Weekend Things: Kids Day at Circus Sarasota

weekend things

1. Check out some free circus festivities with the youngsters at Circus Sarasota's Kids Day Festival. It goes on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at , 2075 Bahia Vista Street. Performances include Sarasota Ballet, Irish Dance Academy of Sarasota, Julie Rohr Academy, Sarasota Kaiser Dancesport, Sailor Circus and more. More than 20 interactive activities will be available for kids. Register today at www.srqkidsday.com.

2. Save some time Saturday for Sarasota SpringFest at Sawyer Loop Road and Northridge Road on Palmer Ranch. The sixth annual event is free is designed to "bring non-profit organizations, local businesses, and families together for a relaxed day of fun and neighborhood enjoyment." It includes a business expo, a family fun 5k & 12k race and a family festival after the race. For more information, visit http://sarasotaspringfest.com.

3. Be charitable with your money and music at the17th annual Give Hunger The Blues festival. It happens Sunday at 1930 Hillview St. in Southside Village. It's the All Faiths Food Bank's biggest single day fundraiser. This year's headliner is The Lee Boys, who hail from Miami. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. For more info, visit http://givinghungertheblues.org.

4. Life's a beach and the O's and Sarasota County are out to celebrate Siesta Key Beach. Sarasota County and the Baltimore Orioles will celebrate Siesta Beach Day at on Friday when the Orioles take on the Boston Red Sox.

In recognition of Siesta Beach being designated the No. 1 beach in the USA, Parks and Recreation staff will be at the ballpark handing out limited edition sunglasses, T-shirts and beach towels.

5. All good things must come to an end, including the Sarasota County Fair. Though rain had temporarily dampened events twice this week, try to squeeze some time in for some rides and fury of fried food. 

The Sarasota County Fair continues Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m. Gates are open from 2 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Sunday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Free gate admission from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday. Ride all-day wristbands are available for $20.

Don't miss the 7:30 p.m. whip cracking contest tonight at Houser Show Arena.

All the action happens at the  and Robarts Arena. The annual Sarasota County Fair runs through Sunday. Otherwise it's $8 for adults, $4 for seniors 55 and up, children 6-17 and active military. Children 5 and under are free. Check out all of the events at https://sarasotafair.com.