Things to do: Dec. 24-30
CALENDAR
FAIRS, FESTIVALS & MORE
Art After 5: John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Enjoy Art After 5 and explore the Museum of Art permanent and special exhibition galleries, and the Circus Museum during 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Ca' d'Zan is not open for viewing during Art After 5, except on select dates in November and December. Tickets: $10. Information: 941-359-5700 or ringling.org.
Holiday Lights Spectacular: Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Sarasota's Jungle Gardens will host its annual Holiday Lights Spectacular celebration 6-9 p.m. Dec. 24, 26 and 27 featuring a myriad of joy-filled activities such as strolling down "Candy Cane Lane," roasting marshmellows, photos with Santa, sandsculpting ornaments, magician Nathan Coe Marsh and live entertainment at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. nightly. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission: $11 adults, $6 children ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free. Information: 941-355-5305 or sarasotajunglegardens.com.
Circus Sarasota Annual Holiday Celebration: Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota
Celebrate the holiday season in circus style watching 115 students from the ages of 8-18 performing traditional circus acts with a modern flair from the Nutcracker to Frozen, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 26, 28-29. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 children. Information: 941-355-9335 or circusarts.org.
Coquina Beach Market: 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach
Stroll the Beach Market at Coquina Beach 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays through July featuring local artists, arts and crafts, jewelry, fresh produce, plants, apparel, pottery, purses, collectibles, health and beauty items and much more. Information: 941-518-4431.
Bridge Street Market: 107 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach
The Bridge Street Merchants will host the Bridge Street Market 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays through April featuring local artwork, crafts, produce, special gifts, music, and more. Information: bridgestreetmerchants.com/market.
Classic Holiday Movies: Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa
Enjoy the warmth and light of the season with classic holiday film favorites, with a visit from Santa and sing-alongs before every show. The schedule is: "Home Alone," 3 p.m. Dec. 27. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 children. Information: 813-274-8981 or tampatheatre.org.
New Year's Eve Main Street Live: along Main Street, Bradenton
The Old Main Street Merchants will host a New Year's Eve party 5-10 p.m. Dec. 31 featuring food vendors, shopping, and live music by the classic rock band Big Daddy. The event is free and open to the public. Information: facebook.com/OldMainStreetMerchantsAssociation.
First Night St. Petersburg: various locations, downtown St. Petersburg
First Night St. Petersburg, a dfamily oriented New Year's Eve Celebrationof the Arts will be 4 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31 featuring music, art and entertainment at over 25 venues. There will be ice skating, drum circle, five-minute protraits, giant puppets rsoltuoin fire projects, human foosball and various bands and performers throughout the night. The public can walk from venue to venue and a First Night Trolley will travel along Second Avenue Northeast transporting visitors between the Shuffleboard Club and the waterfront parks. All riders will need to have a First Night Admission button. Cost: $10-$15 adults, $5-$10 children ages 6-12, children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Information: 727-823-8906 or firstnightstpete.com.
Annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge: Gulf Drive at Seventh Street South, Bradenton Beach
Clancy's Irish Pub will host the eighth annual Shamrock Shiver Charity Plunge beginning with the plunge at noon Jan. 1 with a post-plunge at Clancy's 6218 Cortez Road, Bradenton, featuring door prizes and live music by The Tropix Trio. All proceeds will benefit the Caring for Children Charities. Information: 941-794-2489.
BINGO
American Legion Post 24: 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton
Bingo, 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays and 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Public welcome. Information: 941-794-3489.
Casa Loma Mobile Home Park Clubhouse: 105 52nd Ave. E., Bradenton
Bingo, 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Licensed food vendor available. Information: 941-761-7788.
Fairlane Acres: 819 49th Ave. Terr. W., Bradenton
Bingo, 6:15 p.m., doors open 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays (doors lock at 6 p.m.). Information: 941-739-5365.
Holy Cross Church: 505 26th St. W., Palmetto
Bingo, 6 p.m. Wednesday. Doors open 4:30 p.m. Food served 4:30-6 p.m. Information: 941-729-3891.
Pictown Estates: 1201 50th Plaza W., Bradenton
Bingo, 7 p.m., doors open 6 p.m., Mondays. Free snacks at half time. Bingo cards: $0.25 each. Information: 941-758-1160.
Tidevue Estates Mobile Home Park Clubhouse: 4214 11th St. Ct. E. (off U.S. 301 N.), Ellenton
Bingo Fridays through April 30. Doors open 4 p.m., games start at 6 p.m. Information: 941-722-2557.
