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10 events near Bradenton this weekend: Seafood fest, beer and food truck rally, antique show

The Downtown Bradenton Public Market (formerly the Bradenton Farmers Market) returns to Old Main Street October through May with a bounty of food, arts, shopping and fun to enjoy.
The Downtown Bradenton Public Market (formerly the Bradenton Farmers Market) returns to Old Main Street October through May with a bounty of food, arts, shopping and fun to enjoy. Bradenton Herald file photo

Another crisp January is weekend is here, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy the new year.

Friday will start off chilly with highs in the mid-60s, but by Sunday the sunshine and 80-degree afternoons should return.

Highlights this week include the Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival, a food truck rally and an antiques showcase.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Jan. 27-29.

Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival

Enjoy fresh local seafood, drinks, shopping and lots of live music at the three-day Siesta Key Seafood and Music Festival.

Beyond seafood, other dining options at the festival include meat and vegetarian dishes, sides, desserts and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The event features a full musical lineup each day with local acts playing rock, blues, country, dance, hits and more.

  • Details: 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr. Sarasota. Free.

  • Info: seafoodfestivals.com

Starry night astronomy at Robinson Preserve

“Join us for an astronomical extravaganza in the Robinson Preserve Expansion,” an event preview says.

“Dozens of local astronomers will be set up in the Robinson Preserve Expansion, with telescopes at the ready. Be sure to bring a sense of wonder and exploration and view the skies through high-powered telescopes. Learn how to identify these heavenly bodies, and how you can stargaze at home too.”

The event is lead by local astronomy group Suncoast Stargazers.

Food truck rally

Big Top Brewers Collective in Lakewood Ranch will host a food truck rally this Saturday with eight vendors offering barbecue, seafood, burgers, poutine, sweets and more. Pair your food pick with one of Big Top’s more than 20 beers.

Antique Show

An antique show hosted by Allman Promotions will showcase 50 regional and national exhibitors at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium this weekend.

Seller specialties will include a wide variety of European, Asian and American antiques, art, jewelry, lighting and instruments.

Repticon: Reptile expo

This reptile and exotic animal expo at Robarts Arena in the Sarasota Fairgrounds will showcase a whole menagerie of creatures.

Vendors offering lizards, geckos, snakes, frogs and other amphibians, butterflies, arachnids and more will be there. In addition to shopping pets and pet supplies, visitors can learn more about the world of herpetology.

Performing arts and shows

Next to Normal at Manatee Performing Arts Center: “An unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness,” a show preview says. “’Next to Normal’ is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life.”

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.

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Jan. 4-Feb. 12. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $50. Students and active military: $20.
  • Info: 941-366-1505. westcoastblacktheatre.org

The Island Players present “The Odd Couple (The Female Version)“: “Audiences first met mismatched roommates Felix and Oscar in 1965. Twenty years later, this revised version made its Broadway debut with Florence Unger and Olive Madison playing Trivial Pursuit (instead of poker) and pursuing the Spanish-born Costazuela Brothers,” a show preview says.

  • Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Jan. 12-29. $25 at box office; $27 online.
  • Info: theislandplayers.org

“What the Constitution Means to Me” at Florida Studio Theatre: “When Heidi Schreck was 15 years old, she put herself through college by winning debates about The Constitution across the country. In this inspiring new play, the playwright resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the document’s profound impact on four generations of women in her family.” (Florida premiere.)

  • Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Through Feb. 26. Playing at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota,. Starting at $25-$39.

  • Info: floridastudiotheatre.org

Jim McCue at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Jim McCue went viral with his Dry Bar Comedy special “Nothing Personal” which has had over 4 million viewers,’” 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.

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See a movie

Whether you’re interested in Hollywood blockbusters, independent film or an old-time 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).

▪ “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (PG): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “Ticket to Paradise” (PG-13): 9:15 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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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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