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10 things to do near Bradenton: Greek fest, arts events, car racing, shows and more

Another November 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, Nov. 18-20.

East 2 West Art Market

The Parrish Arts Council will host its seventh annual East 2 West Art Market this Saturday and Sunday at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

The market will showcase more than 40 local artists working in in watercolor, acrylics, fluid art, jewelry, glass mosaics, wood, pottery, photography and more.

Baskets of art and gifts will be raffled off.

Cleetus and Cars

A weekend of high-speed racing and burnouts await auto sports fanatics at this year’s Cleetus and Cars event in east Bradenton.

The event is headed up by YouTube personality “Cleetus McFarland” and crew; the online star and racing driver promotes car modification and stunts to millions of followers.

Friday will feature drag racing at Bradenton Motorsports Park; Saturday is the main “Cleetus and Cars” event featuring all-day burnout competitions at Freedom Factory; and Sunday will bring “LeMullets,” a race that pits popular automotive-world personalities in “nitrous-powered Crown Vics” against one another on the track.

“Watch as 40 of your favorite automotive influencers and professional drivers form teams of two and battle it out around the Freedom Factory Oval,” an event description says.

  • Details: 5-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday, noon-10:30 p.m. Sunday. Bradenton Motorsports Park, 21000 S.R. 64, Bradenton, and 21050 S.R. 64, Bradenton. Friday: $20; kids 11 and under: free. Saturday: $30; kids 3-12: $10. Sunday: $40; kids 3-12: $15.
  • Info: cleetusmcfarland.com
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Sarasota Medieval Fair

Step back into the Middle Ages and partake in a day of medieval merriment at the 18th 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 is the fair’s second year at its new home in the “Woods of Mallaranny,” a 47-acre festival grounds in Myakka City.

The 2022 event will have an 11th century Viking theme that plays off of the historical Battle of Assandun, when invading Danish fought the English.

Details: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27. Rain or shine. 29847 S.R. 70 E., Myakka City. Ages 5-10: $11.95. Students, seniors and military with I.D.: $19.95. Adults: $22.95. Multi-day passes and add-ons available.

Info: 1-888-303-3247. sarasotamedievalfair.com.

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Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival

Local, regional and national artisans will display their wares at the ninth annual Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival in Sarasota this weekend.

Pieces will include painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed media, woodworking and more.

New exhibits at ArtCenter Manatee

Two new exhibits are on display at ArtCenter Manatee this weekend.

“Raymond Lawler: Tales of a Traveler” is a curated exhibit showcasing the multimedia work of the local artist.

“Where the HeArt Grows” is an open, all media juried exhibit of regional artists.

  • Details: Through Nov. 28. 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

Autumn Fest at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church is locally famous for it’s annual winter Glendi featuring oodles of delicious, traditional Greek cuisine.

An Autumn Fest this weekend will offer another chance to try fresh-made Greek pastries, pies, gyros, pastitsio (a lasagna-like dish), Greek salad and more.

Food will be available to-go or to eat at the church. Vendors will also be on site.

Proceeds will benefit a Hurricane Ian relief fund and other charities supported by the church.

  • Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Free admission.
  • Info: https://sarasotaorthodox.com

Performing arts and shows

“Pets!” at Manatee Performing Arts Center: “This critically-acclaimed musical revue consists of 22 musical scenes dealing with the very special relationship between people and their pets. It’s clever, user-friendly and suits audiences of all ages.”

West Coast Black Theatre Troupe presents Guys and Dolls: “A Tony Award winner for Best Musical, ‘Guys and Dolls’ tells the story of New York City gambler Nathan Detroit, who dreams of setting up a big dice game while avoiding the authorities—and marriage to his longtime fiancée. WBTT will add its own special twist to this crowd-pleasing show,” a preview says.

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Through Nov. 20. Donelly Theatre at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Campus, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $50; student/military: $20.
  • Info: 941-366-1505. westcoastblacktheatre.org

“The Burdens” at Urbanite Theatre: “Siblings Mordy and Jane have a problem. Their dreadful, centenarian grandfather is an emotional and financial tax on the family, and he just won’t die. Scheming almost entirely via sarcastic and misspelled text messages, the siblings hatch an outrageous plan to relieve their family of their grandfather’s burden. Zany, twisted and inventive, this dark comedy reminds us it’s much easier to write what we could never say face to face.”

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Extended through Dec. 4. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street, Sarasota. Ages 40 and up: $39. Under 40: $25. Students: $5.
  • Info: urbanitetheatre.com

Greg Hahn at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Greg Hahn is a favorite on the nationally syndicated “Bob and Tom Show” on radio and has numerous TV comedy spots under his belt.

  • Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 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

Downtown Bradenton Public Market: This weekly market is a community gathering place that welcomes vendors offering fresh local produce, meat, pantry and home goods, packaged foods, plants, clothing, accessories and more.

Food, drink and dessert vendors make the market a great place to grab a tasty snack.

This year, the market is nearly doubling in size with plans to host about 100 vendors each week, including a core group of businesses and some rotating selections, organizers say.

The market also features live music performances from different regional artists each week. Kid’s activities, special events and cooking demonstrations add to the fun throughout the season.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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See a movie

Whether you’re interested in Hollywood blockbusters, independent film or an old-timey drive-in movie experience, there’s a theater nearby that can satisfy. Here are your local movie options:

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).

▪ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (PG-13): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” (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: Museum open 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
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This story was originally published November 16, 2022 at 12:54 PM.

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Ryan Ballogg
Bradenton Herald
941-745-7024
Ryan Ballogg is a local news and environment reporter and features writer at the Bradenton Herald. His work has received awards from the Florida Society of News Editors and the Florida Press Club. Ryan is a Florida native and graduate of USF St. Petersburg. Support my work with a digital subscription
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