11 things to do in Bradenton on Easter weekend: Spring-themed events, Marauders at home

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 Easter weekend, April 15-17, 2022.

Marauders’ home opening series celebration

The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders are playing their first 2022 home games at LECOM Park this week vs. the Lakeland Flying Tigers; the team is fresh off of a victory in its first series against the Dunedin Blue Jays last week.

The first 1,000 fans through the gate on Friday will receive a commemorative baseball; Saturday’s game will feature an Easter celebration and a post-game fireworks show.

Details: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Tickets range from $7-$14.

Info: milb.com/bradenton

Easter EGG-Stravaganza at The Mall at UTC

The Mall at University Town Center will host a mega Easter egg hunt with over 40,000 eggs this Friday, plus other holiday fun for kids.

“Easter EGG-Stravaganza” will include live entertainment, games, giveaways, bounce houses and a kids safety expo. The Easter bunny will also be at UTC for photos and meet and greets inside Bunnyville, a “three-dimensional to-scale Easter village” located within the mall.

Egg hunts are divided by age group and will happen throughout the afternoon.

• Details: Noon-3 p.m. Friday. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota.
• Info: mallatutc.com

Easter Egg Hunt at Palmetto Youth Center

An all-ages Easter celebration at Palmetto Youth Center on Saturday will feature games, music, food, bible trivia an egg hunt and more holiday fun. Registration is required.

• Details: 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Palmetto Youth Center, 501 17th St. W., Palmetto. Free.
• Info: Call 941-722-0783 to reserve a space. palmettoyouthcenter.net

Newtown Spring Festival

The Newtown Spring Festival will bring Easter holiday fun to the historic Newtown neighborhood this Saturday. The event includes live music, local gospel choirs, dance performances, vendors, food trucks, kids activities and an Easter egg hunt with thousands of eggs. The hunt will be divided into age groups: 4 and under, 5-8 and 8-10.

• Details: 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St., Sarasota. Free.
• Info: rltaylor.com

Easter fun at Florida Railroad Museum

Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish will offer an Easter-themed train ride this weekend.

The Cotton Tail Special transports families on a 30 minute holiday train ride to Willow.

Once there, kids can enjoy an Easter egg hunt, activities and games and a visit with the Easter bunny. The entire experience lasts about 2 and half hours.

Details: Trains leave at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. $19-$35. Group rates available.

Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org

Music in the Park

Realize Bradenton’s annual outdoor concert series will bring live music to Rossi Park on the Bradenton Riverwalk this Friday.

Local blues act Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones is set to take the stage. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. Dogs on leashes are also welcome.

• Details: 6-8 p.m. Friday. Rossi Park on the Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Free.
• Info: realizebradenton.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

Performing arts

The Legend of Georgia McBride at Florida Studio Theatre: “Casey is struggling with his gig as an Elvis impersonator in a run-down, small-town Florida bar,” a show description says. “When the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show to replace his act, Casey finds that he has a whole lot to learn about show business—and himself.”

• Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $25-$36.
  
  
• Info: floridastudiotheatre.org/legend-georgia-mcbride

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

Dale Jones at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Forget ‘high energy’ — this guy is just plain nuts!” a preview for the stand up comedy show says. Jones’ credits include “The Very Funny Show” on TBS, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and Fox’s “30 seconds to Fame.”

• 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

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 welcomes more than 90 regional vendors to Waterside Place each Sunday. 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).

▪ “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.

This story was originally published April 14, 2022 at 5:50 AM.