5 fun things to do around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend

Are you ready for the weekend? Us too.

If you don’t have plans yet, we’re here to help.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, June 11-13.

Fire Charity Fishing Tournament

The 14th annual Fire Charity Fishing Tournament will bring family fun to Riverside Park in Palmetto this weekend.

There are fishing events to enter for anglers young and old with prizes up for grabs. This year’s event also includes a festival. Saturday will feature an all-day lineup of local bands, and Sunday’s events include a live auction and raffles. Both days of the festival will have vendors, food trucks and a kids zone to enjoy.

Started by a Manatee County firefighter, the event benefits child burn victims.

Details: Festival hours are noon-8 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Riverside Park (alongside the Green Bridge), 101 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto.

Bradenton Marauders home game

The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders are home at LECOM Park this week for a six-game series with the Daytona Tortugas.

A mask requirement in place at the start of the season has been lifted in accordance with local and statue guidelines.

The Marauders will host Pride Night on Friday and Margaritaville Night on Saturday.

Details: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Tickets range from $7-$21.

Info: milb.com/bradenton.

Craft festival

The 19th annual St. Armands Circle Craft Festival happens this Saturday and Sunday.

Painting, photography, glass work, sculpture, wood, metal and leather works, jewelry, clothing, plants, soaps and more will be on display.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 411 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota. Free entry.

Info: artfestival.com/festivals/st-armands-circle-craft-festival-june.

Farmers’ Markets

The Beach Market at Coquina Beach offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry and apparel, health and beauty items, music and more. The fresh ocean air and sunshine on Anna Maria Island are free. The market will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays through November.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.

Info: islandsandbeaches.com/market.

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.

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.

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. This weekend, the outdoor theater will screen two animated features: 2021’s “Spirit Untamed” and 2020’s “Scoob!”

Bring a portable radio if you don’t want to leave your car turned on during the films. You can also bring folding chairs to set up outside of the vehicle (bug repellent is recommended if you go this route). Face masks are required to enter the snack bar or restrooms.

▪ Spirit Untamed (PG): 8:45 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Scoob! (PG): 11:15 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: After a long pause in screenings due to COVID-19, Sarasota Film Society has reopened its Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota theaters. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated guests. Check the society’s website for the current lineup of movies.

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: See movies in person Friday-Sunday at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive #8, Sarasota or Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Online streaming available any time.

Info: filmsociety.org. 941-955-3456.