The holidays are right around the corner, and Bradenton is gearing up with a lineup of cool activities. Whether you want to eat, drink, listen to live music, shop, or explore – there’s something for you to do this month.
Take a look at our round-up of 20 cool things to do in Bradenton during the month of November.
1. Tanner’s Turkeys Fundraiser 2023
Friday, November 3rd from 5:30 PM to 9 PM
The Meadows Country Club: 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota, FL 34235
As the holiday season approaches, Tanner’s Turkeys Fundraiser needs your help to provide Thanksgiving meals to local families in the community.
During the event, you’ll enjoy live music, a silent auction, and a 50/50 drawing. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be also served, and a cash bar will offer a selection of drinks.
Each ticket sold feeds a family in need! Get your tickets today.
2. Empty Bowls 2023
Friday, November 3rd from 11 AM to 1 PM
Lakewood Ranch Main Street: Main Street, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Join Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee as they celebrate their 23rd Anniversary of the annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser at Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
Attendees can choose an exquisite, artisan-made bowl to take home after enjoying a selection of soup, bread, and desserts contributed by local eateries.
Your support will be a tremendous help to Empty Bowl’s mission as they help children, families, and seniors in need within our local area. All proceeds raised will go toward supporting The Food Bank of Manatee, a program under Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, making a significant impact in our community. Get your tickets now and show your support!
3. Flavors of Literacy
Saturday, November 4th from 11 AM to 2 PM
Manatee River Garden Club: 3120 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
This is a Delicious Way to Support Literacy In Manatee County.
Join the Manatee Literacy Council as they celebrate food from around the World (and around the Suncoast)!
Sample delicious selections from local restaurants, choose a free book, and enjoy great entertainment!
All proceeds from this event will support adult literacy programs in our community. Get your tickets here.
4. Manatee Chamber Expo: Business in the Ballpark
Thursday, November 9th from 4 PM to 7 PM
LECOM Park: 1611 9th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Don’t pass up the opportunity to join in on an exceptional networking event where you can create great connections.
The Manatee Chamber Fall Expo highlights local businesses, offers delectable treats from Chamber member restaurants, presents entertainment, door prizes, and more.
Featured restaurants providing complimentary light bites include Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Chicken Salad Chick, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Means Deans Local Kitchen, Mission BBQ, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Popi’s Place, Southeast High School Culinary Arts and Wilder’s Pizza. Pre-purchased tickets are just $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Register now and have some networking fun!
5. Fancy Flea
Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11, from 9 AM to 4 PM
Bradenton Area Convention Center: 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221
Looking to do some early holiday shopping? Savor the delight and elegance of The Fancy Flea, A Vintage Marketplace, featuring extraordinary indoor shopping. Immerse yourself in the finest vintage event the Southeast has to offer, showcasing fantastic vendors, antiques, décor, gifts, fashion, and much more – you’re sure to find something here!
Entry is just $7, and parking is on the house! Learn more here.
6. Friendsgiving: A Dessert and Wine Auction
Saturday, November 11th from 6 PM to 10 PM
IMG Golf Club: 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton, Florida
Celebrate Friendsgiving with the Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare. This thrilling night of charity will feature both live and silent auctions, a wine pull, delectable food, and refreshing drinks.
Your presence and generosity will make a significant difference to the welfare of animals at Manatee County Animal Welfare. Get your tickets here. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait. You won’t want to miss this fun and exciting event!
7. Symphony in the Sand
Saturday, November 11th at 4:30 PM
Coquina Gulfside Park: 2650 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island
Mark your calendars for an evening of culinary delights, world-class music, a captivating Gulf Coast sunset, and a Veterans Day salute at Symphony in the Sand.
Highlights of this event include the island’s renowned 45-piece orchestra, the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra, conducted by the accomplished Maestro Alfred Gershfeld, as well as international and American musical compositions, Broadway classics, and beloved movie themes. This year’s program will also pay tribute to Veterans Day with patriotic classics.
This is an enchanting experience for music enthusiasts, complete with live and baton auctions, along with the chance to dance on the beach. Get your tickets here.
8. Suncoast Food & Wine Fest
Saturday, November 11th from 1 PM to 4 PM
Premier Sports Campus: 5895 Post Blvd Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211
Come be a part of the 21st annual Suncoast Food & Wine Fest. Enjoy an afternoon filled with delightful samples and tastings from a variety of the area’s finest restaurants paired with a diverse range of exceptional wines and beverages, all within the enchanting ambiance of an outdoor setting.
