Fun, free and indoors: Top 5 things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay recently visited one of our favorite local restaurants. So, don't let the summer heat stop you from enjoying all the great events happening this weekend in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
In addition to the five events spotlighted below — which include fun, free and indoor options — keep in mind that the Summer Circus Spectacular continues. The annual collaboration between the Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling, continues to bring family-friendly entertainment to the lavish, intimate and nicely air-conditioned Historic Asolo Theater on the museum grounds at 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. For more information, visit ringling.org.
Meanwhile, Laser Lights Nights continues at the equally cool Planetarium at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton at 201 10th St. W., near the west entrance to Riverwalk. For more information on these planetarium laser light shows set to music by star rock and pop acts, visit bishopscience.org/laser-light-nights.
Best restaurants in downtown Sarasota from fancy to casual
Who lives here? Most famous celebrities with homes in Sarasota and Bradenton area
Best waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating in Sarasota and what to eat, drink there!
Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday
1. Cornhole & Cocktails Festival at Manatee County Fairgrounds
Everybody's favorite lawn game will be the main attraction at this festival featuring an indoor cornhole tournament, music, food, drinks and raffles. There will be restaurants with samples of their food and cocktails, along with breweries, wineries and distilleries with samples of their beverages at this fourth annual fundraising event for Manatee Sunrise Kiwanis. 3-7 p.m. Saturday; Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto; $40 (21-and-up only); eventbrite.com
Bucket list: Sarasota's 100 best restaurants, fun things to do and places to visit
Best restaurants for burgers in Sarasota and Bradenton, from gourmet delights to tasty deals
2. Celtic Summer Jam at Freckled Fin on Anna Maria Island
Freckled Fin, one of the best Irish pubs in Sarasota-Manatee and a favorite restaurant of mine on Anna Maria Island, is hosting the third annual Celtic Summer Jam. Enjoy authentic Irish whiskey, beer and food while listening to The Muckers from Atlanta, Mac Tier from St Petersburg, and Sarasota's own Clover's Revenge, which play a crowd-pleasing blend of acoustic pub music and Celtic punk rock. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday; Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-251-3930; freckledfin.com
Best restaurants on Anna Maria Island from waterfront favorites to hidden gems
3. Village of the Arts ArtWalk in Bradenton
Village of the Arts, located just south of downtown Bradenton, hosts its monthly Artwalk, where organizers inform us they will be exploring "the enchanting world of mermaids and their fishy friends." In addition to visiting the galleries and looking for mermaids, consider stopping by Birdrock Taco Shack on Friday at 7 p.m. for a performance by national blues star (and former Anna Maria Island resident) Damon Fowler ($20 advance, $25 day of). You can also visit nearby sister business Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen for fabulous fried chicken and a 6:30 p.m. show by The Divebombers, featuring guitarist and New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee George Worthmore (no cover charge). The Artwalk is 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit villageofthearts.org.
Better than Chick-fil-A? 12 best restaurants for fried chicken in Sarasota and Bradenton
4. Summer Movie Nights at CoolToday Park in North Port
CoolToday Park, the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, continues its popular Summer Movie Nights series on Sunday with a screening of the 2022 Marvel superhero film "Thor: Love and Thunder" starring Chris Hemsworth and Christian Bale. The Movie Nights take place inside the stadium with the films shown on the scoreboard. Parking is free, and seats are available in the seating bowl. Please note that outside food, beverages, and chairs are not allowed inside the stadium. However, you can enjoy refreshments at the Superior Pools Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill, which is open during the event. 5 p.m. Sunday; CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, North Port; $7 adults, $3 (ages 4-9); 941-413-5004; cooltodaypark.com/movies
Best waterfront restaurants in Venice, North Port, Osprey, Nokomis area for awesome views
5. Music on Main at Lakewood Ranch
The first Friday of the month means you can enjoy the free Lakewood Ranch block party Music on Main, where you’ll find the street lined with food vendors and beer trucks, as well as rides and activities for children. Entertainment includes local band favorite Big Night Out playing high-energy Latin, R&B, and island dance music. 6-9 p.m. Friday; Main Street, Lakewood Ranch; lakewoodranch.com
Best restaurants for pizza in Sarasota, Bradenton — from authentic Italian to fun toppings
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best fun, free things to do in Sarasota, Bradenton this weekend
