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 18-20.
Juneteenth celebration
Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S.; a festival this weekend at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen in Bradenton will honor the day with live music and a lineup of speakers.
Performers include Sarasota jazz/funk/soul fusion act The Barker Project and Lakeland hip-hop artist Jules. Speakers include Melvin Pettis, a former executive with Deere & Company, as well as Gregory Sears, a member of the Grammy award-winning vocal ensemble Sounds of Blackness.
The event will also be streamed online.
Details: 4-8 p.m. Saturday. Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food Restaurant, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton. $5 for virtual access. $15 to attend in person.
Info: facebook.com/tbpproductionssrq.
Manatees are back at The Bishop
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s manatee habitat reopens to the public this week after a major remodel.
The upgraded Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat is built to mimic the marine mammals’ natural environment with varying depths, landscape elements and a textured bottom.
Two juvenile manatees, Janus and Iclyn, are currently being cared for at The Bishop until they can be released back into the wild. You can meet them this weekend with admission to the museum.
Masks are required for guests over the age of 2.
Details: Open Wed.-Sun. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Ages 18-64: $20. Ages 65 and up: $19. Ages 12-17 and college students with ID: $16. Ages 5-11: $12. Ages 4 and under: Free with paying adult.
Info: 941-746-4131. bishopscience.org.
Yappy Hour at Motorworks
Motorworks Brewing’s monthly canine extravaganza is back.
Dog owners are invited to sip craft beer and grab a bite from a food truck, shop from local pet supply vendors and let their leashed pets enjoy the beer garden.
Each month’s event benefits a local pet rescue organization and includes a silent auction and raffle items.
Brunch is available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, and there will also be live music to enjoy in the beer garden from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Details: Yappy Hour happens from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. No cover.
Info: motorworksbrewing.com.
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.