Circus show, baseball, children’s concert: 10 things to do around Bradenton this weekend

The last weekend of July is here, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, July 29-31.

Cornhole and Cocktails Festival

A 21-and-up event will bring fun times to the the Manatee County Fairgrounds this Saturday.

The third annual Cornhole and Cocktails Festival, hosted by the Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis Club, will include cocktail, beer, wine and spirit tastings, food from local restaurants, live music and raffles.

The main event is an indoor cornhole tournament. There are three divisions; registration begins at 3 p.m.

Details: 3-7 p.m. Saturday. Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. $35 per person.

Info: facebook.com/manateesunrisekiwanis.

Summer Circus Spectacular

The Summer Circus Spectacular is a nine-week circus arts revue that brings together performers from around the world for a thrilling show at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota.

This year’s showcase includes aerial arts, balancing acts, comedy and contortion.

The circus is a production of Sarasota non-profit The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling.

• Details: Performances run through August 13. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday. Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Adults: $18. Children 12 and under: $12.
• Info: 941-360-7399. circusarts.org/performances/summer-circus-spectacular

‘My Happy Place’ at ArtCenter Manatee

Local artists explore their comfort zones in a new exhibit at ArtCenter Manatee.

“We all have a happy space, where we feel safe, welcome and nurtured,” a preview of the “My Happy Place” exhibit says. “Whether it’s in the studio, out in nature, or cozied up at home, it’s a place (or person) where we feel the happiest. Artists are asked, ‘where is your happy place?’”

• Details: Through Aug. 12. Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., Fri. and Sat.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tue., Wed. and Thurs. ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Free entry.
• Info: artcentermanatee.org

Bradenton Marauders at home

The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders are home at LECOM Park this week for a six-game series with the Lakeland Flying Tigers, Tuesday-Sunday.

On Friday, the Marauders will pay their respects to the Bradenton Nine Devils, the segregation-era baseball team that played in the Florida State Negro League from 1937-1956. Former Nine Devils player Morris Paskell will be in attendance, and fans can view historic photos and information about the team.

Saturday is Back to School Night. The first 500 kids ages 12 and under will receive a Marauders backpack, and the game will be followed by a fireworks show.

• Details: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; noon Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Tickets range from $7-$14.
• Info: milb.com/bradenton

Jack Hartmann at Mixon Fruit Farm

YouTube famous children’s entertainer Jack Hartmann will perform at Mixon Fruit Farm in Bradenton this Saturday.

The “Back to School Bash” will include a one hour Hartmann concert, plus access to bounce houses, an obstacle course and an inflatable slide.

• Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton. $15. Under age 2: Free.
• Info: mixon.com

Performing arts and shows

“Maytag Virgin” at Florida Studio Theatre: Described as a “classic Southern love story,“ this romantic comedy play revolves around two new neighbors. “Over time, neighborly nagging softens and a deeper connection emerges between the two high school teachers,” a show preview says.

• Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Through July 31. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $25-$39.
• Info: floridastudiotheatre.org/maytag-virgin

Carl Rimi at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Actor, writer and comic Carl Rimi has appeared in comedy competitions, television and movies.

• Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 and and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $25.
  
  
• Info: mccurdyscomedy.com

The Players Centre presents “The Manager”: “Rusty is an out of work middle-aged little league manager who is facing divorce and is in his last year as coach for his son Axel. But the season is coming to an end, and their future together as a family is uncertain,” a show preview says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $26.50. Student: $20.
• Info: tickets.theplayers.org

Farmers’ markets

The Beach Market at Coquina Beach 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 Wednesdays and Fridays April through July.

• Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.
• Info: facebook.com/BeachMarketAtCoquinaBeach

The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch welcomes more than 90 regional vendors to Waterside Place each Sunday. Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats. Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature at the market.

• Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Dr., 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

Newtown Sarasota Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh-baked goods and other items twice a week in the Newtown neighborhood. The market also hosts community gatherings including events for kids and food festivals.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
• Info: newtownfarmersmarketsrq.org

Meadows Farmers Market: Started in Oct. 2021, the Meadows Farmers Market promises organic fruits and vegetables straight from local farmers. Other attractions include artisans, food vendors and live music. Events at the market include yoga, tai chi, wellness talks and holiday celebrations.

• Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Held in the parking lot of 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota.
• Info: sites.google.com/view/meadowsfarmersmarket

Red Barn Flea Market combines the best of a farmers market, a flea market and a food court in one stop. At Red Barn, you’ll find permanent storefronts, vendor booths, fresh produce, local food offerings, live entertainment and more.

• Details: Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton.
• Info: redbarnfleamarket.com.

See a movie

Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays new movies, classic flicks AND family favorites with showings Wed.-Sun.

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).

▪ “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (PG): 8:45 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “Jurassic World: Dominion” (PG-13): 10:15 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

• Details: 5011 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin. Ages 9 and up: $7. Ages 5-8: $2. 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.

Some of the society’s movie offerings can be streamed virtually from home.

• 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 or 941-955-3456

Other Bradenton area movie theaters:

• AMC Bradenton 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. amctheatres.com. 941-752-3796

• AMC Sarasota 12, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. amctheatres.com. 941-922-4900

• CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail #1100, Sarasota. cmxcinemas.com. 941-361-2456

• Regal Oakmont, 4801 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342

• Regal Hollywood, 1993 Main St., Sarasota. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342

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: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. College students with ID: $19. Ages 5-17: $16. Ages 4 and under: Free with paying adult.
  
  
• Info: bishopscience.org or 941-746-4131

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.

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 or 941-708-6120

Manatee County Agricultural Museum: Explore Manatee County’s rich agricultural past and present at the Manatee County County Agricultural Museum. Permanent exhibits include displays of authentic farm tools and equipment and highlights of various crops and industries that have taken root in Manatee County over the decades. There’s also a revolving lineup of special exhibits to check out.

• Details: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on the first and third Saturday of each month. Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Free. Donations accepted.

• Info: manateecountyagmuseum.com or 941-721-2034

Sarasota Art Museum: Operated by Ringling College of Art and Design, the Sarasota Art Museum displays revolving exhibits of contemporary artwork.

The museum is housed in the former Sarasota High School building and offers 15,000 square feet of gallery space to showcase paint, sculpture, photography, furniture making, experimental art and more.

Events at the museum include curator and artist talks, live jazz every second Thursday of the month and free entry and family fun on the second Sunday of each month.

Visitors can also enjoy a gift shop and a bistro.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail,

  Sarasota. Ages 17 and up: $15. Ages 0-16: Free with paying adult. Veterans and active military: Free with ID.

• Info: sarasotaartmuseum.org

The Ringling in Sarasota offers a treasure trove of fine art and architecture. See collections of European works from the Baroque period and modern and contemporary art; witness the colorful history of the big top in the Circus Museum; take a tour of the Ca’ d’Zan, a Mediterranean revival mansion; and stroll The Ringling’s 68 acres of waterfront grounds and gardens.

• Details: Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Ages 6-17: $5. Ages 18 and up: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. Ca’ d’Zan entry $10 extra. Admission to the Museum of Art and grounds is always free on Mondays.
  
  
• Info: ringling.org or 941-359-5700

This story was originally published July 27, 2022 at 12:23 PM.