Labor Day Weekend: Top Events in Southwest Florida

Labor Day is nearly here and there are plenty of activities along Florida's Gulf Coast designed to take advantage of the long weekend. We are sharing our top picks, from cardboard boat races in Englewood to a Venice craft festival in this week's Saunders in 60 and below: Music on Main Lakewood Ranch presents First Friday with live music, refreshments and food available. Bring your chairs and dogs are welcome. Friday, September 2, 6pm-9pm, Main Street in Lakewood Ranch

Englewood Pioneer Days One of Englewood's most most treasured traditions, the community comes together to celebrate the end of the summer in pioneering style. Our top event picks include: September 3, 9am: Cardboard Boat Race, Indian Mound Park, 9am September 3-4: Pioneer Days Festival, Pioneer Park September 5, 9am: 60^th Annual Pioneer Days Parade, Dearborn St. Visit the Pioneer Days website for more information. 70th Annual Labor Day Regatta One of Sarasota's most memorable ways to spend the Labor Day weekend, head to Lido Key to watch over 300 sailors compete on five separate race courses. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron hosts it's annual regatta with live music, barbecue, refreshments, and awards ceremonies. Free for the public to attend. September 3-4, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota For more information: Sarasota Sailing Squadron. Streetcar Named Desire With some rainy weather expected, spend time indoors while watching riveting live theater at the Players Centre. The Tennessee William's classic, "Streetcar Named Desire" is opening September 1st presented by Two Chairs Theatre Company.  Tickets are $25, $30 for premium seating and $12 for those 18 and younger. September 1-11 at the Players Centre for the Performing Arts, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information: theplayers.org Brews, Bands, and Boots Festival Grab your cowboy hat and head to Snook Haven for their annual Labor Day Festival.  Enjoy food, refreshments and listen to live music from classic country to upbeat country-rock. $10 entry fee. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Sarasota County Parks. September 5, 11-5pm, 5000 East Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34292 Visit the Facebook event page for more information.

8^th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival Peruse a 2-day celebration of affordable art and unique crafts while you stroll along beautiful downtown Venice. September 3-4, 10am-5pm, Miami Avenue To learn more, visit artfestival.com.

Rainy Day Ideas As we are expecting some stormy weather this weekend, here are  some fun indoor activities to keep you busy while staying dry: Top 10 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in Sarasota and Beyond Retail Rewards With exceptional sales to be had and shops open all day, Labor Day is prime holiday for the retail experience. Shop till you drop at the University Town Center Mall in the University Park and Lakewood Ranch area, Ellenton Prime Outlets in Ellenton, or St. Armands Circle on Lido Key. Open Houses With a 3-day weekend in store, why not spend part of your Sunday touring exceptional Sarasota real estate?  Visit michaelsaunders.com to view Manatee, Charlotte, and Sarasota open houses.

Do you know of any other great events for Labor Day? Share your ideas in the comments below!