SeaMonkey Christmas in July 5K Fun Run/Walk
8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25. GT Bray Park, 3001 59th St. Ct. W., Bradenton. Join a festive two-loop course through the shaded paths of GT Bray Park where you’ll beat the heat with plenty of tree coverage, snow at the start/finish, a refreshing icy cool-off zone at the aid station, a pre-race warm up with Coach Ray from Prosper Bradenton, recovery zone with ice baths and cool down yoga. $5 kids run, $25 adults. https://tinyurl.com/4ksm26rp
2nd Annual Backpack Bonanza
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 25. I C Nolimits, 6043 26th St. W., Bradenton. Children who attend the event can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, and the child must be present to receive one. Families can also enjoy kid-friendly games and activities, music, raffles, and food vendors with meals and treats available for purchase throughout the day.
Piña Colada Fest 2026
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, 600 U.S. 41. With a day pass, attendees will enjoy a full lineup of live Caribbean entertainment, including a steel drum band, the beloved Sarasota-based Latin fusion group Combo Fusión, Fleming, and high-energy sets by the event’s host, DJ Platinum. Enjoy rum tastings, piña coladas, and the festive atmosphere of an authentic Caribbean-style pool party along the scenic Manatee River. Guests must be 21 and older to purchase alcoholic beverages. $58.85. https://tinyurl.com/4j8mv4nj
THURSDAY
Casual Cornhole
10-11 a.m. July 23. Waterside Place, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends. Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained. Occurs weekly.
Vegetable Gardening
10 a.m.-Noon. July 23. UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. Discover the keys to a fall harvest: site selection, crop varieties and pest management. $10 fee includes six vegetable starts to take home. https://tinyurl.com/3kcn7f4t
Poisonous Plants
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 23. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton. Discover which plants to watch out for, learn what toxicity really means in the great scheme of things, and learn some cool facts in a relaxed, friendly setting. Perfect for nature lovers and curious minds alike. https://tinyurl.com/2ad5sr7s
Thursday Live Music Nights
6-9 p.m. July 23. Remy’s on Main, 8138 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch. A full-time local musician since 2008, Joe Thayer brings a dynamic piano performance featuring favorites from across the decades and genres. Enjoy classics from the American Songbook alongside hits from Billy Joel, Elton John, Van Morrison, and more.
FRIDAY
Keys & Courses: A High-Energy Dueling Piano Dinner Party
7 p.m. July 24. GROVE, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Designed as more than a traditional dinner show, Keys & Courses combines chef-curated dining with all-request dueling piano entertainment, crowd-favorite songs, sing-along moments and dance floor energy. Enjoy a three-course dinner and one welcome cocktail. $100. Ages 21 up. https://tinyurl.com/3uyv5sce
SATURDAY
A Taste of the Ranch
8 a.m.-11 p.m. July 25-Aug. 1. Waterside Place, 7500 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota. Dig into exclusive prix-fixe menus by participating restaurants. Sip on wine pairings, specialty cocktails, and savor one-of-a-kind dishes made just for the week. Brunch/lunch (two-course) $25 and dinner (three-course) $35 or $45. https://tinyurl.com/3nxe8sn5
Volunteer with Manatee Audubon
8-11 a.m. July 25. iStorage, 8400 Cortez Road W, Bradenton. Help clean out Manatee Audubon’s Storage Space.
Coffee & Conversation with Thomas Schwarz
9:30-11:30 a.m. July 25-Aug. 22. Orange Blossom Coffee, 1166 Third Ave. W, Bradenton. These summer gatherings are an opportunity for residents to stop by, ask questions, share ideas, and have one-on-one conversations about the issues and opportunities shaping Bradenton. https://tinyurl.com/mrx6mmts
Words They Can’t Speak Fundraiser Craft Show
10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 25. Words They Can’t Speak, 3728 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Local vendors will be offering handmade items, unique finds, and other treasures, with delicious food and raffles happening throughout the event, including a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support Words They Can’t Speak, a nonprofit dedicated to helping animal rescues, small businesses, and the community, along with Casa De Adoración Church.
