12 things to do near Bradenton on Memorial Day weekend 2022: Fireworks, fests and more

May is here, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to good times around Bradenton and Sarasota this holiday weekend, May 27-30, 2022.

Bradenton Marauders, fireworks at LECOM

The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders are home at LECOM Park this week for a six-game series with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, Tuesday-Sunday.

On Friday, the Marauders will host a Mental Health Awareness Night as well as a “Paws and Claws” event; guests can enjoy drink specials and are invited to bring well-behaved dogs along to the game.

On Saturday, the team will host a Military Appreciation Night. Players will don patriotic jerseys and crowds will be treated to a post-game fireworks show.

• Details: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; noon Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Tickets range from $7-$11.
• Info: milb.com/bradenton.

Laser Light Nights at The Bishop

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s Planetarium will transform into an illuminated music venue over the next several months for Laser Light Nights, a special after hours event series running through Aug. 13 at the museum. Popular music, from Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga to David Bowie, Prince, Nirvana and Metallica will be set to dazzling laser lights displays within the state-of-the-art Planetarium.

The shows will happen on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and each time slot will feature the music of a different artist. This weekend’s lineup is as follows:

▪ Queen: 7 p.m. Thursday (sold out)

▪ Prince: 7 p.m. Friday (sold out)

▪ Elton John: 9 p.m. Friday (sold out)

▪ David Bowie: 7:30 p.m. Saturday (sold out)

▪ The Beatles: 9:30 p.m. Saturday (sold out)

Food, drink and Laser Light Nights merchandise will be available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased online.

• Details: Showings on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays May 26-Aug. 13. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. $15 per person.
  
  
• Info: bishopscience.org/laser-light-nights

Last chance for farmers market fun

There’s one more chance to shop, eat and enjoy the colorful sights and sounds of the Bradenton Public Market this Saturday before the event goes on hiatus for the summer.

The market will return on the first Saturday of October.

• Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
• Info: realizebradenton.com/public-market

Wildflower bloom at Myakka River

The annual spring bloom of Florida’s state wildflower, Coreopsis, is underway at Myakka River State Park.

Prairies bursting with thousands of golden flowers make for an awe-inspiring sight and a great photo op. The park is also home to an abundance of native wildlife. It boasts opportunities for fishing, hiking, paddling and bicycling as well as a tree canopy walk.

Details: Open 8 a.m. until sunset every day. Myakka River State Park, 13208 S.R. 72, Sarasota. $6 per vehicle.

Info: 941-361-6511. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park

‘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

Craft fair at Mixon’s

A craft fair at Mixon Fruit Farms will feature family fun and a host of arts, craft and food vendors.

There are also fudge, ice cream and other treats to enjoy at Mixon’s Groveside Cafe.

Add a ride on the Orange Blossom Tram through the citrus groves; it’s $6 for kids and $12 for adults.

Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. Free.

Info: mixon.com

St. Armands Fine Art Festival

The third annual St. Armands Fine Art Festival hosted by Paragon Events will feature two days of arts and crafts shopping in a scenic island setting. Work on display will include painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media and woodworking.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. St Armands Circle Park, 434 St Armands Circle, Sarasota. Free admission.
• Info: paragonfestivals.com/festival/st-armands-fine-art-festival

Patriotic Symphony Salute

The seventh annual Patriotic Symphony Salute will bring music and remembrance to Anna Maria Island this Memorial Day.

The event includes a free outdoor concert performance by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra, a ceremony recognizing veterans and their spouses and a Coast Guard flyover.

• Details: 10-11:30 a.m. Monday. City Pier Park, 103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Free.
• Info: cityofannamaria.com/news_detail_T39_R47.php

Performing arts and shows

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School at Manatee Performing Arts Center: The dancers of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School will present their end of season recital this Saturday at Manatee Performing Arts Center. The recital includes dancers of all levels, including pre-professional students.

Asolo Repertory Theater presents “Eureka Day”: “An illness is spreading through the progressive and painstakingly accepting Eureka Day School–and it’s more than the mumps,” a show preview says. “When the outbreak threatens to become an epidemic, it’s a race to see what will destroy this community first: the disease or each other.”

• Details: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Cook Theatre at FSU Center For The Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $32-$36.
  
  
• Info: asolorep.org

Jessica Kirson at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Jessica’s act is a hilariously relatable performance of sheer silliness, vulnerability and ridiculous characters,” a preview for the stand up show says.

• Details: 6:30 and and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $28.
  
  
• 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 Fridays April through July.

• 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): 8:20 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “Top Gun: Maverick” (PG-13): 10:20 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 May 25, 2022 at 5:29 PM.