1. Smartphone Trivia Game Show at Wilders Pizza
Every Wednesday from 7 pm to 9 pm
Wilders Pizza: 827 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Want to test your knowledge and have a chance to win some amazing cash prizes? Every Wednesday night is trivia night at Wilder’s Pizza, hosted by Game Show Trivolution.
This fun and exciting smartphone trivia game is an event you’ll want to return to week after week. While you’re there, you can enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine and some of the delicious menu items like garlic knots, spinach rolls, and, of course, some of the area’s best pizza.
2. KIDS Paint Your Pet
Wednesday, January 4th from 2 pm to 4 pm
5917 Manatee Ave. W, Suite 209 Bradenton, FL 34209
Come out and experience a special kid’s event at Painting with a Twist. KIDS Paint Your Pet offers your minis a chance to create a one-of-a-kind portrait for their furry friend.
Once you register, just send them the photo you want to paint and they will prepare everything you need. Parents are also welcome to paint, but the drawing with be less detailed than those that are part of the adult’s Paint Your Pet events. .
This is a BYOB class, so make sure you pack your own food and drinks. Spaces are limited so be sure to register online as early as you can.
3. Downtown Bradenton Public Market
Every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm
101 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL 34205
The Downtown Bradenton Public Market continues in the New Year! Every Saturday through the end of May, come out and enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, food demonstrations by local chefs, and free family activities.
Each week, you’ll find locally-grown produce, fresh seafood, prepared foods, plants, and many other exciting goodies. Parking is free, and furry friends with leashes are always welcome.
4. Cirque Italia Water Circus
January 5th through 8th
Riveria Dunes Marina: 102 Riviera Dunes Way Palmetto, FL 34221
If you haven’t seen the Cirque Italia Water Circus show, now is the perfect time. This “Aquatic Spectacular” features a custom-designed water stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water.
You’ll love watching the high-energy acts as they swing from ropes, flip over trapezes, and zip by on BMX bikes and roller skates while pushing the the boundaries of human ability.
Don’t miss out on this amazing event! Get your tickets before they sell out.
5. Plant Swap Meetup
Saturday, January 8th from 11 am to 2 pm
Lava Nutrition: 7457 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209
If you’re into plants, you definitely don’t want to miss the Plant Swap Meetup at Lava Nutrition. This is a fun opportunity to meet up with the community, and swap plants. Not only might you find the newest plant to add to your collection, but there’s a good chance you’ll meet some new plant-loving friends as well. So, bring a plant to trade and head on down!
6. Vintage and Artisan Market
Friday, January 13th from 4 pm to 8 pm
Gypsea Soul: 615 15th Street West Bradenton, FL 34205
The Vintage and Artisan Night Market at Gypsea Soul is one of the best places to find cool and unique treasures. Enjoy an evening of fun with live music, shop with local small business vendors, grab a bite at the Salt-n-Pepper Cafè, & browse the Gypsea Soul shop!
These markets are held on the 2nd Friday of every moth through March and on the first Friday in April.
7. Manatee County Fair
January 12th through 22nd
Manatee County Fairgrounds: 1402 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221
It’s time for the Manatee County Fair! This community tradition features a wide variety of things for people of all ages to see and do. You’ll find exciting exhibits, vendors, livestock shows, and more.
Check out the Manatee County Fair’s website for a detailed schedule and all the information you need.
8. Anna Maria Winter Art & Crafts Show
Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to 5 pm
City Field: 6001 Marina Drive Holmes Beach 34217
Join this extraordinary 2-day art and crafts show at City Field on Holmes Beach! You’ll find all kinds of unique and beautiful items such as jewelry, bath & body products, hand-carved wood items, glass blowers, yard art and so much more. This event will feature a variety of artists/makers of handcrafted, unique items. Each maker/artist has been selected for diverse gift-giving ideas.
Donations of non-perishable or canned food items for the not-for-profit Roser Food Bank are welcome. All donations will receive 1 FREE raffle ticket for a chance to win some cool art prizes.
9. Dev’s Bevs Workshop
Saturday, January 14th from 10 am to 1 pm
Anna Maria Community Center: 407 Magnolia Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
If you’re looking for a healthy way to kick off your New Year’s resolutions or you’re interested in living a calmer and healthier lifestyle in 2023, you’ll definitely want to check out the upcoming Dev’s Bev’s Wellness Workshop.
This month’s event will feature a sound bath, breathwork, and a trauma-informed yoga session. There will also be a mini health and life coaching, a vegan lunch and locally-sourced juice, and an ice bath. The cost is $60 per person and you’ll need to RSVP here by January 6th.
10. Friendly City Flea
Sunday, January 15th from 10 am to 3 pm
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Bradenton’s Friendly City Flea is back, and it’s now being held on Sundays, giving you even more chances to Support Local each month.
You won’t be disappointed with this curated flea market that showcases crafts from artists hailing from Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, and Tampa.
Interested in being a vendor? It’s not too late! To get started, complete the FCF’s Vendor Application.
11. Discover Bradenton’s January Networking Event
Thursday, January 19th from 5 pm to 7 pm
Bayshore Nutrition: 5330 34th Street West, Bradenton, FL
The Discover Bradenton Networking Event is back this year and it is better than ever! This month, we’re hosting a Healthy Happy Hour at Bayshore Nutrition. Join us for a great evening of networking and socializing, including complimentary beer and wine, lite bites, demonstrations, raffles, and giveaways.
While you’re here, you’ll also have the chance to visit with local wellness experts from A Blissful Garden Massage & Skincare, Bradenton Acupuncture & Wellness, Harbor Chiropractic, Your CBD Store, Parkwood Dental, and Thrive Yoga & Fitness!
This event is FREE for members and $10 for future members. Get your tickets here.
12. Next to Normal at the Manatee Performing Arts Center
January 19th through 29th
Stone Hall, 502 Third Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205
If musicals are your thing, then you don’t want to miss this amazing performance. The Manatee Performing Arts Center will be showing Next to Normal, an emotional powerhouse performance that takes the audience through a roller coaster of emotions in every scene. It addresses issues from ethics in modern psychiatry to suburban life and more and will follow the story of Diana as she tries to handle her illness, how it affects her family, and what’s left standing.
You can learn more about the show and book your tickets here.
13. Teen Night at the Bishop
Friday, January 20th from 6 pm to 8 pm
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
All teens aged 14 to 18 are invited to enjoy an evening of entertainment at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature‘s new Teen Night.
Attendees will have a chance to use the Museum’s exhibitions and resources to explore fun activities and discoveries while playing games, meeting special guests, and more. You’ll find more information and a link to purchase your tickets on The Bishop’s event page.
14. Village Bluegrass Festival
January 20th and 21st from 7 pm to 10 pm
Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen: 1114 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Experience 2 days pure of bliss in the Village of the Arts! Head on over to the Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen to watch the best locally-grown Bluegrass lineup ever.
Don’t miss these exciting performances by Sycamore Shade, Stumble Creek, Passerine, Stillhouse Shakers, Wandering Hours, and Applebutter Express!
15. Laughter LWR
Saturday, January 21st from 5 pm to 8 pm
The Grove Ballroom: 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Bradenton, FL 34202
Knock Out Marketing is bringing laughter to Lakewood Ranch again this year! This stand-up comedy show will star three hilarious, headliner comedians and an emcee who will each perform extraordinary clean and fun comedy.
Come early to socialize with your friends, then stay after the show to meet the comedians. This event may sell out fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as you can. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Forty Carrots Family Center.
16. Bradenton Punk Rock Flea Market
Sunday, January 22nd from 12 pm to 6 pm
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Get ready for the Bradenton Punk Rock Flea Market at Oscura! Everything that you know and love about Lakeland Punk Flea is here. Catch 40 eclectic vendors, artists, food trucks, and live punk performances by bands from all across Central Florida.
You’ll find a variety of stuff such as hard-to-find vinyl/CDs/cassettes, original artwork, eccentric clothing and accessories, handmade jewelry, taxidermy, oddities, nostalgia out the whazoo, collectible toys, stickers, patches, band merch, D.I.Y. button booth, and so much more weird stuff. This event is open to everyone, so bring your kids and pets. You’ll all have a good time. Check out the Facebook event page for a detailed line-up and more.
17. Bradenton Blues Brunch
Sunday, January 22nd from 11 am to 2 pm
Mattison’s City Grille Bradenton Riverwalk, 101 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34205
Spend your Sunday on the beautiful Bradenton Riverwalk while enjoying Mattison’s City Grille‘s monthly Blues Brunch. In January, you’ll get to hear live music performances by Dirty Deal featuring Lauren Williams while enjoying Mattison’s new Brunch Menu, featuring local and sustainable cuisine.
Seating is limited, so make your reservation today by calling ( 941) 896-9660 to reserve a table.
18. Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Dinner
Thursday, January 26th at UTC and Friday, January 27th at Anna Maria Island
Mademoiselle Paris, 8527 Cooper Creek Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34201
Mademoiselle Paris is hosting wine-tasting dinner experience at both their UTC and Anna Maria Island locations. This event features a 4-course dinner paired with 4 glasses of wine, great ambiance, live music, and friendly staff.
You’ll also enjoy a wonderful presentation of the region and vineyard by Jean the owner and wine connoisseur, and live french atmosphere accordion music by Ryan. Learn more about this event and get your tickets here.
19. ANNIE Kid’s Camp
Saturdays Beginning January 28th from 9 am to 12 pm
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue W, Bradenton, FL
Looking for fun activities for your kids this month? The Manatee Performing Arts Center offers an opportunity for kids aged 7 to 17 to participate in the performing arts and discover their potential. This is a chance for them to learn grow creatively and learn life skills.
ANNIE Kid’s Camp classes are held on Saturdays with a $300 registration fee for all classes. They also offer scholarships. Learn more and register here.
20. MPAC Backstage Tour
Tuesday, January 31st at 11 am
Manatee Performing Arts Center: 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
You’re invited to a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Manatee Performing Arts Center!
This FREE tour will show all aspects of this beautiful facility where you will hear historical and fun facts, visit the theater’s costume shop, learn about their technical booth, check out the VIP lounge, and much more.
After the tour, stick around for the Bradenton Kiwanis Club’s weekly meeting and enjoy a free lunch. To register, send a message through the Bradenton Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page, or call Dan Yonko at 941-749-1111 x104. Can’t make it this month? No worries! The tours are held on the last Tuesday of each month.
There you have it! A list of the top 20 fun things to do in Bradenton during the month of January. Be sure to bookmark this page so you don’t miss a thing! Looking for even more awesome Bradenton events? We are always adding new posts to our Event Calendar, so head on over and check it out.
