music, food, drinks, raffles and samples from a variety of restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries.

Make sure to bring your A-game and your competitive spirit! This event is for ages 21 and older, and free parking is available on the fairgrounds. Don't miss out on this chance to have some fun, play some cornhole, and enjoy delicious food and drinks with friends!

Summer Movie Nights

Most Sundays, 5pm | CoolToday Park in Venice

Looking for an affordable and fun family activity this July? Look no further than the Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park! Taking place on most Sundays in July, these movie nights offer a chance to relax and enjoy a flick inside the stadium.

July Movie Schedule

• July 9th: Thor - Love & Thunder

• July 16th: Jaws

• July 23rd: Elf

• July 30th: Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Best of all, these movie nights don't cost much. Child tickets for ages 4-9 are just $3.00, while adults can snag a ticket for only $7.00. So grab some popcorn and a cozy blanket, and head on down to CoolToday Park for some good old-fashioned movie magic under the stars!

Rockstar Beach Christmas in July Volleyball Tournament

July 15th-16th, 8am | Lido Key Beach

Join the Rockstar Beach Volleyball Club at Lido Beach for their Christmas in July Volleyball Tournament! This fun event combines the holiday spirit with summer beach vibes for an unforgettable day.

Men's and Women's Open Divisions will have a $100 entry fee per team with check-in time from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. The start time is 8:00 a.m. SHARP, so make sure to arrive early and ready to play. The prizes for the top three teams in this division include 1st place - $500, 2nd place - $200, and 3rd place - $100.

For the Men's and Women's Doubles Divisions (AA, A, BB/B), there is a $70 entry fee per team and check-in time is from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. These games will begin shortly after and continue throughout the day.

Plus, there's a player's party with free drinks on Saturday night at Daiquiri Deck St. Armands Circle! This tournament is the perfect way to enjoy some fun in the sun while also competing for great prizes. So, gather your friends, family, and teammates for an exciting day at the beach. Don't forget your Christmas in July gear for an added festive touch!

12th Annual Mystic Faire

July 15th-16th, Hours Vary | Sarasota Municipal Auditorium

For those looking for a spiritual and uplifting experience, the 12th Annual Mystic Faire is a must-see event in Sarasota this July! This two-day event is billed as the largest psychic fair in southwest Florida and will feature over 75 exhibitors and more than 25 psychics.

One of the main draws of the Mystic Faire are the many psychics and healers on hand, offering everything from tarot card readings to aura cleansing. The vendor marketplace is another popular attraction, featuring an array of spiritual and holistic products. Attendees can also take part in lectures and healing sessions throughout the weekend.

The Mystic Faire will be open on Saturday from 10:30am to 6pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. The entry fee is $7 for one day or $10 for both days, and children 12 and under are free. In addition to all of the exciting activities, the first 50 people on both days will receive a special gift upon entry!

Sarasota Improv Festival

July 20th-22nd, Hours Vary | Florida Studio Theater

Improv enthusiasts, rejoice! The Sarasota Improv Festival is back and ready to bring the laughs. As the premier festival of its kind in the southeastern United States, this event is not to be missed. The 13th Annual Sarasota Improv Festival will take place on July 20, 21, and 22 and features an impressive lineup of troupes, artists, and performances. In total, there will be over 20 troupes and 80 artists from around the country performing in 29 shows throughout the weekend.

Not only is the festival a chance to see some amazing improv comedy, but it also offers workshops for attendees to improve their own skills. These workshops cover a variety of topics, from the basics of improv to advanced techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a curious beginner, there’s a workshop for you.

So gather your friends and head to the Sarasota Improv Festival for a weekend of non-stop laughter and entertainment. With so many talented performers and workshops to choose from, you won't be disappointed. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of improv comedy!

The Van Wezel's Friday Fest

July 21st, 5pm-9pm | The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Lawn

One of the best things about summer is outdoor concerts, and Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is delivering just that with their free Friday Fest concert series! This month's event is from 5-9 p.m., featuring One Night Rodeo, a country band that has opened for popular country music artists like Keith Urban and Rascal Flatts, will take the stage on the lawn of the Van Wezel.

This event is the perfect way to kick off your weekend. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverage from local vendors. Note that bringing in food, beverages and coolers from outside Friday Fest is prohibited, but don't worry, there will be plenty of options to satisfy your hunger and thirst.

Friday Fest is a family-friendly event, so bring the whole gang. There will be something for everyone to enjoy. This is an excellent opportunity to soak up the beautiful summer weather and have some fun with friends and family!

Let's Have Some Fun in Sarasota This July!

As we wrap up our list of events and activities to add to your July itinerary in Sarasota, we hope you feel inspired to make the most out of this summer season. Whether you're looking for thrilling powerboat races or tasty food truck festivals, Sarasota has something for everyone. This year's summer events promise to be memorable and unforgettable, so get out there and have some fun!