10 weekend events near Bradenton: Boat show, Music in the Park, baseball 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 the Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota and a free concert on the Bradenton Riverwalk.
Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, April 21-23.
Heads up: The Main Street Live event scheduled for this Saturday in downtown Bradenton has been canceled.
Bradenton Marauders at LECOM
The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders will be home at LECOM Park this weekend to play the Daytona Tortugas.
Friday is a “Paws and Claws” event that will welcome dogs to the game along with their owners, plus drink specials.
Saturday is Margaritaville Night with pregame music and Hawaiian shirts available with ticket packages.
Sunday, the Marauders will host a Hispanic Heritage Celebration with pregame music, and the team will take the field as the Bradenton Barbanegras.
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
Music in the Park
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 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. Riverwalk Amphitheater, 606 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Free. Parking available between ArtCenter Manatee and Manatee Performing Arts Center.
Info: realizebradenton.com
Suncoast Boat Show
“This premier boat show on the Gulf Coast of Florida takes place in water and on land at Marina Jack along 65,000 square feet of dock space,” organizers say.
Boats and watercraft on display will include cruisers, runabouts, bowriders, sportfishers, center consoles, motor yachts and inflatables.
Vendors will offer electronics, accessories, jewelry, art and clothing. The event also includes food, drinks, music, exhibits and children’s activities.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Marina Jack, #2 Marina Jack Plaza, Sarasota. Ages 16 and up: $18 per day. Ages 15 and under, plus veterans and active duty military: free.
Info: suncoastboatshow.com
Jerk Dog Records birthday bash
Bradenton vinyl record shop and indie music outpost Jerk Dog Records is turning nine years old this month, and a party at Oscura on Saturday will celebrate.
Sir Sympathy (indie), Las Nadas (Jerk Dog Record’s house band), Domino Pink (psychedelic rock) and Razor & The Boogie Men (punk rock) will play.
A $5 donation for entry will go to Equality Florida, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, organizers say.
Details: 5 p.m. Sunday. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. $5.
Sarasota Cup at Premier Sports Campus
The 11th annual Sarasota Cup will bring top youth soccer players from around the state to the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch this month.
Over 400 girls and boys teams with players ages 8 to 18 are registered to compete over two weekends. The games are free to attend.
Details: Girls competition is April 14-16; boys competition is April 21-23. Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
Info: sarasotacup.com
Live blues and brunch
Good food and good tunes are in store on Sunday at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille on the Bradenton Riverwalk.
The Bradenton Blues Brunch will feature a live performance from a blues act and a chef-crafted menu of brunch delights.
This month’s talent is local blues rock act Lauren Williams and the Dirty Deal.
The event is a partnership between the restaurant, Realize Bradenton and the Bradenton Blues Fest.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, Downtown Bradenton, 101 Riverfront Blvd. #120, Bradenton. Reservations recommended.
Info: 941-896-9660. mattisons.com
Free shredding, e-waste events
A free shredding event hosted by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller at the Manatee County Fairgrounds this Saturday will give residents a chance to dispose of sensitive documents safely.
Rules: “The event will accept documents of any color or type of paper, as well as plastic credit cards and IDs. However, electronic recycling or hard drive destruction services will not be available. Binders, junk mail, magazines, or newspapers will not be accepted. Items such as paper clips, staples, rubber bands, labels and file tabs do not need to be removed. Each person can bring up to two standard-sized bankers’ boxes, measuring 12 inches by 10 inches by 15 inches, of documents to be shredded.”
Details: 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Free.
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will host a free electronic waste recycling event this Friday.
Accepted items: LCD monitors, computers, keyboards, tablets, cables, printers, laptops and phones. Not accepted: televisions, batteries and CRT monitors.
Details: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday. 10650 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch (event is in the west parking lot at Lakewood Ranch Main Street across from Bank of Tampa.) Free.
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.
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, Friday and 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
The World Series of Comedy at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Currently starring on the hit Netflix show “Workin’ Moms,” GQ magazine describes Ryan Belleville as “one of the best comics around,” a preview says.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $28.
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.
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
