Downtown Venice is the place to be this weekend. The 53rd Annual Sun Fiesta takes over Centennial Park from Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, and admission plus parking are free all three days. Hours run 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Expect live music, food and adult beverages, local businesses, artisans, raffles, and prizes across the weekend. The signature events include Bed Races down Venice Avenue, a celebrity dunk tank, the Miss Sun Fiesta Pageant, Venice’s Got Talent, a kids’ corner, an antique car show, and animal rescues with adoptions. A costume parade celebrating Venice’s 100th anniversary invites children to dress as 100-year-olds or in 1926-era clothing. There’s also a silent auction featuring golf foursomes and an autographed country music tour shirt, and a 50/50 raffle open online for anyone who can’t attend in person.
Presented by the Women’s Sertoma Club of Venice, the festival is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year, and most of its scholarship funds are raised during the event. Proceeds support local scholarships, charities, families, and neighbors right here in Venice.
Which Sun Fiesta event are you most excited about this year? Let us know in the comments.
