Things to do: May 5-11
CALENDAR
FAIRS, FESTIVALS & MORE
Annual Embracing Our Difference Art Exhibit: Sarasota Island Park, at Ringling Boulevard and Bay Front Drive, Sarasota
The 13th annual Embracing Our Differences Exhibit will be on display through May 31. The annual outdoor public art exhibition consists of 45 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quote. On display are entries pouring in from students from 104 countries 104 and 44 states. Information: 941-404-5710 or embracingourdifferences.org.
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.
Cinco de Mayo Main Street Live: along Old Main Street, Bradenton
Enjoy food vendors, arts and craft vendors, and live music by Kettle of Fish 5-10 p.m. May 5. Information: realizebradenton.com.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration: Alvarez Mexican Restaurant, 1431 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto
Alvarez Mexican Restaurant will host its annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration 5-10 p.m. May 5. The event will include food and drink specials, themed contests, Folkloric dancers from 5:30-7:30 and a DJ. Information: 941-729-2232.
Cinco de Mayo Bash: Mexicali Border Café, 5502 Cortez Road, Bradenton
Stop by for this street party style celebration beginning at 4 p.m. May 5. The event features a margarita station, food and drink specials, dancing, giveaways, two pirate ships, balloon artist and a free photo booth. Information: 941-761-9516.
"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. May 6 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.
Downtown Sarasota First Friday Art Walk: various locations, Sarasota
The Downtown Sarasota First Friday Art Walk will be 6-9 p.m. May 6, 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. May 6 featuring music by The Lisa Ridings Band. Beer, wine and food sales will benefit Birds of Paradise Sanctuary and Rescue. 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.
Village of the Arts monthly art walk: Village of the Arts, 1113 12th St. W., Bradenton
Stroll Bradenton's acclaimed artist colony 6-9:30 p.m. May 6 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 7 featuring 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.
"Corvettes on the Circle": St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Skyway Corvette Club will host "Corvettes on the circle," 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 7 featuring 150 Corvette models, including all model years from the classic 1953 C1 to the current 2016 C7 Corvette Stingray and Z06. Trophies will be awarded. Car registration: $35. The event is free to the public. Proceed will benefit Honor Flight of West Central Florida. Information: 941-993-4201.
Annual Amateur Sand Sculpture Contest: at yellow lifeguard stand on Siesta Beach, Siesta Key
The 44th annual Amateur Sand Sculpture Contest will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. May 7. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and all amateur skill levels. Participants will be assigned a 10 x 10 foot square. Judging begins at 1 p.m. and awards presented at 2 p.m. Spectators are invited to vote for the people's choice award. Information 941-861-5000 or scgov.net.
Annual Food and Wine on Pine; along Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island
The annual Food and Wine on Pine will be 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. May 7. The culinary and cultural event pairs food from local waters and farms with spectacular wines and craft and domestic beers. Guests can wine and dine on local delicacies and stroll the streets filled with local artists showcasing their artistic talent through art mediums ranging from watercolors to metal work, and pottery to jewelry. Information: foodandwineonpine.com.
Annual Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament: Green Bridge Fishing Pier at Riverside Drive and Ninth Avenue West, Palmetto
The 30th annual Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament will begin with registration at 7 a.m. May 7. Fishing starts at 8 a.m. The event is free for kids ages 5-14 accompanied by an adults. Lunch and T-shirts are provided to every participant. Prizes will be awarded to First, Second and Third places in each age group. Bait and tackle will be provided. Information: fl-palmetto.civicplus.com.
Seinfeld Night at Marauders: McKechnie Field, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton
The Bradenton Marauders will host Seinfeld Night with gates open at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch at 6:30 p.m. May 7. The defending Florida State League Champion Charlotte Stone Crabs will visit McKechnie Field and shortstop Kevin Newman and second baseman Kevin Kramer, the Bradenton double play duo whose monikers match the famous Seinfeld character, will lead the Marauders against the Tampa Bay Rays' High-A affiliate. McKechnie Field will be transformed into Vandelay Industries Park for the night and Marauders staff will dress as Seinfeld characters and fans are encouraged to dress the part as well. There will be a Festivus celebration, so come prepared to air your grievances and display feats of strength. There will be Seinfeld themed contests and free admission and a ceremonial first pitch will be offered to any mailman who comes to the game in uniform. A portion of the proceeds on all paid tickets to the game will benefit the Human Fund. Information: 941-747-3031 or bradentonmarauders.com.
Annual downtown Sarasota Craft Festival: along Central Avenue and Five Points Park, Sarasota
The 13th annual downtown Sarasota Craft Festival will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 7-8 featuring work of the finest artists and crafters offering an eclectic mix of handmade crafts, unique and affordable items as well as functional art. A vast array of craft media will include folk art, pottery, handmade clothing, candles, quilts, handbags and accessories, as well as plaster craft, stained glass and more. A "green market" will feature exotic live plants, savory dips, gourmet sauces, kettle corn and much more. Information: 813-962-0388 or artfestival.com.
Mother's Day at Sarasota Jungle Gardens: 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Mothers and Grandmothers receive free admission to Sarasota Jungle Gardens with the purchase of their child's full-priced same-day admission May 8. Families can spend quality time together while enjoying the lush, tropical botanical gardens and winding trail on 10 acres in the heart of Sarasota. Attendees can interact with more than 200 animals and enjoying various animal shows and performances. The park is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets: 417.99 adults, $16.99 seniors, ages 65 and over, $12.99 children ages 4-16, children ages 3 and younger are admitted free. Information: 941-355-5305 or sarasotajunglegardens.com.
