Looking for fun things to do? Top 5 events in Sarasota, Bradenton area this weekend
November has finally arrived, and we have a whole bunch of exciting events happening this month in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. This weekend, we're focusing on five big things happening in Sarasota and Bradenton including a medieval fair, food and music festivals, a block party, and a free car show.
In addition to our Top 5 events, the 42nd annual Florida International Air Show takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Punta Gorda Airport. For more information, visit floridaairshow.com. Also, the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees will hold their final water ski show of the fall season at 2 p.m. Sunday on City Island by Mote Marine. For more information on this free event, visit skiarees.com.
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1. Sarasota Medieval Fair returns to Myakka City
Sarasota Medieval Fair relocated in 2021 from the "Ringling Woods" behind Sarasota Fairgrounds to the "Woods of Mallaranny," which is 47 acres located off State Road 70, about 13 miles east of I-75, just past Lakewood Ranch and across from Dakin Dairy Farms in Myakka City. The fair returns to Mallaranny each weekend in November for its 19th annual festival, themed around the Battle of Agincourt that took place in 1415 between the English and French. More importantly, the fair will once again feature everybody's favorite things to do, from watching the jousting matches and those hilarious Washing Well Wenches to washing down a turkey leg with a cup of mead (or cold beer!) 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 4-26; Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 FL-70 E., Myakka City; $12.95-$23.95 single-day, $23.95-$41.95 two-day, $78-$133 season pass; sarasotamedievalfair.com
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2. The free Festival of the Skeletons at Village of the Arts in Bradenton
Located just south of downtown Bradenton, Village of the Arts hosts its most popular Artwalk weekend of the year with its free 19th annual Día de los Muertos celebration. There will be a full roster of live music and entertainment hosted by shops, galleries, and restaurants. Be sure to stop by popular dining destinations, or make a reservation, at Arte Caffe, Birdrock Taco Shack and sister restaurant Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, and Ortygia — while music enthusiasts will also want to make a stop at Jerk Dog Records. 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; Village of the Arts, 1227 12th St. W., Bradenton; free; villageofthearts.com
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3. St. Jude Catholic Church's free Hispanic Fall Festival
If you’re looking for some tasty food and lots of family fun, check out the 18th annual Hispanic Fall Festival. Held at the St. Jude Catholic Church in Sarasota, the event will feature authentic cuisine, music, dance and more, including children's activities. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; St. Jude Catholic Church, 3930 17th St., Sarasota; free admission and parking; 941-955-3934; stjudesarasota.org
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4. Fresh Fridays free event series continues in downtown Sarasota
Now in its third season, downtown Sarasota's popular Fresh Fridays monthly block party series continues with an "Art & Jazz on Palm" theme. The event features a Palm Avenue gallery walk, live music from a jazz ensemble, giveaways, and light bites and beverages from hospitality partners. 7-10 p.m. Friday; Palm Avenue, Sarasota; downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays
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5. Ferraris on the Circle
Dine, shop and then take a walk through St. Armands Circle Park and admire Ferraris at this event benefiting Flight to the North Pole, a charity that provides financial and emotional support to terminally ill children and their families in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota; free to attend, minimum donation of $50 requested to show car; 941-388-1554; starmandscircleassoc.com
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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 things to do this weekend in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice
