The Bay Park Conservancy will hosta monthlong celebration with more than 80 free events to salute the three-year anniversary of The Bay.
Since the bayfront park opened in October 2022, more than 880,000 people have visited Sarasota’s “One Park for All,” including its more than 10 acres of revitalized greenspace, a tree-shaded Mangrove Bayou Walkway, the Ibis Playground, Common Ground lawns, the Nest Café, The Oval mini-amphitheater, and paddle launch. Events will take place from Oct. 1 to Nov. 2.
“This Third Anniversary Community Celebration enables something for everyone and, as always at The Bay, is completely open and accessible, free and welcoming to all,” said AG Lafley, Bay Park Conservancy CEO. “This monthlong celebration, which offers a range of experiences sure to surprise and delight, and showcases what this signature public park offers every day.”
The “Three Years and Thriving at The Bay” Third Anniversary Community Celebration includes:
· Taste of The Bay Food Festival presented by Sarasota-Manatee Originals (Oct. 26).
· An Evening with Brian Kelley and Ghost Hounds featuring Diamond-selling star Brian Kelley and country rock band Ghost Hounds, who have opened for The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, and Garth Brooks (Nov. 1).
· A “Best of The Bay” Music Festival showcasing top local artists and other special surprises (Nov. 2).
· ASalsa & Sunsets Community Celebration dance partyincluding live music by the Grammy-award winning Millie Puente Band (Oct. 1).
· A screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Oct. 10).
· Park-toberfest featuring live music by the DeLeon Family Band (Oct. 12).
· Boo! at The Bay Family Halloween event (Oct. 18).
The celebration also includes a variety of music, movie and dance events; guided kayak and architectural tours; yoga, mat pilates and other fitness classes led by favorite area instructors; and more. For a full schedule of events, visit TheBaySarasota.org/Calendar. To register, visit Eventbrite.
Sponsors for the celebration include AtLarge, Barancik Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Haskell, Ian Black Real Estate, Jon F. Swift Construction, Kimley-Horn, Michael & Terri Klauber, Lateral Capital, Cathy Layton & Pete Russell, Leading To Win, Michael Saunders & Company, Observer Media Group, Palm Printing, Sarasota Magazine, Shumaker, Sweet Sparkman, and Jim and Susan Travers.
The Bay conserves, preserves, and restores 53 acres of city-owned land for the enjoyment current and future generations. The park will cost an estimated $175-200 million and take 8-10 years to complete over four or more phases. Phase 2, a 14-acre $65 million development, is underway with expected completion in 2026.
For more information about The Bay and The Bay Park Conservancy, visit thebaysarasota.org and subscribe to The Bay newsletter.
Submitted by Sydney Baulier
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: The Bay’s third anniversary celebration features more than 80 free events
Reporting by Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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