Looking for fun things to do Mother’s Day weekend? Top 5 events in Sarasota and Bradenton

It's Mother's Day weekend, which calls for a special edition of the Top 5 Things to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, highlighting May events that I believe moms would truly enjoy.

For example, while on any other weekend I might have recommended attending the screening of "The Godfather Part II" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at the Sarasota Opera House , I decided to skip it for today's picks. Because in my 46 years on this planet, I have yet to encounter a mom who shares my enthusiasm (or that of my male relatives and friends) for the "Godfather" films (the same goes for "Rocky," by the way).

So, here's my best attempt to spotlight five things to do in Sarasota and Manatee counties this weekend that moms of all ages might appreciate. And don't forget, Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 12!

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1. Treat your mom to brunch at Columbia Restaurant in Sarasota

OpenTable, the popular online restaurant reservation and review service, recently published its annual list of the Top 100 Brunch Restaurants in America for 2024 in anticipation of Mother's Day. Five restaurants from Florida made the list , including one of my favorites, Columbia Restaurant, which serves superior Spanish and Cuban cuisine. Originating in Tampa's Ybor City in 1905, Columbia has maintained an equally alluring location on Sarasota's St. Armands Circle since 1959. Columbia will be offering Mother's Day dinner specials all weekend, from Friday to Sunday. Additionally, on Sunday, the regular dinner menu will be served all day. Columbia Restaurant is at 411 St Armands Circle, Sarasota. To make reservations or receive more information, call 941-388-3987 or visit columbiarestaurant.com .

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2. Sundays at The Bay in Sarasota featuring free show by Ariella

After treating Mom to brunch — or perhaps cooking for her — consider enjoying a concert at The Bay, the stunning waterfront park located next to the Van Wezel overlooking Sarasota Bay. The free Sundays at The Bay concert series continues with a performance by the talented singer and songwriter, Ariella . Bring a chair and be sure to visit the adjacent Nest concession stand for snacks and beverages, such as an ice-cold can of Sun King Brewery's delicious Orange Vanilla Sunlight Cream Ale , which I enjoyed there last Sunday. 4 p.m. Sunday; The Bay, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota; free; thebaysarasota.org

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3. 'Treat Yourself like a Queen' Women's Expo at The Mall at UTC

This annual event at The Mall at UTC is all about the ladies, with 40-plus exhibitors from the health, beauty and fashion industries. There will also be live entertainment, dance performances, fashion shows with mall retailers, raffle prizes, giveaways and a mother-daughter look-a-like contest. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota; 941-552-7000; mallatutc.com

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4. Siesta Con at Robarts Arena in Sarasota

If Momma is into cosplay, make sure she has a ticket to Siesta Con. They've got a cosplay contest, cosplay panels, and everything else you'd expect from your local comic convention. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $10 (general admission) $50 (VIP), kids under 10 get in free; siestacon.com

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5. Dog Mama's Day Celebration at Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar, Sarasota

While Mother's Day takes place on Sunday, National Dog Mom's Day is an annual event held on Saturday this year. It's definitely worth celebrating if your home is enriched by a canine companion. The adorable Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar, known for its outstanding wood-fired pizza and featuring indoor and outdoor dog parks along with a full-liquor bar, will be celebrating Dog Mama's Day with a flower crown-making workshop hosted by Posies Flower Truck ($45; registration required in advance), live music by Sabrina McClenithan, and various vendors. 1-5 p.m. Saturday; Boo's Ice House & Dog Bar, 1314 10th St., Sarasota; 941-960-2669; boosdogbar.com

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Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing .

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Looking for fun things to do Mother’s Day weekend? Top 5 events in Sarasota and Bradenton