10 Easter weekend events in Bradenton: De Soto kids parade, Marauders opener, Art Walk
Another spring weekend is near, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.
Highlights this weekend include an Art Walk in Village of the Arts, the opening of the Bradenton Marauders’ baseball season and the DeSoto Children’s Parade.
Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, April 7-9.
DeSoto Children’s Parade
The annual DeSoto Children’s Parade will bring colorful and creative floats designed by local students to the streets of Palmetto this Friday.
“One of the most adorable and heart-warming events you’ll ever see, this Parade puts the kids in charge,” the Hernando de Soto Historical Society says.
The parade will be followed by a “Party in the Park” at Sutton and Lamb parks with activities, games, free books and more.
Route: The parade leaves from the Manatee County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. and heads south on 10th Avenue West to Sutton Park.
Details: Parade at 9 a.m. Friday; Party in the Park at 10 a.m. at Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Free.
Village of the Arts Art Walk
The creatives of the Village of the Arts in Bradenton will open their more than 25 businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, live music.
Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, furniture, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer most any taste.
The theme of April’s Art Walk is “The Village in Bloom.”
Also during Art Walk, Adobe Graffiti Lounge, 1302 13th Ave. W., and surrounding business will host the 13th and 13th Art Market from 6-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton.
Info: villageofthearts.com
Music in the Park
Realize Bradenton’s annual outdoor concert series is back. Music in the Park will bring free, live concerts to Rossi Park on 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 7: Eric Von Band (country)
▪ April 14: Kettle of Fish (blues rock)
▪ April 21: Dual Exhaust (blues, country, rock)
▪ 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. Rossi Park on the Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Free.
Info: realizebradenton.com
Paranormal Cirque
A circus with a scary and supernatural twist is making a stop in Palmetto.
“Horrifying yet seductive, this show comes to life under the mysterious white and black big top tent with hypnotic and sultry acts,” a preview says. “Provocative illusionists, freaks and mysterious creatures will make you see that this circus is anything but normal.”
The horror-tinged show is designed for a mature audience and includes acrobatics, aerial arts, illusion acts and contortion.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Monday; 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday; 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday. April 6-16. 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto. $20-$60. Ages 13-17 must be accompanied by parent/guardian for entry.
Info: paranormalcirque.com
Bradenton Marauders opening weekend
The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders will open their 2023 season with a home series versus the Clearwater Threshers.
Friday’s game will include a t-shirt giveaway for the first 750 fans, and Saturday’s game will include Easter festivities and a post-game fireworks show.
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
Performing arts and shows
“Driving Miss Daisy” at Manatee Performing Arts Center: “This Pulitzer-winning play was the most successful play to be put on in the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater and is returning to bring this heartfelt tale to more audiences. Dealing with race relations in the south, unlikely connections, and the passage of time, ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ follows the relationship between the widowed 72-year-old Daisy Werthan and Hoke Colburn, the African American man hired to be her chauffeur,” a show preview says.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. April 5-23. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $27.
“Visit Joe Whitefeather” at Florida Studio Theatre: April 5 - May 21: “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 7:30 p.m. Sunday. April 5-May 21. Playing at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $39.
Info: floridastudiotheatre.org
West Coast Black Theatre Troupe presents “Dreamgirls”: An inspirational journey through American pop music, ‘Dreamgirls’ chronicles one fictional Motown group’s rise from obscurity to superstardom. The musical explores themes of ambition, hope and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the music industry.”
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m., 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-$48.
Carlos Mencia at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “’Mind of Mencia’ debuted on Comedy Central and became one of the strongest shows in the network’s history,” the comedian’s bio says. “Most recently, Mencia has gone back to his comedic roots, performing at a number of comedy venues and allowing him to share his newest material with a more intimate audience.”
Details: 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $37.
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.-5 p.m. every Saturday and on first and third Fridays of the month. 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.
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).
▪ Back to the Future (PG): 8:15 p.m.
▪ Back to the Future Part 2 (PG): 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 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. 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.
Masks are currently required inside museum buildings.
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. 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
