10 weekend events near Bradenton: Sarasota Blues Festival, art walk, drag racing

It’s the first weekend of March, and there’s plenty of local fun on tap to help you enjoy it.

Highlights this weekend include a blues festival in downtown Sarasota, a drag racing championship at Bradenton Motorsports Park and Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles spring training.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

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

Downtown Sarasota Blues Festival

Local and regional blues artists will perform all weekend at J.D. Hamel Park for the Downtown Sarasota Blues Festival.

Pair the tunes with food and drink from one of the many vendors that will be on site, including barbecue, meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes.

A marketplace will offer fine arts, crafts, food and other products for sale.

• 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota. Free admission.
• Info: paragonfestivals.com/festival/sarasota-blues-bbq-festival

Village of the Arts Art Walk

The creatives of the Village of the Arts in Bradenton will open their more than 25 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.

March’s Art Walk will celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the Village.

Also during Art Walk, Adobe Graffiti Lounge, 1302 13th Ave. W., and surrounding business will host the 13th and 13th Art Market from 6-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

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

Palmetto’s Heritage Festival

A free festival at Palmetto Historical Park this weekend will feature history tours and family fun.

The park’s 1880 Heritage Station Post Office will offer free stamp cancellations with a design created by a local student artist.

Guided tours of park buildings will take place at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Other attractions will include giveaways, contests, activities and crafts.

• Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Palmetto Historical Park, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto. Free.
• Info: palmettohistoricalpark.com

Circus Sarasota

The Circus Art Conservatory’s 25th annual spectacular will finish its run under the big top at Nathan Benderson Park this weekend.

The global sampling of top-notch circus performers 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 & Orioles spring training

It’s ball park season in Bradenton and Sarasota as Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles continue spring training this weekend.

Catch the Pirates at home at LECOM Park on Thursday to play the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

On Friday, they’ll head to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota to square off against the Balitmore Orioles.

Meanwhile, the Orioles will host the Atlanta Braves in Sarasota on Saturday.

• Details: The Pirates play in Bradenton at 1:05 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. The Orioles play in Sarasota at 6:05 p.m. Friday and 1:05 p.m. Saturday. $19-$45.
• Info: mlb.com/pirates

Drag races at Bradenton Motorsports Park

The Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod will bring top competitors to Bradenton Motorsports Park this weekend for three days of souped-up, high-speed races, and there’s big money on the line.

The main event is the doorslammer race, where 32 qualifying drivers will vie for a $100,000 cash prize.

“With a rundown of invited drivers like four-time PDRA Pro Nitrous world champion Jim Halsey, two-time NHRA Pro Mod Champion Stevie “Fast” Jackson, drag radial star Manny Buginga, “The People’s Champion” Scott Palmer, and more, fans will be treated to all the excitement and heart-pounding moments that come with these stars and cars,” an event preview says.

• Details: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Bradenton Motorsports Park, 21000 S.R. 64, Bradenton. $30 per day or $80 general admission for full event.
• Info: worldseriesofpromod.com

Cigar Box Guitar Workshop

Performing arts and shows

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. March 2-12. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $33.
• Info: manateeperformingartscenter.com

“Reel Music” at Florida Studio Theatre: “Featuring songs from black & white films and movie musicals to ‘Casablanca’ and ‘The Greatest Showman,’ ‘Reel Music’ highlights the movies that helped create the soundtrack to the last century.”

• Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Through June 25. Playing at Florida Studio Theatre’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $34.
  
  
• 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. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 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

Josh Sneed at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Josh Sneed has appeared on Comedy Central, including his own comedy special, ‘Last Comic Standing,’ and is one of the most played artists on Sirius/XM radio,” the comedian’s bio says.

• Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 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).

• 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