07.02.15 Sarasota Calendar

Community
Saturday, July 4
Liberty Day Regatta
Runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at City Island, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron will host the Liberty Day Regatta and Family Festival. Enjoy a water slide, ice cream truck, a pig roast and live music followed by fireworks on the bay. Tickets for dinner are $7 per person and $5 for children 12 and under. Guests are encouraged to bring a dessert for the potluck. For information, visit sarasotasailingsquadron.org.

The 25th Annual Fourth of July VIP Party
Runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road. Be a VIP for the biggest Fourth of July celebration on Siesta Key. Enjoy a catered gourmet picnic dinner for two, open bar with beer, wine and soft drinks followed by preferred seating for the fireworks display. VIP tickets are $150 and include one parking pass and two individual tickets. Individual tickets are $75. For information, visit siestakeychamber.com.

All American Barbecue and Independence Celebration
Runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S. Palm Ave. Spend the Fourth of July celebrating Independence Day on the grounds of Selby Gardens. This is also a prime viewing spot for the fireworks over Sarasota Bay. Tickets are $30 for members, $35 for non-members and free for children 11 years and younger. VIP tickets are available for $150. For information, visit selby.org.

Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular 
The Sarasota bayfront fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Set up camp anywhere near the bayfront or enjoy the show from your boat to see the sky light up on the Fourth of July. Free. Call 365-4232. 

Sunday, July 5
Liberty Litter Cleanup
Runs from 7 to 9 a.m. at Siesta Key Beach, Lido Beach and South Lido Beach. Sarasota County is looking for volunteers for the 2015 Liberty Litter Cleanup. Volunteers will help clean up beaches that will be used as venues for Fourth of July festivities. For information, call 941-861-5000. 

Tuesday, July 8
Party for the Pantry
Runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Michael’s Wine Cellar, 1212 East St. The Children’s Healthy Pantry signature fundraising event, “Party for the Pantry,” helps feed at-risk children. Tickets are $20 per person. Each ticket will provide a full day of healthy snacks for an entire school. For information, visit childrenshealthypantry.com.

Entertainment 
​Saturday, July 4
An American Tapestry Concert 
Starts at 4:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 104 Pineapple Ave. Enjoy a patriotic evening with "An American Tapestry" featuring Gloria Musicae with a concert full of choral fireworks celebrating America. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $15 for students. For information, call 387-6046.