With everything from art shows to Venice's very own Sharks Tooth Festival, the locals in this City on the Gulf enjoy any reason to celebrate in the sun. Set in the magnificent location of downtown amidst Mediterranean architecture in a vibrant, tropical landscape, every event attended has the same underlying theme: Paradise.
Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Powerboat Races
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The Annual Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Powerboat Race held on July 4, 2010 was the culmination of a week of special events. The funds raised benefit the Suncoast Charities for Children. The festival was held in Sarasota Florida, just 20 minutes north of Venice, Florida.Events include:
Kilo World Speed Record Event
Powerboats by the Bay
Suncoast Superboat Grand Prix
Miss Superboat Grand Prix Bikini Contest
Worlds Largest Offshore Party
Festival Parade of Boats
Downtown Block Party and Powerboats on Main Street
Fishing Tournament for Physically and Mentally Challenged
Grand Prix Golf Tournament
Festival Kickoff Party
Festival Car and Motorcycle Show
Clydesdale Team in Venice
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The Clydesdale Team paraded proudly down Venice Ave in the middle of the afternoon. Locals and our northern guests crowded the streets to watch these regal creatures and to take advantage of photo opportunities.
Downtown Venice Art Classic
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Downtown Venice Art Classic...In the heart of Downtown Venice, the streets overflow with fun, food and vendors in the spirit of art. The beauty of the beach is common theme as artists display works in all mediums from sculpture, painting, jewelry, collage and more. Always free and never gated, this celebration draws art and festival fans of all ages for a weekend in the sun. Featuring award-winning artists, this event is a must-attend for art enthusiasts! Visit the website for featured artists, dates, times and updates.
Downtown Venice Art Classic 219 W Venice Ave Venice, FL 34285
Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival...a colorful tradition to welcome summer! With more than 100 crafters, there is a style that everyone can appreciate at this annual craft fair. They bring their works, paintings, unique jewelry, personalized gifts, handmade clothing and more, to Centennial Park accompanied by great food and outdoor fun. The event is always free and artists always present to answer questions about their inspiration or techniques. The event runs for two days from 10am to 5pm.
Farmers Market...A celebration of the gifts of the Earth, bright and early Saturday mornings! The aromatic scents of freshly cut flowers and organic potting soil fill Venice Avenue's Centennial Park as bright leafy greens of potted plants contrast the burnt coral Renaissance architecture with vibrancy. Freshly picked fruits and vegetables overflow booths set up by local growers and relaxed shoppers mingle, select and sample. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon.
Italian Feast
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Held on the airport grounds the last weekend of February is Florida's largest Italian Fest, hosted by the Italian American Club of Venice. All are welcome with free admission and affordable parking. Set in an authentic Italian Feast atmosphere, delicious smells of Italian cuisine fill the air as well as those popular festival food favorites. Check out Mote Marines educational yet hands on exhibit and ride fun, carnival rides. With live music, elaborate costumes and performances, there is not a minute unoccupied at the Italian Festival. Visit the Club website for performance times, festival dates, ride prices and updates!
Shark's Tooth Festival...A celebration of Venice's World Famous Treasures! Each Spring fossil collectors, locals, and visitors alike delight in this festival that takes place in the foreground of Venice's best prehistoric shark's tooth hunting beach. Artists travel from across the state to display works for sale and food vendors offer their signature dishes from BBQ to coastal seafood. Fun activities like the Shark's Tooth Scramble and Mote Marine's hands on exhibits provide lots to do for the little ones. Live entertainment adds to the beach atmosphere. And the main focus...fossil collectors and importers from all over the world display the finest of their fossil collections and offer some on sale to add to your private collection! Check the website for yearly dates, times, and location of this fun-filled event!
Proceeds go to support Special Olympics.
2009 Schedule is: Friday, April 17, 2009 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Saturday, April 18, 2009 10:00 am - 9:00 pm Sunday, April 19, 2009 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club Art Festival...This annual celebration of the arts boasts 100 talented artists, food and drinks, non-stop entertainment, motor boats, cars, and a children's activity tent and art display. As always, parking is free for this event and admission is only $2 with children under 12 free. Proceeds of festival benefit local charities.
Location: Venice Airport Festival Grounds
Warbirds
DESCRIPTION
Warbirds...A sky-blazing annual event at the Venice Municipal Airport. Restored World War II planes including the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and the P-51 Mustang fly into the airport bringing awestruck visitors back to the days when airport was established as an active military base. These planes visit 120 cities in more than 35 states every year on a tour put on by the Collings Foundation, founded to preserve the history of aviation. Event visitors are encouraged to tour the planes, speak with the veterans who come, and fly in the planes for 30 flight experience opportunities and even have "stick time" aboard the P-51. Call (800)568-8924 for flight reservations and prices or (941)228-3232 for local info.
