Air Show, Downtown Take-Off and More Fill Your Punta Gorda Weekend to the Brim

Leading off this Punta Gorda Weekend both Thursday and Friday night as a prelude to the Air Show is an exciting happening downtown labelled "Downtown Take-Off."  We've been to this event (last year was the first), and it's a hoot watching the Elvis Impersonators drop from the sky, hot air balloons and more. Local favorites, The Boogiemen (Friday night) and Jim Morris (Saturday), will be there to entertain the crowds.

Of course, the Granddaddy starts Saturday -- The Florida International Air Show -- if you are in Punta Gorda it's hard to miss or not hear those jets whizzing overhead, but to really experience this extravaganza, you gotta get out to the Airport.  In addition to some awesome fly-over aerobatics, there is lots going on on the ground including the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders visit and hey you can even get your photo shot on the moon I'm told.

Also jammed into your weekend is Main Street's Annual Harbor Run and Walk on Saturday (more). And on Saturday night, nenowned Italian tenor  Maurice Lomonaco, will perform a benefit concert at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church (more).

And at the various venues, entertainment fills the schedule for this Air Show weekend:

Friday and Saturday afternoon, Brigid's Cross returns to the Celtic Ray (2-5 pm).

Friday Night, March 25


At the Wyvern Rooftop: Mardi Gras Party starts at 10 p.m. Details 
At Closer to the Vine (on Sullivan Downtown): Beth Marshall (Acoustic)
At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: PATCHOULI performs eclectic and variety music, 5-9 pm.
At Harpoon Harry's The Crashers on from 9 p.m.
At Biehl's Slip-Not: Sammy J and the Guys perform from 8 p.m.
At the Punta Elks: Anything Goes
At Jack's it's Carribean Night... One Love Duo... 6-9 p.m.
At Dean's South of the Border: Gary and Keri


Saturday Night, March 26


At Closer to the Vine (on Sullivan Downtown): Ira Wilkes (Jazz/R and B)
At Fishermen's Village Center Stage: As Is Band performs rock and variety music 5-9 pm.
At Biehl's Slip-Not: Tropical Ave. perform from 8 p.m.
At Harpoon Harry's  The Crashers …from 9 p.m.
At Tapas One: Michael Hirst, Singer Songwriter from 6 p.m.
At the Punta Gorda Elks: Anything Goes
At Dean's South of the Border: Swamp Donkie