2026 Modern Works Festival
7:30 p.m. Sept. 17-20, 24-27. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota. This two-week celebration includes new plays, emerging voices and women in theatre. Audiences are invited into the creative process through staged readings, artist conversations, special events and opportunities to engage directly with playwrights and theatre makers. https://ci.ovationtix.com/34772
Fairy Festival
9 a.m.-noon. Sept. 19. The NEST at Robinson Preserve, 840 99th St. NW, Bradenton. Spend time outdoors with your family discovering the natural curiosities of plants, wildlife and fairies. Build a fairy home, take a small hike, enjoy activities, crafts and a story time. Families are encouraged to dress in their best fairy attire. No reservations are required. Program appropriate for families with children ages 2-10. Register for a free ticket at https://tinyurl.com/28cn6v3a
De Soto Main Street Putt-Putt 2026
1:30-6 p.m. Sept. 19. Cork’s Cigar Bar, 424 Old Main St., Bradenton. Teams of four will make their way through 10 participating downtown establishments, each featuring its own custom miniature golf hole. Players will travel with their putters, golf balls, and official scorecards as they compete for the lowest team score. A $250 gift card will be awarded to the best dressed team. The day will include additional prizes, raffles, and a 50/50 raffle fundraiser. Check-in takes place in front of Cork’s Cigar Bar before the 3 p.m. shotgun start.
THURSDAY
Casual Cornhole
10-11 a.m. Sept. 17. 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.
Thursday Live Music Nights
6-9 p.m. Sept. 17. 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.
Adult Drop-In Art
6-7 p.m. Sept. 17. Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway. Join the library each month for a different craft. Feel free to drop in anytime from 6-7 p.m. and meet some new people while having fun.
“Always A Bridesmaid”
7:30 p.m. Sept. 17-27. The Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. At their senior prom, four friends promised to be in each other’s weddings no matter what. They just didn’t know they’d be playing bridesmaids quite so often. More than 30 years later, these Southern friends for life are still determined to honor that vow. www.theislandplayers.org/current-season-78
“Arsenic and Old Lace”
7:30 p.m. Sept. 17-20. 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
FRIDAY
FORE the Environment Golf Tournament
8 a.m. Sept. 18. River Club Golf Course, 6600 River Club Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. The tournament brings together local businesses, community leaders, and golfers to support Keep Manatee Beautiful’s environmental programs and community initiatives throughout Manatee County. $150 single or $500 per foursome. www.manateebeautiful.com/golf
SWAT Networking
8-9:15 a.m. Sept. 18. Chicken Salad Chick, 5434 Lockwood Ridge Road, Bradenton. Whether you’re brand new to Successful Women Aligning Together or a long-time member who wants a refresher, this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with everything your membership includes. Hear how to build real relationships, increase your visibility, get more referrals, take advantage of member perks, and fully leverage the opportunities available to you. www.swatnetworking.org/swatevents
Laughs & Courses: A Comedy Dinner Party
7-10 p.m. Sept. 18. Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Join a lively night of chef-curated dining, drinks, and stand-up comedy featuring three talented performers. Enjoy a three-course dinner while Trish Keating, Nathan Wallace, and headliner Johnny B take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Ages 21 and up. $125. https://tinyurl.com/2p9v3abm
SATURDAY
12th Street Summer Market
9 a.m.-noon. Sept. 19. 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.
Karate Zoo
9:30-10 a.m. Sept. 19-26. 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.
Plants & Prosecco: A Social Planting Party
10 a.m.-noon. Sept. 19. Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch. Gather your friends for a relaxed morning of Plants & Prosecco. Join a guided, hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own beautiful succulent wreath. This easygoing class is perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike. $50. Registration closes Sept. 14. https://tinyurl.com/yt6uar4a
Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Party
10 a.m.-11:45 p.m. Sept. 19. Freckled Fin Irish Pub, 5304 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach. Enjoy a day filled with entertainment from Drunken Shrubbery featuring a set of Irish favorites, a performance from the Drake School of Irish Dance, Irish tunes and classic Americana by Acoustic Thunder and a DJ to round the evening. Irish food and drink specials will be available, along with giveaways throughout the day.
Third Saturday Market
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 19. 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.
