13 things to do this weekend: Sarasota fair, festivals, chili cook-off, spring training
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.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to good times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, March 25-27, 2022.
Pirates spring training
Peanuts and Cracker Jacks, anyone? It’s that time of year to get out to the ball games.
After a delayed start, spring training is underway at LECOM Park. Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates will play nine home games this spring training season. See them take on Minnesota Twins on Friday at LECOM. On Saturday, they’ll be at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota to play the Baltimore Orioles, and on Sunday they’ll visit George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to face the New York Yankees.
The Orioles will be on the road Friday to play the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte. They’ll be home in Sarasota on Sunday to play the Detroit Tigers.
- Details: The Pirates play in Bradenton at 1:05 p.m. on Friday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. $19-$37.
- Info: mlb.com/pirates
Sarasota County Fair
The Sarasota County Fair has all the bases covered for family fun. Find midway rides, live music and shows, food, exhibits featuring live animals and more.
Arts, crafts, horticulture and culinary skills will also be on display.
The event is celebrating its 86th season in 2022.
- Details: March 18-27. Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.
- Info: sarasotafair.com
Parrish Chili Cook Off & Family Festival
The 10th annual Parrish Chili Cook Off & Family Festival will bring tasty eats and entertainment to the grounds of the Florida Railroad Museum this Saturday.
Local chili cookers will show what they’ve got (serving happens at 11 a.m.), and the price of entry includes samples of the contest chili batches. The festival also includes a kid’s zone, arts, craft and food vendors and live music.
The railroad museum will offer special $3 train rides during the event.
The festival benefits the Parrish Foundation, a nonprofit that serves the Parrish community.
All general parking for the festival will be at Parrish Community High School, 7505 Fort Hamer, Parrish, and a shuttle will transport guests to the museum.
- Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. $10.
- Info: parrishchili.com
‘Beyond Van Gogh’ at University Town Center
“Beyond Van Gogh” is a unique traveling art display that fully immerses visitors in the fantastic impressionist mind and work of famed 19th century painter Vincent Van Gogh.
High-resolution projections bring more than 300 of Van Gogh’s works to life at mind-boggling scale, and a score of original music adds to the atmosphere.
The walk-through experience lasts about an hour, and entry is timed. Tickets must be purchased in advance online; note that prices are higher Friday-Sunday.
- Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through April 24. Starry Night Pavilion at University Town Center, 195 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota. Ages 5-15: $23.99-$28.99. Ages 16 and up: $39.99-$49.99. Flex, group rates and VIP tickets available.
- Info: vangoghsarasota.com
My Hometown Fest
My Hometown Fest will offer food, craft beer and live music this Saturday at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.
The price of entry includes free samples from local food vendors as well as beer and spirits. Rock and country acts will perform.
The festival benefits the Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota and the Sertoma Kids Speech and Language Center, two local organizations that serve children and adults with speech, language and hearing challenges.
- Details: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. $25-$35.
- Info: myhometownfest.com
Art of Manatee County schools at ArtCenter Manatee
Aspiring young artists who attend Manatee County schools will get a chance to have their work showcased at ArtCenter Manatee this March and April.
For two weeks, all three galleries of the community art center will be filled with the work of local students, grades K-12. The pieces will be for sale, and students will also compete for best in show in grade level categories.
An opening ceremony with light refreshments will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday.
Bach Sonatas in concert
Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota will host a concert of the Bach Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord this Saturday.
A classical music duo made up of harpsichordist Mark Kroll and violinist Carol Lieberman will perform. Both artists have appeared on stages worldwide, and they have been making music together for more than 50 years, organizers say.
- Details: 5 p.m. Saturday. Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $25.
- Info: redeemersarasota.org/GreatMusicSeries
Live blues and brunch
Good food and good tunes are in store on Sunday at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille on the Bradenton Riverwalk.
The Bradenton Blues Brunch will feature a live performance from a blues act and a chef-crafted menu of brunch delights.
This month’s talent is local blues performer/cigar box guitar-strummer Steve Arvey, a Chicago native with a distinguished blues sound.
The event is a partnership between the restaurant, Realize Bradenton and the Bradenton Blues Fest.
- Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, Downtown Bradenton, 101 Riverfront Blvd. # 120, Bradenton. Reservations recommended.
- Info: 941-896-9660. mattisons.com
‘Flowers, Poetry and Light’ at Selby Gardens
A new installation at Selby Gardens in Sarasota combines 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
Performing arts
“The Will Rogers Follies” at Manatee Performing Arts Center: The Will Rogers Follies “focuses on the life and career of famed humorist and performer Will Rogers, using as a backdrop the Ziegfeld Follies, which he often headlined, and describes every episode in his life in the form of a big production number,” a show description says.
- Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $30-$38.
- Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents “Broadway in Black”: “Sing along with your favorite songs from Tony-award-winning shows and breakthrough roles that helped launch the careers of such African American artists as Melba Moore in “Purlie,” Ben Vereen in “Pippin,” Jennifer Holliday in “Dreamgirls” and Nell Carter in “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a show preview for this WBTT original production says.
- Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Donelly Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $47; $20 for students and active military.
- Info: westcoastblacktheatre.org
The Players Centre for Performing Arts presents “Some Enchanted Evening”: “More than those of any composer or lyricist writing for the stage, the songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein have become an integral part of our everyday lives,” a show preview says. “This stunning collection of their compositions spans songs from “South Pacific” to “Oklahoma” and “The King and I” to “Carousel.”
- Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $14-$29.50.
- Info: theplayers.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
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.
- Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Held in the parking lot of 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota.
- Info: sites.google.com/view/meadowsfarmersmarket
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.
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).
▪ “Lost City” (PG-13): 8 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ “Uncharted” (PG-13): 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
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