Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: April 19-21, 2013

No matter what your taste, there's plenty of fun to sample this weekend. Sarasota's first whiskey festival will kick off Friday night with over 100 spirits available for sampling at Michael's on East. Take some Advil and rise the next morning for De Soto National Memorial's re-enactment of Hernando De Soto's historical landing. The Marauders are hosting games on all 3 weekend nights, and the annual De Soto Heritage Festival Musical and Fashion Show will be held at the South Florida Museum on Saturday afternoon. Ready your palate, see history in action, binge on baseball or check out a fashion show with attitude: it's time for a Weekend Adventure!

Michael's on East will be offering whiskey lovers a sampling of heaven on Friday as they host the Whiskey Obsession Spirits Festival. Over 100 Scotch, Irish and American

spirits will be on hand from early evening to 11 p.m. A VIP entrance ($125) will open at 6:30 p.m., and general admission ($75) will open at 7:30 p.m. Wine and buffet only tickets will also be sold at $35. Guests are encouraged to sample these fine spirits responsibly. For more information, go to whiskeyobsessionfestival.com.

Sarasota's Premium Whiskey Obsession Spirits Festival

Friday, April 19

6:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Michael's on East

1212 East Avenue

Sarasota

Hernando DeSoto and his crew will make their historical landing on Saturday, April 20. Come watch this re-enactment of history at DeSoto National Memorial, then stay as demonstrations are given and history is divulged on what DeSoto's coming meant for Florida and its indigenous. The event will take place twice on Saturday, the first at 10 a.m., then at 1 p.m.

De Soto Landing

Saturday, April 20

10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

De Soto National Memorial Park

8300 De Soto Memorial Highway

Bradenton

The Bradenton Marauders will host the Palm Beach Cardinals on Friday and Saturday, then take on the Jupiter Hammerheads on Sunday, at 6:30

Photo: Second Shot Photo

for all games. Friday is 70's Night at McKechnie, so dress accordingly and watch Disco Inferno burn up the stage after the game. Drink specials and 500 free hot dogs will also be available between 5:30 and 6:30. On Sunday, Wendy's will be sponsoring Family Fun Sunday during the April 21 game, with tickets at $1 and regular-size hot dogs costing $1. Tickets must be purchased at the McKechnie Field ticket office to get the $1 pricing. Tickets to these games and a complete Marauders schedule can be viewed here.

Marauders vs. Palm Beach Cardinals (Friday, Saurday) and vs. Jupiter Hammerheads (Sunday)

Friday, April 19 - Sunday, April 21

6:30 p.m.

McKechnie Field

1611 9th Street West

Bradenton

Get ready for a different kind of fashion show. On Saturday, the South Florida Museum presents the De Soto Society Annual Fashion Show, this year with a dancing twist, as the 2013 Queen's Court perform dance routines. Renowned dance instructor Ellen Meade will oversee the production. Bring the family for an afternoon (or evening) of fun!

De Soto Society Annual Fashion Show

Saturday, April 20

2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

South Florida Museum

201 10th Street West

Bradenton