I Celebrate ME! Concert — Talent & Fashion
6 p.m. Sept. 19. Stone Hall, 502 Third Ave W. Bradenton. Come for a night of story, song, and spirit. See your community come together for God. Join Dr. Green and Grace in the Kingdom for a night of fashion, talent, and recognition of the exceptional people they call family in Christ. Tickets start at $35. https://tinyurl.com/56y824ff
Sarasota Paradise vs. Greenville Triumph SC
7:30-10 p.m. Sept. 19. Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Experience game day in an open-air setting built for energy, connection and excitement. Gather with friends, cheer alongside fellow fans and support Sarasota’s only professional sports team. sarasotaparadise.us/tickets
Starry Night Astronomy
8-10 p.m. Sept. 19. Robinson Preserve Expansion, 10299 Ninth Ave. NW, Bradenton. Dozens of local astronomers will be set up in the Robinson Preserve Expansion with telescopes at the ready. Be sure to bring a sense of wonder and exploration as we view the skies through high-powered telescopes. Learn how to identify heavenly bodies, and how you can stargaze at home too. https://tinyurl.com/4y99f8s7
SUNDAY
Yoga in the Park
8-9 a.m. Sept. 20. 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. Sept. 20. 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.
MONDAY
Women’s Empowerment Yoga
6:30-7:30 a.m. Sept. 21. Embodied Health, 1102 12th St. W, Bradenton. Designed for all experience levels, each session offers a supportive space to reconnect with yourself and begin the week feeling grounded, refreshed, and empowered. First class is free. Advance registration is required, as class sizes are intentionally kept small. Occurs weekly. https://embodied.health/classes
TUESDAY
Weekly Country Night
6-9 p.m. Sept. 22. Flamingo Bay Brewing Co, 1910 14th St. W, Bradenton. Spend your Tuesday evening at Weekly Country Night with Buffalo Gals Line Dancing. The evening begins with easy-to-follow line dance lessons led by Christina Reed, followed by plenty of social dancing as the music keeps playing. Lessons are $5.
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday Chamber Nights
4:30-9 p.m. Sept. 23. 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.
Books on Tap Book Club
6-7 p.m. Sept. 23. Good Liquid Brewing Co., 8980 U.S. 301 N., Unit 138, Parrish. Enjoy an informal and relaxed book club setup, with no required reading. Come ready to talk about your recent reads, discuss recommendations, or just enjoy some bookish company. Anyone age 21 and up is welcome to attend. Seats are limited, registration required. https://tinyurl.com/2yffahzp
Sunset Volleyball
6-8 p.m. Sept. 23. 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.
Art Club
6-9 p.m. Sept. 23. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. This monthly gathering brings together artists, musicians, makers, and creative professionals to share ideas, build connections, and explore new opportunities within the local arts scene. The evening includes pre-event networking with a happy hour menu, followed by introductions, a featured artist talk, and an art hour studio session.
Wednesday Movie Night
8-11 p.m. Sept. 23. Adobe Kava, 1302 13th Ave. W, Bradenton. The audience decides what plays. Cast your vote in Adobe Kava’s Instagram Story poll before 8 p.m., and the winning movie will be shown at 8:30 p.m. Bring your friends, grab your favorite drink, and settle in for an evening of movies and community. Every week offers a different film.
LOOKING AHEAD
Salt Tolerant Plants for Coastal Landscapes
11 a.m.-noon. Sept. 24. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. Living near the coast brings unique gardening challenges, and this workshop will help you choose plants that can handle salty air and coastal conditions. Learn practical tips for creating a healthy, attractive garden using salt-tolerant varieties that are well suited for Florida’s coastal environment. $7. https://tinyurl.com/49wx6dh5
Readin’ at the Ranch Book Club
1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24. 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 “We Are Not Like Them” by Christine Pride.
