🥧 Someone’s Going to Win $500 for Baking a Pie

If not, don’t worry. We’ve got Mozart meltdowns, llama drama, pie rivalries, cannonballs, costume contests, and even a robot trying to find itself in the wilderness. (Yeah, it’s that kind of lineup.)

This weekend’s looking stacked with chill hangs, family-friendly chaos, and just enough weirdness to keep things interesting. Whether you're in it for the powdered wigs, the poolside beats, or the free pie samples (no shame), scroll on — your perfect plan is probably a few lines down.

Let’s get into it 👇

Your Thursday night just found its groove with the Doobie Brothers.

🗓️ Thursday, June 26, 2025 • 7:00 PM
📍 Sarasota Opera House (61 N Pineapple Ave)
🎟️ Grab your tickets here

Why it’s worth it:

Whether you’re an OG fan or just vibing to yacht rock lately, this tribute brings the full Doobie Brothers experience to life—with joy, precision, and maybe a little dancing in your seat.

Ready to feel the music? Let’s roll.

Name’s Bond. Jane Bond. And she’s bringing the vocals to downtown Venice.

🗓️ Friday, June 27 (Evening – arrive early!)
📍 Centennial Park, Downtown Venice
🎟️ Totally free – just bring a chair, a blanket, and your good vibes

Why it’s a vibe:

💡 Pro tip: Grab takeout from a nearby spot, claim your patch of grass early, and settle in for a smooth night of live music.

Because nothing says summer like free tunes and open air. See you out there!

Drama. Genius. Popcorn. Powdered wigs.

If your Friday night plans don’t currently involve a theatrical breakdown over harpsichord envy, allow us to redirect you.

📅 Friday, June 27 | 🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Sarasota Opera House (61 N Pineapple Ave)
🎟️ $12 — at the door or online here if you like a guaranteed seat

They’re screening Amadeus (1984) — the juicy, operatic, he-did-NOT-just-do-that retelling of Mozart vs. Salieri.

It’s got: 🎭 Meltdowns, masterpieces, an ungodly amount of brocade.

Run time? 3 glorious hours of chaotic classical genius on the big screen, with velvet seats and that sweet sweet Dolby surround sound.

Honestly, Bridgerton could never.

Llamas. Laughs. Lawn seating.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to sprawl out under the Sarasota stars and yell “BOOM, BABY!” — this is it.

🗓️ Friday, June 27 | 🕢 7:30–8:50 PM
📍 The Oval at The Bay – Downtown Sarasota Waterfront
🎟️ Totally free — details here

It’s The Emperor’s New Groove on a giant outdoor screen — aka Disney’s most underrated gem, powered by sass, ancient Incan aesthetics, and a whole lotta llama drama.

What to expect:

😂 Endless one-liners (you will quote Yzma for days)
🌳 Chill vibes with open-air seating
🍿 BYO-blanket, lawn chair, and maybe a few secret snacks (just check The Bay’s policy first)

Run time? ~78 minutes. Just enough for the kids to stay dialed in and for the adults to sneak in some zen.

It’s free, it’s fun, it’s Friday. See you there — llama pajamas optional, but encouraged.

Snowflakes, sing-alongs, and sister magic — all from a local youth cast.

🗓️ Friday, June 27 | 🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Manatee Performing Arts Center – Stone Hall (502 3rd Ave W)
🎟️ $11.50–$20 — get tickets here, by phone, or at the box office

Bradenton’s about to get very chill ❄️ as local kids take the stage to bring Frozen to life — part of the For KIDS by KIDS series you’ll definitely want to cheer on.

Why this is an absolute must:

🎤 Two weeks of camp training = big talent, tiny cast
🎶 All the faves: Let It Go, Do You Want to Build a Snowman, Love Is an Open Door
❤️ Sweet sisterhood, talking snowmen, and some serious stage sparkle

Tips for max magic:
👉 Snag seats early — doors open 30 minutes before
👉 Every guest (yes, even the baby dressed as Elsa) needs a ticket
👉 Snacks and drinks available for mid-show munchies

This is the kind of night that’ll leave your heart full and your head filled with Disney tunes. Come support the future stars of Broadway (or at least the coolest kids in town).

From 1 Mile to Half Marathon… and yes, costumes encouraged.

🗓️ Saturday, June 28 | 🕗 8:00 AM sharp
📍 Heritage Harbor Park, Bradenton
🎟️ Pre-registration only — sign up here (no day-of entries!)

Whether you’re sprinting the mile or tackling a half marathon, everyone goes home with bling at this Medal Madness event. Plus… best costume gets extra glory.

