11 things to do near Bradenton this weekend: Sarasota film fest, Art Walk, plant sale

The first weekend of April almost here — and there’s plenty of springtime 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, April 1-3, 2022.

Sarasota Film Festival

The 24th annual Sarasota Film Festival kicks off this weekend with curated line-up of independent and outside-the-box film, from international movies to local and regional projects.

This year’s festival features a mix of in-person and virtual screenings of narrative, documentary and short film. Venues include Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and CineBistro Siesta Key.

Public talks featuring filmmakers and actors are another highlight of the festival. The 2022 event will welcome Jena Malone, Kenny G and Jacqueline Bisset.

The festival includes a free outdoor screening of “Pride and Prejudice” on Saturday night at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and a street party with live music, drinks and food on Friday, April 8.

Festival highlights:

▪ Opening night film: “Porcupine”: 7 p.m. Friday ($50)

▪ Opening night VIP reception: 9 p.m. Friday ($35)

▪ In Conversation with Jena Malone: 1 p.m. Saturday ($30)

▪ Free community screening: “Pride and Prejudice”: 8 p.m. Saturday

▪ Hollywood Nights youth film screening (all ages): 3:30 p.m. Sunday ($10)

▪ Hollywood Nights youth film screening (high school): 5:30 p.m. Sunday ($15)

▪ Centerpiece narrative film: “Montana Story”: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday ($20)

▪ Spotlight film: “American Minefield: A John Sims Trilogy”: 6 p.m. Wednesday ($20); VIP reception at 9 p.m. ($35)

▪ Centerpiece documentary film: “Listening to Kenny G”: 6:15 p.m. Thursday ($20)

▪ Friday Night Street Party: 7-11 p.m. April 8 at 332 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota ($10)

▪ In Conversation with Jacqueline Bisset: 1 p.m. April 9 ($30)

▪ Closing night film: “Loren and Rose”: 6 p.m. April 9 ($50)

▪ Closing night VIP Reception: 8 p.m. April 9. ($35)

• Details: April 1-10.
• Info: Visit sarasotafilmfestival.com for the full lineup of films and virtual screening info.

Palma Sola plant sale

Spring is here, and a local event this weekend 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. The sale was rescheduled from March 12 due to weather.

• Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton. Free admission.
• Info: 941-761-2866. palmasolabp.org

Village of the Arts Art Walk

The creatives of the Village of the Arts in Bradenton will open their businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, live music and more.

Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, furniture, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer most any taste.

The theme for April’s Art Walk is EcoFest.

• Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton
• Info: villageofthearts.com

Pirates spring training

Peanuts and Cracker Jacks, anyone? It’s that time of year to get out to the ball games.

This is the final weekend of spring training at LECOM Park. Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates will play the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday and the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday at LECOM. On Saturday, they’ll be at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers to play the Boston Red Sox, and they’ll be back in Bradenton on Sunday to face the Tampa Bay Rays for their final home game.

The Orioles will be home in Sarasota on Friday to play the Philadelphia Phillies and on the road Saturday and Sunday. Their last home game is Monday vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates.

• Details: The Pirates play in Bradenton at 1:05 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. $19-$37.
• Info: mlb.com/pirates

‘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

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 spring.

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.

Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival

The 19th annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival promises an array of more than 100 vendors this weekend at Selby 5 Points Park.

Handmade offerings will include jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting and clothing, with prices ranging from $15-$3,000, organizers say.

The festival will also have a “green market” with vendors selling plants, soaps and spices.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Selby 5 Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota.
• Info: artfestival.com/festivals/downtown-sarasota-art-craft-festival

Performing arts

“Nu Jazz” at Manatee Performing Arts Center: Local jazz sextet NuJazz “brings favorite R&B tunes to a new level with a jazz twist,” a show preview says. Renditions include songs from The Rippingtons, Richard Elliot, Peter White, Spyro Gyra and Boney James.

• Details: 8 p.m. Saturday. Manatee Performing Arts Center. 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton. $40-$55.
  
  
• 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 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Donelly Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $47; $20 for students and active military.
• Info: westcoastblacktheatre.org
  
  

The Players Centre for Performing Arts presents “Legends and Laughter with Jimmy Mazz”: “Jimmy’s all new Legends & Laughter impressions and comedy show is an amusing musical journey thru some of Jimmy’s favorite songs by a wide variety of performers ranging from the classics to today’s contemporary artists,” a show preview says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday. Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $25.
• Info: theplayers.org

Frankie Paul at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Frankie Paul hits on a vast array of today’s topics as well as everyday craziness like marriage, family and common human stupidity,” a preview for the stand up comedy show says.

• Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $25.
  
  
• Info: mccurdyscomedy.com

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.-2 p.m. Friday. 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: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. College students with ID: $19. Ages 5-17: $16. Ages 4 and under: 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