Upcoming Events
There is always something happening in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach - especially on the sports development front. Below you can scroll through events scheduled for the upcoming months. Towards the bottom of the page - you can see recently conducted past events.
OCTOBER
UTR Sports Pickleball Amateur Series – Punta Gorda Qualifier – October 18–20, 2024
This USA Pickleball sanctioned tournament at the PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda will attract top amateur players from across the country to qualify for their national championship in December.
ProAm 50 Softball – SWFL 50’s & 60’s Tournament – October 19–20, 2024
This high-level senior softball tournament takes place at Carmalita Park in Punta Gorda. Teams travel in from throughout Florida and the top three teams secure a spot in the State Championship.
US Fastpitch Association – Florida State Series – October 19–20, 2024
Harold Avenue Park is home to another USFA girls fastpitch series tournament hosting girls ranging from 10 to 15 years old who travel in from throughout Florida and Georgia.
MII Entertainment – Southwest Florida Games – October 25–26, 2024
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center is home to this high intensity CrossFit® event. Top athletes of all levels participate in six workout disciplines in two days. Each skill level crowns a champion for bragging rights, trophies, prizes, and qualification for future events.
Engage Sports – Southwest Florida Games – October 30–November 1, 2024
This tournament, held at PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda, hosts new and upcoming players trying to make it in the professional circuit. Participants work towards gaining points to play in future amateur and professional ProAm invitationals.
November
Florida International Airshow – November 2-3, 2024
Experience the thrill of acrobatic planes and a choregraphed show as top talent take to the air during this award-winning event hosted at Punta Gorda Airport.
Apex Promoz – Englewood Beach 5K Manatee Mosey Race – November 2-3, 2024
Sandbar Tiki & Grill hosts the race packet pickup on Friday coinciding with a 1-mile fun run. Saturday racers take to the beach to participate in a sand 5K race down Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park. Runners of all ages participate in this event.
National Pickleball – NP Punta Gorda Open – November 8 -10, 2024
National Pickleball host tournaments on the west coast in California and have decided to bring the same business model to our destination. This 2nd annual event at Pickleplex® of Punta Gorda hosts over 500 amateur and professional athletes with live streaming coverage and guaranteed money for top winners.
AAU Gymnastics – Horizon Gymnastics Riverfront Classic – November 9-10, 2024
Horizon gymnastics hosts this Amateur Athletic Union event in Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center’s main hall. Clubs from all over Florida travel in to compete for the champion title in various disciplines for AAU and US Gymnastics level 1through 10.
ProAm 50 Softball – SWFL 50’s & 60’s Tournament – November 9-10, 2024
This high-level senior softball tournament takes place at Carmalita Park in Punta Gorda with teams traveling in from throughout Florida. Since this is another state qualifier, the top three teams secure a spot in the State Championship.
USSSA Prostyle Baseball- Sunshine Classic – November 9-10, 2024
Various regional parks host this year’s youth high-level tournament. Last year, 754 athletes traveled in from throughout north Florida, and the region to participate. This tournament generates 380 room nights and an economic impact of over $559,000.
Bratty Paws Dog Plex –Dog Agility and Jumping Competition – November 16-17, 2024
Dog owners travel in from throughout Florida and Georgia to showcase their dog's skill, speed, and agility at the Bratty Paws Dog Plex. Several breed participate in a speed course, agility course, and dock diving sanctioned by the American Kennel Association (AKC).
Past Events
JANUARY
Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) – Punta Gorda Pickleball Open
The $40k 2023 Punta Gorda Pickleball Open takes place at PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda. This tournament features top professionals and amateurs from across America competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. Play is open to the public free of charge.
Level Up Professional Pickleball Camp
The PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda hosts 65 professional and amateur athletes for a USA Pickleball sanctioned camp. The camp features top professionals teaching the skills needed to get to the professional level while focusing on new strategies being utilized by top-level players.
Florida Youth Soccer Association – U12 Soccer Festival
Charlotte Soccer Federation hosts the Florida Youth Soccer Association U12 Soccer Festival. Boys and girls twelve and under will compete for rankings in the FYSA Florida State Series.