Whispering Palms Mobile Home Park: 1219 51st Ave. W., Bradenton
Bingo, 6 p.m. Sundays. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Sales stop at 5:45 p.m. Snacks available. Information: 941-755-1557.
DANCES
Adult Singles Dance Club: YMCA, 1075 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota (corner of Bahia Vista Street)
New years Eve Celebration, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 31. Cost: $25,incudes buffet dinner, coffee, cake and dance music by the 5-piece Sig Harder Band and DJ. Doors open 7 p.m. For more information or directions: 941-756-8303 or 941-807-2226.
Ballroom Dancing: Bayshore Gardens Recreation Center, 6919 26th St. W., Bradenton
Ballroom dancing 10 a.m.-noon Fridays with live music by Ernie Litz. Coffee will be served. Cost: $5. Information: 941-756-9255.
Bella Danza Dance and Ballroom: 5917 Manatee Ave. W., Suite 305, Bradenton
Friday beginner group lessons 6 p.m. Cost: $10. Friday advanced group lessons 7 p.m. Cost: $10. Additional classes are offered. Dance Information: Dwayne Biggs at 941-465-1031 or belladanzaballroom.com.
Bradenton Woman's Club: 1705 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
Dance to live music 8-11 p.m. Fridays. Cost is $8. Lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. Open to the public. Singles are welcome. BYOB, sodas available. Smoke-free facility. Proceeds will benefit renovation of the clubhouse, built in 1921. The Group Therapy Dance Club meets the first and third Saturdays of the month. Learn the Hustle, ballroom, swing and more. Lesson at 7 p.m., dance 8 p.m. Cost: $10, open to the public. Information: 941-773-0177 or bradentonwomansclub.com.
Sara Dance Center: 5000 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
Ballroom dancing lessons 7-8 p.m. and general dancing 8-10 p.m. Mondays. No partners necessary. Admission: $8 members, $10 nonmembers. Singles dance information, call Stephen at 941-587-3365 or Michelle at 941-812-7311, for all other schedules, call 941-685-7026 or saradancecenter.com.
West Coast Woman's Club of Manatee County: H2U, 6670 Cortez Road, Bradenton
Let's Dance!, a monthly social dance, will be 7-10 p.m. Jan. 9 and every second Saturday of each month. Dance lessons are 6:15-7 p.m. at no additional charge. Music will be provided by Ellsworth and Company. Light snacks will be provided. Water and sodas are available for purchase. BYOB. Cost: $8. Information: Kelly Helm at 941-447-8238.
FARMERS MARKETS
Downtown Bradenton Farmers Market: Old Main St., Bradenton
The Bradenton Farmers Market will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through May, featuring more than 30 vendors offering locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, work of local artists and craftspeople. A school chorus showcase, featuring choral groups from various Manatee County schools, and Manatee County Animal Services will offer pet adoptions, Dec. 12. Information: 941-840-0017 or visit bradentonfarmersmarket.com.
Central Sarasota Farmers Market: Florida House Learning Center, 4454 S. Beneva Road, Sarasota
The Central Sarasota Farmers Market will be 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, featuring locally grown fresh produce, local artisan products, live music, and a variety of food vendors. Information: 941-677-0078 or centralsarasota farmersmarket.com.
Ellenton Sunday Market: 5309 29th St. E., Ellenton
The Ellenton Sunday Market is 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays through May featuring fresh fruit and vegetables, local honey, arts and craft vendors and more. Information: 941-256-4794.
Palma Sola Farmers Market: Geraldson Community Farm, 1401 99th St. NW., Bradenton
The Palma Sola Farmers Market will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through May featuring organic vegetables and watermelon. Information: 941-792-0985 or geraldsoncommunityfarm.org.
Phillippi Farmhouse Market: 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
The Phillippi Farmhouse Market will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays through April featuring fruits and vegetables from local groves and farms including herbs, plants, cut flowers, prepared foods, seafood, ice cream, kettle corn, barbecue and multiple organic products. Local arts and craftsmen will be selling soaps and essential oils, organic treat for pets, fabric fantasies, books and much more. The midweek market runs through April. Information: 941-366-1323 or visit farmhousemarket.org.
Sarasota farmers market: Lemon Avenue at the intersection of Main Street, Sarasota
Fresh produce, plants, coffee, crafts, food and more are available 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Information: 941-951-2656.