Why it’s a weekend win:
🏃‍♀️ 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, 15K, or Half — pick your challenge
🌴 Scenic out-and-back loops on a relaxed coastal course
🥇 Finisher medals for everyone
📸 Pre-race costume contest for max flair and fun
🏁 3.5-hour course time = go at your pace (yes, walk breaks totally count)

Runner tips:
👉 Packet pickup starts at 7:30 AM
👉 Park near the playground (easy in/easy out)
👉 Rock a tutu, cape, or banana suit — we’re here for the vibes

Whether you're chasing a PR or just showing up for the medal and a good time, it’s a fun flex with some real community energy.

Go get that hardware, Bradenton. 🏅

A little gardening, a little learning, and a whole lot of wholesome vibes.

🗓️ Saturday, June 28 | 🕙 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Manatee Village Historical Park (1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton)
🎟️ Free! Supplies are limited — first come, first served

Ready to get your hands a little dirty in the name of learning (and fun)? Head to Make & Take at Manatee Village for a chill, hands-on activity where you’ll:

🪴 Plant your very own pumpkin seed (future Jack-O'-Lantern, maybe?)
📚 Learn about the full plant life cycle — from sleepy seed to sprouting superstar
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Enjoy family-friendly activities that are just as fun for grown-ups
🏛️ Explore one of Bradenton’s coolest historic spots before or after

Hot tips for a sunny Saturday:
👉 Arrive early — supplies go fast
👉 Bring water and sunscreen (open-air = fresh air + sunshine)
👉 Bonus points if your kid names their pumpkin sprout 🎃

No screens, no stress — just sweet outdoor learning with a side of local history.

See you in the sunshine! 🌞

Wellen Park’s Bake-Off Is Serving Serious Dessert Drama. Bring your crust A-game… or just show up hungry.

📅 Saturday, June 28 | 🕥 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Downtown Wellen Park (19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice)
🎟️ Free to attend & sample vendor pies
📝 Want to bake? Register here (pre-reg required!)

Whether you’re a butter-crust purist or just in it for the samples, The Great Wellen Pie Bake-Off is bringing the sugar and the stakes.

🥧 Three age categories: Juniors, Teens & Adults — pie dreams have no age limit
🏆 Top baker takes home a $500 gift card and the world’s most charming weapon: a wooden spoon
😋 Guests get to sample vendor pies (sorry, no judge bites from the competitors—but still yum)
💛 Entry fees go to a local pantry — so your sweet tooth is doing good, too

Pro tips for peak pie day:
👉 Bakers must register by June 28 (adult entry is $10; kids/teens are free)
👉 Bring your appetite — and maybe stretchy pants
👉 You’ll vote with your taste buds, so pace yourself and stay hydrated (seriously)

Whether you’re rolling dough or rolling up to taste-test, this is your slice of summer fun.

A pop-up reggae night with big vibes, local eats, and only 300 spots available.

🗓️ Saturday, June 29 • 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 Fogartyville Community & Media Center (Sarasota)
🎟️ $15 General Admission • $5 Kids under 12

Why it’s a weekend winner:

🌮 Bring a dish if you want to join the potluck table, or grab bites from on-site trucks.
🪘Come ready to move—or just vibe with a drink in hand and let the music do its thing.

This one’s low-key electric. Don’t sleep on it.

A soulful robot, a sunset breeze, and a lawn full of cozy moviegoers.

🗓️ Sunday, June 29 | 🕔 5:00–6:50 PM
📍 CoolToday Park (18800 W. Villages Pkwy, Venice)
🎟️ $3 (ages 4–9) • $7 (10+) • Under 4 free — includes free parking!

Get ready for The Wild Robot — an animated heartwarmer where a lone robot learns to live, grow, and connect in the wild. Think DreamWorks charm meets gentle nature vibes — it’s sweet, thoughtful, and perfect for kids and their grown-ups.

Why it’s a must-do:
🤖 Heartfelt story packed with emotion and environmental wonder
🌅 Big outdoor screen + golden hour breeze = chef’s kiss
🍿 Concessions on site so you can snack without stress

Movie night tips from the pros:
👉 Show up a little early for primo blanket real estate
👉 Bring a stadium seat or cozy blanket (and a light sweater — it cools off fast!)
👉 Ends before 7 PM — bedtime routine? Still doable.

This is the kind of summer memory that feels soft and glowy. Round up the crew and let The Wild Robot steal your heart. ❤️

From lawn chairs and live music to pie battles and powdered wigs, there’s a little something for every mood (and every outfit… looking at you, banana suit runners 🍌).

Whether you’re floating in a pool, tossing bean bags, or catching a sunrise sermon with sand between your toes, we hope you find a moment that makes you smile, snack, or sing along.

Now go soak it up, snap a few pics, and maybe forward this to a friend who needs weekend inspo.

See you out there. 🌴
— The Waves Pest Control Team 🌊

P.S. If you loved this, forward it to a friend who owns both a tutu and a folding lawn chair. If you didn’t… blame the robot. 🤖