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 25-27.
Suncoast Summer Fest
Previously known as a the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival, this annual event is back in 2021 with plenty of boat races and other fun events off of the water.
Suncoast Summer Fest kicks of on Thursday with a party at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Friday will bring the action to downtown Sarasota with a boat driver meet and greet and a “Boats on the Block” party.
The powerboat races begin will be run from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Lido Beach.
Other community events will follow throughout the week. The festival concludes with several celebrations over the Fourth of July weekend.
Details: Thursday-July 4.
Info: suncoastsummerfest.org.
Sarasota Music Festival
The Sarasota Music Festival, a renowned celebration of classical and chamber music, is going virtual this year. Sold-out performances that were recorded live last weekend will be available to stream from home starting Thursday. Patrons will have 30 days to enjoy the videos.
Performances include solo, duo and quartet arrangements as well as a musical talk on the Romantic period of classical music.
Details: Available to stream June 24-July 24. $40 streaming pass allows access to all performances.
Info: sarasotaorchestra.org.
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 Jupiter Hammerheads.
A mask requirement in place at the start of the season has been lifted in accordance with local and state guidelines.
The Marauders will host “Faith and Family 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-$11.
Info: milb.com/bradenton.
Craft fair at Mixon’s
A craft fair at Mixon Fruit Farms will feature family fun and a host of arts, craft and food vendors.
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: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. Free.
Info: mixon.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 2010 computer-animated hit “Despicable Me” as well as the latest installment in the “Fast and Furious” car racing action film saga, “F9.”
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.
▪ Despicable Me (PG): 8:45 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ F9 (PG-13): 10:20 p.m. 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.