9 things to do near Bradenton this weekend: Countryfest, sand art competition and more
Another autumn 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, Nov. 12-14, 2021.
Sarasota Medieval Fair
Step back into the Middle Ages and partake in a day of medieval merriment at the 17th annual Sarasota Medieval Fair.
Walk among peasants and royalty, sup on turkey legs and other delights, peruse the offerings of ancient vendors and enjoy entertainment like jousting, comedy, rides, games and period music. Don’t forget to dress the part.
This year, the fair will celebrate its first year at its new home in the “Woods of Mallaranny,” a 47-acre festival grounds in Myakka City.
Details: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. 29847 S.R. 70 E., Myakka City. Ages 5-10: $9.95. Students, seniors and military with I.D.: $18.95. Adults: $21.95. Multi-day passes available.
Info: 1-888-303-3247. sarasotamedievalfair.com.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic
Expert sand sculptors will compete on the beaches of Siesta Key this weekend to see who can create the most exquisite sand art in the 11th annual Siesta Key Crystal Classic.
The event draws international artists and features a solo competition and a team competition.
In addition to watching amazing sand sculptures take shape, the Crystal Classic has more fun to offer visitors. The event includes a food court, vendors and live music throughout the weekend.
On Saturday night, the sculptures will be illuminated with colored lights after dark. An awards ceremony announcing the winners will be held Sunday.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5p.m. Sunday and Monday.Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. Daily event entry: Adults: $15; Ages 5-17 with paying adult: $5; Under 5: free with paying adult; Seniors 65 and up and military with ID: $10. Discount available for advance purchase.
Info: siestakeycrystalclassic.com.
Florida Countryfest
A free, three-day country music fest happens this weekend at J.D. Hamel Park, located on the bay in downtown Sarasota.
The music series features a lineup of local and regional country talent, including Soul Circus Cowboys, Cadillac Blue Band and Dr. Dave Band. The fest will also bring two Billboard-charting country acts to town; Craig Campbell will perform Saturday, and James Otto will perform Sunday.
Festivalgoers can also enjoy food, drinks, arts, crafts and a kids zone.
Details: 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a. .-6 p.m. Sunday. J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota. Free.
Concert band performance
The Manatee Community Concert Band will present “A Salute to Freedom” this Saturday at the Neel Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.
The mixed-skill level concert band will play a selection of patriotic tunes including the “Armed Forces Salute” and the “1812 Overture”; the show will also include a color guard and vocalist.
“This concert will be dedicated to the men and women who have served in the armed forces and for those who are currently serving in the armed forces,” organizers say.
Details: 2 p.m. Saturday. Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton (located in State College of Florida Grounds). Free.
Info: manateeconcertband.org.
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.
The Beach Market at Coquina Beach returns for the fall/winter season this weekend. The market 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 Sundays during November and on Wednesdays and Sundays December through March.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.
Info: facebook.com/BeachMarketAtCoquinaBeach.
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.
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.
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 there’s also lots to explore in the history museum.
Details: Trains leave at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ages 3-11: $10. Ages 12 and up: $14.
Info: 941-776-0906. frrm.org.
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).
▪ Eternals (PG-13): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ Venom: Let There Be Carnage: 10:00 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.
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: $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.
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. (Due to the holidays, the event will only be held on second Saturdays in November and December.)
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. 941-708-6120.
Get outdoors
Another cool front is predicted to keep temperatures pleasant around Bradenton this weekend, so it should be perfect weather for getting outdoors and enjoying the fresh air.
Kayaking, fishing, hiking and bicycling are all on the table.
Still need some ideas for your Florida fall adventure? We recommend Robinson Preserve, Palma Sola Botanical Gardens, De Soto National Memorial or Myakka River State Park.
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 November 11, 2021 at 11:40 AM.