Weekend

8 things to do near Bradenton this weekend: St. Patrick’s parade, art fest, live theater

Another March 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.

Beware, inclement weather predicted for this weekend may cause some outdoor events to be canceled or postponed. And don’t forget, daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday; set those clocks one hour forward.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to good times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, March 11-13, 2022.

Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Get decked out in green and head to the beach this Sunday for this annual holiday tradition on Anna Maria Island, returning for the first time since COVID-19’s arrival. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade includes plenty of beads, festive music and a rainbow of colorful floats and costumes.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade route: Parade begins at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive; continues north along Marina Drive to Palm Drive to Gulf Drive; turns right on Pine Avenue; turns right on Tarpon Street; turns right on Magnolia Avenue, ending at the Center of Anna Maria Island Community Center, 407 Magnolia Avenue.

  • Details: 4-6 p.m. Sunday. Parade starts in Holmes Beach and ends in Anna Maria on Anna Maria Island. Free.
  • Info: centerami.org

Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival

An outdoor gallery of original work by an assortment of national artisans will be on display this weekend on downtown Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street in for the second annual Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival.

Painting, sculpting, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more will be available to peruse and purchase.

  • Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Free admission.

  • Info: paragonartevents.com

‘Danny, King of the Basement’ at Manatee Performing Arts Center

The Manatee Players will stage four performances of “Danny, King of the Basement” this weekend. Debuted in 2001, this drama recommended for audiences ages 8 and up explores the life of Danny “Delco” Carter, a youth who copes with his homelessness in creative ways.

“This heartwarming story about a boy who creates an imaginary world to deal with the instability and hardship of his daily life is a powerful, yet playful, play that truthfully explores issues related to child poverty and homelessness and ultimately demonstrates how the power of friendship can change lives,” a show preview says.

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $27.
  • Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com

Spring plant sale (POSTPONED)

Update: This event has been postponed until Sunday, April 3, due to bad weather predictions.

Spring is almost here, and a local event this weekend will help you get that green thumb back in action. At Palma Sola Botanical Park’s plant sales, growers offer a wide array of plants including orchids, bromeliads, plumerias and tropical species.

Local vendors will also be on site selling homemade goods and crafts. Live music and food vendors are another reason to stop by.

The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit botanical gardens.

  • Details: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton. Free admission.
  • Info: 941-761-2866. palmasolabp.org

‘Jaws’ at Florida Maritime Museum

Florida Maritime Museum in the historic fishing village of Cortez will kick off a new tradition this weekend with a free outdoor movie screening. The first “Movies at the Maritime” event will feature 1975 classic “Jaws.”

Bring your own blanket or chair and get comfortable; the screening will take place in the field adjacent to the museum.

Parking at the event site is limited, and guests are encouraged to walk, bike or boat to the museum. “If you are traveling by car, we recommend carpooling or a drop-off/pick-up arrangement from a friend or family member,” the event page says.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Meadows Farmers Market: Started in Oct. 2021, the Meadows Farmers Market promises organic fruits and vegetables straight from local farmers. Other attractions include artisans, food vendors and live music. Events at the market include yoga, tai chi, wellness talks and holiday celebrations.

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.

See a movie

Whether you’re interested in Hollywood blockbusters, independent film or an old-timey drive-in movie experience, there’s a theater nearby that can satisfy. Here are your local movie options:

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).

▪ Tom and Jerry (PG): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ The Batman (PG-13): 9:10 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.

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 March 10, 2022 at 5:50 AM.

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Ryan Ballogg
Bradenton Herald
941-745-7024
Ryan Ballogg is a local news and environment reporter and features writer at the Bradenton Herald. His work has received awards from the Florida Society of News Editors and the Florida Press Club. Ryan is a Florida native and graduate of USF St. Petersburg. Support my work with a digital subscription
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