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. Fiddlers Ridge Farms and Winery will offer wine tastings, April 24. Information: 941-518-4431.
Sidewalk Astronomy: Riverview High School Planetarium, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
The local group of Deep Sky Observers, a Manatee/Sarasota group of astronomy enthusiasts, will host their quarterly meeting 7 p.m. sharp, May 11. Following a brief discussion of club business, the highlight of the meeting will be a showcase of Riverview High School Planetarium's recently upgraded projection system. Attendees will enjoy a brand-new planetarium show, "From Earth to the Universe," presented with the brighter, higher resolution projection equipment. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Information: 941-518-8695 or lgdso.com.
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.
Pictown Estates: 1201 50th Plaza W., Bradenton
Bingo, 7 p.m., doors open 6 p.m., Mondays. Free snacks at half time. Bingo cards: $0.50 each. Information: 941-758-1160.
Whispering Palms Mobile Home Park: 1219 51st Ave. E., 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)
Dance Party featuring live band plus a DJ, 7:30-10:30 p.m. every Saturday. The dance is open to the public. Admission: $10, includes snacks and optional free group dance lessons 6:40-7:10 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 Tropical Palms: 2310 14th St. W., Bradenton
Information: 941-748-0180.
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. 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. May 14 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. There will be a celebration of the Performing Arts and Student Art Sale May 7. Students from Manatee County Schools will share their performance talents and offer their art for sale. 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.
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 dinner with music starting at 5:30 p.m. Fridays. Bar Bingo 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. Karaoke 7-10 p.m. third Sunday each month. Service office hours 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays. 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 $5, 4-6 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
All You Can Eat Breakfast 8-11 a.m. every first and third Sunday of the month, Bar poker at 4:30 p.m. Sundays; $1 hotdogs. Ladies Auxiliary Feather Your Nest, 4:30-6:30 p.m., progressive jackpot, Mondays; $1 hotdogs. Queen of Hearts, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; $1 hotdogs. The public is welcome. Information: 941-729-8535.
VFW Palma Sola Post 10141: 5105 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
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
Holmes Beach Art District Art Walk: various locations, Holmes Beach
The Holmes Beach Art District will host its annual town-wide ArtWalk 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 13 . Participating art galleries and retail businesses will feature special exhibits, free refreshments, music and fun for all. Proceeds will benefit the Anna Maria Island Butterfly Park. Information: 941-778-1541 or culturalconnections.info.
Palmetto Gun Show: Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto
The Palmetto Gun Show will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 14 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15 featuring local and regional dealers and private collectors offering a huge selection of guns, accessories, and many hard to find items. Admission: $10. Information: 407-410-6870 or floridagunshows.com.
TCM Classic Movies and "The Met: Live in HD": Carmike Cinema Royal Palm 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton
TCM presents the following classic movies: "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," 2 p.m. May 15 and 7 p.m. May 18. "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," 2 p.m. June 26 and 7 p.m. June 29. "Planet of the Apes," 2 p.m. July 24 and 7 p.m. July 27. Enjoy exceptional operatic performances from The Metropolitan in New York, featured in high definition simulcast Saturdays, followed by encore presentation. Line-up: Richard Strauss' "Elektra," April 30, encore performance May 4. 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.
HD at the Opera House: Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
The 2016 season of "HD at the Opera House" series will include weekly live presentations of ballet and theater from some of the world's most famous venues. Select presentations will be preceded by a 15-minute welcome and pre-show introduction. The line-up is "Boris Gudonov," Royal Opera House in London, May 15; "Giselle," Royal Ballet, May 22; "Hamlet," Stratford Festival in England, May 29; "Lucia di Lammermoor," Royal Opera House, June 5; "Ballet Russes," Paris Opera Ballet, June 12; "The Damnation of Faust," Paris National Opera, June 19; "La Cenerentola," Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, June 26; "Sleeping Beauty," Royal Ballet, July 3; "Adventures of Pericles," Stratford Festival, July 10; "Requiem," La Scala Opera House in Milan, July 17; "Werther," Royal Opera House, July 24; "Millepied/Robbins/Balanchine" Opera Ballet, July 31; "Measure for Measure," Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Aug. 7; "Der Rosenkavalier," Salzburg Festival, Aug. 14; "The Taming of the Shrew," Stratford Festival, Aug. 21; "La Favorita," La Fenice in Venice, Aug. 28; "L'histoire de Manon," Paris Opera Ballet, Sept. 4; "The Merchant of Venice," Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Sept. 11. All showings are at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 for current Sarasota Opera subscribers, $20 single ticket buyers. All seating is general admission. Information: 941-328-1300 or sarasotaopera.org.
Ringling by the Bay: 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
Enjoy live music and dancing at sunset on the Bolger Campiello at "Ringling by the Bay," 5-8 p.m. May 16 featuring live music by The Lisa Ridings Band. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Limited seating is available. Cost: $10, free for members. Information: 941-358-3180 or ringling.org/events.
"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night": Towles Court, Sarasota
"Live from downtown, it's Friday Night" will be 6-9 p.m. May 20 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" 6:30 p.m. May 21. Guests must arrive by 6 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 6:30 p.m. and will last until 8 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.
Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show: Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Frank Cox Production presents a Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show 10 a.m.-5 p.m. featuring local, regional and national dealers offering the finest gem, jewelry, and bead collections for sale. Admission: $4. Children 15 and younger are admitted free. Information: 941-954-0202 or frankcoxproductions.com.
This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 10:59 AM with the headline "Things to do: May 5-11 ."