De Soto Parade, SarasotaCon, Children’s Booktopia: Suncoast Events

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — De Soto Grand Parade, SarasotaCon, Children’s Booktopia, National Astronomy Day, Free Hands-On Learning Day at F.I.S.H. Preserve.

Check out these and other events in Sarasota and Manatee counties this week, April 24-30.

The Pop-Folk World of Zoe Sarnak

Zoe Sarnak performs at Nathan Benderson Park Wednesday, 7 p.m., as part of the Ruby E. Crosby Alumni Music Initiative.

Artist Series Concerts: Cameron Crozman, Cello

Cameron Crozman, named “Canada's next big cello star” by CBC Music, is making a name for himself as the next superstar of the classical music world. He will be joined by pianist Meagan Milatz Thursday, 11 a.m., at Sarasota Yacht Club in a program titled “Wanderlust,” which features music inspired by composers’ vacation trips.

SCF Presents: Sunset Serenade

Join State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota’s SCF Symphonic Band, Jazz Big Band, Jazz Combo, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and Guitar Ensemble for their musical finale of the year Thursday, 7:30 p.m., at the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.

Jazz at Two – Rodney Rojas New Profiles in Jazz

The Jazz at Two series features big band jazz with the 10-piece ensemble of Rodney Rojas New Profiles in Jazz on Friday, 2 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota.

NocheUnidos

Don’t miss your chance to experience the uniqueness of Mariachi Cobre, a globally recognized mariachi band, and the Venice Symphony, a 72-piece orchestra, while directly benefiting the students and families of UnidosNow. This concert takes place Friday, 7:30 p.m., at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Head/Neck Cancer a Hard Thing to Swallow 5K Run, 2-Mile Walk

Come dressed as your favorite superhero for this run/walk event Sunday, 8 a.m., at Sarasota’s Payne Park. Money raised will benefit Partners in Care to provide financial assistance to head and neck cancer patients in need.

Children’s Booktopia

This children’s book fair takes place Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Bradenton Public Market on Old Main Street and 3rd Avenue W.

Free Hands-On Learning Day

Learn about water conservation, mangroves, fish and fowl, and more through stories, art activities, and guided tours of the F.I.S.H. Preserve in Cortez on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

National Astronomy Day

Stretch your sense of wonder and exploration of the cosmos with fun, exclusive daytime and nighttime activities to celebrate National Astronomy Day with the Suncoast Stargazers on Saturday, 10 a.m., at The Nest at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton.

SarasotaCon

This pop culture show takes place Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Carlisle Conference Center in Sarasota. Exhibitors will cater to a wide range of interests, including comic books, magazines, toys, video games, movies, wrestling, sci fi, sports cards, anime manga, cosplay and more.

De Soto Grand Parade

With over 150 entries, the De Soto Grand Parade is one of the largest and oldest parades in the Southeastern United States. Over 100,000 people line the streets of Bradenton to view the illuminated floats and catch a glimpse of our new Hernando de Soto, Captain of the Crewe and their newly crowned Queen and Princess. Beads, coins and other fun items are handed to the crowd throughout the night. The parade starts off Saturday, 7 p.m., at Manatee High School and marches through Bradenton.

Bassel and the Supernaturals

This band tells the story of Bassel Almadani’s experience as a first-generation Syrian American using soulful melodies, funk inspired rhythms, and captivating lyrics regarding love, loss, and the war in Syria. They’ll perform Sunday, 8:30 p.m., at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center in Sarasota.