Calendar

BEST BET

SUNDAY, Sept. 16

GIRL SCOUT FESTIVAL

Runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Camp Honi Hanta, 4825 51st St. E., Bradenton. The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is hosting the Things a Girl Can Do festival at Camp Honi Hanta. The festival offers girls a taste of Girl Scout programming with archery demonstrations, a camping display, s’mores tasting and hands-on games and activities. Participants include Southeastern Guide Dogs, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources and Music Compound Sarasota. The event costs $4 and is open to girls in grades K-12 and their families who are interested in scouting. Girls are asked to preregister at gsgcf.org. For information, call 404-9989.

FRIDAY, Sept. 14

KIDS NIGHT OUT

Runs from 6-7:45 p.m. at Arts A Blaze Studio, 8111 Lakewood Main St., Suite 107, Lakewood Ranch. Parents can enjoy dinner on Main Street or relax at home while their children paint pottery. This is a drop-off event for children ages 5 and older. Parents pay $30 per child. For information, visit artsablazestudio.com.

SATURDAY, Sept. 15

SIDEWALK ASTRONOMY

Runs from sunset to 10 p.m. at the Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota. The Local Group of Deep Sky Observers will set up their telescopes for the public to view space. Visitor parking is available on the west side of the Audubon Society building. The event is free but is contingent on good weather. For information, visit lgdso.com. 

SUNCOAST JEEP FESTIVAL

Begins at 8 a.m. with a new site switched from Nathan Benderson Park to the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Come celebrate the Jeep lifestyle while raising money for the Off-Road United Foundation and Operation Smile charities. There will be Jeep vendors, food trucks and entertainment. Entry is free. For information, visit nathanbendersonpark.org

TUESDAY, Sept. 18

BABY BOOTCAMP

Runs from 9:30-11 a.m. at Summerfield Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Baby Bootcamp Sarasota is expanding to Lakewood Ranch, hosting its first workout for moms in Lakewood Ranch. Classes will be Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturday classes will be added in October. For information, visit babybootcamp-sarasota.pike13.com.

THURSDAY, Sept. 20

BUSINESS EXPO

Runs from 4:30-7 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce present the 10th annual East Meets West Regional Business Expo, where local businesses can showcase their products or services to hundreds of clients from Sarasota and Manatee counties. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. For information, visit lwrba.com.

FRIDAY, Sept. 21

COLLEGE PREPARATION

Runs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at State College of Florida Lakewood Ranch, 7131 Professional Parkway East, Lakewood Ranch. State College of Florida Lakewood Ranch is hosting a college preparation course for parents on what courses and extracurriculars their students should take. The course is free and open to the public. For information, call 363-7000.

SATURDAY, Sept. 22

Benefit 5K/10K

Begins at 8 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Centerstone presents the 16th annual Life Story 5K/10K and Walk to raise funds for depression awareness and suicide prevention. Registration starts at 6 a.m. and opening ceremonies are at 7:45 a.m. Closing ceremonies will be at 10 a.m. and include a butterfly release. For information or to register, visit centerstone.org/lifestory.

SUNDAY, Sept. 23

DOG DAYS

Runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The nonprofit Showing Unconditional Goodwill and Respect will bring a veterinarian to teach volunteers pet health and safety tips. For information, visit signupgenius.com/go/5080548abaf2fabff2-dogdays.

MONDAY, Sept. 24

TAXES IN RETIREMENT

Begins at 6 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Certified financial planner and national Social Security adviser Kurt Stahl, of Gulf Coast Financial Planning, will present “Taxes in Retirement.” This is a free educational seminar with no product or services sales. The seminar also will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at Town Hall. Snacks and water will be available. Attendees should RSVP to [email protected] or call 822-8778.

TUESDAY, Sept. 25

MEMOIR WRITING

Runs from 1-2:30 p.m. at Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. This monthly writing group meets to discuss memoir writing. This event is free and open to the public. For information, call 727-6079.

THURSDAY, Sept. 27 to SUNDAY, Sept. 30

Masters REGATTA

Begins at 8 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Masters rowers will participate in the World Rowing Masters Regatta. Spectators can watch races, visit vendor booths and more. For information, visit nathanbendersonpark.org.

SATURDAY, Sept. 29

BRADEN RIVER
BLUES FESTIVAL

Runs from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Linger Lodge Restaurant and RV Campground, 7205 85th St. Court E., Lakewood Ranch. Linger Lodge is hosting its blues festival, featuring local bands like Manatee River Band and Swinging Bridge. Tickets are $13. For more information, visit 755-2757.