7 things to do near Bradenton this weekend: Revamped brewery opens, holiday fairs and more
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. 19-21, 2021.
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. 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.
Mall at UTC holiday celebrations
The Mall at University Town Center will ring in the holiday season this weekend with a parade, a festival and a holiday gift market.
Santa’s Grand Arrival Celebration will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday with a parade down Cattlemen Road outside of the mall. The area will be illuminated with holiday lights, and the parade will be followed by a light show. The festival also includes holiday characters, live music and a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Parade details: 6 p.m. Saturday. Parade will proceed down Cattlemen Road between The Mall at UTC & the West District at UTC. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota. Free parking and entry.
A Holiday Gift Market will bring more than 70 vendors to the Mall at University Town Center this Saturday and Sunday.
The event is first of three market weekends before Christmas. In addition to shopping among crafters, artists and regional businesses, visitors can enjoy food trucks, tree lightings and lots of light displays. Saturday’s market will cap off with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Details: 1-9 p.m. Nov. 20, Dec. 4 and 11. and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21, Dec. 5 and 12. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota. Free parking and entry.
Info: mallatutc.com.
Free health fair
Head to Bradenton Riverwalk this Saturday for a family-friendly health fair full of free screenings and giveaways.
Hosted by Southwest Florida-based nonprofit MCR Health, the Health & Nutrition Expo will include free dental and vision screenings, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, nutrition classes and a cooking demonstration. Immunizations and COVID-19 vaccines will also be available.
The event will include a live DJ, a clown and other entertainment. Giveaway items include school supplies, masks, books and door prizes, as well as healthy food items.
Details: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Rossi Park on the Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Free.
Info: facebook.com/MCRHealthInc. 855-253-9098.
Craft brewery fun
Big Top Brewers Collective Grand Opening: This weekend, the Lakewood Ranch beer spot formerly known as Naughty Monk Brewery will celebrate its name change to the Big Top Brewers Collective. Naughty Monk, opened in 2017, announced in August that it was merging with Sarasota’s Big Top Brewing Company.
The local beer haven is still in the same location, and Naughty Monk’s core beers will remain on tap. But there are also many new drinks to try.
The celebration this weekend will include special beer releases, live music and complimentary pizza. BubbaQue’s BBQ food truck will also be on site.
Details: 3-10 p.m. Saturday. Big Top Brewers Collective, 2507 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton.
Info: thegoodliquidbrewing.com.
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.
Atlantic City Boys at Manatee Performing Arts Center
Singing quartet the Atlantic City Boys will grace the stage at Manatee Performing Arts Center this Saturday night.
“They are four dynamic lead singers who lend their world-class vocals to the harmonies of the ’60s, singing the hits of The Drifters, The Beach Boys, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons,” a show description says.
The group’s act also includes dance and audience participation.
Details: 8 p.m. Saturday. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $27-$38.
Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com. 941-748-5875.
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.
▪ Venom: Let There Be Carnage: 10:00 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.
This story was originally published November 18, 2021 at 6:00 AM.