Things to do near Bradenton this weekend: Mixon’s final show, Music on Main and more
Another summer weekend in Manatee County approaches, and there is plenty of things to do in the Bradenton and Sarasota area that you may not want to miss.
Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch kicks things off this Friday with a free concert, and other highlights include Mixon Fruit Farms’ final concert and a Metallica-inspired laser light show.
There are free summer activities for kids, outdoor activities, art and theater events, workshops and live music events for everyone to enjoy.
Still, need plans this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend July 8-7.
Music on Main LWR
Every first Friday of the month, a free concert takes place on Lakewood Ranch’s main street. There will be food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, rides and kid-friendly activities.
- Details 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Friday. 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch.
- Info 941-907-9243, https://lakewoodranch.com/music-on-main/
Mixon’s final concert ever
Mixon Fruit Farms will close for good on July 29, but before they do join them for some family fun and a live show with YouTube sensation Jack Hartmann.
Hartmann is known for his fun, educational kid-friendly music. There will be a play place area with a large bounce house, a bounce obstacle course and inflatable slide.
The one-hour concert, entrance to the play zone, and a meet and greet with Jack Hartman are all included in the ticket price. Children under the age of two are admitted free.
- Details 10 a.m-2 p.m. Saturday. 2525 27th Street East Bradenton. Tickets $25.
- Info 941-748-5829
Laser Lights Nights
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s popular Laser Light Nights series in the planetarium combines animated projections with a playlist-like line-up of music superstars and their songs, including David Bowie, Elton John, Pink Floyd, The Beatles and Beyoncé.
Metallica, an American heavy metal band known for songs such as “Nothing Else Matters” and “Enter Sandman,” will be performed on Saturday night.
- Details: Showings on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays May 26-Sept. 2. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. $15 per person.
- Info: bishopscience.org/laser-light-nights
Row like a pro
Learn to row at Nathan Benderson Park from USRowing-certified rowing instructors who focus on rowing fundamentals. As well as rowing terms, safety practices and boat-handling skills. Participants will get a certificate of completion and the ability to row a single scull safely at the end of this two-day, eight-hour training. Register at https://bit.ly/3CAF63f
- Details 9 a.m.-noon. Saturday and Sunday. 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota.
- Info: 941-358-7275 info@nathanbendersonpark.org
Performing arts and shows
“The Surfer Boys” at Florida Studio Theater: Four Broadway veterans will perform the sweet harmony of one of America’s most iconic pop groups, the Beach Boys. Cruise down memory lane as the group sings Classic songs like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann,” “Surfin’ USA,” and many more.
- Details: Saturday. Florida Studio Theater’s, Goldstein Cabaret Theater, 1239 N Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets $18-$39
- Info: www.floridastudiotheatre.org
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.-August. 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 bread, 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.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
- Info: newtownfarmersmarketsrq.org
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.
This story was originally published July 6, 2023 at 10:13 AM.
