10 Bradenton events this weekend: Cortez Commercial Fishing Fest, Greek Glendi and more

Another February weekend is here, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.

It’s a big weekend for food and music festivals in Bradenton and Sarasota; choose from the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s Glendi and Thunder by the Bay at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Feb. 17-19.

Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival

Launched in 1981, the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrates the legacy of the waterside fishing community with live music, nautical arts and crafts, children’s activities, marine science exhibits, seafood and other tasty eats and drinks.

The festival benefits the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, a Cortez nonprofit that is working to save and restore one of the last undeveloped pieces of coastline in the area: the FISH Preserve.

The Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center will be open to explore during the festival.

Parking and golf cart transportation to the festival will be available for $5 at the FISH Preserve (one block east of Florida Maritime Museum off of Cortez Road).

Free offsite parking will be available at G.T. Bay Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, and at Coquina Beach, with MCAT transportation to take guests back and forth to the festival. Additional offsite parking with free shuttle transportation will be available at Crotez Road Baptist Church, 4411 100th St. W., Bradenton.

• Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Ages 12 and up: $5. Ages 11 and under: Free.
  
  
• Info: fishcortez.org/commercial-fishing-festival

St. Barbara Greek Festival

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church’s 39th annual “Glendi” will celebrate Greek culture with a delectable selection of traditional Mediterranean food, drink and dessert.

The event is also known for its shopping vendors, live Greek music and traditional dances.

A lucky raffle winner will get to choose between a new car or $35,000 cash, and other prizes are also up for grabs.

The event benefits a different local charity each year.

• Details: 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. $5 for entry to all three days.
• Info: stbarbarafestival.org

Thunder by the Bay

This annual bash at the Sarasota Fairgrounds celebrates motorcycles and rock ‘n’ roll in the name of charity.

The event features a full three-day lineup of live music; ’70s rockers 38 Special will headline Saturday and country-rap fusioneer Colt Ford will headline Sunday.

The festival grounds will have over 100 vendors, a 17-class bike show, freestyle motorbike acts, a food court and a tented full bar, organizers say. Other entertainments will include a vintage motorcycle “stereo sound-off” contest, shows by Universal Championship Wrestling and a motorcycle slow race competition. Inside Robarts Arena, also on the festival grounds, visitors will find “Thunder Alley,” a display of custom motorcycles, cars and trucks.

The final day of the festival includes a charity motorcycle ride that ends at the fairgrounds. The festival benefits Suncoast Charities for Children, which distributes funds to area nonprofits.

• Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $5 on Feb. 18 and 20; $10 on Feb. 19. Ages 12 and under: free.
• Info: thunderbythebay.org

Circus Sarasota

The Circus Art Conservatory’s 25th annual spectacular has arrived under the big top at Nathan Benderson Park, and it’s a global sampling of top-notch circus performers.

The three-week-long showcase includes acrobatics, balancing acts, juggling clowning and comedy, trained dogs, horse riding and more.

This year’s headliners are Maryna Tkachenko and Anastasiia Kornieieva, a Ukranian duo straps act that performs breathtaking moves in midair.

“The circus unites everyone under the Big Top – it’s a potpourri of cultures and life experiences,” Circus Arts Conservatory CEO Pedro Reis said in a show preview. “We are proud to support fantastic artists like Maryna and Anastasiia who are determined to carry on – to inspire and entertain people with their art – despite what is happening back home.”

• Details: Feb. 10-March 5. Ulla Searing Big Top on Nathan Benderson Park’s Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. $20-$75.
  
  
• Info: circusarts.org

Performing arts and shows

Joe DeVito at Manatee Performing Arts Center: “Whether taking on relationships, his Italian-American family, or current events, Joe DeVito’s dead-on timing, unexpected twists, and sheer flights of lunacy make him a favorite at clubs and colleges across the USA, and at the top venues in New York City,” a show preview says. Local comedian Rahn Hortman will open the show.

• Details: 7 p.m. Friday. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $61.50.
• Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com

“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, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 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 “Mark Twain, They Asked Me To Be Brief”: “’They Asked Me To Be Brief’ is the savagely abridged, hour-long autobiography of Mark Twain as interpreted and performed by long-time impersonator Alan Kitty,” a show preview says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Saturday. Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $25.
• Info: 941-365-2494. theplayers.org

“Birds of North America” at Urbanite Theatre: “As birders, John and his daughter Caitlyn adore spending tender autumn days attempting to catch glimpses of elusive birds. But as seasons, the climate, and global politics change, the two find their connection as rare as a red-headed woodpecker. In a lyrical and endearing family portrait, ‘Birds of North America’ unfolds in delicate, detailed layers like the scattered leaves of each passing year,” a show preview says.

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Extended through Feb. 19. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street, Sarasota. Ages 40 and up: $39. Under 40: $25. Students: $5.
• Info: urbanitetheatre.com

Orny Adams at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Orny has had one-hour stand up specials on Netflix, Comedy Central and his third special “More Than Loud” is airing now on Showtime,” the comedian’s bio says.

• Details: 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $31.
  
  
• 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).

▪ “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (PG-13): 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.

▪ “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (PG-13): 9:35 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