Hotelplanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival

Boats by the Bay party June 29

Grand Prix Fan Festival June 30 and July 1

Powerboat Racing June 30 and July 1

The Hotelplanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival has a mouthful of a new name, but a 34-year tradition of racing history to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. The June 29 Boats by the Bay party and June 30-31 Grand Prix Fan Festival—both in the Van Wezel parking lot—build to the powerboat races, which will air later on CBS Sports. For everything you need to be part of the action, check out sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org. 

Palmetto Fourth of July Party with Charlie Daniels

July 4

The Charlie Daniels Band headlines this family-friendly event at Sutton Park, with food and craft vendors, a kid zone and beer garden. Fireworks after the show.

Fourth of July Fireworks

July 3 and 4

Two days of fireworks to celebrate America’s birthday: first on Tuesday, the 3^rd at Nathan Benderson Park, with the Greg Billings Band and other musical groups; picnicking is encouraged. Venice celebrates the 4th with fireworks on the South Jetty. And the big Sarasota fireworks take place Wednesday at dusk along Bayfront Park near Marina Jack. Happy Fourth of July, everyone.

Murder for Two

Opening June 27

Killer laughs aplenty in this Off-Broadway musical comedy about a policeman whose big chance at becoming detective when shots ring out at a celebrity’s birthday party. One actor portrays all 10 suspects. In Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre through July 29.

Patriotic Spectacular

July 4

Rousing patriotic songs, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50^th anniversary of his assassination, and a salute to Leonard Bernstein’s 100^th birthday are all on the program at Choral Artists of Sarasota’s annual Independence Day concert. Guest artist is Nate Jacobs of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.