Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: September 21-23, 2012

BRADENTON – Football is in full swing and though the 'Canes have a bye week in which to prep for their big rivals Southeast, there is still plenty of action under the Friday night lights. Howl-O-Scream returns to Busch Gardens this weekend, and the world-renowned musical Evita opens at Manatee Players. Put on your monster makeup: it's time for another Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!

2011 Manatee rushing champion Josh Hicks returns for Palmetto, as the Tigers host an undefeated DeSoto squad. Southeast looks to build on their victory last week, but will have to contend with a tough Sarasota offense. Lakewood Ranch travels to Sebring to take on district rivals Boca Ciega, while struggling Bayshore looks to get their first win this week when they take on 1-2 Hardee on the road. 

Friday 7:30 p.m.

DeSoto @ Palmetto
River View @ Braden River
Southeast @ Sarasota
Lakewood Ranch @ Boca Ciega
Bayshore @ Hardee
Manatee (bye week)

Don't cry for me Argentina! Manatee Players presents the Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless musical Evita, opening tonight and playing through October 7. This Broadway smash hit that was later made into a feature film starring Madonna tells the story of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón, following her early life, rise to power, charity work, and eventual death.

Evita began as a rock opera album in 1976, the success of which led to productions in London's West End in 1978. In 2006, the musical was revived in London, and on Broadway in 2012. It comes to SW Florida. Shows are Tuesday to Thursday 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. Click here for ticket information.

Do you dare to enter Trickster’s Garden as Howl-O-Scream 2012 celebrates an unlucky 13 Years? Florida’s favorite Halloween event returns this weekend, enticing guests to “Unlock the Fear Inside” as they explore what grows inside the Dark Side of the Gardens’ gate. From 13 sinister superstitions to the claustrophobic halls of an insane asylum, Howl-O-Scream 2012’s new haunted houses are designed to touch every aspect of your deepest fears.

This year's production includes the new Blood Asylum, where "The Creature" escapes from his holding cell in a high-security asylum for the criminally insane to terrorize his cell mates, as well as the new Circus of Superstition 3-D, where crazed circus clowns challenge you to survive 13 superstitions in the 3-D Tent of Horrors. Plus, old favorites return with a new twist, including the nightshade Toy Factory and Zombie Mortuary.

Howl-O-Scream runs Thursday through Saturday nights, Sept. 27-29, Oct. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27. Freaky Preview lets devoted fans experience the event a week early on Sept. 21-22. Operating hours are 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. during Freaky Preview and on Thursday nights. Friday and Saturday hours are 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

General admission is $79.99 plus tax. Reduced advance-purchase rates and special offers are available for Busch Gardens pass members at TheDarkSideOfTheGardens.com. A $35 savings on general admission tickets is available in advance at participating Publix Supermarkets and AAA locations or with promotional codes found at participating Taco Bell and Applebee's locations in Central Florida.