Weekend

Summer Fest, Circus Spectacular and more: 9 things to do in Bradenton this weekend

The Summer Circus Spectacular brings top circus performers from around the world for more than a month of shows at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling.
The Summer Circus Spectacular brings top circus performers from around the world for more than a month of shows at the Historic Asolo Theatre at The Ringling. Photo courtesy of The Circus Arts Conservatory

Another July weekend is here, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, July 8-10.

Suncoast Summer Fest

This annual series of fun local events raises funds for Suncoast Charities for Children.

A highlight of the 2022 Suncoast Summer Fest is the “Waves and Wheels Party.” It will be held Saturday at Robarts Arena on the Sarasota Fairgrounds and includes live music, an open bar, casino-style gaming tables and raffle prizes.

  • Details: 6-10 p.m. Saturday. Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $100.

  • Info: suncoastsummerfest.org.

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
The Florida Railroad Museum acquired the 1940s-era sleeper car Bradenton in 2003, after it was put up for sale in New Orleans. The passenger car, which was nearly lost to the scrapyard, was once part of the Silver Meteor Line, traveling from Venice to New York.
The Florida Railroad Museum acquired the 1940s-era sleeper car Bradenton in 2003, after it was put up for sale in New Orleans. The passenger car, which was nearly lost to the scrapyard, was once part of the Silver Meteor Line, traveling from Venice to New York. Bradenton Herald file photo

Railroad adventure

The Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish takes visitors on a trip back in time to the days when locomotive transport was king.

Weekend rail rides through rural Manatee County make for a fun family adventure, and the ride includes a stop in the ghost town of Willow, Florida, where there are railroad exhibits and artifacts to see.

  • Details: Trains leave at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ages 3-11: $12. Ages 12 and up: $16.
  • Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org.

‘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

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
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Performing arts and shows

“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

“Maytag Virgin” at Florida Studio Theatre: Described as a “classic Southern love story,“ this romantic comedy play revolves around two new neighbors. “Over time, neighborly nagging softens and a deeper connection emerges between the two high school teachers,” 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 July 31. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $25-$39.
  • Info: floridastudiotheatre.org/maytag-virgin

Greg Warren at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Greg is a nationally touring headliner and has been featured on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers,’ ‘Last Comic Standing,’ ‘Comedy Central Presents,’ ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,’ BET and CMT,” 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

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.

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 new movies, classic flicks AND family favorites 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).

▪ “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (PG): 8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Movie two: TBA

  • 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
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This story was originally published July 7, 2022 at 3:30 PM.

RB
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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