Wilkes University – Swim & Dive Team Winter Training
Centennial Park Pool hosts Wilkes University for their second year of men’s and women’s swim and diving winter training.
Florida Outdoor Education Foundation – Flats Master Series
Four Points Sheraton is home to this inaugural three series winter fishing tournament. Three anglers per boat take to the Harbor to catch the largest fish in each category. The tournament is structured as catch, photo measure, and release
Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) – Sunmed Punta Gorda Open
The Sunmed Punta Gorda Open hosts over 800 athletes traveling in from across the US and internationally to participate at the PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda. The Championship on the final day airs on CBS Sports and rebroadcast on ESPN networks.
USA BMX – 2024 Citrus Nationals
The VCB Sports Division was awarded another USA BMX National Championship that will attract over 800 racers to Charlotte County BMX Track. Although the track suffered some damage due to the hurricane, USA BMX had complete trust in the destination, track, and staff to pull off another successful Championship. All repairs have been completed and a digital timing system has been installed.
National Pickleball – NP Punta Gorda Open
National Pickleball hosts tournaments on the west coast in California and have decided to bring the same business model to Florida at the PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda. This second annual event hosted over 500 amateur and professional athletes last year with live streaming coverage and guaranteed money for top winners.
FEBRUARY
Snowbird Baseball Classic
The Annual Snowbird Baseball Classic kicks off mid-February. Over 400 people have previously attended to cheer on their favorite athletes, team, or alma mater. Thirty Division I & III College teams from across the country play conference games during this school break from mid-February to mid-March.
US Amateur Basketball – Southwest Florida Hoops Showcase
Four of Charlotte County’s gymnasiums are home to this Showcase. Over 500 3rd–11th grade boys and girls will show off their talent on the courts. Adding this tournament provided the VCB the opportunity to host four US Amateur Basketball events per year including, their Florida State Championship.
American Pickleball by DUPR Tournament
Over 500 professional and amateur athletes of all ages participate in the 3rd annual American Pickleball Tournament. Athletes travel to Punta Gorda from across the country and Canada. The three-day tournament has previously generated over $580,000 in economic impact and filled over 690 room nights at our local accommodations.
Level Up Pickleball – Professional & Amateur Camp
Over 70 professional and amateur athletes take to the courts to learn from professionals during this three-day camp. This high-level–and official—camp for USA Pickleball provides amateurs the opportunity to have their current level of play evaluated by a professional and they map out strategies to work on.
Horizon Gymnastics – Princess Classic Invitational
Over 500 athletes from ages 3–18 years old travel from all over the state of Florida to compete in this USA Gymnastics and Amateur Athletic Union Gymnastics ( AAU) sanctioned event, held at Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.
Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) – Area 5 High School Swim Meet
The Sea Dragon’s Swim Club hosts a Florida High School Athletic Association Area 5 high district swim meet. Thirteen schools from throughout the region compete in various disciplines. During this two-day event, over 1,200 fans have previously showed up to cheer on their favorite swimmer.
Florida Youth Soccer Associations Area C - Commissioners Cup
Charlotte Soccer Federation is the host club for the Florida Youth Soccer Associations Area C- Commissioners Cup. Boys and Girls in Region-C will compete for points and standings in the Florida Series.
Florida Outdoor Education Foundation – Flats Master Series
Four Points Sheraton is home to this inaugural three series winter fishing tournament. Three anglers per boat take to the Harbor to catch the largest fish in each category. The tournament is structured as catch, photo measure, and release
American Kennel Association Agility Trials
Over 100 participants compete with their dogs in the 2024 AKC agility trials and World Team International Sweepstake Class at the Bratty Paws Dog Plex in Punta Gorda. Competition events include indoor agility, outdoor timed sprints, and dock jumping.
MARCH
USA BMX – Florida State Qualifying Series Championship Series
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach partners with Charlotte BMX Track to host the USA BMX State Qualifying Series Championship. Over 700 riders travel from across the state—some as far as California—to participate in this last race to increase their total points in order to qualify for the National Championship.