Inaugural VFW Charity Golf Tournament
7:30 a.m. Sept. 26. River Strand Golf and Country Club, 7155 Grand Estuary Trail, Bradenton. VFW Post 10141 is bringing golfers together in support of veterans, military members, and the community. The tournament will follow a four-person scramble format, with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Enjoy lunch, awards, and an auction. Entry is $500 per foursome or $125 per individual. https://tinyurl.com/mrykt2ha
Felts Audubon Preserve Conservation Day
8-11 a.m. Sept. 26. 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
At Home Honor Flight Luncheon and Show
1-4 p.m. Sept. 26. Bradenton Elks Lodge 1511, 2511 75th St. W., Bradenton. This event is for all veterans: women, men, spouses, kids and grandchildren. Honor Flight is said by many veterans to be among the greatest days of their life. However, many veterans are medically or physically unable to go on an Honor Flight. The Bradenton Elks want to bring an Honor Flight to them. An RSVP is requested to Janet Orr at 941-773-0177 or janetaorr@gmail.com
Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival
1-4 p.m. Sept. 26. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. Sarasota Opera’s Food & Wine Festival is a festive community event featuring a variety of eateries with tasty food samples and wine tastings. VIP enjoy early access and seating at 12:30 p.m. General admission $75 in advance or $85 at the door. VIP $150. www.sarasotaopera.org/2026-27-Signature-Events
Bomber-Con 2026: A Roller Derby Event
5-9 p.m. Sept. 26. Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. E. Throughout the night, fans can buy in to bring back classic derby rules and shake things up for the skaters. Want to see things get a little rougher? Bring back an old school rule. Want to make the game more unpredictable? You can do that too. The more the fans buy in, the more the game changes. Free admission. www.bradentuckybombers.com
Bradenton Fall Flea
6-10 p.m. Sept. 26. Art House Boutique, 1806 Manatee Ave. W, Bradenton. Free event featuring live music, food truck, local vendors, desserts, vintage and Y2K clothing. Inside Art House will be a hands-on make-and-take class (TBA) and Aura Photography ($50) or with tarot reading ($65) with Stellar State Aura.
Mingle Monday
5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Bradenton Woman’s Club, 1705 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Meet new people and spend the evening connecting with women who share a passion for community. Enjoy light bites, adult beverages, and relaxed conversation in a friendly setting. Mingle Monday is held on the fourth Monday of each month.
Ag After Dark: Plant Palooza
5-7 p.m. Sept. 29. Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Roll up your sleeves to enjoy hands-on stations about all things plants. Chat with local experts on home vegetable gardening and planting Florida natives. Weave your own palm frond coaster, learn how to make the most of your cooking scraps, and plant an herb garden to start your own kitchen garden at home. Light bites and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. $12-$15. https://tinyurl.com/5646azn9
think + drink: From Nest to Sea
6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 29. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. The Bishop’s next think + drink presentation explores the lives of nesting sea turtles and hatchlings, along with the human activity that can put their survival at risk. Learn how Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch monitors and protects local sea turtles and what residents and visitors can do to help. $3-$15. https://tinyurl.com/3wmppr6u
Art Club
6-9 p.m. Sept. 30. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E, Bradenton. Local artists, musicians, and creatives are invited to gather for September’s Art Club. This monthly event creates space for creative exploration, professional development, and meaningful connections within Bradenton’s growing arts community. www.tickpick.com/organizer/o/oscura
Music on Main
6-9 p.m. Oct. 2. 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
One-Act Play Festival
7:30 p.m. Oct. 2-4. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For each festival, plays are submitted by authors from throughout the United States and then scored by readers engaged by Theatre Odyssey because of their proven ability to discern good work. The produced plays are new, original, and have not been produced in the state of Florida. Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday offered at 2 p.m. $32. https://tinyurl.com/4ph96wz3
12th Street Summer Market
9 a.m.-noon. Oct. 3. 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.
Fall Charity Market
9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 3. 4800 Foxbrook Trail, Parrish. Shop local and support a great cause. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy vendors, food trucks, raffles and 50/50. In case of rain, the event will be moved to Oct. 4.
Oktoberfest & Craft Market
Noon-8 p.m. Oct. 3. The Club at River Wilderness, 2250 Wilderness Blvd. W., Parrish. Browse through a vendor and artisan market until 4 p.m. and enjoy live polka music by the Sunshine Express from 1-5 p.m. Savor the flavors of German beer and cuisine.
Sarasota Paradise vs. Charlotte Independence
7:30-10 p.m. Oct. 3. Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Experience game day in an open-air setting. Gather with friends, cheer alongside fellow fans, and support Sarasota’s only professional sports team. sarasotaparadise.us/tickets
Booked & Buried Literary Club
9-11 p.m. Oct. 3. 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
Fall Plant & Garden Festival
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 4. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton. Check out a huge variety of plants for sale from vendors around the region. There will also be talented local artisan booths, delicious food trucks, and live music. Free Admission.