What to do this weekend around Bradenton: Fire Charity Festival, Sarasota Music Festival

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

Here’s a hand-picked guide to good times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, June 10-12, 2022.

Fire Charity Fishing Tournament and Festival

The 15th annual Fire Charity Fishing Tournament and the Fire Charity Festival will bring family fun to Riverside Park in Palmetto this weekend.

There are fishing events for anglers young and old with prizes up for grabs (entry spots for the kids tournament are sold out). There’s also a festival to enjoy on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will feature an all-day lineup of local bands, and Sunday’s events include a live auction and raffles. Both days of the festival will have vendors, food trucks and a kids zone. Alcohol will be available for purchase.

Started by a Manatee County firefighter, the event benefits child burn victims.

• Details: Festival hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Riverside Park (alongside the Green Bridge), 101 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto. Free admission.
• Info: firecharityfishing.com

Sarasota Music Festival

The Sarasota Music Festival showcases exceptional classical music performers from around the U.S. and the world. A select batch of fellows work with a guest faculty of experienced “music masters” to hone their art and present public performances.

“These masters represent nearly all major American orchestras and a cross-section of renowned music schools, conservatories and institutes of music,” organizers say.

This weekend’s concert lineup:

• 4:30 p.m. Thursday: “Darkness to Light”: Works of Schubert, Valerie Coleman and Beethoven. $29-$40
• 7:30 p.m. Friday: “Reunion”: Works of Bach, Carl Nielsen, Florence Price and Dvořák. $29-$50

• 7:30 p.m. Saturday: “Chuang plays Chopin”: Works of Jessie Montgomery, Chopin and Beethoven. $29-$65

• 2:30 p.m. Sunday: “Rising Stars, Concert One”: Festival fellow ensembles perform short chamber works and movements by various composers. $15-$22

Details: Festival runs through June 25. Concerts held at Sarasota Orchestra’s Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota and the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

Info: 941-953-3434. sarasotaorchestra.org/festival

Bradenton Marauders host Star Wars, fireworks at LECOM

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

On Friday, the Marauders will host a Faith and Family Night that will feature inflatables, a face painter and a balloon artist as well as post-game testimony and discussion with Marauders players.

On Saturday, the team will host Star Wars Night. Iconic Star Wars characters will be out at the ballpark, and the Marauders will wear and auction off Star Wars-themed jerseys. The evening will wrap up with 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.

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

‘Flowers, Poetry and Light’ at Selby Gardens

There are only two weeks left to enjoy this installation at Selby Gardens in Sarasota that 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: 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 and shows

Theatre Odyssey presents Ten-Minute Play Festival: Quick-hitting entries from playwrights throughout Florida will be on display for this 17th annual event.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Jane B. Cook Theatre at FSU Center For The Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $28 per perfomance.
  
  
• Info: 941-748-5875. manateeperformingartscenter.com

Asolo Repertory Theater presents “Hood”: The story of Robin Hood gets an update in this comic musical from Tony-nominated playwright Douglas Carter Beane.

• Details: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Through June 26. Mertz Theatre at FSU Center For The Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $32-$84.
  
  
• Info: 941-351-8000. asolorep.org
  
  

“Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” at Florida Studio Theatre: “With a cast of performers playing their own instruments, ‘Ring of Fire’ takes audiences on a rousing adventure of love, faith, and struggle—told with the strength, humor, and authenticity that made Cash a music legend,” a show preview says.

• Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Through June 26. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $29-$46.
• Info: floridastudiotheatre.org/ring-fire-music-johnny-cash

Dean Napolitano at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Described as “a throwback to the great comedians of yesteryear with a modern twist,” Napolitano has a variety of television credits on major shows and networks.

• Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 and 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

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).

▪ “Jurassic World: Dominion” (PG-13): 8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ TBA: 11 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

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

This story was originally published June 9, 2022 at 5:50 AM.