SOCIAL CLUBS
American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24: 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton
Lunch is served 11-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Dinner, varied menu, 5-7 p.m., and Queen of Hearts 8 p.m., Mondays. Hamburgers 5-7 p.m., Bingo 6-8 p.m., Tuesdays. Ladies Auxiliary sponsored Bingo 1-3 p.m., meatball sandwiches and chili 5-8 p.m., karaoke with Franky Allen 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays. Dinner with new menu selections 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Dancing and live music 7-10 p.m. Saturdays. Foxhole Lounge: hot dogs and Sloppy Joes 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays. Breakfast 8-11:30 a.m., dancing and live music by Bob Dewart Band with Eddie Tobin on piano 2-5 p.m. Sundays; Cost: $5 members, $5 nonmembers. Smoke free. The public is welcome. Information: 941-794-3489 or americanlegionpost24.com.
American Legion Post 312: 1610 67th Ave. E., Oneco
Queen of Hearts drawing, 7 p.m. Monday; bar poker, 6 p.m. Wednesday; Wings and strings, 6-9 p.m. first and third Thursday; dinner 5-7 p.m. and music 6-10 p.m. Fridays; music 2-6 p.m. Saturdays; and $6 all-you-can-eat breakfast 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Sundays. Information: 941-758-6616.
American Legion Post 325: 3420 U.S. 301, Ellenton
Tacos and dart tournament, Tuesdays. Karaoke, 7-10 p.m. Fridays. Music, 2-5 p.m. Saturdays. Feather Your Nest 1-3 p.m., hot dogs, Sundays. Information: 941-981-3819.
AmVets Post 301: 2443 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton
Sunday bar bingo and wings 5-7 p.m. Open daily at 10 a.m. Information: 941-722-0393.
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 18: 111 63rd Ave. E., Bradenton
Enjoy music 7:30-10:30 p.m. Fridays. Karaoke first Saturday of every month. Bar Bingo 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Information: 941-755-5425.
Fraternal Order of Eagles Chapter 3171: 5831 15th St. E., Bradenton
Breakfast, 8:30-11 a.m., Feather Your Nest 2-5 p.m., "Party in the Pavilion" with music 4-7 p.m. Sundays; breakfast $7. Tacos and more 4-7 p.m., bar poker 5-7 p.m. Mondays. Various mini meals $3, 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays. A weekly varied menu dinner is served 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays. Fun night 5-7:30 p.m., music 6-9 p.m., Thursdays. Family fish fry 5-7 p.m., Feather Your Nest 7-9 p.m., Fridays; Fish $7, Steak $10. Bar Poker 3-5 p.m. Saturdays. Information: 941-756-2113.
Marine Corps League Desoto Detachment 588: 5225 26th St. W., Bradenton
All past and present military personnel and their guests are welcome to the Bunker Bar for fellowship, camaraderie, entertainment, and refreshments. Bar hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Information: 941-301-4598.
North Manatee American Legion Post 309: 2419 Bayshore Road, Palmetto
Lunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Sundays. Bingo, 4-7 p.m. Thursdays. Bar poker, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Fridays. Feather your nest 1-3 p.m. Saturdays. Information: 941-722-8689.
VFW Post 2488: 810 Sixth St. W., Palmetto
Lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Fridays. Karaoke with Bob Dunn, 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Fish fry, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays. Information: 941-722-9588.
VFW Post 9226: 3511 12th St. E., Ellenton
Euchre at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Thirsty Thursdays: $2 beers, $1 hot dogs. Fish Fry 4:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays. All You Can Eat Breakfast 8-11 a.m., Bar poker at 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Ladies Auxiliary Feather Your Nest, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays. Queen of Hearts, 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The public is welcome. Information: 941-729-8535.
VFW Palma Sola Post 10141: 5105 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
Music by Reid Frost, 7-10 p.m. Dec. 26. Breakfast, 9 a.m.-noon, bar poker 4 p.m. Sundays. Monday night dinner, 5-7 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, brats 4-6:30 p.m., bingo 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. The public is welcome to all dinners and events. Information: 941-794-6394.
COMING SOON
Village of the Arts monthly art walk: Village of the Arts, 1113 12th St. W., Bradenton
Take a self-guided tour around Bradenton's acclaimed artist colony 6-9:30 p.m. Jan. 1 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan.2. The village offers 30 galleries, studios, bakeries, healing arts, specialty shops, all nestled in colorful 1920 cottages, and three five-star restaurants serving delectable foods. Information: villageofthearts.com.
