10 weekend events near Bradenton: De Soto Grand Parade, car show, kid’s book sale
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Another spring weekend is near, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.
Highlights this weekend include the De Soto Grand Parade and a kid’s book fair in Bradenton. In Sarasota, there’s an antique car show and a tattoo convention.
Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, April 28-30.
De Soto Grand Parade
Manatee County’s biggest parade of the year happens Saturday. Tens of thousands of spectators from the Tampa Bay area will line the streets of Bradenton for the 2.5 mile procession celebrating conquistador Hernando de Soto’s 1539 landing in Florida.
The family-friendly parade is the culmination of the De Soto Heritage Festival, an annual series of charity events organized by the nonprofit Hernando de Soto Historical Society.
Organizers say this year’s parade will be the biggest ever, with over 180 entries. They include colorful illuminated floats decorated by local organizations and schools, marching bands and emergency vehicles. Kids can load up on beads and coins.
Route: The parade begins at Manatee High School (corner of Ninth Avenue West and 30th Street West), travels west on Ninth Avenue West, north on 39th Street West and then east on Manatee Avenue West, ending at Ninth Street West in downtown Bradenton.
Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 29, starting at Manatee High School, 902 33rd St. Court W., Bradenton. Free.
Info: desotohq.com
Free live music on Riverwalk
Realize Bradenton’s annual outdoor concert series is back. Music in the Park will bring free, live concerts to the Bradenton Riverwalk for seven weeks this spring.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Dogs on leashes are also welcome.
Music in the Park 2023 remaining shows:
▪ April 28: Bri Rivera (Latin fusion, blues, funk rock)
▪ May 5: Combo Fusion (Variety dance, Latin)
Details: 6-8 p.m. Friday. March 24-May 5. Riverwalk Amphitheater, 606 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Free. Parking available between ArtCenter Manatee and Manatee Performing Arts Center.
Info: realizebradenton.com
Children’s Booktopia
The Downtown Bradenton Public Market is inviting young readers to enjoy some book-themed fun at Children’s Booktopia this Saturday.
The event includes a full slate of story time book readings, local authors and illustrators, activities and an appearance by Daniel Tiger from the PBS children’s show.
Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
Info: realizebradenton.com
Master Gardener Plant Sale
The Master Gardeners of the UF/IFAS Extension of Manatee County will host a plant sale this Saturday.
“The sale will feature wildflowers, Florida natives, pollinator plants and more, all grown by Master Gardener Volunteers,” a preview says. “All proceeds from this event go to the operation and maintenance of the Master Gardeners’ Educational Gardens and Greenhouse, and to support Master Gardener educational and outreach programs.”
Entry is free, but guests are required to register in advance online.
Details: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto.
Antique car show
“The 52nd Annual Devereaux-Kaiser Car show, hosted by the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund, is one of the largest shows of its type in Florida,” a preview says.
The show will feature “cars, trucks, motorcycles, hot rods and customs, military and service vehicles 25 years and older.
Guests can also enjoy food trucks, a beer tent and vendors.
Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $5. Ages 9 and under: Free.
Info: dkcarshow.com
Ink Masters Tattoo Expo
A major tattoo convention will bring over 100 award-winning tattoo artists to Sarasota this weekend.
Artists specializing in realism, traditional, black and gray and color tattoos will be there.
Other attractions include custom jewelry, temporary tattoos, raffles and food.
1-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $20 per day; $35 for weekend pass.
Info: inkmasterstattooshow.com/events/sarasota-fl-tattoo-expo-april-28-30-2023
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, 2 p.m. Sunday. April 27-May 14. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $30-$42.
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.
“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
John DiCrosta at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: John’s humor may be infused with dozens of character voices which have been featured in the Transformers films, video games and Nickelodeon. He might break into off beat characters or even some ventriloquism,” a preview 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.
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.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays October through April. Held in the parking lot of 5041 Ringwood Meadow, 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.
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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
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