9 things to do near Bradenton this weekend: Cortez Fishing Festival, Thunder by the Bay

Another February weekend is almost here — and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it. Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to good times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Feb. 18-20, 2022.

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Started in 1981, the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrates the legacy of the waterside fishing community with live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, marine science exhibits, seafood and other tasty eats and drinks.

The festival benefits the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a Cortez nonprofit that is working to save and restore one of the last undeveloped pieces of coastline in the area: the FISH Preserve.

Offsite parking will be available at G.T. Bay Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, and at Coquina Beach, with shuttle buses to take guests back and forth to the festival ($3). Paid and free parking will also be available within walking distance of the festival.

• Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 19 and 20. 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Ages 13 and up: $5. Ages 12 and under: Free.
  
  
• Info: cortez-fish.org/fishing-festival.html

Circus Sarasota

The Circus Art Conservatory’s annual spectacular continues in Sarasota this weekend with a lineup that promises major thrills.

The three-week-long showcase will be headlined by Bello Nock; the famous stunt artist, clown and Sarasota native is known for his world record-setting tightrope skills, daredevil acts and appearances on “America’s Got Talent.” Nock will be joined by his youngest daughter Annaliese Nock, a world record-holding daredevil artist in her own right.

Other entertainers in this year’s event hail from countries and circuses around the U.S. and the world, and they include: a hand-balancing act; a slack wire artist; a speed juggler; a trapeze artist; a horse-riding act; and a troupe of trick-performing rescue dogs.

• Details: Feb. 11-March 6. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. $20-$60. Children under two: free.
• Info: circusarts.org

St. Barbara Greek Festival

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s 38th annual “Glendi” (a festival celebrating Greek culture) will include a wide array of Greek food, drink and dessert.

The event is also known for its shopping vendors, live Greek music and traditional dances.

A lucky raffle winner will get to choose between a new car or $30,000 cash, and other prizes are also up for grabs.

The event benefits a different local charity each year.

• Details: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. $5 for entry to all three days.
• Info: stbarbarafestival.org

Thunder by the Bay

This annual bash at the Sarasota Fairgrounds celebrates motorcycles and rock ‘n’ roll in the name of charity.

The event features a full three-day lineup of live music; ‘90s glam rock balladeers FireHouse will headline the festival on Saturday, Feb. 18.

The festival grounds will have over 100 vendors, a 17-class bike show, freestyle acts, a food court and a tented full bar, organizers say. And crowds can also watch motorcycle-themed events including a “stereo sound-off” contest and a burnout contest. Inside Robarts Arena, also on the festival grounds, visitors will find “Thunder Alley,” a display of custom motorcycles, cars and trucks.

The final day of the festival includes a charity motorcycle ride that ends at the fairgrounds. The festival benefits Suncoast Charities for Children, which distributes funds to area nonprofits.

• Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $5 on Feb. 18 and 20; $10 on Feb. 19. Ages 12 and under: free.
• Info: thunderbythebay.org

Watercolors on display at ArtCenter Manatee

Two new exhibits at ArtCenter Manatee feature colorful watercolor paintings from around Florida and the world.

The American Watercolor Society’s 154th annual International Traveling Exhibit includes the work of 40 artists, narrowed from a pool of more than 1,200 global entrants. ArtCenter Manatee is one of only three galleries in the nation and the only in Florida to host the exhibit this year. Entry to the exhibit is $5.

Also opening this weekend is the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society’s annual show. The display includes local and regional artists painting a delightfully wide variety of subject matter.

A free opening reception for both shows will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday.

• Details: Exhibits on display through March 18. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Fri. and Sat.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue., Wed. and Thurs. ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. ArtCenter Manatee entry free; $5 to see AWS International Traveling Exhibit.
  
  
• Info: artcentermanatee.org

‘Flowers, Poetry and Light’ at Selby Gardens

A new installation opening this Sunday at Selby Gardens in Sarasota will combine the work of two famous artists: photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and musician and poet Patti Smith.