When you buy a ticket, you extend your support to numerous charitable organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties, while contributing to various Rotary projects. Get your tickets now!
9. 11th Annual Cortez Stone Crab Festival
Saturday and Sunday, November 11 and 12 from 10 AM to 6 PM
Swordfish Grill and Tiki: 4628 119th St W, Cortez, FL
Join in the festivities on the 11th Annual Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival at The Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar in Cortez. This event was founded by a fourth-generation Cortez commercial fisherman to celebrate our hardworking crabbers, fishermen, and women of this community.
This year’s theme is “Crack-a-Cold One,” which pays tribute to the delicious stone crab which is best served when chilled and cracked! During this two-day festival, you can enjoy listening to live music, while savoring fresh seafood, enjoy a beer tent, a full bar, a kid’s zone, and explore offerings from local art vendors.
Don’t worry about parking, the venue will offer F.I.S.H. Preserve for a $5 fee per car, with the entrance at 116th Street. Entrance will be $5, and children aged 12 and under get in for FREE. All parking proceeds will support the F.I.S.H. (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage), and all draft beer sales will contribute to The Blessings Bag Project.
10. Live Music at Manatee Performing Arts Center
Saturday, November 11th and November 18th
Manatee Performing Arts Center: 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton FL 34205
Experience the magic of live music at the Manatee Performing Arts Center this November! On November 11th, enjoy a captivating 90-minute performance dedicated to celebrating the iconic Woodstock festival known as “Peace of Woodstock.” This is a tribute to the famous three-day festival of Peace, Music, Love, and Fun, in upstate New York that defined an entire generation.
On November 18th, get ready for a double dose of musical nostalgia with the “Elvis Presley Experience.” Featuring two shows by Matt Stone, a nationally-acclaimed Elvis Tribute Artist, as a tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Don’t miss out on these incredible musical shows. Get your tickets now for a great musical experience!
11. Friendly City Flea
Sunday, November 12th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
Explore the vibrant outdoor Friendly City Flea at Oscura in Bradenton’s Old Manatee Historic District.
This curated market brings together a diverse array of talented makers, musicians, and creative minds. Offering a charming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy – this is the best place to spend your Sunday. With over 70 artisan vendors showcasing their works, you can simply browse or do some early holiday shopping all while supporting local talent. This is a day for community, culture, and fun.
While you’re in the area, take some time to explore the Old Manatee neighborhood and discover other nearby businesses like Segunda Vida, Bat City Comic Professionals, and The Vintage Vine Market.
12. Holly Day Craft & Gift Show
Saturday, November 18th from 9 am to 4 pm
Bradenton Woman’s Club: 1705 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Get a jump on your holiday gift shopping while also supporting a wonderful cause! The Bradenton Woman’s Club is hosting their Holly Day Craft & Gift Show on November 18th.
Admission is free. You can sip and shop while exploring various art and craft vendors. Breakfast and lunch options will also be available for purchase, so plan to make a day of it.
This is a special event where volunteers come together and combine FUN and FUND-raising for the benefit of our community! Locally-created goods make excellent holiday gifts, so don’t miss your chance to find beautiful and unique gifts.
13. Burger Fest
Saturday, November 18th at 3 PM
Big Top Brewers Collective: 2507 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL
Get ready for a mouthwatering experience as the creators of Mac n Cheese Fest are back with a brand new culinary extravaganza – Burger Fest 1.0 LWR Edition!
Head on over to the Big Top Brewers Collective for an epic burger adventure. Six remarkable food truck chefs will be serving up the most delicious burgers you’ve ever tasted. Participating in this flavorful party are Untamed Kitchen, 3 Sons BBQ of Englewood, Sarasota Eatz, Dave’s Jukebox Diner, Nicky’s New Orleans Po Boys, and the Kids Choice from The Venice Foodies – and more to come!
This event is a delectable experience you won’t want to miss.
14. Holiday on the Vines Festival
Sunday, November 19th from 12 pm to 5 pm
Fiorelli Winery & Vineyards: 4020 CR-675, Bradenton, FL 34211
Mark your calendars for Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard‘s annual family-friendly holiday festival, featuring live music by Santiago Solo Sounds, food trucks, craft vendors, lawn games, locally crafted wine & beer and holiday photo mini sessions by Jessica Guadagno Photography.
