Dog-friendly happy hour, family fun, stargazing: 10 things to do in Bradenton this weekend

Another August weekend 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, Aug. 19-21.

Yappy Hour at Motorworks

Motorworks Brewing’s monthly canine extravaganza happens this Sunday.

Dog owners are invited to sip craft beer and grab a bite from a food truck, shop from local pet supply vendors and let their leashed pets enjoy the beer garden.

Each month’s event benefits a local pet rescue organization and includes a silent auction and raffle items.

Brunch is available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, and there will also be live music to enjoy in the beer garden from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Details: 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. No cover.

Info: motorworksbrewing.com

Marine fun at Mote Aquarium

Beat the Florida heat with a trip into the cool blue world of Mote Aquarium, where visitors can see aquatic reptiles, otters, sharks, colorful fish, manatees, sea turtles and more.

Other exhibits explore the Florida watershed, rivers, bays, seas and coral reefs. There are also touch tank experiences.

• Details: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. every day. Mote Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Ages 13 and up: $26. Ages 3-12: $19. Ages 2 and under: free.
• Info: 941-388-4441. mote.org/aquarium

Astronomy Day at Robinson Preserve

Local astronomy group Suncoast Stargazers will lead visitors on an exploration of fun and spacey subjects, including sunspots and solar flares, smartphone-powered telescopes and astrophotography.

• Details: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. The NEST at Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Free.
  
  
• Info: facebook.com/TheRobinsonNEST

Dance night at Bradenton Woman’s Club

Every Friday, the Bradenton Woman’s Club hosts a dancing night that is open to the public.

The playlist includes ’40s, ’50s and ’60s hits through modern favorites.

Doors open at 7 p.m. for dance lessons, which are included with admission. The main dance happens from 8-10 p.m.

Soft drinks, bottled water and small packaged snacks available for purchase.

• Details: 7-10 p.m. Fridays. $10 person.
• Info: bradentonwomansclub.com

Bier Fest at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens’ annual Bier Fest celebration is back. The late summer festival pairs over 70 craft beers and ciders with special food offerings throughout the theme park, plus live music from local bands.

Food and drink are available à la carte, or buy a sampler pass for the event starting at $35.

High-speed coasters and water rides offer another way to cool down.

• Details: Friday-Sunday and Labor Day, Aug. 12- Sept. 5. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa.
• Info: buschgardens.com/tampa

‘Flora Imaginaria’ at Selby Botanical Gardens

A summer exhibit at Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota invites visitors to explore “a spectacular bouquet of flower imagery drawn from many different genres of photography, produced over the past three decades.”

The indoor-outdoor exhibit features 70 prints by artists from around the world displayed in the gardens and in the Museum of Botany & the Arts.

“The photographs in the show highlight the beauty and diversity of flowers, which have long been appreciated aesthetically for their colors and forms, as well as for their decorative potential and symbolic power,” a preview says.

• Details: Through Sept. 25. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Ages 18 and up: $20. Ages 5-17: $10. Ages 4 and under: Free.
• Info: selby.org

Performing arts and shows

Comedy night, live music at Oscura: Recently opened food, drink and entertainment space Oscura will host three shows this weekend.

▪ Friday: Oscura’s first comedy night will bring seven up-and-coming Florida comics to the stage. 8-9:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets: $10 advance; $15 at door.

▪ Saturday: Love Kills Joy (punk rock; Ocala), Penny Fountain (alternative punk; Palmetto) and Las Nadas. 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 advance; $12 at door.

▪ Sunday: Phantomwise (indie rock; Washington D.C.), Pilot Jonezz (punk soul; Tampa) and The Pilot Waves (indie rock; Tampa Bay). 7 p.m. Tickets: $10 advance; $12 at door.

• Details: Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton.
• Info: oscura.live

“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” at Manatee Performing Arts Center: The Manatee Players open their 2022-2023 season with this comedic musical. “A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant ‘company man,’ the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love,” a show preview says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Through August 21. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $30-$38
  
  
• Info: 941-748-5875. manateeperformingartscenter.com

“Smoke and Mirrors” at Florida Studio Theatre: “Hamilton Orr will stop at nothing to get what he wants. A top Hollywood director, Hamilton comes up with a deadly scheme to gain control over a multi-million-dollar film. He just needs to persuade the movie’s screenwriter, Clark, to get onboard,” a show preview for this comedic mystery says.

• Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Through Aug 28. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $25-$39.
• Info: floridastudiotheatre.org/maytag-virgin

Derek Richards at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “A veteran of several Armed Forces Entertainment tours, Richards has performed at U.S. base camps in Iraq, Afghanistan and 15 other countries,” a show preview says. “His work for the military has been featured in Newsweek.”

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

Farmers’ markets

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).

▪ “Lightyear” (PG): 8:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat.

▪ “Thor: Love and Thunder” (PG-13): 10:10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 8:30 p.m. Sunday

• 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