Weekend Events: Boats, Bazaar, Art and Animals

You can't be bored this weekend in Sarasota. Here's a sample to what's going on this weekend:

1. The 25^th annual Boat Parade of Lights is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday. It's exactly like it sounds — boats with holiday lights. The boats will depart from City Island and proceed south through Sarasota Bay, pass under the new Ringling Bridge, and make entry into the basin at Island Park by about 6:45 p.m. Public viewing areas include City Island, Centennial Park, and Island Park. Of these viewing areas, Island Park is the most popular. Marina Jacks is the broadcasting and judging center for the event. Parking is available for $2 at the Palm Avenue Parking Garage.

2. Alternative, punk-ish crafts come back to Sarasota for the Atomic Holiday Bazaar 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Municipal Auditorium. It's gift giving for people who have a sense of humor. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids under 12. An after-party will be hosted by Sarasota Music Scene at Sarasota Lanes for $8, which gets you bowling and four live bands.

3. For one night only, the Showfolks of Sarasota Club Circus will have their 45th annual holiday show at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday at . Tickets are $10, and $11.24 if purchased online at Showfolks.com.

4. Christmas in the jungle comes to life at the Holiday Lights at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, continuing Friday through Sunday, 6 to 9 p.m. Christmas lights line the walkway as you meet Santa Claus, see a magic show and listen to live music. Admission is $11 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3 to 12.

5. S/ART/Q premiers its "withTHIRTEEN" exhibit Friday at . "THIRTEEN" will be S/ART/Q’s first exhibition since March 2010 to showcase the group, including its four new artists: Ariana Franco, Amy W. Miller, Jen Nugent and Steve Strenk.  With artists working in a wide range of media, from sculpture to painting, installation to kinetic art, the exhibition will provide a dynamic survey of thirteen professional artists living and working in Sarasota. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for students and seniors and $7 for kids ages 3 to 16. Florida residents receive $1 off admission per person.

Bonus:  to see and adopt cats and kittens who need a good home on Friday. Cats ages 6 months to 18 months will be half off from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. Tours will also be available from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.