Powerboat Grand Prix Returns to Sarasota in 2021 With New Name and Look
What was known as the Suncoast Powerboat Grand Prix Festival took a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 after becoming a staple on the Suncoast for 35-straight years. Now, the festival is coming back bigger and better than ever with a brand new name—Suncoast Summer Fest, taking place from June 24 through July 4 this year.
Suncoast Charities for Children used to sponsor the powerboat races, but now, it provides sponsorship for the entire festival, which the organization says will allow it to increase its fundraising efforts through new events and partnerships.
Powerboat P1 Offshore Powerboat Races
The festival’s main event remains the powerboat races, which are now the Powerboat P1 Offshore and AquaX (JetSki-style personal watercraft) championships on June 26-27.
(Photo: Pixabay)
Powerboat P1 is based in the United Kingdom but has a United States office in Orlando. It’s been promoting the races in Sarasota since 2015, and in 2019, the event filled up nearly 17,000 hotel rooms and had an economic impact of $29.6 million.
The racing takes place each day off Lido Key Beach from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Anywhere along Lido Key Beach (400 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota) is a great place to catch the action. The races are open to the public and free to watch, and it’s certainly a thrill—the boats can reach speeds of over 100 mph on the 6.5 mile-long course in the open water! The unique sounds will also get your attention as you lay out on the sand or wade in the water, with the action feeling like it’s right on top of you.
The great thing about attending an event like this is you can make it a normal beach day while enjoying the entertainment on the water! Even with a large crowd, social distancing is easy to accomplish on the sand. Bring your blankets, towels, and umbrellas, and pack a lunch—just don’t forget the sunscreen!
Parking is free but not all that plentiful. Arrive plenty early, or you can park at nearby St. Armands Circle, but be prepared to walk a bit.
(Photo: Pixabay)
This event is a perfect way to spice up your routine beach day. Here is a link to a map that can help you get a better sense of what to expect.
In addition, enjoy the “Boats on the Block,” a downtown block party featuring an up-close look at the boats along with food and games, taking place on June 26 from 6-10 p.m. on Main Street and Lemon Avenue in Sarasota.
The event begins with the “Waves and Wheels” Kickoff Party on June 24. This is a ticketed event at the Robarts Arena (3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota) from 6-10 p.m. The $50 ticket will feature exotic cars, motorcycles, and race boats on display, and you can also enjoy food stations catered by Mattison’s at no additional cost. There will be a full cash bar (admission comes with a one free drink ticket), and “Lucky Penny,” an area dance band, will be on hand to provide live music. All proceeds from the event benefit Suncoast Charities for Children, and you can purchase tickets here.
Fourth of July Weekend Festivities
After most Fourth of July festivals were canceled last year, they are returning to form this summer. The second weekend of the Suncoast Summer Fest is all about Independence Day and fireworks! The celebration on July 4 will begin at 8 p.m. with a parade through downtown Sarasota, starting on Mound Street and ending at Bayfront Drive and Main Street at J.D. Hamel Park. Following the parade that pays homage to veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and front-line workers, fireworks will be presented on the bayfront.
For the rest of that weekend, you can enjoy a “Celebration in the Park,” organized by the Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association. It will be at J.D. Hamel Park from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, July 3, and from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 4. Food and drink vendors will be on hand, along with other local businesses having a presence during the weekend festival. The park is a fitting location for such a patriotic event. It features a bronze statue of a World War I soldier called the “Spirit of the American Doughboy,” and the park is also home to the Sarasota War Memorial, which was initially dedicated in 1928.
Cover Image
Photo: Pixabay
Recommended Gear for this Adventure
Disclaimer: We earn a commission if you click any of the links above and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