Admission is free, but attendees are asked to contribute a $5 donation to Suncoast Charities for Children. Photo sessions must be booked and paid for in advance. Check out the event details and RSVP here.
15. Saw Blossom Painting Classes
Saturday, November 18th 9 am to 11:30 am
Your Honeycomb: 424 9th St. Bradenton, FL 34208
Join Jeanie from Saw Blossom for a unique workshop where you can enjoy a day of freedom and creativity with other people just like you. During this 2.5 hour workshop, you’ll learn techniques to create texture and basic tips you can apply to any canvas or furniture painting.
During the workshop, you’ll be using all-natural clay paint that is safe and friendly to the environment.
Individuals under 18 are also welcome with supervision. Classes are $65 and include all materials. Learn more and register here.
16. East 2 West Art Market
Saturday, November 18th from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, November 19th from 11 AM to 4 PM
Bradenton Area Convention Center: 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL. 34221
Head on over to the Bradenton Area Convention Center and check out the 8th Annual East 2 West Art Market. This is a juried art market dedicated to supporting and promoting local artists who will showcase and sell their original works. Admission is free and there will also be raffles and live demonstrations.
Here you’ll find a variety of mediums, including paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more. This is a great opportunity to find a beautiful and unique piece of art for yourself, of the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for person in your life.
17. BWC Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23rd from 9 AM to 12 PM
Robinson Preserve: 1704 99th Street NW, Bradenton, FL US 34209
Mark your calendars for the 26th Annual Bradenton Runners Club Turkey Trot 3 Mile fun run/walk this Thanksgiving morning at Robinson Preserve.
This is more than just an athletic event – it’s a chance to give back! The race will be charging a $10 registration fee and all proceeds will go directly to this year’s chosen local charities: The Food Bank of Manatee and Turning Points. On the day of the race, these two charities will also be present to receive your generous donations of canned or dry goods (non-perishable foods) and new or gently used clothing & shoes.
Sign up here to join in on this fun Thanksgiving tradition!
18. Punk Rock Flea Market
Sunday, November 26th from 12 PM to 6 PM
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
The Bradenton Punk Rock Flea Market is back at Oscura and it’s larger than ever! Featuring an impressive lineup of over 50 market vendors and an enticing array of food trucks – you’re sure to have fun at this event.
While you’re there, explore a variety of items, including eclectic art, band merchandise, vinyl records, unconventional home décor, jewelry, vintage toys, upcycled clothing, taxidermy, unusual specimens, skateboards, stickers, patches, buttons, furniture, musical instruments, horror memorabilia, and more. As you stroll around, enjoy live music performances by some of Central Florida’s top punk bands.
This event is free to attend and is generally pet and child-friendly. The Bradenton Punk Rock Flea Market is more than just a market; it’s a celebration of the weird, the wonderful, and the wild.
19. Sip, Shop, Spa Holiday Soiree
Thursday, November 30th from 4 PM to 7 PM
The Blue Door Spa & Salon: 5234 State Road 64, East Bradenton, Florida, 34208
Celebrate the start of the Holiday season with the 17th Sip, Shop, Spa extravaganza!
Step into a day of festivities with a refreshing glass of bubbles and savor delectable appetizers while you relax in mini spa treatments. There will also be live holiday music to get you in the mood for the holiday season.
This is a great day to save on more spa & salon services, and unique holiday stocking fillers, or get yourself a gift. This event is free to enter, so head on over to Blue Door Spa for a relaxing and delightful time.
20. Merry & Bright
Thursday, November 30th at 7:30 PM
SCF Neel Performing Arts Center: 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Get ready to embrace the holiday season as the talented SCF Choirs, SCF Guitar Ensemble, and SCF Bradenton Symphony Orchestra come together for this festive Merry and Bright musical performance.
This holiday concert features fresh and innovative interpretations of both contemporary and traditional holiday selections. Tickets are just $15. Learn more and purchase your tickets here.
There you have it! Our round-up of 20 fun and exciting things to do in Bradenton during the month of November. We encourage you to get off the couch, get out, and #SupportLocal!
Looking for even more things to do? We update our event calendar daily, so head on over and check it out. Be sure to bookmark it and check back often, so you never miss a thing!
