Weekend Adventures in Bradenton, July 9-11

BRADENTON -- The fireworks are over and the summer rains have been pouring down. A lot of us might be feeling a little lazy this week, but the weekend is on its way and there's plenty to do. Keep your umbrella handy, but don't be a homebody. Load some "take it up a notch" jams on your IPOD and get an extra shot of espresso for your coffee. It's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

Friday July 9th

Get over to Ace's Lounge, one of Bradenton's best live music venues, for a rare chance to see indy music stars Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours. Ansty and the gang play a funny and infectious repitoir of original music inspired by the singer's real-life trailer park uprbringing. Hits like, Skinny Women 'Aint Hip and Prozac Made Me Stay will stick in your head. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Check out Ace's website for more Info

Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours
Ace's Lounge
4343 Palma Sola BLVD.
Bradenton
941.795.3886

Saturday, July 10

Saturday morning, get over to Desoto National Memorial for a free ranger led kayak tour. For first time kayakers, rangers will ensure your first time will be safe and enjoyable. For kayakers with more experience, your tour will offer a different way for you to view the gorgeous natural resources at our doorstep. The kayak tours and all equipment rentals are free! RSVP is mandatory for space is limited please call 941-792-0458 ext 105.

Ranger Led Kayak Tours

9:30 a.m.

Desoto National Park
8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy
Bradenton, FL

Or you can check out the Hippity-Hoppity Frog Habitat down the street at the Galleria in Palma Sola Botanical Park. This is an educational program presented by Master Gardener Heather Hill and sponsored by the Manatee County Extension service. The Palma Sola Botanical Park is a picturesque environmental experience that fosters botanical education related to our area's beautiful and unique landscape of lush greenery. It's open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk and there is no entry fee.

Hippity-Hoppity Frog Habitat
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Palma Sola Botanical Park
9800 17 th Avenue NW
Bradenton, FL

If you miss the Beatles or if you missed the Beatles, get over to Manatee Players Riverfront Theater and check out Beatlemania Now, the closet you can get to the real deal. This multi-media show features the best Beatles tribute band on the circuit and is set to the tumultuous events of the times. Manatee Players continues to offer something for everyone this season and best of all --  there's no rain-outs at the theater!

Beatlemania Now

Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
Manatee Players Riverfront Theater

102 12th Street West

Bradenton

Sunday July 10th

If you've never been down to the Siesta Key Drum Circle, you've missed a real Florida Experience. Much of the "commercial key" is a disappointment these days, but the informal Sunday night drum circle has survived the decades of development and endures.

Siesta Key Sunday Drum Circle
No set time, but crowds begin to gather about an hour before sunset.
Siesta Key Public Beach
Sarasota, FL