Skeletons fill the Village of the Arts, the blues room books its best month of the fall, and Thanksgiving lands on the 26th. Here's November, one week at a time.
November runs on two holidays here. Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26, so the back half of the month fills up with food drives, fun runs, and the first holiday markets. Most Saturdays have three or four good options fighting for the same morning. Pick early.
New since October's list: the North Pole Express starts its season in Parrish, the 41st Street Music Patch tries its first open mic, and Flamingo Bay books seven blues acts in four weeks. We rebuild this page at the start of every month from our live events calendar.
November's best, up top
Short on time? Start here.
Festival of the Skeletons, Nov. 6 and 7: The Village of the Arts' Día de los Muertos festival turns 22, with a Frida Kahlo tribute at the community shrine.
Manatee County Stand Down, Nov. 7: More than 50 agencies offer free services for veterans and families at the fairgrounds.
Parrish Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 11: Fort Hamer Road fills with floats and marching groups at 10 a.m.
Empty Bowls, Nov. 13 and 15: Two soup lunches for The Food Bank of Manatee, and you keep the bowl.
Chris O'Leary Band, Nov. 14: Levon Helm's former frontman plays the brewery room at Flamingo Bay.
The Old Time Sailors, Nov. 17: A sea-shanty singalong at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
Turkey Trot, Nov. 26: The Bradenton Runners Club's 29th Thanksgiving-morning 5K at Robinson Preserve.
Manatee Cars & Coffee, Nov. 28: The Mini Concours d'Elegance returns to Mixon Farms, free for spectators.
Nov. 1 to 8: Skeletons weekend
Sunday, Nov. 1. The 41st Street Music Patch, the backyard listening room under the oaks in east Bradenton, hosts its first open mic night at 6 p.m. It's also your last chance to catch Carrie or Dear Evan Hansen at the Manatee Performing Arts Center before both close.
Monday, Nov. 2. Paws & Pints brings adoptable dogs to Inner Compass Brewing, 5 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 5. Holly Days Sip & Shop opens at the Bradenton Woman's Club (1705 Manatee Ave. W) and stays through Saturday. Free admission, and a good place to start the gift list.
Friday, Nov. 6. The 22nd annual Día de los Muertos: Festival of the Skeletons spreads across the Village of the Arts on Friday and Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. Galleries open their shrines and altars, the Community Shrine and Memory Wall return, and food trucks and strolling musicians work the streets. The first 300 guests get free festival goodies, and admission and street parking are free. It doubles as the Village's first-Friday-and-Saturday Art Walk.
That night, Music on Main brings Passerine's acoustic folk and bluegrass to Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 6 to 9 p.m., with proceeds going to the Sarasota Southside Rotary Club. Manatee Movie Night screens Toy Story 5 on the lawn at Parrish Community Park, 6 to 8 p.m., free. