Looking for things to do? Top 5 fun events in Sarasota and Bradenton this weekend

Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·3 min read

It should be another gorgeous weekend in sunny Sarasota and Manatee counties, with our lineup of fun March events including several free outdoor events. These include activities taking place in downtown Sarasota, on nearby City Island, and to the north in Palmetto.

For indoor fun, we have a new interactive exhibit at Mote Marine and it's the final weekend for Circus Sarasota's latest production.

In addition to the five events highlighted below, you can visit the free Embracing Our Differences exhibit on Bayfront Park's Island Park, near the new shipwreck-themed playground and splash pad as well O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill and Marina Jack.

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1. Le Marche Bohemien in downtown Sarasota

Le Marche Bohemien returns to downtown Sarasota on Saturday.
Le Marche Bohemien returns to downtown Sarasota on Saturday.

On Saturday, before or after visiting downtown Sarasota's fabulous French restaurants C'est La Vie or Mademoiselle Paris, be sure to check out Le Marche Bohemien. The Parisian-inspired outdoor marketplace will feature paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, photography and wearable art. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota; free admission; destinationdowntownsarasota.com

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2. Palmetto's Heritage Festival

Palmetto's Heritage Festival returns on Saturday.
Palmetto's Heritage Festival returns on Saturday.

This free event at Palmetto Historical Park & Manatee County Agricultural Museum will feature an open house and activities for the whole family as well as The Original Florida Highwaymen Art Show & Sale. Also, Word of Mouth BBQ and Frosted Pink Artisan Cookies will be on site with food available for purchase. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto; free; 941-721-2034; manateecountyagmuseum.com

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3. Mote Marine in Sarasota debuts interactive exhibit Mystery Reef

Mote Marine's new Mystery Reef exhibit sends kids on a scavenger hunt to gather clues about what is hurting coral reefs. Guests can whack invasive species like the lionfish, left, enter a giant inflatable coral, center, and learn how to revive overheated corals, right.
Mote Marine's new Mystery Reef exhibit sends kids on a scavenger hunt to gather clues about what is hurting coral reefs. Guests can whack invasive species like the lionfish, left, enter a giant inflatable coral, center, and learn how to revive overheated corals, right.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, located on Sarasota's City Island, recently unveiled a new exhibit titled Mystery Reef that explores the threats facing Florida’s coral reefs through activities such as a scavenger hunt, puzzle blocks, and an air maze. While educating guests on the health of Florida’s coral communities, Mystery Reef also allows guests to become "coral detectives" for a day. "Mystery Reef" is included in regular admission. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; $29 for adults 13 and older, $21 for ages 3-12; 941-388-4441; mote.org

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4. Final weekend for Circus Sarasota at Nathan Benderson Park

The Bello sisters, an acrobatic hand-balancing act, made their Circus Sarasota debut after appearing on “America’s Got Talent.”
The Bello sisters, an acrobatic hand-balancing act, made their Circus Sarasota debut after appearing on “America’s Got Talent.”

Those seeking high-flying thrills will want to check out the latest production of the long-running Circus Sarasota. The lengthy lineup features Joseph Bauer Jr. (ringmaster); The Bello Sisters (acrobatic hand-balancing, who competed on “America’s Got Talent”); Caleb Carinci (horseback riding); Duo Minasov (quick change artistry); Elan España (diabolo juggling); Noe España & Marcos Ponce Lopez (double wheel of destiny). Today through Monday; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; $30-$80; 941-355-9805; circusarts.org

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5. Ski-A-Rees at Sarasota's City Island

Ski-A-Rees perform the ballet line (left to right) Cat Robbins, Sandy Robbins, Shannon Hall, Natalie Brannon, Helena Wood-Barron, Kenzie Pitock, Patty Foley, Steph Ouellette, Ella Walker, Lauren St Onge, Debbie Brannon, Peyton Robbins, Abby Duplissey, and Lauren-Taylor Nock. The Robbins family now has three generations performing in the show taking place 2 p.m. Sundays on Sarasota's City Island behind Mote Marine.

The popular Sarasota water skiing team formed in the 1950s continues its winter/spring season with performances featuring free bleacher seating (donations encouraged) at 2 p.m. Sundays on City Island behind Mote Marine. While the Ski-A-Rees do offers snacks via a delightfully old-school concession stand, those looking for nearby dining should stop by Old Salty Dog or New Pass Grill, two of my favorite waterfront restaurants in Sarasota. For more information, visit Facebook.com/Ski.A.Rees.

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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 in Sarasota, Bradenton Venice this weekend