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.

March


Apex Promoz – Adventure Race  March 8–10, 2024

This new elite endurance race will attract high-level athletes that will have the ability to continuously race for 24 to 48 hours, judged on the total miles run, and not their time. One hundred participants are expected to travel in from destinations throughout the county since this takes an elite athlete to withstand the time frame and terrain. The winner will cover 175-200 miles in the two-day competition.

Pickleplex® of Punta Gorda – PP Annual Challenge –  March 15–17, 2024

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  –  March 21–24, 2024                         

Destination Athletes have 650 swimmers registered 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.

US Fastpitch Association – Charlotte Shoot Out – March 30–31, 2024

Harold Avenue Park will be home to this girls fastpitch tournament series that is usually held in north Florida.  This third tournament of a five-tournament series continues to attract teams and families from north and central Florida to the area to participate and enjoy the amenities we offer.


April
 

US Amateur Basketball – Charlotte Shootout – April 12–14, 2024

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 – April 6–7, 2024

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.

 US Fastpitch Association – Spring Fling Tournament – April 13–14, 2024

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 – April 20, 2024

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.

 

Florida Sports Foundation Logo

Sports Events and Tourism Association

Sunshine Sports Council Logo

Past Events

 

JANUARY
 

Punta Gorda Pickleball Open presented by the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP)

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.

PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda – Punta Gorda Challenge

The PicklePlex® on Florida Southwest Charlotte Campus hosts their Punta Gorda Challenge Tournament with over 400 participants over three days. Athletes travel in from throughout the country and from across Florida.

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.

Destination Athletes – Centennial National Invitational

This Florida Swimming-sanctioned event has over 800 competitive athletes from various swim clubs taking to the deck at Centennial Park Pool. Clubs on Spring Break travel in from throughout the Country to participate in this four-day showcase that attracts some of the top swim clubs in the country.

 

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.

 

MAY
 

Amateur Pickleball Association – Florida Open 

PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda is home to the inaugural tournament which is open to all ages and skill levels.

US Amateur Basketball – Hoop Scene Florida Cup II 

This Florida Cup is hosted at Babcock Ranch's three basketball courts, attracting 85 of the best teams throughout Florida.

 

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 

Top pickleball players throughout the state of Florida travel to Punta Gorda to compete. This tournament crowns the winners in specific age brackets to represent Florida in the National Games.

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.

 

July
 

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.

 

SEPTEMBER
 

Kengo CMA Karate & Jujitsu – Southwest Martial Arts Open
- September 2–3

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 – September 23–24

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 – September 22-23, 2023

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 – September 16–17 

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.

 


OCTOBER
 

Irish FC – Coaches Certification Clinic –  October 13–15

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
– October 14-15   
                    

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 – October 19–22

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 – October 21

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 – October 21–22

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 – November 3–5. 2023

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 – November 10–11, 2023 

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 – November 10–12, 2023

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 – November 11–12, 2023

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 – November 18–19, 2023

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 – December 9–10, 2023

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 – December 9-10, 2023                                                                               

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 – December 9–10, 2023

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 –  December 28, 2023–January 5, 2024                                                            

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.