Weekend Events: Venturas Play Friday Fest At Van Wezel

1. The Venturas come to Friday Fest tomorrow at 5 p.m. outside by the bay, where the band will play jazz and blues versions of their favorite songs. The festival is free. In case of rain, the festival will be moved indoors.

Food and drinks are available for purchase. Blankets and chairs are cool to bring along. Coolers, outside food and drink and weapons are not.

For more information, call 941-953-3368. 

2. Comedian Caroline Rhea will play four shows at  this weekend. You know Rhea from The Biggest Loser, WB'sSabrina The Teenage Witch, The Caroline Rhea Show and more. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday and 9:15 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $19 and $23 and there is a two purchase minimum in the showroom.

3. Friday night is  when the Gulf Coast League Orioles take on the Gulf Coast League Rays. The rookie league game is free and starts at 7 p.m. — the only night game of the season.

“We know that many families and working adults are unable to attend the day games that are typical of the Gulf Coast League schedule,” said Laura Williams, Orioles Director of Florida Operations. “This night game is a wonderful opportunity to welcome fans into Sarasota County’s jewel of a ballpark and provide an affordable, family-friendly outing.”

The East Gate opens to fans at 6 p.m. with free parking in the East Lot, located at the corner of 12^th Street and Tuttle Avenue. Concessions will be available for purchase, but fans may bring in their own refreshments, with the exception of alcohol. Hard-sided coolers, thermoses, glass bottles and cans may not be carried into .

4. On Saturday, the Fruitville Road will host a Back-to-School bash from 1 to 3 p.m. The event features food sampling stations featuring gourmet meal options, an ice cream station, interactive, family entertainment featuring music and face painting, giveaways and more.