USSSA Prostyle Baseball – Gold Bat Championship
Teams travel in from throughout south Florida to participate in the Gold Bat Championship. Over 50 teams of athletes aged 6–14 take the fields to show off their talents on nine county fields.
Apex Promoz – Adventure Race
This new elite endurance race attracts high-level athletes with the ability to continuously race for 24 to 48 hours, judged on the total miles run, and not their time. One hundred participants travel in from destinations throughout the county. The winner will cover 175-200 miles in the two-day competition.
Pickleplex® of Punta Gorda – PP Annual Challenge
The PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda hosts their annual fund raiser tournament, the Punta Gorda Challenge. Last year 600 athletes from throughout Florida and the Northeast participated. This revised tournament also provides a semi-professional money class with a winning purse.
Destination Athletes – Centennial Invitational
Destination Athletes hosts over 650 swimmers for this Florida swimming sanctioned event at Centennial Park Pool. Clubs from across the country travel in during their Spring break to participate. Many families see this an opportunity to take an extended family vacation.
April
United States Specialty Sport Association – Super NIT
We are pleased to host USSSA’s State Super NIT Baseball Championship at all of Charlotte County Baseball Parks. Over 100 teams travel in throughout the Country to participate. This National Invitational Tournament is awarded to teams from throughout the country that qualify for a certain number of points and rankings during the travel baseball season.
United Florida Flag Football – Southwest Florida Elite
United Flag Football’s elite tournaments is played throughout the state with teams traveling in from north and south Florida. Top teams from the men’s and women’s divisions are invited to play in the Florida state championship hosted in Naples stadium.
USA/Florida Swimming - Area 5 Swim Meet
The Sea Dragons Swim Cub hosts 13 regional schools for this three-day meet. They compete in both the long course, 50-meters, and the short course, 25-yards. This meet provides each school with rankings towards the FHSAA state championship.
Horizon Gymnastics – Level 1-8 State Qualifier
This Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and USA Gymnastics sanctioned invitational covers all disciplines for girls ages 3–18. Participants travel from across the state of Florida and throughout the region.
US Amateur Basketball – Southwest Florida Hoops Showcase
Charlotte County and the City of North Port host this showcase using eight gymnasiums. Teams from South and central Florida compete for points to participate in the US Amateur Florida State Championship held in June in Port Charlotte.
Florida Half Century Softball
Florida Half Century Softball Association is a not-for-profit organization of teams across the state of Florida. Over their 25 years of existence, they have developed 5 major age divisions, and play year-round with competitive divisions available for ages 50+. Events are held at Carmalita Park in April and October.
US Amateur Basketball – SWFL Showcase II
Southwest Florida Hoops host a sanctioned US Amateur Basketball Tournament utilizing gymnasiums at Centennial Park, South County Regional Park, and Harold Avenue Park. Forty-four teams of 5th- through 12th-grade students have the opportunity to represent their hometown club.
ProAm 50 Softball – SWFL 50’s & 60’s Tournament
This senior softball tournament takes place at Carmalita Park in Punta Gorda. Teams travel in from throughout Florida and the top three teams secure a spot in the State Championship.
Internationals Women’s Fishing Tournament
Boca Grande and Charlotte Harbor are home to the inaugural Internationals Women’s Fishing Tournament. Top women anglers will participate, traveling from throughout the US and Internationally to compete for cash and prizes.
USA BMX – Gold Cup Series
Over 500 racers compete in this high-level fast competition. The best racers travel in from throughout Florida to gain exposure to USA BMX and compete for the Florida Points series.
US Amateur Basketball – Charlotte Shootout
This tournament is held in various middle school and high school gymnasiums throughout Charlotte County. Last year over 500 3rd through 11th grade boys and girls showcased their talent on the courts.
Charlotte Soccer Federation – US Soccer Tournament
Charlotte County Soccer Federation will be the host club for this US Soccer sanctioned tournament with teams traveling in from throughout the region.to compete at South County Regional Park.
