Sarasota’s Holiday Boat Parade of Lights brings music, magic, and illuminated boats to the bay — a festive waterfront tradition that benefits local children.
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.
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.
Sunday, February 15, 2026, marks the final day of the 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Festival, running from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The day offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere filled with impressive vehicles, food vendors, and community camaraderie. Highlights include the Car Show and Bike Show, both open from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and a second opportunity to meet Paul Teutul Jr. from American Chopper. Musical entertainment kicks off with the Crossfire Creek Band at 1:00 PM, followed by the highly anticipated closing performance by Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery at 3:00 PM. The Sunday finale celebrates a weekend of engines, music, and giving back, with proceeds supporting Suncoast Charities for Children.