Titled “Flowers, Poetry, and Light” the installation weaves Mapplethorpe’s photography of orchids, hyacinths and irises with Smith’s poetry about nature. The exhibit features indoor and outdoor portions, including horticultural displays inspired by the artists’ work on the garden grounds.

• Details: Feb. 13 through June 26. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Ages 5-17: $10. Ages 18 and up: $25.
• Info: selby.org

Farmers’ markets

Downtown Bradenton Public Market: Formerly the Bradenton Farmers Market, this weekly community gathering is back on Saturdays with a fresh 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 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 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 90 regional vendors. Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats. Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature at the market.

• Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Dr., 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

Newtown Sarasota Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh-baked goods and other items twice a week in the Newtown neighborhood. The market also hosts community gatherings including events for kids and food festivals.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
• Info: newtownfarmersmarketsrq.org

Red Barn Flea Market combines the best of a farmers market, a flea market and a food court in one stop. At Red Barn, you’ll find permanent storefronts, vendor booths, fresh produce, local food offerings, live entertainment and more.

• Details: Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton.
• Info: redbarnfleamarket.com.

Fun at the museum

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: Explore the past, present and future of the natural world with interactive displays and exhibits, stellar shows in the famed Planetarium, an indoor manatee habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe for kids and more at The Bishop in downtown Bradenton.

• Details: Open Tue.-Sat. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Ages 18-64: $23.95. Ages 65 and up: $21.95. Ages 12-17 and college students with ID: $17.95. Ages 5-11: $14.95. Ages 2-4: $8.95. Ages under 2: Free with paying adult.
• Info: bishopscience.org or 941-746-4131

Florida Maritime Museum: Florida Maritime Museum documents the age-old relationship between Floridians and the water. Visitors will find marine life displays, historical photos and documents, revolving exhibits and a gift shop.

On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the museum hosts a “Music on the Porch” outdoor jam session. From 2-4 p.m., local pickers and players come together to share tunes and singalongs with the crowd.

Masks are currently required inside museum buildings.

• Details: Open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Free.
• Info: floridamaritimemuseum.org or 941-708-6120

Manatee County Agricultural Museum: Explore Manatee County’s rich agricultural past and present at the Manatee County County Agricultural Museum. Permanent exhibits include displays of authentic farm tools and equipment and highlights of various crops and industries that have taken root in Manatee County over the decades. There’s also a revolving lineup of special exhibits to check out.

• Details: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on the first and third Saturday of each month. Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Free. Donations accepted.

• Info: manateecountyagmuseum.com or 941-721-2034

The Ringling in Sarasota offers a treasure trove of fine art and architecture. See collections of European works from the Baroque period and modern and contemporary art; witness the colorful history of the big top in the Circus Museum; take a tour of the Ca’ d’Zan, a Mediterranean revival mansion; and stroll The Ringling’s 68 acres of waterfront grounds and gardens.

• Details: Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Ages 6-17: $5. Ages 18 and up: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. Ca’ d’Zan entry $10 extra. Admission to the Museum of Art and grounds is always free on Mondays.
  
  
• Info: ringling.org or 941-359-5700

See a movie

Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays classic flicks, family favorites and new movies with showings Wed.-Sun.

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).

▪ Addams Family 2 (PG): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Dog (PG): 9 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.

Many of the society’s movie offerings can be streamed virtually from home.

• 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 or 941-955-3456

Other Bradenton area movie theaters:

• AMC Bradenton 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. amctheatres.com. 941-752-3796

• AMC Sarasota 12, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. amctheatres.com. 941-922-4900

• CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail #1100, Sarasota. cmxcinemas.com. 941-361-2456

• Regal Oakmont, 4801 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342

• Regal Hollywood, 1993 Main St., Sarasota. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342

This story was originally published February 17, 2022 at 5:40 AM.