Muddy Princess – Punta Gorda Challenge
Over 600 female participants challenge both their physical and mental strengths during the inaugural Muddy Princess obstacle mud race at Redneck Mud Park.. All ages and fitness levels compete side by side during this challenge with the goal of crossing the finish line.
US Fastpitch Association – Spring Fling Tournament
Harold Avenue Park is home to this girl's fastpitch tournament series that is usually held in north Florida. Our destination has been awarded the bid to expand their tournaments and host five throughout 2024 as they looked for a west coast destination as a partner to provide better access for elite teams in south and central Florida.
Apex Promoz – Englewood Turtle Trot Beach Race
This new beach race takes place on the sands only of Englewood Beach and allow runner to experience racing along the shoreline. The participants start at the pavilion and run north, turn around and come back to the finish/start line to compete in the 3.1-mile race.
MAY
Amateur Pickleball Association – Florida Amateur Open
This event at the Pickleplex® of Punta Gorda is open to all amateur pickleball players at every level. It is one of the few across the nation that does not offer a money or professional division. This provides an opportunity for beginners to play against other beginners while learning each facet of the game.
Elite Events – Punta Gorda 5K & Half Marathon
Runners from throughout Florida participate in the scenic Harbor run through Downtown Punta Gorda, Laishley Marina, and the Gilchrist and Barron Collier Bridges. Athletes start at Laishley Park and run across our bridges and through downtown Punta Gorda.
US Amateur Basketball – Southwest Florida Hoops Showcase II
Four of Charlotte County’s gymnasiums are home to this inaugural Spring showcase: Centennial Park, Harold Avenue Park, and South County Regional Park. Over 500 3rd through 11th grade boys and girls showcase their talent on the courts.
US Fastpitch Association – Dirt Wars Tournament
Carmalita Park is home to another USAF Tournament that attracts “A” class teams. These are elite teams that have qualified to play at these specific tournaments throughout the year. Teams off Eight- to fourteen-year-old girls compete in their respective age bracket to play for the Championship and add points to their Florida standings.
Prostyle- USSSA – Wood Bat Tournament
Teams of nine- to fourteen-year-olds travel in from south Florida and the west coast to compete in their respective division at Centennial Park, South County Regional Park, Harold Avenue Park, and Charlotte Sports Park. The Champion in each division leaves with a new Louisville Slugger wood bat and bragging rights.
Dance Dimensions of SWFL – Invitational Dance Competition
Over 200 competitors travel in from throughout the west coast and south Florida to compete in various dance disciplines at the Charlotte Performing Art Center. This includes contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, tap and ballet.
June
Sugar Bert Boxing National Championship Qualifier
The Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions National Qualifiers and Championships, held at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, attracts thousands of amateur boxers, coaches, and families. Their vision is to increase exposure to up-and-coming amateur boxers.
USSSA Prostyle – Charlotte Crown
Protyle’s Charlotte Crown takes place the second week of June with 732 athletes utilizing our county baseball fields. This annual summer sizzler is one of their premier events crowning Charlotte’s best.
USSSA Prostyle Baseball – Independent Battle
Protyle’s Independent Battle features the top teams invited throughout the region and south Florida. 504 athletes participate with some teams traveling from Miami and West Palm Beach, creating over 300 hotel room nights for the area.
Florida Sports Foundation – Sunshine State Games Pickleball
The PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda hosts top Florida athletes competing in their respective age divisions. Winners qualify to represent Florida in the National Senior Games held in Pittsburgh.
US Amateur Basketball – Boys & Girls Florida State Championship
US Amateur Basketball hosts 3rd through 12th grade, high school division students for the Boys & Girls State Championship. Over 130 qualifying teams with more than 1,200 athletes stay in Port Charlotte for three days. They travel from all over Florida looking to crown their team as the State champion in their age group.
Florida Sports Foundation – Sunshine State Games Canoe/Kayak Festival
Florida athletes participate in the canoe marathon, traveling six miles into Charlotte Harbor. Kayaks compete in a sprint race for the best time and qualify for the National Games.
