21st Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival
Sarasota County Fairgrounds & Robarts Arena
Thunder By the Bay back and bigger in 2019, starting with the name
The 21st annual Thunder By the Bay returns February 2019 for its second straight year at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The fundraising event on behalf of Suncoast Charities for Children has also changed its official title to the “Thunder by The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival.”
Last year’s event raised over $130,000 for the charity, along with a $7.8 million economic impact according to event organizers. Since its inception, organizers say the event has raised approximately $1.8 million for charity.
One change for the 2019 festival scheduled for February 15-17 will be a first time $5 gate admission (children 12 and under still get in free). Starting October 15, patrons can also purchase a $10 advance three day pass, or VIP tickets, online at the festival website.
“Thunder By The Bay has always been about raising money for children, teens, and adults with special needs right here in our local area,” festival director Lucy Nicandri said in a press release. “By charging a minimal gate fee, this will allow Suncoast Charities for Children to continue offering a wide variety of music and entertainment for our guests to enjoy and still raise money for Suncoast Charities for Children.”
This year’s entertainment will feature genres like blues, rock, and country music. Some confirmed tribute bands include Cowboy (Kid Rock), Ultimate Garth Brooks, Nuthin Fancy (Lynyrd Skynyrd), and more, along with national recording artist Steelheart performing on February 16.
“Each year we have a wide variety of outstanding talent performing on stage the entire weekend,” said Nicandri. Our goal is to create better public awareness that this legendary Festival celebrating 21 years is not just for motorcycle enthusiasts.”
To Nicandri’s point, she adds the traditional Sunday charity ride for cash prizes has been altered to include all motorized vehicles.
The festival will host a sporting clay tournament on February 1, followed by a “Born To Be Wild” kickoff party a week later on February 8. The festival weekend will include a variety of activities including a bike and truck show, great food, and over 100 vendors.