BRADENTON – The weather is cooling down, but the action is heating up in and around Bradenton. This weekend is one of the most action-packed of the entire year. In addition to the Taste of Manatee on the Riverwalk and the Parade of Skeletons in the Village, PAC has an opening celebration for a unique new art showing, Cycle Fest returns to Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota hosts the return of the Bay Festival, as well as the first Subatomic Holiday Bazaar. It's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!
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The Petticoat Painters are one of the oldest, continuously exhibiting women's art groups in the United States and on Friday night, the Palmetto Art Center invites the public to come and celebrate their history alongside the latest work of their artists.
The group was formed in 1953 to showcase the talents of female artists at a time when women had difficulty in finding venues to show their work. Seven women participated in the first show held at a local Sarasota Florida gallery.
These original members selected the name "Petticoat Painters" thinking it would be a one-time show of their work. The name continues to be used both in honor of the founders and to retain its historical signature. The membership is limited to 20 women.
Motivated by their individual process of making art, each artist has a firm commitment to moving beyond the boundaries of materials, of techniques, of standard images and preconceived notions. The reception begins at 5 p.m. Admission is free and there will be a cash bar available.
For those who cannot attend the opening reception, PAC Gallery is open Monday - Friday, Noon - 2 p.m., closed on Wednesdays. The show will continue through Friday, November 29.
Petticoat Painters Opening Celebration
Friday
5 - 8 p.m.
Palmetto Art Center
907 5th Street West (right next door to Growers' Hardware)
Palmetto
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This weekend also marks the second annual Sarasota Bay Water Festival, celebrating the importance of the Bay to the region's environment, economy and quality of life. All of us are "bay people" and the Water Festival offers free admission, free parking and 7 hours of free live music thanks to 44 sponsors from the public and private sector.
Live music will be on stage from noon until sunset, plus there will be food trucks & local restaurants, beer & wine garden, Arts Zone featuring fine artists & wildlife photographers selling gift items, seven great raffle prizes, the bay’s first ever Dragon Boat races, a kids fishing clinic, dip netting and nature walks, and 83 exhibitors promoting boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle board sports, scuba diving, conservation, protection of wildlife, and more.
Enjoy a free water taxi service between Marina Jack and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron thanks to the Freedom Boat Club who are providing three boats with Coast Guard Certified Boat Captains. For more information visit the event website.
2nd Annual Sarasota Bay Water Festival
Ken Thompson Park
City Island
Sarasota
Also this weekend, 96.5 WSLR and Atomic Holiday Bazaar are joining forces to host the first Subatomic Crafts and Music Festival, a fundraiser in support of the radio station that is sure to raise the roof.
On Saturday, there will be live music on the main stage by the funk-metal bluegrass band, the Wholetones, with atomic vendors in the courtyard. Admission is $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Music starts at 8.
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The fun continues Sunday with more atomic vendors, acoustic music and a DJ. Admission Sunday is only $5 for adults ($2 with stub from Saturday show), free for children 12 and under.
There will be two food trucks, Wrap & Roll Gourmet, Richard's Catering and Takeaway and SRQ's local Ben & Jerry's will also be on hand for the sweet stuff. Adult Libations will be available to purchase along with other fluids to keep you well lubricated and quenched, because dancing and shopping can be incredibly taxing!
Subatomic Crafts and Music Festival
Saturday and Sunday
WSLR Studio
525 Kumquat Court
Sarasota
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Do you ride a bike? Do you need a challenge, just to start riding or to ride further? Whether you're an ardent enthusiast or willful beginner, the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club has something for you at its 23rd annual Gulf Coast Cycle Fest, Sunday, November 3 on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.
A choice of four routes of different lengths will be offered to riders: 100 miles, 62 miles, 35 miles and 15 miles. Each route features rest stops with plenty of food and drink provided. The short 15-mile route is designed to be safe and enjoyable, making it suitable for young families. The 100, 62 and 35 mile routes will challenge riders at all levels! Rides begin at 7:30 am with staggered starts beginning with the 100 mile riders.
Gulf Coast Cycle Fest
Sunday
7:30 a.m.
Main Street
Lakewood Ranch
Visit website for more info or to register
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