Big events in Bradenton this weekend: Riverwalk opening postponed, home expo

Another September 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, Sept. 9-11.

Riverwalk East Park Grand Opening

Update: The grand opening has been postponed because of rain. The new date will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24.

The first phase of a new expansion to the Bradenton Riverwalk is complete, and a community festival this Saturday with mark the official opening.

The eastern expansion of the Riverwalk has boardwalks, a pier and walking trails and incorporates the Manatee Mineral Springs Park, which served as a settlement for enslaved people who escaped in the early 1800s.

It will eventually connect to the original stretch of the Riverwalk that starts near City Hall in downtown Bradenton.

City of Bradenton leaders will speak at 11 a.m., followed by music and family-friendly activities.

Schedule:

▪ 11-11:30 a.m.: Remarks from city leaders

▪ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Reflections of Manatee exhibits by Sherry Svekis at Reflections of Manatee Museum (south side of park)

▪ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.: Self-guided park scavenger hunts available at the Realize Bradenton tent

▪ 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Musician at Gazebo – Erol Oz

▪ 12:30–1 p.m.: Angola Presentation by Professor Uzi Baram and Vickie Oldham at Reflections of Manatee tent

▪ 12:45-1:45 p.m.: Music at the Gazebo - Combo Fusion

▪ 1:15–1:45 p.m.: “Old Manatee A to Z” Book Presentation by Ryan G. Van Cleve and Don Brandes at book tent

• Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. 14th Street East and Second Avenue East. Free.
• Info: realizebradenton.com/events

TEDxBradenton

Bradenton’s first TED Talk-style event, TEDxBradenton, will bring a diverse slate of speakers to The Bishop this Friday for a day-long series of short, inspirational talks.

TEDx events are independently organized talks, modeled after and licensed by TED — the company famous for its online TED Talks videos on all manner of subjects.

The theme for TEDxBradenton event is “access.”

“In the spirit of ideas worth sharing, TEDxBradenton seeks to highlight local ideas. Bradenton is rapidly growing and becoming contemporary; we want to highlight our rich and diverse talent to create those connections that will convert these ideas into community initiatives.”

A lineup of more than a dozen speakers includes professionals from a wide range of careers across the public and private sectors.

The TEDx talks will be made available to watch on YouTube at a later date.

• Details: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. $95; reservation required.
• Info: tedxbradenton.com

Festival de Independencia at Oneco Farmers Market

Oneco Farmers Market in Bradenton will host a celebration of Mexican and Central American independence and culture this Saturday. Mexican Independence Day falls on Sept. 16.

The event includes live music, a DJ, food vendors and children’s activities.

• Details: 5-11 p.m. Saturday. 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton. Free entry.
• Info: facebook.com/OnecoFarmers

Youth baseball world cup

Bradenton and Sarasota will have the rare treat of hosting the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s U-18 Baseball World Cup from Sept. 9-18. The international tournament is held every other year in a different country. It brings together some of the world’s best youth baseball players, ages 17 and 18, from around the globe.

“The series—which has become recognized by audiences as a chance to see ‘Tomorrow’s Stars Today’—features the globe’s top 12 under-18 teams, with regional representation from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania,” a news release says.

The series has 50 total games; three games a day will be played at both LECOM Park in Bradenton and at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, with the finals to be played on Sept. 18 in Sarasota.

• Details: Sept. 9-18. LECOM Park, 611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, and Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota. Tickets are $10 a game; $5 for youth ages 6-18. Day passes available; sold separately for each stadium.
• Info: sarasotabradenton2021.com

Sarasota Native American Film Festival

The third annual Sarasota Native American Film Festival will present “cinematic works related to the experience of indigenous people in the Americas.

“Presented both in-person and online, this year’s SNAFF features over 25 films and experiences focused on Native American art and music, the history and culture of the Seminole Tribe in Florida, as well as the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women,” an event preview says.

“Among the films are “Rez Metal,” the story of a Navajo heavy metal band, as well as “Seven Ridges,” the first feature drama ever to be produced in the Seri language, and “Changer: A Hand Telling” — an innovative film with Deaf Native storytellers performing the Salish origin stories.”

Free, in-person screenings will be held Friday and Saturday at New College of Florida.

Other live events include a performance by award-winning Seminole musician Doc Native, a live painting by Seminole painter Wilson Bowers and talks with filmmakers Shaandiin Tome and Everett Osceola and anthropology professor Uzi Baram.

Films will be available to watch online at home from Sept. 9-15.

• Details: In person Friday and Saturday; online Friday-Sept. 15. Mildred Sainer Pavilion at New College of Florida, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Admission is free; register for screenings and events separately online.
• Info: sarasotanativeff.com

Home improvement expo

Looking for some HGTV-style inspiration? The Home Show, a home improvement expo, will arrive at Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds this weekend.

With around 100 exhibitors, the event offers a chance to check out the latest looks in remodeling, landscaping and decorating.

“Our events feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment,” organizers say.

• Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Free admission with online registration; $10 at the door.
• Info: homeshowflorida.com

Discount weekends at Mote Marine

Mote Aquarium is offering discount admission to Florida residents on weekends throughout September. Tickets must be purchased in advance online using the discount code “HALF.”

Mote’s resident creatures include aquatic reptiles, otters, sharks, colorful fish, manatees, sea turtles and more.

• Details: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Mote Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Ages 13 and up: $26. Ages 3-12: $19. Ages 2 and under: free. Half-off for Florida residents on weekends through September.
• Info: mote.org. 941-388-4441

Performing arts and shows

The Jersey Tenors: Part II at Florida Studio Theatre: “Back with a new show, this opera/rock mash-up sensation blends iconic opera classics with Rock & Roll hits from artists like Queen, Journey, and Elton John, along with the songs from Jersey’s finest—Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and Bon Jovi,” a preview for this music review says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Through Sept. 18. Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave., Sarasota. $34-$37.
  
  
• Info: floridastudiotheatre.org

Andy Hendrickson at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Andy has had multiple TV appearances including: ‘The Late Show with David Letterman,’ ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,’ ‘Gotham Comedy Live,’ NBC/Seeso’s ‘The Guest List’ and more,” the comedian’s bio says. “His comedy CD ‘Underachiever’ recently released to rave reviews and debuted in the iTunes Top 10.”

• 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).

▪ This week’s movies T.B.A.

• 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: Museum open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Shop open daily 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Bistro open daily 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 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 September 7, 2022 at 2:44 PM.