Summer Learning: Fuzzy Forest Festival
2-3 p.m. July 25. Palmetto Library, 923 Sixth St. W. Celebrate all the reading you have done this summer with a fuzzy and fun festival. Author and illustrator duo Z.H. (Zac and Hannah) Colombia share their love of books and the fuzzy friends they have brought to life. Immerse yourself in the Fuzzy Forest by creating your own wooly games, and engaging in a variety of activities based on the Fuzzy Forest series of books. https://tinyurl.com/ym2bcy8r
Summer Learning: Florida in the American Revolution
3-4 p.m. July 25. South Manatee Branch Library, 6081 26th St. W, Bradenton. Teens are invited to join the Florida Maritime Museum to learn about Florida’s unique role in the American Revolution, with an emphasis on the state’s maritime involvement. Get hands on experience learning about the past through an artifact analysis activity. https://tinyurl.com/bp58nv3d
Bradentucky Bombers vs. Sugar Sands Roller Derby
5-7 p.m. July 25. Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. E. The Bradentucky Bombers take on Sugar Sands Roller Derby at home. Get your tickets online for $10. Tickets are $15 at the door. Kids under 5 are free. Plenty of bleacher seating is available, but for close-up action and trackside seating, bring a chair. https://tinyurl.com/2zp3c6zj
SUNDAY
Yoga in the Park
8-9 a.m. July 26. Waterside Place, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Start your Sunday off with a little mindfulness and movement. Not only will you get to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings, but you’ll also experience the many benefits yoga has to offer. Occurs weekly.
Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch
10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 26. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota. Shop local every Sunday with 100+ local vendors including organic produce, flowers, specialty spices and rubs, honey, fresh bread, baked goods, prepared foods, pet products, jewelry, and more. Spend your Sunday mornings lakeside while enjoying a variety of local musicians, great food, and fun activities for the little ones at The Kids’ Zone.
Christmas in July
1-5 p.m. July 26. Drift-In AMI, 120 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. Shop handmade crafts and other unique items created by the AMI Privateers while supporting a meaningful local cause. The event will also feature a lotto board, a dessert bar with a $5 donation, and plenty of festive cheer with a Florida twist. All proceeds will benefit the AMI Privateers’ Christmas Families program.
MONDAY
Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts
10-11 a.m. July 27-Sept. 21. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch is hosting a weekly educational session focused on local wildlife, giving residents and visitors a closer look at sea turtles and shorebirds found along the coast. These free presentations cover nesting habits, conservation efforts, and what to watch for during the season.
Family Movie Night
5:30-7:30 p.m. July 27. Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton. Join the library for Family Movie Night. Show up in your comfy pjs, bring your fuzzy blankets and have a fun time. This month’s feature is “Luca.”
TUESDAY
Local Author Event: Sidewalk Magic Book Launch
1-3 p.m. July 28. Palmetto Branch Library, 923 Sixth St. W. “Sidewalk Magic” is the first release in the “Star Stories” series of storybooks that utilizes Brain-Based Healing methods through literature. Using an engaging story with relatable characters, Star and Forest A. Wolf, readers become part of the healing journey as the past is honored while the present is healed. https://tinyurl.com/3ytk4dtk
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday Chamber Nights
4:30-9 p.m. July 29. Pesto Bistro and Wine Bar, 8799 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. Members of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and Manatee Chambers of Commerce receive 10% discount for Wine Down Wednesday specials. Features happy hour pricing all evening and wine specials by the bottle. Occurs weekly.
Sunset Volleyball
6-8 p.m. July 29. Waterside Place, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota. Sunset Volleyball is a series of pickup volleyball games designed for volleyball players who are ready to jump in, play without instruction, and have a great time. Occurs weekly.
LOOKING AHEAD
Racer and Creator Expo
11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 31 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1. Bradenton Area Convention Center, One Haben Blvd., Palmetto. This inaugural Racer and Creator Expo will feature the Cleetus McFarland fleet of vehicles you see on YouTube and exclusive speaking panels featuring Cleetus McFarland, crew, and more. General admission $20. Panels $100. https://tinyurl.com/yc2psxe9
12th Street Summer Market
9 a.m.-noon. Aug. 1. City Centre Shops, 259 12th St. W, Bradenton. Every first and third Saturday of each month. This community market features a rotating collection of local vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry and artwork to specialty foods, honey, spices, baked goods, crochet creations, and more.
