Weekend

Home expo, film fest, train robbery ride: 11 things to do near Bradenton this weekend

Another April weekend is 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 8-10, 2022.

Sarasota Film Festival

The 24th annual Sarasota Film Festival continues 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 final weekend of the festival includes a street party with live music, drinks and food on Friday, April 8.

Festival highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

“Beyond Van Gogh,” a traveling art exhibit that takes immerses visitors in more than 300 works of the famed 19th century painter, is on display through April 24, 2022 at University Town Center in Sarasota.
“Beyond Van Gogh,” a traveling art exhibit that takes immerses visitors in more than 300 works of the famed 19th century painter, is on display through April 24, 2022 at University Town Center in Sarasota. Rodrigo Gaya Villar Courtesy of Paquin Entertainment Group

‘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

Home improvement expo

Looking for some home improvement inspiration? The Home Show, a home improvement expo, will arrive at Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds this weekend.

With around 100 exhibitors, the event offers a chance to check out the latest looks in remodeling, landscaping and decorating.

  • Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Free admission with online registration; $10 at the door.
  • Info: homeshowflorida.com
The fearsome “Hole in the Head Gang” is in the business of robbing trains; see if you’ve got what it takes to survive an encounter during the Florida Railroad Museum’s train robbery ride this weekend.
The fearsome “Hole in the Head Gang” is in the business of robbing trains; see if you’ve got what it takes to survive an encounter during the Florida Railroad Museum’s train robbery ride this weekend. Florida Railroad Museum

Train robbery ride at the Florida Railroad Museum

All aboard and full steam ahead to the Wild West, where the plucky traveler can stake a claim to adventure.

But wait — there are valuable goods stowed on your locomotive, and bandits are roaming the countryside.

See if you can survive an encounter with the “Hole in the Head Gang” during the Florida Railroad Museum’s train robbery ride.

Details: Trains leave at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. Ages 3-11: $14. Ages 12 and up: $18.

Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org.

Spring Arts and Crafts Festival

The second annual Sarasota Spring Arts and Crafts Festival will offer outdoor shopping for a wide range of handmade products.

“Artisans and crafters from across the country will set a landscape of artistic creations in mediums such as sculpture, jewelry, paintings, photography, glass ceramics, mixed media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking and more,” an event preview says.

  • Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. J Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota. Free admission.
  • Info: paragonfestivals.com
A new exhibit at Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota titled “Flowers, Poetry, and Light” ties together the work of two renowned contemporaries: photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and musician and writer Patti Smith.
A new exhibit at Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota titled “Flowers, Poetry, and Light” ties together the work of two renowned contemporaries: photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and musician and writer Patti Smith. Cliff Roles Photography Courtesy of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

‘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

Tim Boyd Comedy Show at Manatee Performing Arts Center: Fresh off of a national tour, Bradenton comic Tim Boyd will deliver the laughs this Saturday at MPAC. “His squeaky clean humor comes from real life and will leave you in stitches,” a show preview says. “This show is perfect for anyone 10 to 110!”

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 and 2 p.m. Sunday. Donelly Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $47; $20 for students and active military.
  • Info: westcoastblacktheatre.org

“A Skeptic and a Bruja” at Urbanite Theatre: “Priscilla buys a home in the middle of nowhere with the hopes of turning it into a lucrative bed and breakfast,” a show description says. “When she starts having paranormal experiences, she calls Sam and Jess from the hit ghost-hunting show “A Skeptic and a Bruja” to help her. None of the women are prepared for the haunting they encounter next.”

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Through May 1. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street, Sarasota. Ages 40 and up: $36. Under 40: $20. Students: $5.
  • Info: urbanitetheatre.com

Basile at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Basile has over 100 television appearances including: HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, A& E, and the Tonight Show on NBC,” a preview for the stand up comedy show says. “His unique Greek upbringing and storytelling makes him appeal to all audiences.”

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

  • Info: mccurdyscomedy.com
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5/30/21--There’s a bounty of beautiful blooms to see at Palma Sola Botanical Park, a free outdoor attraction in Bradenton.
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Get outdoors

A cool front is predicted to make temperatures mild and pleasant around Bradenton this weekend, so it should be perfect weather for getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air.

Kayaking, fishing, hiking and bicycling are all on the table.

Still need some ideas for your Florida spring adventure? We recommend Robinson Preserve, Palma Sola Botanical Gardens, De Soto National Memorial or Myakka River State Park.

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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.

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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).

▪ “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (PG): 8:15 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “The Lost City” (PG-13): 10:15 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.

Some 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

Sarasota Art Museum: Operated by Ringling College of Art and Design, the Sarasota Art Museum displays revolving exhibits of contemporary artwork.

The museum is housed in the former Sarasota High School building and offers 15,000 square feet of gallery space to showcase paint, sculpture, photography, furniture making, experimental art and more.

Events at the museum include curator and artist talks, live jazz every second Thursday of the month and free entry and family fun on the second Sunday of each month.

Visitors can also enjoy a gift shop and a bistro.

  • Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail,

    Sarasota. Ages 17 and up: $15. Ages 0-16: Free with paying adult. Veterans and active military: Free with ID.

  • Info: sarasotaartmuseum.org.
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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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