10 weekend events near Bradenton: Pace duck race, Sarasota Pride, Star Wars and more

Ryan Ballogg
·13 min read

Another spring weekend is near, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.

Highlights this weekend include the Bradenton Marauder’s annual Star Wars Night and a rubber duck for charity in Bradenton.

In Sarasota, the Pride Be Fabulous Music and Arts Festival returns, along with the Theatre Odyssey’s popular Ten Minute Play Festival.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, May 12-14.

Bradenton Marauders host Star Wars Night

The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders will be home at LECOM Park this weekend to play the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

Friday is Women in Sports Night and will feature a pre-game panel with women who work in the Marauders organization.

Saturday is the Marauder’s annual Star Wars Night with appearances by favorite Star Wars characters, music, entertainment and a post-game fireworks show; the team will wear jerseys inspired by “The Mandalorian” that will be auctioned off for charity.

Sunday, the Marauders will host a Mother’s Day celebration; $30 buys entrance to the game, brunch and mimosas.

  • Details: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and noon Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Tickets range from $8-$14.

  • Info: milb.com/bradenton

Pride Be Fabulous Music and Arts Festival

Formerly the Harvey Milk Festival, this Sarasota tradition returns on Saturday with a music and arts celebration of the LGBTQ+ community at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center.

An all-day lineup of indoor and outdoor music features acts from Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Miami.

  • Details: 3-10 p.m. Saturday. Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. $5 advance; $7 door.

The FAB AF Pride After Party and Drag Show will follow at Oasis in downtown Sarasota.

  • Details: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Oasis, 1525 Fourth St., Sarasota. $10; $5 with wristband from Music and Arts Festival.

Lucky Ducky Race for Pace

It’s one of Bradenton’s quackiest traditions — on Saturday, up to 30,000 rubber ducks will race down the Manatee River in this colorful charity event.

It costs as little as $5 to adopt a duck and compete for prizes in the race; top winners this year could leave with a new Jeep Wrangler or free dinner for a year at Anna Maria Oyster Bar.

Proceeds of the race benefit Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County, a program for at-risk youth.

  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Caddy’s Bradenton, 801 Riverside Dr. E., Bradenton. Free to watch.

  • Info: duckrace.com/manatee

Friendly City Flea at Oscura

The Friendly City Flea will welcome a “curated gathering of makers, musicians and creatives” to Oscura in downtown Bradenton this Sunday for its last market of the season.

The market includes over 70 vendors displaying crafts, paper goods, home goods, pantry items, food, clothing, jewelry and more.

The market will be held outdoors. Inside, Oscura will offer a brunch menu and specialty food and drinks, and The Royale Duo will add live jazz to the mix.

Ten Minute Play Festival

Theatre Odyssey’s annual Ten Minute Play Festival challenges playwrights to make the most of every second of stage time.

This year, eight finalists have been selected from over 100 entries, and they will performed during the four-day festival this weekend.

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Jane B. Cook Theatre at FSU/Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $29. Students: $15.

  • Info: theatreodyssey.org

Cemetery tours at Manatee Village Historical Park

Guided historical cemetery tours are back this weekend at at Manatee Village Historical Park.

“Take a trip through the 1850 Manatee Burying Ground and explore different facets of Manatee County’s history on a free, hour-long, staff-led, guided tour of our area’s oldest public cemetery,” an event preview says.

Guests should check in at the Wiggins Store inside Manatee Village Historical Park. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come basis.

  • Details: Tours begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. Manatee Village Historical Park. 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free.

  • Info: 941-749-7165. manateevillage.org/events

Robinson Preserve NEST nature days



Every Saturday, The NEST (that’s Nature, Exploration, Science and Technology) center at Robinson Preserve is opened to visitors.

There, park staff invite you to “walk the grounds of the historic Reasoner Tract and observe botanical giants collected from around the world, explore the canopy boardwalk among the banyans, climb to the top of the crow’s nest, take in breathtaking panorama views and make an exciting exit from the building via slide.”

After you’re done at The NEST, there’s a lot more nature to explore within the preserve.

  • Details: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Robinson Preserve, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW., Bradenton. Free.

  • Info: 941-742-5923 ext. 6039. mymanatee.org

Performing arts and shows

“Sunset Boulevard” at Manatee Performing Arts Center: “Based on the Billy Wilder film, the musical version of Sunset Boulevard is a tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterwork of dreams and desire in the land called Hollywood includes the lush, swelling standards ‘With One Look,’ ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ and ‘Perfect Year’” a show preview says.

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. April 27-May 14. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $30-$42.

  • Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com

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. Feb. 22-April 9. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $50. Students and active military: $20.

  • Info: 941-366-1505. westcoastblacktheatre.org

“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, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 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: “You have seen L.A. Hardy on Laughs TV, Comedy TV, ‘Comics Unleashed’ with Byron Allen, BET’s ‘ComicView,’ ABC’s ‘According to Jim,’ MTV and The Fuse Network. His film credits include ‘Universal Remote,’ ‘China Dolls’ and ‘Guess Who’ with Bernie Mac,” 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.

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.

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.

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.

  • Info: newtownfarmersmarketsrq.org

Meadows Farmers Market: Started in Oct. 2021, the Meadows Farmers Market promises organic fruits and vegetables straight from local farmers. Other attractions include artisans, food vendors and live music. Events at the market include yoga, tai chi, wellness talks and holiday celebrations.

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.

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).

▪ The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG): 8:15 p.m.

▪ Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13): 9:45 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