Booked & Buried Literary Club
9-11 p.m. Aug. 1. Kava Social Club, 540 13th St. W, Bradenton. Kat’s Booked & Buried Literary Club is a cozy, creative gathering for readers who love diving deep into compelling stories and unforgettable characters. Join fellow book lovers for lively discussions, fresh perspectives, and a welcoming community that celebrates every page turned. https://tinyurl.com/3b96syey
Ukulele Jam Session
2:30-4 p.m. Aug. 3. Palmetto Library, 923 Sixth St. W. Bring your ukulele and enthusiasm and join Kathleen Reynolds, leader of the Bradenton Ukulele Movement for a fun jam session. This event is open to beginners (level 1 players). This relaxed and friendly gathering is a great way to make music together, practice favorite tunes, and learn from one another. https://tinyurl.com/4a5fyxrs
Bradenton Marauders vs. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
6:30 p.m. Aug. 4-9. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Don’t miss an exciting game of baseball as the Bradenton Marauders take on the Mighty Mussels. Sunday’s game starts at noon. $12-$16. www.milb.com/bradenton
Sunshine Stitchers Knit & Crochet
1-3 p.m. Aug. 6. Island Branch Library, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. Join to knit or crochet for family, friends and charity — along with a fun afternoon of sharing patterns, yarns and conversation. Beginners are welcome. Ages 12 & up. https://tinyurl.com/yzwjeru5
FAME The Musical!
7:30 p.m. Aug. 6-9, 12-16. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. FAME brings the iconic film and television phenomenon to the stage in a thrilling celebration of youth, artistry, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Featuring the Academy Award winning title song alongside electrifying pop and dance numbers, this high-octane musical captures the fire of a generation determined to be heard. Matinee performances at 2 p.m. on select dates. https://tinyurl.com/3aexrvmm
Music on Main
6-9 p.m. Aug. 7. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch. Join a free concert series and block party for the public. The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as inflatables and activities for kids. Proceeds from the event will benefit a local nonprofit organization. www.LWRmainstreet.com
Ignite
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 8. The Christian Retreat Conference Center, 1200 Glory Way Blvd., Bradenton. Ignite is a workshop designed to equip and empower believers with hands-on training and demonstration to live as true disciples of Christ, not just hear the Word, but walk it out. This is a full day with worship starting promptly at 11 a.m. Light snacks will be offered. Baptisms will be held after service at 9 p.m. Free. Registration required; seats limited. https://tinyurl.com/3n89vdkj
Memory Café
10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 11. South Manatee Branch Library, 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton. A memory cafe is a comfortable social gathering that welcomes people with memory loss and their loved ones. We gather to help you connect, socialize, and build new support groups in a stigma-free environment. The cafe is free, but registration is required to a maximum of six couples. Register one name per couple. https://tinyurl.com/ffa89vrk
Heroes breakfast
8-10 a.m. Aug. 14. ActivAge Sarasota, 3801 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Held each second Friday of the month, ActivAge Sarasota picks an honored Veteran of the Month to be celebrated. Sometimes, there will be a guest speaker. All veterans are welcome to attend and enjoy a free breakfast. Call 941-269-2273 to RSVP.
Movie in the Park
7-9 p.m. Aug. 14. Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota. Grace Community Church will be providing one free Not Your Momma’s Mac from Rollin With Hart to the first 130 attendees. This month’s movie is “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.” Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs. Concessions available. Inflatables for the kids will be available at 7 p.m. https://tinyurl.com/e3bnc9sh
Birds & Breakfast
7-9:30 a.m. Aug. 15. Emerson Preserve, 5801 17th St. W, Palmetto. The walk begins at 7 a.m. and lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering a peaceful start to the day as we explore the park’s natural habitats in search of feathered friends. After the walk, the group will head to Popi’s Place Restaurant on 8th Avenue West in Palmetto for a hearty breakfast and good conversation.
12th Street Summer Market
9 a.m.-noon. Aug. 15. City Centre Shops, 259 12th St. W., Bradenton. Every first and third Saturday of each month. This community market features a rotating collection of local vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry and artwork to specialty foods, honey, spices, baked goods, crochet creations, and more.
Third Saturday Market
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 15. Village of The Arts, 1227 12th St. W., Bradenton. Browse unique gifts, discover handmade artwork, enjoy local food, and explore one of Bradenton’s most colorful neighborhoods. Visitors can stroll through the Village, meet local artists, shop for one-of-a-kind finds, and take part in a festive day inspired by the holiday season.
Parrish Park Summerfest
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 16. Parrish Community Park, 7505 Fort Hamer Road. This family-friendly event will feature raffles, prizes, kids’ water activities, arts and crafts, a live DJ, bounce houses and food trucks. Local businesses will be on hand with giveaways and information.