7 things to do near Bradenton: Festival of Skeletons, Medieval Fair, Music on Main return
Another autumn weekend is just around the corner. If you still need plans, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Nov. 5-7, 2021.
Festival of the Skeletons
The Village of the Arts in Bradenton will welcome crowds this weekend for the 17th annual Festival of the Skeletons, “a Dia de Los Muertos-inspired celebration of life.”
A community shrine is created each year for the event; this year’s shrine will honor loved ones lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. There will also be a memory wall where festival goers can leave a message for their own loved ones.
The live/work art district is full of crafters and businesses offering unique wares and services, from folk art and fine art to antiques, furniture, records, body art and more. There are also a handful of cafes and eateries to enjoy in the Village.
Live music, entertainment, activities and food trucks will also be on hand throughout the Village for the event.
The Village spans Ninth Avenue West to 17th Avenue West and 14th Street West to Ninth Street West. Street parking is available in select areas throughout the Village, or in the public parking garage at 12th Street West and Eighth Avenue West (free on weekends).
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, 1227 12th St. W., Bradenton. Free.
Info: villageofthearts.com.
Music on Main returns
After a long break due to the pandemic, this free and family-friendly event returns to Lakewood Ranch Main Street this Friday.
On the first Friday of each month, Music on Main will bring a block party with food vendors, beer trucks, booths and kid’s activities to the heart of Lakewood Ranch.
The highlight is live music by a local band. This month’s act is Rebel Heart, a five-piece covering high-energy pop, rock, dance and country music songs spanning ‘70s classics to modern hits. A live DJ will provide additional tunes. Each month’s event also benefits a local nonprofit; November’s beneficiary is Lakewood Ranch Community Activities.
Personal chairs and friendly dogs on short leashes are allowed at the event; personal coolers are not.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Friday. 8100 Lakewood Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. Free.
Info: lakewoodranch.com/event/music-main.
Sarasota Medieval Fair
Step back into the Middle Ages and partake in a day of medieval merriment at the 17th annual Sarasota Medieval Fair.
Walk among peasants and royalty, sup on turkey legs and other delights, peruse the offerings of ancient vendors and enjoy entertainment like jousting, comedy, rides, games and period music. Don’t forget to dress the part.
This year, the fair will celebrate its first year at its new home in the “Woods of Mallaranny,” a 47-acre festival grounds in Myakka City.
Details: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. 29847 S.R. 70 E., Myakka City. Ages 5-10: $9.95. Students, seniors and military with I.D.: $18.95. Adults: $21.95. Multi-day passes available.
Info: 1-888-303-3247. sarasotamedievalfair.com.
Taste of Mixon’s
Enjoy arts and crafts vendors, food samples, a cooking competition, live music and a children’s story time at this Saturday’s Taste of Mixon’s.
There are also fudge, ice cream and other treats to enjoy at Mixon’s Groveside Cafe.
Add a ride on the Orange Blossom Tram through the citrus groves; it’s $5 for kids and $10 for adults.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. Free.
Info: mixon.com.
Farmers’ markets
Downtown Bradenton Public Market: Formerly the Bradenton Farmers Market, this weekly community gathering is back on Saturdays with a fresh new name. But you’ll still find a bounty of produce, food, handcrafted goods, arts, music, cooking demonstrations and more along Old Main Street. The market offers more than 40 vendors.
Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct.-May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
Info: realizebradenton.com/public-market.
The Beach Market at Coquina Beach returns for the fall/winter season this weekend. The market offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry and apparel, health and beauty items, music and more on Anna Maria Island. The market will be held on Sundays during November and on Wednesdays and Sundays December through March.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.
Info: facebook.com/BeachMarketAtCoquinaBeach.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch boasts more than 50 local vendors. Offerings include produce, prepared foods and breads, crafts, plants and pet treats. Local musicians are another regular feature at the market.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
Info: mylwr.com/185/Farmers-Market-at-LWR.
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.
Info: sarasotafarmersmarket.org.
See a movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays classic flicks, family favorites and new movies with showings every day of the week.
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 is recommended if you go this route).
▪ Eternals (PG-13): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ To be announced: 10:05 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
Details: 5011 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin. Ages 9 and up: $6. Ages 5-8: $1. 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. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated guests.
Cinema fans can also continue to stream SFM’s latest offerings in the world of independent and thought-provoking film from home with the purchase of a virtual movie experience.
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. 941-955-3456.
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: $23.95. Ages 65 and up: $21.95. Ages 12-17 and college students with ID: $17.95. Ages 5-11: $14.95. Ages 2-4: $8.95. Ages under 2: Free with paying adult.
Info: 941-746-4131. bishopscience.org.
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. 941-708-6120.
Do you know of a local event that’s coming up, or have a suggestion for our things to do list? Send an email with details to rballogg@bradenton.com.