Punta Gorda This Weekend Happenings Before and After Dark

Some major events this weekend with other suggestions for evening entertainment:

Highlight: Sullivan Street Craft Fair, Downtown Punta Gorda

This Saturday, September 12, Downtown Punta Gorda will be transformed into an outdoor craft art fair, the 13th annual, with over 100 crafters showing original works available for sale. Admission is free and open to the public. All of the local and national crafters have been selected from hundreds of applicants by American Craft Endeavors, producers of the top outdoor craft festivals in the country.

On display will be folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and body products. A full spectrum of craft art mediums will be available for viewing and for sale with prices ranging from as little as $3. All of the crafters will be at the festival with their work, giving visitors the opportunity to talk with the artisans, learn about their art and what inspires them, and purchase original pieces.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also on Saturday:

Fishermen's Village will hold its first annual Pirate's Day Festival Celebration. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. including "The Calendar Girls" Dance Group, Village wide treasure hunt, costume contests for children and adults, book signing and storytelling at Hooked on Books with James and Sarah Kaserman, "Madame Go Go" Stilt Walker/Fire Dancer, Buccaneer Bash with live music by Shawn Brown and the "As Is Band", "Pyrates of Tortuga featuring Pyrate Invasions and skits throughout the day, tours aboard the Royal Order of Ponce De Leon Conquistador ship, "Tats All Folks" air brush tattooing and much more. In addition, Florida's Blood Centers will have their Blood Mobile Bus at the Village 11 am-2:30 p.m. for those wishing to donate blood. Come to the Village in your best "pirate attire" all ye Mateys and Wenches. Admission is free. Call 941 639-8721 for more information.

Then later at Center Court As is Band performs starting at 5. p.m. and at Harpoon Harry's join the continuation of festivities with Costume Party and more followed by the Boogiemen. See Harpoon Harry's website for more info.

And here's the rest of the rundown:

Tonight, Thursday, September 10

At Jacks, Marion and Taylor, Ladies Night at indoor/outdoor bar on the Avenue, 9pm-midnight. DJ Mo-Ron is Spinnin.'

At Biehl's Slip Not, 1601 Tamiami Trail, Two Can Jam at 7 p.m.

At Gilchrist Park, Punta Gorda Guitar Army, 6-10 p.m. Join local musicians for jamin'.

At the Perfect Caper, Live Jazz. 7-10 p.m.

At Darkwood Center, Blues/Jazz.

At Cafe Ruelle, Blues Jam, 7-10 PM

Friday After Dark, September 11

At Fishermen's Village, Montage, 5-9 p.m., Center Stage. Free

At Harpoon Harry's, in Fishermen's Village, The Boogiemen, 9 p.m.

At the Perfect Caper, Live Jazz. 7-10 p.m.

At Cafe Ruelle, off Marion, Tommy D, 7-10 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip Not, 1601 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, Tight Squeeze, 8-12 p.m.

At Deans, US41 N at Retta Espanade, Bean-N-Seeds, 8 to Midnight.

At The Tavern at River City Grill, DJ, starting at 9 p.m.

Saturday, September 5, Day-Time

At Gilchrist Park, Free Tai Chi Qigong workout 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Gazebo (Free)

In Front of the Court House, Downtown Farmer's Market, 8 a.m-noon.

See above for Sullivan Street Festival and Fishermen's Village Pirate's Day.

Saturday, September 12, After Dark

At Harpoon Harry's, in Fishermen's Village, The Boogiemen, 9 p.m.

At the Perfect Caper, Live Jazz. 7-10 p.m.

At the Tavern at River City Grill, DJ, starting at 9 p.m..

At Deans, US41 N at Retta Espanade, Hot Chick and a Guy, 8 to midnight.

At Cafe Ruelle, off Marion, Michael Hirst , 7-10 p.m.

At Biehl's Slip Not, 1601 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, Storm Surge , 8 p.m. till midnight.