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, July 16-18.
Cornhole and Cocktails Festival
A 21 and up event will bring fun times to the the Manatee County Fairgrounds this Saturday.
The second annual Cornhole and Cocktails Festival, hosted by the Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis Club, will include cocktail, beer, wine and spirit tastings, food from local restaurants, live music and raffles.
A cornhole tournament is sure to be a good time for competitors and spectators. Arrive at 3 p.m. to register in the tournament.
The music will be provided by local country rocker Eric Von.
Details: 3-7 p.m. Saturday. Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. $35 per person.
Info: facebook.com/manateesunrisekiwanis.
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.
’Battle of the Boneless’ comes to The Bishop
A new exhibit at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature takes a deep dive into the fierce and fascinating world of ocean mollusks like conchs, cones and moon snails.
This isn’t any regular science lesson though — the stories of the spineless creatures are delivered in comic book format.
“People are often fascinated by the colors, shapes or sizes of the shells of marine mollusks, but these animals are so much more than just a pretty face,” Bishop exhibitions director Matthew D. Woodside said in a press release. “In fact, their eating habits alone make them so fierce they could go foot-to-foot with any comic book superhero.”
The exhibit also features a portion of The Bishop’s vast collection of mollusk shells.
The museum’s manatee habitat also recently reopened to the public.
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.
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.
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.
▪ Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway (PG): 8:45 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Black Widow (PG-13): 10:15 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: 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.