The Bay Park Will Host Free 10-Day Grand Opening In October

SARASOTA, FL — The Bay Park, a new public park along Sarasota Bay, will celebrate its Oct. 14 grand opening with 10 days of free events.

During “10 Days at the Bay,” which runs Oct. 14-23, the bayfront park will host more than 90 public events according to a news release.

Highlights of the opening weekend include a free homecoming concert by We the Kings, a globally-renowned band from Bradenton, a family fun day extravaganza called “Have a Ball at The Bay,” a food festival in partnership with The Sarasota-Manatee Originals and a free waterfront concert featuring The Long Run, an Eagles tribute band.

The second weekend includes a RADD Night at the Bay, an evening of music, art and food; Boo! at The Bay Halloween festivities; a multicultural festival in partnership with UnidosNow, the city of Sarasota and the University of South Florida; an Oktoberfest celebration; and a waterfront concert featuring Grammy-nominated Etana and local favorite, Jah Movement, according to the news release.

The entire celebration is intertwined with everyday programming including daily guided kayak tours in partnership with Ride and Paddle, fitness classes provided by CoreSRQ, free yoga taught by local yogis, guided nature walks and live music every day around sunset. Throughout the 10 days, a number of local performing arts organizations will make an appearance, including Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Youth Opera.

“The Bay represents a world class park on Sarasota Bay, offering a gathering place that will bring our community together and provide one park for all,” AG Lafley, founding CEO of The Bay Park Conservancy, said. “This grand opening is like no other — completely open and accessible, free and welcoming to everyone in our community. ‘10 Days at The Bay’ provides unlimited opportunities for guests to experience and enjoy the breadth of what the park offers.”

The park, which has been in construction since 2019, includes more than 15 acres of revitalized greenspace, a larger-than-life Ibis playground, common ground lawns, the Mangrove Bayou Walkway, an outdoor reading room, an ADA-accessible paddle launch, restored and preserved mangroves and shorelines, and spectacular sunset views. Concessions at The Nest will be operated by Venice Pier Group.