10 weekend events near Bradenton: Pirate invasion, Dragon Boats, vegan fest and more
Another spring weekend is near, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.
Highlights this weekend include a pirate-themed party at De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton and the Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival at Nathan Benderson Park.
Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, May 19-21.
Pirate invasion at De Soto National Memorial
Pirates will seize control of De Soto National Memorial this weekend, and their mission is swashbuckling fun for all.
The Castortowne Pirate Invasion will include cannon fire and black powder demonstrations, storytelling, buccaneer history and a treasure hunt. Kids ages 3-10 can cross swords with a nefarious seafarer during the Fight a Pirate event.
The Bookaneer Club will have a book giveaway.
Taste Time food truck will be at the event Saturday with cheesesteaks and sausages, and Kona Ice will be there both days.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. De Soto National Memorial, 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton. Free.
Info: facebook.com/DESO1539
Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival
The fifth annual Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival will bring fierce-paddling teams of rowers to Nathan Benderson Park this Saturday.
“This event brings together culture, sport and international flavors that blend a 2,500-year-old tradition with the fun and excitement of an outdoor festival,” organizers say. “Twenty paddlers move in unison, combining strength and teamwork in a boat whose elaborate design originates from ancient China.”
The festival features a competitive sport division and a community division for amateur races.
For spectators, there will be activities, vendors, a Health and Wellness Village and food and beer to enjoy on land.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Free.
Info: nathanbendersonpark.org/event/sarasota-international-dragon-boat-festival-2/
VeganFest Sarasota
VeganFest Sarasota will bring a bounty of global vegan cuisine to Nathan Benderson Park this Sunday — plus crafts, activities, a family fun zone, shopping and live music.
Vegan food vendors will include Brazilian and Caribbean cuisine, sushi, tacos, burgers, Southern and soul food, smoothies, juices, sweets, snacks, dessert and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Free admission; VIP options available.
Yappy Hour at Motorworks
Motorworks Brewing’s monthly canine extravaganza is back.
Dog owners are invited to sip craft beer and grab a bite from a food truck, shop from local pet supply vendors and let their leashed pets enjoy the beer garden.
Each month’s event benefits a local pet rescue organization and includes a silent auction and raffle items.
Brunch is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, and there will also be live music to enjoy in the beer garden.
Details: Yappy Hour happens from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. No cover.
Info: motorworksbrewing.com
Manatee River Underwater Cleanup
A massive community cleanup of the Manatee River will happen this Friday in Bradenton and Palmetto.
“Keep Manatee Beautiful is calling divers, boats, skiffs, kayaks, jet skis and land volunteers for what may be the first ever organized underwater cleanup of the Manatee River,” the nonprofit said in a news release.
The organization is still seeking volunteers to help in the effort including additional divers and volunteers to clean up along the shoreline.
“There’s no telling what kind of sunken treasures might surface during the cleanup but it’s going to be exciting just to see the divers in action,” Keep Manatee Beautiful executive director Jennifer Hoffman said in the news release.
Details: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Shoreline volunteers will meet at the clock tower on the Bradenton Riverwalk near Rossi Park
at 9 a.m. Register online.
Info: manateebeautiful.com
Performing arts and shows
“The Power of Dance” by Art & Soul Dance Company at Manatee Performing Arts Center: “Featuring our national award-winning dance teams and our phenomenal recreational dancers, these shows provide an opportunity for the Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch community to come together to celebrate the latest (and greatest!) dance performances,” a show preview says.
Details: 6 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $33.
West Coast Black Theatre Troupe presents “Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Review:” “Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was an American jazz pianist, composer, singer and comedic entertainer. Nate Jacobs’ original tribute to this irrepressible artist features Waller’s signature songs, including ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’,’ ‘Honeysuckle Rose,’ ‘Your Feet’s Too Big,’ ‘The Joint is Jumpin’ and many more,” a show preview says.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Through May 28. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $50. Students and active military: $20.
“Visit Joe Whitefeather” at Florida Studio Theatre: “Set in the small town of Beaver Gap, Pennsylvania during the early 1970s, this new comedy centers on the city council’s outrageous ideas to help drum up more tourism. The council decides to rename the town in honor of Joe Whitefeather — a deceased, Native American war hero who has no connection to the town whatsoever,” a show preview for this world premiere says.
Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. April 5-May 21. Playing at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $39.
Info: floridastudiotheatre.org
L.A. Hardy at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Mike Paramore has performed on television, at the Just for Laughs Festival and Cleveland Comedy Festival and is a past winner of the Laughing Devil Festival in NYC, LaughFest’s Best of the Midwest competition and Best of Fest at Big Pine Comedy Festival in Arizona, the comedian’s bio says.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $25.
Info: mccurdyscomedy.com
Farmers’ markets
Downtown Bradenton Public Market: This weekly market is a community gathering place that welcomes vendors offering fresh local produce, meat, pantry and home goods, packaged foods, plants, clothing, accessories and more.
Food, drink and dessert vendors make the market a great place to grab a tasty snack.
This year, the market is nearly doubling in size with plans to host about 100 vendors each week, including a core group of businesses and some rotating selections, organizers say.
