10 weekend events near Bradenton: Manatee Pride, Irish fest, spring plant and art shows

Another sunny March weekend is here, and there’s plenty of local events as we reach the height of tourist and snowbird season.

Highlights this weekend include a Pride festival on the Bradenton Riverwalk, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Lakewood Ranch and a spring plant sale.

Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, March 10-12.

Manatee Pride Festival

The eighth annual Manatee Pride Festival will return to the Bradenton Riverwalk this Saturday for a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

Organizers say the event will include live entertainment, bands and music, vendors, food, beer and refreshments as well as health checks.

A full slate of live performances in planned, including Motown singer and former member of The Marvelettes Brenda Watty, LGBTQ+ choir Diversity: Voices of Sarasota, drag performer Momma Ashley Rose, singer-songwriters and rock bands.

The festival benefits Also Youth, a nonprofit that operates youth centers serving LGBTQ youth in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

• Details: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday. Rossi Park at Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
  
  
• Info: alsoyouth.org/manatee-pride-2023

Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities will host an early St. Patrick’s Day celebration this Saturday with all-day family fun.

The event will include traditional Celtic food, beer and cider, art vendors, a relay race and live entertainment; face painting and park activities will be available for kids.

Another highlight of the event is the Lucky Dog Parade, with prizes for the “Most Irish” and cutest pups, plus a dog/owner look-alike category.

• Details: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure PIace, Lakewood Ranch. Parking: $5. Free admission.
• Info: lakewoodranch.com/event/lakewood-ranch-irish-celtic-festival

Spring Plants and More Sale

Spring is almost here, and a local event this weekend will help you get that green thumb back in action. At Palma Sola Botanical Park’s plant sales, growers offer a wide array of plants including orchids, bromeliads, plumerias and tropical species.

Local vendors will also be on site selling homemade goods and crafts. Live music and food vendors are another reason to stop by.

The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit botanical gardens.

• Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton. Free admission.
• Info: 941-761-2866. palmasolabp.org

Friendly City Flea celebrates four years

Bradenton’s favorite market for makers, musicians and creatives will celebrate its fourth birthday this Sunday at Oscura.

Friendly City Flea will welcome over 70 vendors selling crafts, paper goods, home goods, pantry items, food, clothing, jewelry and more.

Oscura will offer a brunch menu and drink specials, and a live jazz band will provide a sonic backdrop.

• Details: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton.
• Info: facebook.com/friendlycityflea

Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival

An outdoor gallery of original work by an assortment of national artisans will be on display this weekend on downtown Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street in for the Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival.

Painting, sculpting, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking and more will be available to peruse and purchase.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Free admission.
  
  
• Info: paragonartevents.com

Sarasota Fine Art Show

A fine art show at Phillipi Estate Park in Sarasota will showcase the work of nearly 100 artists along with live music and food. There will also be a youth art competition, and visitors can also enjoy the grounds of the park.

“The picturesque waterfront setting includes an expansive lawn, shaded walking trails, a gazebo, a children’s playground, nice restrooms and convenient parking for all,” an event preview says.

• Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Free admission.
• Info: artsandeducationinc.org/events-hot-works

Cemetery tours at Manatee Village Historical Park

Guided historical cemetery tours are back this weekend at at Manatee Village Historical Park.

“Take a trip through the 1850 Manatee Burying Ground and explore different facets of Manatee County’s history on a free, hour-long, staff-led, guided tour of our area’s oldest public cemetery,” an event preview says.

Guests should check in at the Wiggins Store inside Manatee Village Historical Park. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come basis.

• Details: Tours begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. Manatee Village Historical Park. 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free.
• Info: 941-749-7165. manateevillage.org/events

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 and 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

Darryl Lenox at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: “Darryl has been seen on Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s ‘Jamie Foxx’s Laffa Polooza,’ and Comedy Central’s ‘Live at Gotham’,” 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).

▪ Jurassic Park III (PG-13): 8:30 p.m.

▪ Jaws (PG): 9:35 p.m.

• 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 March 9, 2023 at 9:02 AM.