6 fun things to do in and around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend

Another weekend is just around the corner. If you still need plans, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Oct. 22-24, 2021.

Cortez Nautical Flea Market

Ahoy there, treasure seekers: A Cortez tradition returns this weekend, and there will be a hoard of nautical goods up for grabs.

“If you love boats, have salt water flowing through your veins, or if you are dreaming about deals on fishing gear, marine equipment, or other maritime flotsam and jetsam, then the Cortez Nautical Flea Market is for you,” organizers say.

Nautical arts and crafts will be also be on display and for sale. And, the event offers a chance for collectors to trade nautical paraphernalia.

The event is co-hosted by the Florida Maritime Museum and the neighboring Cortez Cultural Center. Parking will be available adjacent to both buildings at the F.I.S.H. Preserve.

Details: 8 a.m.-noon Saturday. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez.

Info: floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Pumpkin festivals

The Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival: This 30th annual family-friendly event offers crafts, live music, hayrides, pumpkin games, a corn maze, scarecrow displays, a petting zoo, train rides and more.

There’s also a bounty of food and desserts to try, such as homemade ice cream and pumpkin pie.

Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hunsader Farms, 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton. Admission: $12. Children 10 and under: Free. Parking: $5.

Info: hunsaderfarms.com.

Fruitville Grove Farm Market’s 33rd annual Pumpkin Festival features a free petting zoo, playground, live music, circus performances, decorated photo spots and costume contests. Admission is also free.

Activities in the $1-$10 range include pony rides, carriage rides, a wildflower maze, a kids fun zone with a zip line, and pumpkin painting.

Food trucks and food vendors will be on site every day of the festival.

Masks will be required indoors, on hay rides and in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained. Hand washing and sanitizing stations will be available.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday in October. Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. Free admission. $5 parking.

Info: fruitvillegrove.com.

Pumpkin Patch Express

The Florida Railroad Museum’s annual Pumpkin Patch Express returns this weekend.

The festive fall experience includes a hay ride, Lincoln log building, crafts and kid’s activities. The highlight is a trip by rail to a pumpkin patch, where each child can pick a special gourd to take home. The event lasts about two-and-a-half hours, according to organizers.

Details: Trains depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish. $15-$19 for basic entry, with upgrades available.

Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org.

The Event at TerraNova

The newly built TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City will host its inaugural competition this weekend. The Olympic-style, three-day showcase will put horses and their riders through the paces on jumps, cross-country and dressage events. A kids play zone, vendors and food trucks will also be on site.

Details: Gates open at 7 a.m. Fri.-Sun. TerraNova Equestrian Center, 31625 Clay Gully Road, Myakka City. General admission: $10 per car. VIP and tailgating options available.

Info: terranovaequestrian.com/the-event-at-terranova.

Farmers’ markets

Downtown Bradenton Public Market: Formerly the Bradenton Farmers Market, this weekly community gathering is back on Saturdays with a fresh new name. But you’ll still find a bounty of produce, food, handcrafted goods, arts, music, cooking demonstrations and more along Old Main Street. The market offers more than 40 vendors.

Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct.-May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.

Info: realizebradenton.com/public-market.

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 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).

▪ Ron’s Gone Wrong (PG): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (PG-13): 9:15 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 October 20, 2021 at 9:30 AM.