10 weekend events near Bradenton: Spring training, art & music fests, Circus Sarasota

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

Highlights this weekend include the opening of spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, an international circus arts showcase at Nathan Benderson Park and a reggae block party in downtown Sarasota.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Feb. 24-26.

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

Pirates spring training opener

Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates will open their spring training season this Saturday with a home game at LECOM Park versus the Toronto Blue Jays. It’s the first of 16 home games this season.

The team’s upcoming slate also includes home matches with the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday and the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles, who winter in Sarasota, will go up against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday and the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.

• Details: The Pirates play in Bradenton at 1:05 p.m. on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. $19-$45.
• Info: mlb.com/pirates

Live blues and brunch

Good food and good tunes are in store on Sunday at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille on the Bradenton Riverwalk.

The Bradenton Blues Brunch will feature a live performance from a blues act and a chef-crafted menu of brunch delights.

This month’s talent is local blues group Kat Crosby & the Rhythm Gators, playing “jazzy, funky blues with a little Texas edge.”

The event is a partnership between the restaurant, Realize Bradenton and the Bradenton Blues Fest.

• Details: Music from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday; brunch offered from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, Downtown Bradenton, 101 Riverfront Blvd. # 120, Bradenton. Reservations recommended.
• Info: 941-896-9660. mattisons.com

Reggae block party

The Gator Club and local reggae band Jah Movement will host the 7th annual Osfest this Saturday in downtown Sarasota.

The reggae block party, featuring live entertainment and family fun, is held each year in remembrance of Oswald “Ham” Caines, a local reggae musician who died in a car crash in 2017.

Visitors can enjoy all-day live reggae and Soca music, live DJs, food, drinks, kids activities and raffles. A portion of tickets sales will benefit Queens of Domestic Violence Awareness.

• Details: 4 p.m.-midnight Saturday. Main Street and Lemon Avenue, downtown Sarasota. Ages 9 and under: free. Ages 10 and up: $40.
• Info: jahmovement.com/osfestreggaeblockparty

Sarasota Festival of the Arts

Over 70 artisans will show and sell their work this weekend at the Sarasota Festival of the Arts show at J.D. Hamel Park in downtown Sarasota.

Categories include painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media and woodworking.

“Explore a diversity of styles, techniques and materials guided by the unique and compelling visions of each artisan,” and event preview says. “Discuss with the artists how they create and become inspired.”

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota. Free admission.
  
  
• Info: paragonartevents.com

AirPower History Tour

Aviation fans will have a rare chance to see vintage World War II era planes in flight this weekend at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The AirPower History Tour, sponsored by aircraft preservation group Commemorative Air Force, will feature a Boeing B-29 Superfortress dubbed Fifi and a Consolidated B-24 Liberator named Diamond Lil, among other classic airplanes.

Guests can see the planes up close and enjoy cockpit tours. Plane rides area available starting at $325.

The B-24 will fly at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 6000 Airport Circle, Sarasota. Ages 18 and up: $20; ages 11-17: $10; ages 10 and under: free.
  
  
• Info: airpowersquadron.org/sarasota-florida

Performing arts and shows

“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. Sunday. Through Feb. 26. Playing at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $25-$39.
  
  
• Info: floridastudiotheatre.org

West Coast Black Theatre Troupe presents “Dreamgirls”: An inspirational journey through American pop music, ‘Dreamgirls’ chronicles one fictional Motown group’s rise from obscurity to superstardom. The musical explores themes of ambition, hope and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the music industry.”

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Feb. 22-April 9. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Adults: $50. Students and active military: $20-$48.
• Info: 941-366-1505. westcoastblacktheatre.org

Robert Kelly at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “His one hour special ‘Robert Kelly: Live at the Village Underground’ debuted on Comedy Central and is now available on Netflix,” the comedian’s bio says. “Robert currently hosts the top rated podcast ‘You Know What Dude?’ that can be found on iTunes.”

• Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $29.
  
  
• 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

This story was originally published February 23, 2023 at 4:21 PM.