Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival: Friday-Sunday; Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $5, 12 and under free (daily festival admission); $75 kickoff party Friday; $100 VIP Saturday; $50 VIP Sunday; 941-487-7904; thunderbythebay.org
Rock music and roaring motorcycles will soon make their way to Sarasota again with the return of Thunder by the Bay, which has been held in the area for decades. Yet this year will be like none other in the festival s history, due to the ongoing pandemic.
The 23rd annual music and motorcycle festival is set to take place Friday through Sunday at Sarasota Fairgrounds with Southern rock group Molly Hatchet, best known for their 1979 song Flirtin with Disaster, performing Saturday as this year s headliner. The festival is organized by and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children, which offers funding support to facilities that provide services for children, teens and adults with special needs.