The market also features live music performances from different regional artists each week. Kid’s activities, special events and cooking demonstrations add to the fun throughout the season.
Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct.-May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch welcomes more than 90 regional vendors to Waterside Place each Sunday. Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats. Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature at the market.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
Oneco Farmers Market is open seven days a week. The permanent market boasts more than 100 vendors in one location, including meats and seafood, fresh produce, sweets and treats. There are also restaurants and arts and crafts vendors to check out, and the market frequently hosts free community events.
Details: Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Oneco Farmers Market, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton.
Info: onecofarmersmarket.com
Sarasota Farmers Market brings vendors selling arts and crafts, goods and services, produce, food, plants and more to downtown Sarasota. There’s also live music to enjoy.
Details: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Lemon Avenue and Main Street, downtown Sarasota.
Newtown Sarasota Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh-baked goods and other items twice a week in the Newtown neighborhood. The market also hosts community gatherings including events for kids and food festivals.
Details: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
Red Barn Flea Market combines the best of a farmers market, a flea market and a food court in one stop. At Red Barn, you’ll find permanent storefronts, vendor booths, fresh produce, local food offerings, live entertainment and more.
Details: Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton.
Info: redbarnfleamarket.com.
Guide to Bradenton and Sarasota’s farmers markets with year-round produce and more
See a movie
Whether you’re interested in Hollywood blockbusters, independent film or an old-time drive-in movie experience, there’s a theater nearby that can satisfy. Here are your local movie options:
Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays new movies, classic flicks and family favorites with showings Wed.-Sun.
There are two options for audio: bring a portable radio or leave your car radio turned on during the film. You can also bring folding chairs to set up outside of the vehicle (bug repellent recommended).
▪ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (PG-13): 8:15 p.m.
▪ Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (PG-13): 10:15 p.m.
Details: 5011 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin. Ages 9 and up: $7. Ages 5-8: $2. Cash only. $5 fee for bringing your own food. Alcohol not permitted.
Info: ruskinfamilydrivein.com
Sarasota Film Society: Sarasota Film Society’s Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota theaters are a great place to catch a weekend flick. Screenings include independent and art films as well as blockbusters. Check the society’s website for the current lineup of movies.
Some of the society’s movie offerings can be streamed virtually from home.
Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Online streaming available any time.
Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456
Other Bradenton area movie theaters:
AMC Bradenton 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. amctheatres.com. 941-752-3796
AMC Sarasota 12, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. amctheatres.com. 941-922-4900
CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail #1100, Sarasota. cmxcinemas.com. 941-361-2456
Regal Oakmont, 4801 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342
Regal Hollywood, 1993 Main St., Sarasota. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342
Fun at the museum
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: Explore the past, present and future of the natural world with interactive displays and exhibits, stellar shows in the famed Planetarium, an indoor manatee habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe for kids and more at The Bishop in downtown Bradenton.
Details: Open Tue.-Sat. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Ages 18-64: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. College students with ID: $19. Ages 5-17: $16. Ages 4 and under: Free with paying adult.
Info: bishopscience.org or 941-746-4131
Florida Maritime Museum: Florida Maritime Museum documents the age-old relationship between Floridians and the water. Visitors will find marine life displays, historical photos and documents, revolving exhibits and a gift shop.
On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the museum hosts a “Music on the Porch” outdoor jam session. From 2-4 p.m., local pickers and players come together to share tunes and singalongs with the crowd.
Details: Open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Free.
Info: floridamaritimemuseum.org or 941-708-6120
Manatee County Agricultural Museum: Explore Manatee County’s rich agricultural past and present at the Manatee County County Agricultural Museum. Permanent exhibits include displays of authentic farm tools and equipment and highlights of various crops and industries that have taken root in Manatee County over the decades. There’s also a revolving lineup of special exhibits to check out.
Details: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on the first and third Saturday of each month. Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Free. Donations accepted.
Info: manateecountyagmuseum.com or 941-721-2034
Sarasota Art Museum: Operated by Ringling College of Art and Design, the Sarasota Art Museum displays revolving exhibits of contemporary artwork.
The museum is housed in the former Sarasota High School building and offers 15,000 square feet of gallery space to showcase paint, sculpture, photography, furniture making, experimental art and more.
Events at the museum include curator and artist talks, live jazz every second Thursday of the month and free entry and family fun on the second Sunday of each month.
Visitors can also enjoy a gift shop and a bistro.
Details: Museum open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Ages 17 and up: $15. Ages 0-16: Free with paying adult. Veterans and active military: Free with ID.
Info: sarasotaartmuseum.org
The Ringling in Sarasota offers a treasure trove of fine art and architecture. See collections of European works from the Baroque period and modern and contemporary art; witness the colorful history of the big top in the Circus Museum; take a tour of the Ca’ d’Zan, a Mediterranean revival mansion; and stroll The Ringling’s 68 acres of waterfront grounds and gardens.
Details: Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Ages 6-17: $5. Ages 18 and up: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. Ca’ d’Zan entry $10 extra. Admission to the Museum of Art and grounds is always free on Mondays.
Info: ringling.org or 941-359-5700
Everything you need to know about art and history museums in Bradenton and Sarasota
