Our roster of June events in Sarasota and Manatee counties heats up this Father's Day weekend with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family, as well as some just for adults.
For those seeking air-conditioned activities, we have the annual Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling as well as the return of ReptiCon in Sarasota.
The latest edition of the weekly Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park in North Port features an action film that Dad should appreciate, especially when paired with a ballpark beer and hot dog. Additionally, there's the Dad's Day Block Party at The Mall at UTC in Sarasota.
While Juneteenth isn't until Wednesday, we have the free Juneteenth Arts Festival also occurring on Father's Day. Continue reading for more information on all of these events.
Please contact the venue or organizer before attending any events due to the heavy rainfall expected. As of Wednesday, it was forecasted "to continue across portions of the Florida peninsula during the next few days," according to the National Hurricane Center.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Additionally, all events for Big Gay Weekend have already been postponed.
Best waterfront restaurant?10 favorites I love to recommend in Sarasota and Bradenton
Ticket Newsletter:Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday
1. Summer Circus Spectacular at The Ringling in Sarasota
It's the opening weekend for Summer Circus Spectacular, the annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling that brings family-friendly entertainment to the lavish and intimate Historic Asolo Theater. The production features world-class circus artists including contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, the Bello Sisters acrobatic hand balancing, and hair hang act by Camille Langlois. Also, keep in mind after attending Summer Circus Spectacular, you can enjoy access to the Circus Museum on the same day for just $5 more.Friday, June 14-Aug. 17; Historic Asolo Theater, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $20, $15 children age 12 and younger, $75 opening night; 941-360-7399;ringling.org
Best local restaurant for French fries?Here’s my favorite in Sarasota and Bradenton
2. WBTT presents second annualJuneteenthArtsFestival in Sarasota
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's freeJuneteenthArtsFestivalwill feature businesses, organizations and food vendors, short films by students from Ringling College of Art & Design, as well as dance and live music on an outdoor stage. CelebratingJuneteenthon Father’s Day has inspired family-friendly activities such as free haircuts for Dads and Toni Kennedy’s “What’s Poppin’ Penny,” an interactive, educational and entertaining show for children.Noon to 6:30 p.m.Sunday, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota; free admission; 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
Top 10 restaurants:I recommend when asked 'Where should I eat in Sarasota and Bradenton?'
3. ReptiCon returns to Sarasota
Everybody’s favorite reptile and exotic animal expo returns to Sarasota County with another bunch of vendors and breeders. The family-friendly event offers educational activities and, of course, you will have plenty of opportunities to consider a new family pet among thehundreds of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spidersand small exotic animals.10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota; $10, $5 ages 5-12, free ages 4 and under;repticon.com/florida/sarasota
Best restaurants for pizza?Here are my favorites in Sarasota and Bradenton
4. Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park in North Port
CoolToday Park's popular Summer Movie Nights series, which features films shown on the scoreboard, continues with a Father's Day screening of the Dad-approved "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One." The seventh installment in the popular "Mission: Impossible" action film series features Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt leading his team against a rogue artificial intelligence. 5 p.m. Sunday; CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port; $7, $3 ages 4-9, free ages 3 and under; 941-413-5004;cooltodaypark.com/movies
Sarasota County beach barnamed one of best in Florida by Southern Living
5. Dad's Day Block Party at The Mall UTC in Sarasota
Before or after treating Dad to a meal and drinks at one of his favorite UTC area restaurants — such as Ford's Garage, Yard House and The Capital Grille — bring him over to the annual Dad's Day Block Party. The event will feature free Father's Day activities, sports player meet-and-greets, more than 40 vendors, as well as giveaways and raffles.10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 15; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; free entry/parking; 727-674-1464;floridapenguinproductions.com
10 best restaurantsin University Town Center area of Sarasota
Wade TatangeloisTicket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network.Follow him onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com.Support local journalism bysubscribing.