Dance Dimensions – Southwest Florida Showcase
Top individuals, teams, and dance studios ages 3 through 18 boys and girls compete from across Florida in all disciplines of dance and hip hop.
US Fastpitch – Florida State Series
US Girls Fastpitch Softball hosts their Florida State Series at Carmalita Park in Punta Gorda. Girls ranging from 12 to 18 travel from throughout Florida and southern states to take to the fields to compete.
American Cornhole – Gulf Coast Classic
American Cornhole Organization (ACO) hosts their inaugural Gulf Coast Classic on Charlotte Harbor. Contestants travel from throughout the nation and internationally to compete under the Tiki huts on beautiful Charlotte Harbor. The final day is a shoot-out for over $10,000 in cash for their pro-invitational division.
Prostyle - USSSA – Charlotte Crown
Protyle’s Charlotte Crown takes place the second week of June at all our county baseball parks: Centennial Park, South County Regional Park, Harold Avenue Park, and Charlotte Sports Park. This summer sizzler already has over 50 teams registered and will be one of their premier events crowning Charlotte’s best.
July
US Amateur Basketball – Hoop Series Pre-Live
This new format takes place at Harold Avenue Park, Centennial Park, and South County Park, and offers top-level athletes an invitation to compete against each other in their respective age bracket. This tournament provides recorded game options to be viewed later by college coaches.
Prospect Wire Baseball – State Championship
Charlotte Sports Park's five fields and stadium are home to Charlotte County’s Prospect Wire State Championship. Teams travel from across the state of Florida to participate in this invitational tournament. Athletes from 14-18 years old showcase their talent.
USA/Florida Swimming – Area 5 Swim Meet
The Sea Dragons Swim Cub hosts 13 regional schools for this three-day meet. They compete in both the long course, 50-meters, and the short course, 25-yards. This meet provides rankings towards the FHSAA state championship for each school.
US Fastpitch – Florida State Series
US Girls Fastpitch Softball hosts their Florida State Series at Carmalita Park in Punta Gorda. Girls ranging from 12-years to 18- years, traveling from throughout Florida and southern states, take to the fields to compete.
Peace River Riders Bicycle Club – Wheels & Wings
This event attracts riders from all over the state. Over 350 riders test their skills on the Charlotte Harbor bridges and the gravel grinder, long course endurance, and the winding streets of Punta Gorda. Each level of rider chooses from a 62,50-, 31-, or 15-mile ride. All participants end this adventure at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s for wings, great conversation, and comradery. 2023 marks the 13th anniversary of the event.
MII Productions – CrossFit
MII Productions hosts a CrossFit competition at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. This event attracts over 600 CrossFit athletes from across Florida looking to win medals and leave with bragging rights.
Prospect Wire Baseball – National Championship
Centennial Park is home to this high-level baseball championship hosting 14–18-year-old athletes from across the country. This is one stop on their regional tournament hosted by neighboring counties.
August
Apex Promoz– Eight Hours of Hell Ultra Marathon & 5k Races
Charlotte County Parks and Preserves are home to this ultra marathon and 5k race that tests top athletes in their class. Only top level athletes, running both races back-to-back, will participate. Athletes must complete the races within an 8-hour time period.
SEPTEMBER
Kengo CMA Karate & Jujitsu – Southwest Martial Arts Open
Kengo CMA Karate and Jujitsu school hosts their martial arts open at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. Top schools from across Florida compete in various disciplines and age brackets.
USSSA Prostyle Baseball – Home Run Derby
Prostyle’s Homerun Derby invites the top 8-18 years old athletes throughout the region and south Florida. Over 600 athletes participate with some teams traveling as far as Key West and Jacksonville.
ATA Martial Arts – Suncoast Championship
The Charlotte Event & Conference Center is home to this inaugural Martial Arts Competition. Karate schools from across the country travel in to crown the best in their respective discipline. Ages 4 and up compete in this two-day Championship.
US Fastpitch – Florida State Series
US Girls Fastpitch Softball hosts their Florida State Series at Carmalita Park in Punta Gorda. Girls ranging from 12 to 18 travel from throughout Florida and southern states to compete.
