The Suncoast Post asks, “What’s On, Suncoast?” Here are a few ideas for things to do around the area this week of July 9 – July 16, 2021!

Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival

Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival
5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235

Looking for a fun event for the entire family in one of the prettiest locations here in Sarasota County? This Saturday, Nathan Benderson Park is hosting the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival. In what will promise to be a fiercely competitive Sports Division and widely attended Community Division, the event offers racing for established and entry-level teams alike looking to gain competitive experience by competing in a world-class sports facility. Nathan Benderson Park features a 400-acre lake built to FISA specifications. In 2017, the multi-use sports venue hosted the World Rowing Championships, so teams can expect the best racing conditions come race day! Race distances include 200m and 500m events for Sport and Community Division teams, with the addition of the ever-thrilling 2k pursuit for Sport Division teams only.

Good Fortune Juicery & Kitchen

Good Fortune Juicery & Kitchen
1302 13th ave w Bradenton, FL 34205

Are you looking for a fresh alternative to heavy or fatty foods this summer? This local eatery and juicing business were started in our own community to provide plant nutrition options to the Suncoast. Not only do they marry amazing fruit and plant fresh options from produce grown here in Manatee and Sarasota County, but they also have some amazing event options. From Spin Saturdays, where you can get some of their fan-favorite tater tots, buffalo tofu sandwiches, and more until midnight. Don’t binge on junk food as you hang out on the beach or take in other Suncoast events, but keep it fresh and healthy. Additionally, they have Art Markets featuring live music, art, and vendors on the first and second Friday and Saturday nights of the month. Wednesdays, they offer runs to the sunset and then yoga and smoothie and juice discounts. What will this amazing Juicery and Kitchen come up with next? Come on in and check it out!

51ST Annual Christmas in July Bazaar

51ST Annual Christmas in July Bazaar
2280 Aaron St Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Come on out for a true family tradition this coming weekend at the 51st Annual Christmas in July Bazaar July 9th, 10th, and 11th at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Over 80 vendors will be onsite with an array of great handmade crafts and more. Join Santa each day in Centennial Hall from noon to 2 p.m. for free pictures as well as complimentary cookies. In addition to vendors and activities, you won’t want to miss all of our delicious food choices, including bake sale items, our “World Famous Strawberry Shortcake,” and a variety of treats from the concession stand. In addition, there will be music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as special deals in our Thrift Shops and Centennial Hall. The Cultural Center of Charlotte County is a nonprofit organization that has been serving our community since 1961. 

Beach Road Wine Bar & Bistro

Beach Road Wine Bar & Bistro
1350 Beach Rd Englewood, FL 34223

As the picture here shows, this is an amazingly located eatery and Wine bar in Englewood. The sunsets from the outdoor seating area are enhanced with live music on certain nights and a wonderful menu. This is not a full entree-driven eatery, but rather they serve a variety of lighter choices and main courses, appetizers, and entrees. All fresh ingredients, nothing fried. From Seared Crab Cakes to the Jono’s New England Clam Chowder and amazing salad options, you can definitely find something to whet your appetite. Whether taking visitors to the Suncoast out or just making it a wonderful night out without having to cook – consider Beach Road Wine Bar & Bistro.

SCD In-Studio Performance featuring: Christal Brown

SCD In-Studio Performance featuring: Christal Brown
1400 Blvd of the Arts Ste 300, Sarasota FL 34236Sarasota, FL 34236

Keeping in the spirit of creating opportunities for artists in various stages of their careers, Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s In-Studio Performance Series is a residency opportunity, providing artists access to SCD’s home studio and its resources. Whether they’re showing a work-in-progress or adding the final touches to a piece, the residency culminates in a live performance followed by a Q&A with the featured artist. Christal Brown is the Founder of INSPIRIT and Project: BECOMING, the creator of the Liquid Strength training module for dance, an Associate Professor of Dance at Middlebury College, and the CVO of Steps and Stages Coaching, LLC. Brown received a BFA in Dance and a minor in Business from UNCG and her MFA in New Media Art and Technology from LIU. Brown is a native of Kinston, NC, where while serving as her mother’s sidekick, she learned the mechanisms of cultural organizing and the organic synthesis of art and activism. Brown combines her athleticism, creativity, love for people, and passion for teaching to create works that redefine the art of dance, the creation of identity, and structures of power.

Photos from the above business website or Facebook pages.