GET OUT: Weekend Events Preview, September 16-18

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you're doing this weekend.

Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for entertainment and things to do around Bradenton. As always, you can also browse our Events Calendar, and if you spot something we missed, be sure to add it!

Be sure to check Bar Tab for what's happening around this weekend.

When/Where: 5:30 p.m. pregame, 6 p.m. kickoff Friday at Manatee High School's Hawkins Stadium.
Why go? This is a national matchup as Don Bosco Prep of New Jersey, ranked No. 1 in national polls, comes to Manatee High to take on the Hurricanes in the first game of a doubleheader. In the first game, coaching legends collide as Don Bosco’s Greg Toal (258) and Manatee’s Joe Kinnan (253) have combined for 511 wins. Game two begins at 8:30 a.m. as Tampa Plant, which has won three state titles in the last five years, takes on Bergen Catholic. That New Jersey school won 10 games last season under first-year Coach Nunzio Campanile. Its only two losses were to arch-rival Don Bosco.
Pricing: $15 in advance; $20 game day

GIFT OF MUSIC FEST

 When/Where:  3 p.m. to midnight Saturday at Hunsader's Rockin Ranch, 23810 53rd. Ave E. Myakka City.
Why go? This is a fundraiser for music programs in Manatee County schools, but if that's not reason enough to go, this family event offers music, games, bounce house, face-painting, outdoor movies and other festivities, including a late-night laser light show.  Special appearance by America's Got Talent's Shevonne Marie Philidor, 17, and Lester Freeman from the 1967 hit Some Kind of Wonderful. Bands include Shotgun Justice; Messenger; Lee Middle School Jazz Band; Jennifer Lee & Nevaeh Peek; the Houserockers with Charlie Olson. Sponsors include Walsh Productions; the ARCH Band; PIER 22 Restaurant; Say What Screenprint; Keyboards and More; Sertoma; R & B Productions and Penquin Italian Ice. Diane Walsh and Pete Hunsader are hosting the fundraiser.
Pricing: $15 per adult, children under 12 are free.

RIVERWALK GROUNDBREAKING

When/Where:  8:30-10 a.m. Monday along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton, just east of the railroad tracks.
Why go? The weekend does not officially end until the groundbreaking celebration for the Riverwalk at Rossi Park is complete. Realize Bradenton is hosting the celebration which includes musical performances and refreshments. Come see what all of the hoopla is about. This 1.3-mile riverfront park has something for everyone.
Pricing: Free!