Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota. Shop local every Sunday with 100-plus 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.
Bradenton Marauders vs. Lakeland Flying Tigers
6:30 p.m. Sept. 1-6. LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Don’t miss an exciting game of baseball as the Bradenton Marauders take on the Flying Tigers. Sunday’s game starts at noon. $12-$16. www.milb.com/bradenton
Pop Up Wellness Event
4-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. Waxing the City, 8475 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton. Local businesses and vendors will be on hand with permanent jewelry, wellness products, home services, insurance and other offerings to browse. Prime IV Hydration & Wellness will offer discounted vitamin injections, while Sanctuary Holistic Spa will have $10 facial refreshers. RSVPs are requested by calling or texting 941-359-9299.
THURSDAY
Casual Cornhole
10-11 a.m. Aug. 27. 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.
Readin’ at the Ranch Book Club
1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27. Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway. Join a lively discussion, hear new perspectives, and experience the chance to connect with fellow book lovers in the community. Whether you’re a longtime reader or just looking to get back into reading, everyone is welcome. This club offers two meeting times. This month’s book is “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans.
Ranching Foundations
5:30-8 p.m. Aug. 27. UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto. Join the UF/IFAS South Florida Beef-Forage Program for the Ranching Foundations Program, an educational evening designed to provide new and experienced cattle producers with practical tools and resources for building a successful ranching operation. Registration includes dinner and educational materials. $28.52. https://tinyurl.com/ysa8xbp3
AI Workshop
6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 27. Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway, Bradenton. This workshop will cover Chat GPT’s user interface, prompting technique, and image generation basics. This will be a condensed compilation of previous workshops. Register for a seat https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/16410722
Thursday Live Music Nights
6-9 p.m. Aug. 27. 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
Plant Bingo
6-8 p.m. Aug. 28. Katy’s Cat Café, 1490 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. Gather with fellow plant lovers for a fun-filled bingo night where plant-themed prizes, laughs, and friendly competition are all part of the experience. All proceeds benefit Katy’s Cat Charity, Inc. and Words They Can’t Speak, helping support two local nonprofit organizations. Reserve your seat in advance.
Classic Movies at the Opera House
7 p.m. Aug. 28. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. This week’s feature is “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Rated G. Join the expedition visiting legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka in a splendiferous movie that wondrously brings to screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s classic book. $12. https://tickets.sarasotaopera.org/8545/8552
SATURDAY
Felts Audubon Preserve Conservation Day
8-11 a.m. Aug. 29. Felts Audubon Preserve, 4600 24th Ave. E, Palmetto. Help keep Felts Audubon Preserve an area that both wildlife and the community can enjoy for future generations. https://manateeaudubon.org/events
South Manatee Friends Books & Bling Sale
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 29. South Manatee Branch Library, 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton. Come browse for your favorite book, look at gorgeous jewelry and find your new treasure. All proceeds go to programming and supplies for the library.
Karate Zoo
9:30-10 a.m. Aug. 29-Sept. 26. Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. This high-energy progression-based program teaches the fundamentals of martial arts in a safe and nurturing environment. With the help of advanced curriculum, children will learn karate skills and values. There will be no class Sept. 5.
Bradenton Homeschool Community Fair
10 a.m.-noon. Aug. 29. Bethel Church, 1805 30th Ave. W., Bradenton. This free community event brings together local co-ops, microschools, homeschool activity providers, and other family-focused organizations all in one place. Browse more than 25 vendors, enjoy coffee and treats, let the kids join in on activities, and enter for raffle prizes. https://tinyurl.com/36jjujs9
SUNDAY
Yoga in the Park
8-9 a.m. Aug. 30. 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.
MONDAY
Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts
10-11 a.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 21. Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive. 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.
Ukulele Jam Session: Level 2
2:30-4 p.m. Aug. 31. Palmetto Branch Library, 923 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. 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 beyond beginners (level 2 players).
Presidential Series: Thomas Jefferson
5-6:30 p.m. Aug. 31. Palmetto Branch Library, 923 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, view a four-part lecture series exploring the live and legacies of four of America’s most influential presidents. Each session will spotlight a different leader whose vision and decisions helped shape the course of U.S. history. Register for a free seat https://manateelibrary.libcal.com/event/17066434
TUESDAY
Booked & Buried Literary Club
9-11 p.m. Sept. 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/bdd8nnze
WEDNESDAY
Friends of the Braden River Library Semi-Annual Book Sale
3-7 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2-5. Braden River Branch Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. Purchase fiction/non-fiction books, children’s books, cookbooks, travel books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, puzzles and more at discounted prices. Wednesday’s sale is open to members only. Cash or check only.
Wednesday Chamber Nights
4:30-9 p.m. Sept. 2. 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. Sept. 2. 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.
Books on Tap Book Club
7-8 p.m. Sept. 2. Oak & Stone, 1201 First Ave. W, Bradenton. Feel free to park at the Central Library, right next door. This will be an informal and relaxed setup. Come ready to talk about any book you’re reading, ask for recommendations or just enjoy some bookish company. Anyone 21 and older is welcome to join.
LOOKING AHEAD
NFL Trivia Night
6:30 p.m. Sept. 3. Good Liquid Brewing Co., 1570 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota. Kick off the NFL season and your Labor Day weekend with NFL Trivia Night. Show your team spirit and wear your favorite NFL jersey. Limited seating, reservations are recommended.
“Arsenic and Old Lace”
7:30 p.m. Sept. 3-6, 9-13, 16-20. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. The classic comedy that has been entertaining audiences for generations. Matinee performances at 2 p.m. on select dates. $32.50. https://tinyurl.com/56y824ff
A Labor of Love Art Walk & Market
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 4-5. Village of The Arts, 1227 12th St. W., Bradenton. Wander through the neighborhood to visit local galleries, browse unique shops, meet artists, check out pop-up vendors and stop for food along the way.
Music on Main
6-9 p.m. Sept. 4. 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
Free Admission Weekend at The Bishop Museum
Sept. 5-6. Bishop Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. This community-sponsored event gives local families (Manatee residents only) the opportunity to explore one of Bradenton’s most popular attractions without the cost of admission.
12th Street Summer Market
9 a.m.-noon. Sept. 5. 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.
Memory Café
10-11:30 a.m. Sept. 8. 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. Sept. 11. 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.
9/11 Commemoration
8:30-10 a.m. Sept. 11. Greenbrook Adventure Park Pavilion, 13010 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Join a special morning of remembrance in honor of the lives lost, recognize the courage and sacrifice of our first responders, and reflect on the resilience that united our nation following the events of September 11, 2001. Complimentary coffee and donuts will be provided. https://tinyurl.com/3ffmumns
Tribute to Heroes
9:30-10:30 a.m. Sept. 11. Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Manatee County Fire Chiefs Association will honor the fallen of 9/11 with an Honor Guard presentation, speakers, dove release, flag ceremony and a 21-gun salute.
Movie in the Park
7 p.m. Sept. 11. Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Sarasota. Grace Community Church will be providing one free dipped frozen banana from Nana’s Bananas to the first 163 attendees. This month’s movie is “Toy Story 5.” 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/4xm2p32w
Greg LaPensee Bowling Tournament
6-8 p.m. Sept. 12. Bowlero Bradenton, 4208 Cortez Road. Participants are invited to enjoy an evening of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m., with bowling, an awards ceremony and raffle drawings. Lane costs start at $350 for a team of six players. https://centerami.org/events