Festival

Name: Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival – Saturday Main Event
Start: 2026-02-14T12:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-14T22:00:00-05:00
Location: Sarasota Fairgrounds

December 2025
December 7 @ 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Christmas on Bridge Street

Historic Bridge Street Bradenton Beach Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Join the annual Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in the heart of Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. This festive event transforms Bridge Street into a holiday wonderland adorned with over 20,000 twinkling lights and a towering Christmas tree. Enjoy live music, delicious food and drinks from local restaurants, and a variety of holiday activities for all ages. Children can delight in crafts and games, while the whole family can revel in the cheerful atmosphere. The evening culminates with a special appearance by Santa Claus and a holiday-themed boat parade, making it a memorable night for everyone.
December 31 @ 1:00 PM
New Year’s Eve Pineapple Drop Celebration

Main Street Downtown Sarasota Sarasota, Florida
Ring in the new year with live music, food vendors, fireworks, and the iconic Pineapple Drop in downtown Sarasota.
February 2026
February 13, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival – Friday Kickoff

Sarasota Fairgrounds 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, Florida
The Friday kickoff launches the 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Festival with an electrifying night of live music, food, and festivities. Gates open at 5:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM. Guests can enjoy vendor booths, food and drink stands, and on-site merchandise. Festivalgoers may bring their own lawn chairs or rent one through conCHAIRto for comfortable viewing. The evening lineup begins with high-energy rock band Maiden Cane at 6:00 PM, setting the stage for the night’s headliner, Night Ranger, performing at 8:00 PM. Friday offers the perfect start to a weekend full of engines, entertainment, and community spirit benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children.The Friday kickoff launches the 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival with an electrifying night of live music, food, and festivities at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.
Gates open at 5:00 PM and close at 10:00 PM, marking the official start of Sarasota’s premier weekend celebration of music and motorcycles. Guests can enjoy vendor booths, local food and drink stands, and on-site merchandise featuring exclusive festival apparel.
Festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or rent one through conCHAIRto for prime seating in front of the main stage. The evening lineup kicks off with high-energy rock band Maiden Cane at 6:00 PM, followed by the legendary headliner Night Ranger at 8:00 PM, delivering a night of chart-topping hits and classic rock nostalgia.
Friday sets the tone for an unforgettable weekend of roaring engines, live entertainment, and community spirit — all to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.
Free parking with gate admission
February 14, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival – Saturday Main Event

Sarasota Fairgrounds 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, Florida
Saturday is the largest and most action-packed day of Thunder By The Bay, running from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The morning begins with the 'Ride So Children Can Thrive' Dice Run from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by the Biker Rodeo Games from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Fans can also meet Paul Teutul Jr. from the hit TV series American Chopper at noon. Throughout the day, attendees can browse dozens of vendors, food trucks, and merchandise tents while enjoying a steady stream of live music. The concert lineup includes The Pearl Jam Experience ('Given to Fly') at 4:00 PM, Bobby Friss at 6:00 PM, and the Southern rock legends 38 Special closing the night with their headlining set at 8:00 PM. This is the can’t-miss day of the festival, featuring nonstop entertainment, family-friendly fun, and community support for Suncoast Charities for Children.
Free parking with gate admission

December 2025

February 2026