All Florida Pickleball – AFPL Professional Team League
The Pickleplex® of Punta Gorda hosts the AFPL League play. Professional pickleball teams from Jacksonville to Miami travel in to compete for league standings.
United Soccer Federation – El Classico Junior Tournament
This U9 through U10 soccer tournament is open to all youth soccer federations to participate. This will provide teams points in their Florida ranking towards the National Championship.
ProAM50 Softball – Florida State Tournament
This ProAM50 softball tournament invites teams from throughout Florida to participate for ranking toward their national championship.
OCTOBER
Irish FC – Coaches Certification Clinic
The VCB, Charlotte High School soccer coaches, and Irish FC host the first Coach’s Certification Clinic. This clinic will attract coaches from across the country who are looking to hone their coaching skills and learn new practice tactics while receiving a professional coaching certificate from one of the most respected clubs in the league.
US Amateur Basketball – Southwest Florida Hoops Fall Showcase
Over 500 3rd through 11th grade boys and girls showcase their talent on the courts. Teams travel in from across Florida to increase their overall ranking to qualify for the State Championship in June.
National Pickleball – Punta Gorda Classic
This second-year USA Pickleball-sanctioned amateur championship series will host athletes from across the nation looking to test their skills with the best players looking to turn professional. They will compete in various division including men’s, women’s, mixed doubles, and co-ed.
Elite Events – Punta Gorda Half Marathon & 5K
Elite runners traveling in from throughout Florida and the country will experience a scenic run through the streets of Punta Gorda and Laishley Park on beautiful Charlotte Harbor.
USSSA Prostyle Baseball – Victory in Pink
Prostyle’s Victory in Pink tournament has over 90 teams participate each year. They battle on the field and in real life supporting October’s breast cancer awareness. This event supports an amazing cause by donating money back to the community.
NOVEMBER
Tier One Fastpitch Softball – College Showcase
15 to 18-year-old girls softball travel teams compete in front of college coaches looking to recruit kids to the next level to play for a Division I-III and NAIA college. The invited coaches will coach each team to get a closer perspective on how the teams handle pressure and adversity while looking at their athletic abilities.
Horizon Gymnastics – Riverfront Classic
This invitational at Charlotte Harbor Event Center hosts over 300 athletes from all over Florida. Competitors showcase their talents to be crowned the champion in each discipline for AAU and US Gymnastics level 1 through 10.
American Pickleball – Punta Gorda Classic
Over 300 professional and amateur athletes of all ages participate in this 2nd annual American Pickleball Tournament. Athletes travel to Punta Gorda from across the country and Canada. The three-day tournament has previously generated over $580,000 in economic impact and filled over 690 room nights at our local accommodations.
USSSA ProStyle – Sunshine Classic
Charlotte County fields are home to this U8-U18 baseball tournament. Teams travel in from throughout the region and south Florida to compete.
Englewood Beach Waterfest
This family-friendly event allows spectators to tour the race pits and enjoy the speed, power, and excitement of the World Championships of the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA) and cheer on their favorite team from the beautiful waters and sand of Englewood Beach.
December
US Fastpitch Association – Punta Gorda Challenge
Carmalita Park hosts this inaugural girls fastpitch tournament, which is usually held in north Florida. Our destination has been awarded their five 2024 tournaments, as a west coast destination partner, to provide better access for elite teams in south and central Florida.
Florida Outdoor Education Foundation – Flats Master Series
Four Points Sheraton is home to this inaugural three series winter fishing tournament. Three anglers per boat take to the Harbor to catch the largest fish in each category. The tournament is structured as catch, photo measure, and release.
Pickleball Productions – Winter Slam
Pickleball Productions, a local business based out of Port Charlotte, hosts their inaugural tournament focusing on amateur athletes at the PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda. This tournament features men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles brackets, pulling in athletes from throughout Florida and Georgia.
Wheeling University – Women’s Swim & Dive Team Winter Training
Centennial Park Pool hosts Wheeling University's first winter training in Charlotte County. They will work on their skill and strategies on the diving boards and in various 50-meter races and strokes.
