Yahoo Movies Downtown market returns, hurricane relief show: 7 things to do around Bradenton this weekend
As Bradenton cleans up after Hurricane Ian, local events and happenings are beginning to return.
Saturday marks the arrival of the Bradenton Public Market, Oktoberfest celebrations are at hand, and a relief concert will raise money for hurricane victims.
Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to fun times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, Oct. 7-9.
Bradenton Public Market returns
Delayed by a week due to Hurricane Ian, the Bradenton Public Market will open its 2022-2023 season on Old Main Street this Saturday.
The 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.
Cortez Nautical Flea Market
Ahoy there, treasure seekers: A Cortez tradition returns this weekend, and there will be a hoard of nautical goods up for grabs.
“Do you love feeling the salty breeze in your hair and the sun on your face? Are you looking for deals on fishing poles, cast nets and life preservers? Have a hankering for coastal art and beachy crafts? Then make plans to attend the Cortez Nautical Flea Market!,” organizers say.
Nautical arts and crafts will be on display and for sale. And, the market offers a chance for collectors to trade nautical paraphernalia.
The event is co-hosted by the Florida Maritime Museum and the neighboring Cortez Cultural Center. Parking will be available adjacent to both buildings at the F.I.S.H. Preserve.
A food truck will be on site, and the even also includes family-friendly activities and freebies from local community organizations.
Details: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Free.
Village of the Arts Art Walk
The creatives of the Village of the Arts in Bradenton will open their businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, live music.
Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, furniture, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer most any taste.
Also during Art Walk, Adobe Graffiti Lounge, 1302 13th Ave. W., and surrounding business will host the 13th and 13th Art Market from 6-10 p.m. Friday and 4-10 p.m. Saturday.
The theme for this month’s Art Walk is “Oktoberfest.”
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton.
Info: villageofthearts.com
Hurricane Ian relief concert
The Sarasota Orchestra and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are teaming up to host a relief concert for victims of Hurricane Ian this Friday.
The roughly hour long orchestra concert will be held at the Van Wezel and feature “a broad range of inspiring music” — including Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” John Williams’ “Summon the Heroes” and the theme from “The Incredibles.”
“Crafted by Conductor Christopher Confessore, a Sarasota native and Principal Pops conductor of the Alabama Symphony, the concert serves as a salute to the extraordinary first responders who embody hope and service during periods of adversity,” a concert preview says.
“Coming together to renew our spirits and support our neighbors is exactly what we need to do right now,” Van Wezel executive director Mary Bensel said in a news release. “We call upon our wonderful Sarasota Orchestra to again play that convening role in our community.”
Ticket proceeds will benefit the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and The Patterson Foundation is providing a dollar-for-dollar match up to $750,000.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $10-$25.
Info: 941-263-6799. vanwezel.org/HurricaneRelief
Oktoberfest at Edelweiss
The Edelweiss Restaurant in Old Manatee will host its 10th annual Oktoberfest this weekend, a multi-day celebration that includes live stage music, German dancers, a beer tent, vendors, contests, giveaways, and traditional German food and beer.
Details: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 12-8 p.m. Saturday, 12-7 p.m. Sunday. Free admission.
941-748-3838. facebook.com/edelweiss941
Cemetery tours at Manatee Village Historical Park
Whether you’re looking to get in the Halloween spirit or just learn some local history, guided cemetery tours at Manatee Village Historical Park make for a free and fun outing in October.
“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: 10-11 a.m. Saturday. Manatee Village Historical Park. 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free.
Info: 941-749-7165. manateevillage.org/events
Get outdoors
With temperatures and humidity dipping (at least slightly) around Southwest Florida, it’s a good time of year to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.
Kayaking, fishing, hiking and bicycling are all on the table.
Still need some ideas for your Florida fall adventure? We recommend Robinson Preserve, Emmerson Point Preserve, DeSoto National Memorial and Celery Fields.
Note that some local parks remain closed for cleanup after Hurricane Ian.
5 ways to enjoy nature around Bradenton on any day of the week
Do you know of a local event that’s coming up, or have a suggestion for our things to do list? Send an email with details to rballogg@bradenton.com.