Downtown Sarasota First Friday Art Walk: various locations, Sarasota
The Downtown Sarasota First Friday Art Walk will be 6-9 p.m. Jan. 2 featuring businesses, shops and eateries, decorated to welcome the holidays, and will stay open late as live music fills the streets. Attendees can shop, stroll and celebrate as they stroll through the businesses and along the downtown sidewalks enjoying dancing, refreshments and special offers. Proceeds will benefit Selby Gardens. Information: 941-366-5731.
Music on Main: Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch will host a Music on Main concert 6-9 p.m. Jan. 8 featuring southern rock and country music by The Hatley Band. Beer, wine and food sales will benefit Turning Points. Bring chairs and blankets. No coolers allowed. Dogs on short leashes are permitted. Admission is free. Information: 941-907-9243 or visit lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet.
Ringling Underground: John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Enjoy live music, art and atmosphere in the Museum of Art Courtyard during Ringling Underground 8-11 p.m. Jan. 7. This event features an eclectic mix of local and regional live music. Check out up-and-coming artists displaying their work in the Museum of Art Courtyard. Tickets: $10. The event is free with Art After 5 admission. Information: 941-359-5700 or ringling.org.
Eighteenth annual "Thunder By The Bay": various locations, Sarasota
The 18th annual "Thunder By The Bay" will be Jan. 7-10, featuring a Sporting Clay Tournament and "Born To Be Wild" kick-off party Jan. 7; "Hogs On Hillview" block party, "Light Up The Night," and the People's Choice Bike Show, and live entertainment by The Billy Rice Band and Sean Chambers Band, Jan. 8; Finz Finds "Cruise for Cash" charity ride, downtown festival, and live entertainment by Category Three, Edge of Red, Trezz Hombres-a ZZ Top tribute band, Keep The Faith-a Bon Jovi tribute band, and Highway To Hell-a AC/DC tribute band, Jan. 9; downtown festival, 17 Class Bike Show, and live entertainment by Nuthin Fancy-a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, Lazy Bones, and Bobby Friss Band. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. P For details, ticket prices and hours, visit thunderbythebay.org.
"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night": Towles Court, Sarasota
"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night" will be 6-9 p.m. Jan. 15 and every third Friday of the month featuring live performances by Sarasota's premier entertainers and performing arts organizations and enjoy shopping at a unique mix of boutiques, galleries, and salons. Businesses will be open with extended hours. Admission is free. Information: 941-366-7040 or DSAsarasota.com.
Ghost Spirit and Orb Walks: Bunker Hill Vineyards and Winery, 8905 Bunker Hill Road, Duette
Bunker Hill Vineyard will host "Spirit and Orb Walks" 8 p.m. Jan. 16. Guests must arrive by 7:30 p.m. for a 30-minute indoctrination and discussion of the night's walk and activities. Guests are asked to bring cameras with a night flash, EVP recorders, EMF recorders, digital temperature recorders, and extra batteries. The "Spirit & Orb Walks" will begin promptly at 8 p.m. and will last until 9:30 p.m. Good, closed toes, walking shoes, long pants and a jacket are encouraged. Since these walks will take place at night on both level and non-level ground, participants should be in good physical shape. Cost: $10. Reservations are required and are limited to a maximum of 25 adults, 18 years of age or older. Information: 941-776-0418 or bunkerhillvine@aol.com.
"The Met: Live in HD" and Ballet "Live in HD": Carmike Cinema Royal Palm 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton
Enjoy exceptional operatic performances featured in high definition simulcast Saturdays, followed by encore presentation during the following week. Line-up: Georges Bizet's "Les Pecheurs de Perles," Jan. 16, encore performance Jan. 20; Giacomo Puccini: "Turandot," Jan. 30, encore performance Feb. 3, "Manon Lescaut," March 5, encore performance March 9, and "Madame Butterfly," April 2, encore performance April 6; Gaetano Donizetti's "Roberto Devereux," April 16, encore performance April 20; Richard Strauss' "Elektra," April 30, encore performance May 4. Ballet: Bolshoi "Taming of the Shrew," Jan. 24. Unless otherwise noted, all live performances are at 12:55 p.m., encore performances are 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $7.50-$18. Information: carmike.com.
"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night": Main Street at Five Points Park and Palm Avenue
"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night" will be 6-9 p.m. Feb. 5 and every first Friday of the month featuring live performances by Sarasota's premier entertainers and performing arts organizations and enjoy shopping at a unique mix of boutiques, galleries and salons. Businesses will be open with extended hours. Admission is free. Information: 941-366-7040 or DSAsarasota.com.
This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 5:54 PM with the headline "Things to do: Dec. 24-30 ."