5 fun things to do around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend
Are you ready for the weekend? Us, too. And if you don’t have plans yet, we’re here to help.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Sept. 3-5, 2021.
Art Walk
The creatives of the Village in the Arts in Bradenton will open their businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, live music and more.
Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, furniture, tattoos, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer most any taste.
The theme for this month’s Art Walk is “Colors of the Rainbow.”
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton.
Info: villageofthearts.com.
Bradenton Marauders home games
The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders are home at LECOM Park this week for a five-game series with the Tampa Tarpons.
The Marauders will host Childhood Cancer Awareness night on Friday; Saturday is Fan Appreciation Night with a post-game fireworks show.
Details: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Tickets range from $7-$11.
Info: milb.com/bradenton.
’Battle of the Boneless’ at The Bishop
A new exhibit at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature takes a deep dive into the fierce and fascinating world of ocean mollusks like conchs, cones and moon snails.
This isn’t any regular science lesson though — the stories of the spineless creatures are delivered in comic book format.
“People are often fascinated by the colors, shapes or sizes of the shells of marine mollusks, but these animals are so much more than just a pretty face,” Bishop exhibitions director Matthew D. Woodside said in a press release. “In fact, their eating habits alone make them so fierce they could go foot-to-foot with any comic book superhero.”
The exhibit also features a portion of The Bishop’s vast collection of mollusk shells.
The museum’s manatee habitat has recently reopened to the public, and another new exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of Apollo 15’s lunar mission.
Mask use is requested for guests over the age of 2.
Details: Open Tue.-Sun. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Ages 18-64: $23.95. Ages 65 and up: $21.95. Ages 12-17 and college students with ID: $17.95. Ages 5-11: $14.95. Ages 2-4: $8.95. Ages under 2: Free with paying adult.
Info: 941-746-4131. bishopscience.org.
Farmers’ markets
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.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch boasts more than 50 local vendors. Offerings include produce, prepared foods and breads, crafts, plants and pet treats. Local musicians are another regular feature at the market.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, 8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., 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.
See a movie
Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays classic flicks, family favorites and new movies with showings every day of the week.
There are two options for audio: bring a portable radio or leave your car and its 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).
▪ Jungle Cruise (PG-13): 8:15 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Free Guy (PG-13): 10:20 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. Masks are recommended for unvaccinated guests.
Cinema fans can also continue to stream SFM’s latest offerings in the world of independent and thought-provoking film from home with the purchase of a virtual movie experience.
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. 941-955-3456.
Do you know of a local event that’s coming up, or have a suggestion for our things to do list? Send an email with details to rballogg@bradenton.com.
This story was originally published September 1, 2021 at 12:47 PM.