🎶 SWFL Weekend Vibes – Live Tunes, Outdoor Flicks & A Whole Lotta Fun !

👋 Hey there!

Got plans this weekend? If not, no worries—I’ve got you covered with some solid options. Whether you're in the mood for live music, outdoor movies, or a festival celebrating guitars made out of cigar boxes (yep, that’s a thing!), here’s what’s happening near you!

🎟Your Weekend Plans, Sorted!

From concerts to movie nights—plus a loyalty program that pays you back.

🎸 Music on Main – Lakewood Ranch

📅 Friday, Feb. 7 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
💰 Free admission

If you love live music, good food, and a laid-back outdoor vibe, Music on Main is your jam. Kettle of Fish will be bringing their rock, blues, reggae, and New Orleans soul mix to keep the energy high. There’ll be food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and even activities for the kiddos. Pro tip: Bring a chair, leave the cooler at home, and bring your pup (on a short leash, of course). Overflow parking’s at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center.

🎬 Movies in the Park: Hook

📅 Friday, Feb. 7 | 6:30 PM
📍 Centennial Park Gazebo, Venice
💰 Free admission

“Bangarang!” If you’re up for a little nostalgia, grab a blanket and some snacks and head over to Centennial Park for a free screening of Hook. Nothing beats watching a classic under the stars—just don’t forget to bring a comfy chair (or an extra blanket if Florida decides to be chilly).

🎷 Jazz at Two: Sarasota Jazz Project

📅 Friday, Feb. 7 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Unitarian Universalist Church, Sarasota
🎟️ $15 for Jazz Club members | $20 for guests

If big band jazz is more your style, check out the Sarasota Jazz Project—a powerhouse 16-piece band playing everything from classic swing to original compositions. Perfect for a smooth and sophisticated afternoon.

🎸 5th Annual Bradenton Cigar Box Guitar Festival

📅 Friday, Feb. 7 – Saturday, Feb. 8
📍 Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen + Various venues in Village of the Arts, Bradenton
🎟️ $10 cover for Friday night’s kickoff

Ever seen (or heard) a guitar made out of a cigar box? Now’s your chance! This two-day festival celebrates the quirky and soulful sounds of these DIY instruments. It kicks off Friday night with Ben Prestage at Cottonmouth, and Saturday is packed with performances across multiple venues starting at noon.

🎤 'Temps, Tops, Supremes & Smokey: A Motown Revue'

📅 Thursday, Feb. 6 – Saturday, Feb. 8 | Various times
📍 Manatee Performing Arts Center, Bradenton
🎟️ $38

Get ready for a trip back in time with this Motown revue, featuring hits from legends like The Temptations, The Supremes, and Smokey Robinson. If you love that classic soul sound, this show is a must-see. Grab your tickets before they’re gone!

🌟 Sharing Is Caring—Especially When It Comes to Local Know-How!

So…what’s on your weekend lineup? Whether you’re vibing to Motown, jamming to jazz, or just chilling under the stars with Hook, there’s plenty to do. Share this with your friends and make some plans! 🎶🎬

Catch ya next time! 👋

✨ P.S. Curious about upcoming events or need recommendations? Hit reply—we're all ears and ready to help!

Stay awesome,
— The Gulf Coast Insider Team 🌊