Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: Jan. 20-22

BRADENTON -- It's a great weekend to be outdoors in Bradenton. It's that comfortable time of year when you'll need a tank top and jacket, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. A car show, beach market, and an orchid show should keep you busy this weekend, and don't forget about Beertopia. Grab a scarf and some sunscreen, it's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

 

Beertopia is back! Gold Coast Eagle Distributing will again host this fun and Last year, over 500 people enjoyed this fun event and more are expected at the Fourth Annual Beertopia this weekend. Guests can sample 57 beers from all over the world with complimentary culinary pairings from Demetrios’ Pizza House, Ed’s Tavern, Grove House Grill, MacAllisters Grill & Tavern, Pacific Rim, PIER 22, and Red Elephant Pizza & Grill.

There will be live music from My Friend Scott in the facility's beautiful courtyard and a silent auction as well. The Sweet Endings After Party at the Polo Grill will include live entertainment, happy-hour priced drinks, desserts and a create-your-own pizza station.

Proceeds benefit the community projects of the Junior League of Manatee County. The projects benefit children in our community, with a focus on foster children including: Get Your Fit On! and Kids in the Kitchen (both of which focus on nutrition and exercise awareness) Youth Nights for Foster Kids, and Junior League Gives Back. This year JLMC was also able to make donations totaling over $13,000 to Pride Park families, SOLVE maternity homes, and Feeding Empty Little Tummies (F.E.L.T.) because of the success of last year's fundraisers.

Beertopia

Saturday, 6:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing
 (Lakewood Ranch)
7051 Wireless Court

Sarasota


Jim and Ron's Classic Car Show will be at Bryan Pub Works in Bradenton, Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. It's a great event to take the kids to see some classic

cars and grab lunch in the same stop. Admission is free and the show is suitable for all ages.

Bryan Pub Works is on 34th Street, behind SCF in south Bradenton.The pub is kid and football fan friendly offering a kid's menu and multiple flat-screens. You can head out to the car show this Sunday afternoon, and still catch the game!

Jim and Ron's Classic Car Show
Bryan Pub Works
5942 34th St. West
Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm
Bradenton
website

As our seasonal friends from the north return to Florida for the winter, the Gulf Drive Café and Tiki is holding a beach market. The beach market is being held

every Sunday in January from 9 am to 3 pm. Come shop with the beautiful Gulf Mexico to your side and the cool island sounds of Larry Wilhelm filling the air.

At the market you'll find fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewellery, original artwork, apparel, purses, wood items, sand casting, tee shirts, baskets, shell items, food and more! Gulf Drive Café and Tiki gives back at each market by helping area charities.  So far the market has given $600 to the following local charities – Roser Food Bank, Annie Silver Community Center and Senior Adventures.  This week donations will be given to the Bradenton Beach Police Department.  

Ride the free trolley or park in the ample free parking across the street.  For more information about the weekly Beach Market at Gulf Drive Café and Tiki or to become a vendor, please contact Nancy Ambrose at 941-799-2181 or 941-518-4431.  

Beach Market
Gulf Drive Café and Tiki
900 Gulf Drive
Sunday 9 am to 3 pm
Bradenton Beach
website

The Manatee River Orchid Society is holding their annual orchid show and sale this Saturday and Sunday. Bring your camera and come see (or buy) beautiful displays from professional vendors at the Manatee Civic Center.   

The event is an American Orchid Society Judged Show. Ribbons and trophies will be awarded to the best pieces. Admission is $4.

Annual Orchid Show and Sale
Manatee Civic Center
1 Haben Blvd
Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm
Palmetto
website