Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend in Sarasota-Manatee: Jan. 22-24
Have fun outdoors at these five events taking place today through Sunday in Sarasota, near Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton and Palmetto.
Wade Tatangelo
1. Embracing Our Differences
One of my favorite places for a nice walk in Sarasota, Bayfront Park, is even better when hosting the annual Embracing Our Differences outdoor art exhibit, which just opened and runs through April 1. Since 2004, it has used winning selections of student art and prose from around the world to promote diversity with 50 billboard-sized works of art, each accompanied by an inspirational quotation. After walking Bayfront Park and experiencing the free exhibit, another fun option is to then enjoy some eats, drinks and perhaps live music at nearby O’Leary’s or Marina Jack, two of our picks for best waterfront restaurants for outdoor dining in Sarasota. For more information about Embracing Our Differences, call 941-404-5710 or visit embracingourdifferences.org.
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2. Manatee County Fair
The Manatee County Fair, one of the area’s biggest attractions for more than a century, continues this weekend with another family-friendly lineup of fun activities including thrill rides, shows and everyone’s favorite decadent foods. Also, new fair manager and Manatee County native Danny Alphonso says modifications have been made in all areas to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. Today-Sunday; Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto; $6-$10 admission (see website for specials) plus $10 for parking; 941-722-1639; manateecountyfair.com
3. Beer & Burger Festival
One of our favorite drink and food pairings will be the main attraction at the second annual Sarasota Beer & Burger Festival scheduled to return this weekend to The Mall at University Town Center. Local grill masters from more than a dozen food trucks will be competing for the title of People’s Choice Best Burger with free craft beer samples on Saturday and a flip cup competition on Sunday. There also will be a carnival with fun for all ages starting today and live music Saturday and Sunday. Festival entry is $10 each day with pre-order tickets available online. Today-Sunday; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; $10; 727-674-1464; facebook.com/events/378643749944758
4. Bradenton Boat Show
Shop a vast selection of new boats, fishing gear,and more indoors and outdoors at this annual show near the Manatee River. In addition to checking out the selections from numerous boat dealers, attendees are encouraged to sit in on a session at the Captain Joe Fishing School. On Friday only, attendees can purchase two adult tickets for the price of one, courtesy of the Herald-Tribune. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto; $6; free for ages 12 and younger; bradentonboatshow.com
5. Motorworks Brewing Anniversary Party
Motorworks Brewing, home to award-winning beers and the region’s largest beer garden, will celebrate its seventh anniversary on Friday. Eric Von Band will perform from 7 to 11 p.m. with food trucks Stick-It, Rocco’s Italian, and Boss Ross BBQ. Plus, there will be seven new beer releases. The festivities continue with brunch bashes, including live music, Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. Friday-Sunday; Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th St. W., Bradenton; 941-567-6218; motorworksbrewing.com
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Wade Tatangelo is the Herald-Tribune’s entertainment editor. Email him at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com.