Festivals, light shows, roller derby fun things to do in Sarasota

Our list of August events in Sarasota and Manatee counties is heating up this weekend with a craft cocktail and beer tasting, back to school bash, and free family day at one of the area's most esteemed arts organizations.

We also offer a couple more exciting indoor activities, including a roller derby game and laser light shows that will run today, Friday and Saturday, featuring music by bands such as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and the Beastie Boys. And, of course, you can always visit one of our favorite beaches, especially at sunset when the scorching summer temperatures become more tolerable.

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Kettle of Fish — one of the region's best bands for those of us who enjoy classic rock, perhaps spiced with a side of blues, reggae, or country along with some well-written originals — will be performing at the inaugural Toast Local craft cocktail and beer tasting event on Saturday at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Organized by the Rotary Club of Sarasota, the festival will also feature a free car show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., preceding the tasting and concert, which will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. General admission for this 21-and-up only event is $50, and sponsorships are also available. For more information, please visit rotaryclubofsarasota.com/toast-local.

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Folks seeking a family-friendly event this weekend will want to attend the annual Music Compound Back to School bash. The Sarasota music school will be giving live performances with the festivities also including a bounce house, food truck, beer samples, crafts, face painting and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; Music Compound, 1751 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota and 4740 S.R. 64 E., Bradenton; free admission; 941-379-9100; musiccompound.com

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This free event will feature a performance by the Youth Opera as well as the opportunity to participate in fun acting games and take a tour of the Sarasota Opera House, the downtown landmark opened in 1926. You can also help make props, attend a wig and makeup demonstration, or just check out the elaborate costumes. Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday; Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota; free; sarasotaopera.org

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Billed as "the most exciting game on eight wheels," The Bradentucky Bombers continue their 17th women's flat track roller derby season this weekend with a home game against Baton Rouge's Red Stick Roller Derby. Like most sporting events, beer and other concessions are available for purchase. 5 p.m. (4:30 p.m. doors) Saturday; Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton; $10 (online presale), $15 (door), $10 (kids 6-12) and free for children 5 and younger; bradentuckybombers.com

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The Bishop Planetarium's in-demand series of laser light shows set to music by star rock and pop acts continues with tunes by one-time Manatee County homeowner Mick Jagger and others including greats from grunge and hip-hop. Here's this week's lineup: 7 p.m. today (Aug. 17) U2; 9 p.m. today (Aug. 17) Nirvana; 7 p.m. Friday, The Rolling Stones; 9 p.m. Friday, Led Zeppelin; 7 p.m. Saturday, Beastie Boys; 9 p.m. Saturday, Metallica.

The shows are held at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton, located at 201 10th St. W., near the west entrance to Riverwalk. Beer, wine, soda, water, and snacks will be available for purchase in the planetarium lobby from 6 to 9 p.m., and they can be taken into the theater. Please note that no outside food or drink is permitted inside the lobby or theater. Tickets are priced at $15. For more information, visit bishopscience.org/laser-light-nights.

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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.​​​​​​