What to do this weekend around Bradenton: Juneteenth celebrations, Summer Circus

This June weekend will bring double the holiday celebrations, with Juneteenth and Father’s Day both falling on Sunday.

Still need plans to enjoy the weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to good times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, June 17-19, 2022.

Juneteenth celebrations

Community festivals in Bradenton and Sarasota this Saturday will mark Juneteenth, the long-celebrated holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.; it became the newest federal holiday last year.

The Juneteenth Community Festival in Bradenton will include a DJ and live entertainment; games and crafts; multicultural foods and a sweet potato pie contest; face painting, a photo booth and kids’ activities; and free health screenings and career resources.

The event is hosted by United Community Centers, Recess Education the City of Bradenton Community Redevelopment Association.

• Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 13th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24th St. E., Bradenton. Free admission.
• Info: facebook.com/Multicultural.Health.Institute.MHI

The Newtown Juneteenth Celebration in Sarasota will bring family fun in a street festival format, with dozens of vendors, food trucks, family activities, live music and free health screenings.

The event is hosted by The Culture Queen, Sarasota Athletics and the City of Sarasota.

• Details: 1-8 p.m. Saturday. Dr. Martin Luther King Way, between Osprey Avenue and Dixie Avenue, in Sarasota. Free admission.
• Info: facebook.com/CityofSarasota

Summer Circus Spectacular

The Summer Circus Spectacular is a nine-week circus arts revue that brings together performers from around the world for a thrilling show at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota.

This year’s showcase includes aerial arts, balancing acts, comedy and contortion.

The circus is a production of Sarasota non-profit The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling.

• Details: Performances run through August 13. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday. Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Adults: $18. Children 12 and under: $12.
• Info: 941-360-7399. circusarts.org/performances/summer-circus-spectacular
  
  

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: “Hidden Gems”: Works of Mozart, Shostakovich and Gabriel Fauré. $29-$40
  
  
• 7:30 p.m. Friday: “Basically Baroque”: Works of Jeff Scott, Caroline Shaw, Bach and Handel. $29-$50
  
  

• 7:30 p.m. Saturday: “Mozart and Brahms”: Works of Brahms, Jean-Philippe Rameau and Mozart. $29-$65

• 2:30 p.m. Sunday: “Rising Stars, Concert Two”: 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

‘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 August 5. 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

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: 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 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. Sunday. Through July 2. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $29-$46.
• Info: floridastudiotheatre.org/ring-fire-music-johnny-cash

Michael Mack and The Faces of Rock at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Michael Mack delivers musical comedy acts with lots of audience participation. “His ‘Faces of Rock’ finale is one of the most creative pieces in modern comedy,” a show preview says.

• 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

“Athena” at Urbanite Theatre: “Mary Wallace and Athena are brave young fencers training for Nationals. They practice together, they compete against each other, they spend their lives together. They just wish they were friends,” a show preview says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Extended through May 8. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street, Sarasota. Ages 40 and up: $36. Under 40: $20. Students: $5.
• Info: urbanitetheatre.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.

▪ “The Mummy” (PG-13): 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 16, 2022 at 5:34 PM.