Local

10 things to do near Bradenton this weekend: Water circus, Street Heat, festivals and more

Cirque Italia’s Water Circus will make a stop in Palmetto this weekend with a 1950s-themed show that includes wire acts, contortion, juggling, trampoline and a “wheel of death.”
Cirque Italia’s Water Circus will make a stop in Palmetto this weekend with a 1950s-themed show that includes wire acts, contortion, juggling, trampoline and a “wheel of death.” Provided Image/Cirque Italia

January is rolling right along, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy the new year.

This weekend will bring Lakewood Ranch’s monthly block party, an aquatic circus in Palmetto, farmers’ markets, shows and more.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Jan. 6-8.

Cirque Italia’s Water Circus

Sarasota-based entertainment company Cirque Italia is taking the concept of circus in all new directions — including an aquatic-themed show that will make a splash in Palmetto this weekend.

The Water Circus features a stage equipped with showers, fountains and dazzling light displays that serve as a backdrop for a top-notch troupe of international circus artists.

The Water Circus tours with a gold and silver unit; the gold unit will perform in Palmetto this weekend, and the show will have a 1950s theme.

Showrunners promise an experience that blends “theater, circus, and human entertainment with a European style.”

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. 102 Riviera Dunes Way, Palmetto. $10-$50.
  • Info: 941-704-8572. cirqueitalia.com.

Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

Music on Main brings family-friendly fun to the heart of Lakewood Ranch on the first Friday of every month.

Local cover band Lisa & The Island Hoppers will fill the air with tropical pop, rock, country, and dance music from the ’50s through today’s hits.

Food vendors, beer trucks, booths and kids activities will line the street.

This month’s event will benefit Beyond the Spectrum, Inc.

Guests are welcome to bring chairs and dogs on short leashes.

  • Details: 6-9 p.m. Friday. 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
  • Info: lakewoodranch.com

Sarasota Winter Fine Arts Festival

The Ninth Annual Sarasota Winter Fine Arts Festival will bring local, regional and national artists to downtown Sarasota for a colorful display of crafts.

“This palette of spectacular creations includes works in painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more,” an event description says.

Sarasota Orchid Society Show and Sale

The Sarasota Orchid Society’s 65th annual show is this Saturday and Sunday at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium.

“For two days, over 20 vendors will fill the auditorium with an explosion of color and smells, exhibiting and selling thousands of blooming orchid plants, as well as presenting gorgeous displays,” organizers say.

The event also includes educational orchid culture classes, accessories and growing supplies for sale, raffles and experts on site to answer questions.

  • Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $5.
  • Info: sarasotaorchidsociety.org

Sunshine State Theatre debuts at Oscura

A brand new local theater outfit, Sunshine State Theatre, will hold its first public performance at Oscura in Bradenton this weekend.

The nonprofit, professional theater group will introduce itself with “Almost, Maine.” The play debuted in 2004 and features nine vignettes on themes of love and loss, with a touch of magic in the mix.

“The directors promise that Sunshine State Theatre will bring a special kind of magic, a kind that can only be found in live theater,” a release from the group said. “Audiences can expect high-level storytelling and entertainment from this new company.”

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Oscura. 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. $10; $5 for students.
  • Info: sunshinestatetheatre.com

New Year New You health expo

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center will host a free health expo this Saturday featuring over 30 health and wellness vendors, expert tips and talks and help setting your 2023 health resolutions.

Street Heat at Bradenton Motorsports Park

Florida Street Scene will host its first racing event of the year this Saturday at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

The night of high-speed fun will be split into roll racing (5:30-7:45 p.m.) and drag racing (8 p.m. til close).

Celtic Winter Jam at 3 Keys Brewing

3 Keys Brewing & Gastrobrew will host a day of live Celtic music this Saturday.

Clover’s Revenge, Prodigal Son and MacTier will play.

Performing arts and shows

West Coast Black Theatre Troupe presents “Flyin’ West”: “In the 1890s, a group of African American women leave the oppressive South and settle in the all-Black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. Their hopes, dreams and determination to survive in a harsh region are tested as they build new lives for themselves and their families. With flashes of humor amid serious themes, “Flyin’ West” sheds new light on a chapter of American history that’s seldom told,” a show preview says.

“A Place in the Sun: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder” at Florida Studio Theatre: “With a catalogue spanning six decades and multiple genres, Stevie Wonder has earned the status of the most-awarded solo artist of all time. ‘A Place in the Sun’ highlights Wonder’s significant artistic contributions and features such timeless hits as ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You,’ ‘Superstition,’ and ‘Isn’t She Lovely?’”

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Through March 26. Playing at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret dinner theater, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Starting at $37.

Ron Feingold at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Ron Feingold is known for his unique musical spin on comedy — “a blend of traditional stand-up and a cappella music where Ron sings ALL of his own back-ups, lead vocals and even vocal percussion,” the comedian’s bio says.

  • 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.

Read Next

This story was originally published January 5, 2023 at 4:56 PM.

Related Stories from Bradenton Herald
RB
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
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER