10 events near Bradenton this weekend: Cigar box music fest, block party and more

February has arrived, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap this weekend to help start the month right.

Highlights this week include the annual Cigar Box Guitar Festival in the Village of the Arts and a live music block party in downtown Lakewood Ranch.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Feb. 3-5.

Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

Bradenton Cigar Box Guitar Festival

The cigar box guitar, a homespun folk instrument with origins in the mid-19th century, has developed a a dedicated following of instrument makers and blues music players.

The Village of the Arts will celebrate the instrument this weekend with the third annual Bradenton Cigar Box Guitar Festival (the first one happened in 2018). The shows will happen at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen and Bird Rock Taco Shack in Village of the Arts.

• Details: Friday and Saturday. Village of the Arts and the Downtown Bradenton Public Market. Free and ticketed performances.
• Info: facebook.com/BradentonCBGFest.

Music lineup:

Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton:

• Stumpy Joe and Steve Arvey: 7 p.m. Friday
• Travis Bowlin: Noon Saturday
• Mark LaClaire: 1:30 p.m. Saturday
• Lightning “Sit Down”: 3 p.m. Saturday
• Stumpy Joe and Steve Arvey: 4:30 p.m. Friday

Bird Rock Taco Shack, 1213 13th Ave. W., Bradenton:

• Hymn for Her: 7 p.m. Friday
• Brett Gardner: 1 p.m. Saturday

• Meg Willams & Travis Bowlin: 2:15 p.m. Saturday

• Ben Prestage: 3:45 p.m. Saturday

• Cigar Box Serenaders: 6 p.m. Saturday

• Memphis Lightning Band: 7:45 p.m. Saturday

• All-Stars CBG Band: 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Art Walk in Village of the Arts

Coinciding with the Cigar Box Guitar Festival is the Village of the Arts’ monthly Art Walk.

The creatives of the village will open their businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, live music.

Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, furniture, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer most any taste.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, the theme for February’s event is the “Sweetheart’s Art Walk.”

• Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton
• Info: villageofthearts.com

Myakka River Rendezvous

Crowley Museum & Nature Center invites visitors to experience “living history” in Old Myakka this weekend.

“Pre-1840s history comes to life with live re-enactments, historical encampments, folk music and demonstrations,” an event preview says.

Old-timey skills on display at the Myakka River Rendezvous will include blacksmithing, knife and hawk demos and archery.

Vendors will be on site selling unique wares.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Crowley Museum & Nature Center, 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota. Ages 18 and up: $10; ages 3-17: $5.
• Info: facebook.com/Crowleyfl

Performing arts and shows

“Go Ask Alice” at Manatee Performing Arts Center: “Powerful and tragic, this adapted play follows Alice, a teenage girl, as she fights desperately against her drug addiction. Although the novel of the same name it was based on was published in 1971, this story remains poignant and relevant even today.”

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Jan. 19-29. $27.
• Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com

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

“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

The Players Centre presents “Always… Patsy Cline”: “’Always...Patsy Cline’ is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in 1961, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. The musical play, complete with down home country humor, true emotion and even some audience participation, includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits,” a show preview says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Adults: $30; Students: $13.
• Info: 941-365-2494. theplayers.org

J.B. Ball at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “J.B. Ball has found success as a stand-up comedian, TV writer, sketch writer, performer, director and producer,” 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.

• Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct.-May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
• Info: realizebradenton.com/public-market

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. Sundays October through April. 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 recommended).

▪ “80 for Brady” (PG-13): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “Top Gun: Maverick” (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