Weekend

9 things to do near Bradenton this weekend: Cannabis fest, Comic Con, live music, theater

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 22-24, 2022.

FloFest comes to Palmetto

FloFest will celebrate “Florida lifestyle and cannabis culture” this weekend at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. The two-day music festival, sponsored by medical marijuana company Trulieve, will feature over 100 vendors and exhibitors, food trucks, beer booths, all-day live reggae music and live art demonstrations.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.

Music in the Park

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

This week’s talent is Florida-style country rock group, the Eric Von Band. 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

Lakewood Ranch Arts and Crafts Festival

Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street with bustle with creative vendors this weekend for the Lakewood Ranch Arts and Crafts Festival.

“Included in the palette of art are pieces created in painting, sculpting, jewelry, photography, candles, scented oils, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and much more,” organizers say.

Suncoast Comic-Con

Suncoast Comic-Con will bring two days of comics, anime, sci-fi and cosplay fun to the Bradenton Area Convention Center this weekend.

The event includes panels and guest appearances by writers, illustrators and actors from the comic book, anime and movie industries.

  • Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto. $25 entry Saturday; $15 entry Sunday; $35 for a weekend pass. VIP: $90.
  • Info: suncoastcomiccon.com

Yappy Hour at Motorworks

Motorworks Brewing’s monthly canine extravaganza happens this Sunday.

Dog owners are invited to sip craft beer and grab a bite from a food truck, shop from local pet supply vendors and let their leashed pets enjoy the beer garden.

Each month’s event benefits a local pet rescue organization and includes a silent auction and raffle items.

Brunch is available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, and there will also be live music to enjoy in the beer garden from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Details: 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. No cover.

Info: motorworksbrewing.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 and shows

“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.”

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

Ryan Hamilton at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Previously named one of Rolling Stone’s “Five Comics to Watch,” Ryan Hamilton is known for his 2017 Netflix special “Happy Face,” television appearances and headlining comedy tours.

  • Details: 6:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $39.

  • Info: mccurdyscomedy.com
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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 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.

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).

▪ “The Bad Guys” (PG): 8:15 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “Marry Me” (PG-13): 9:55 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

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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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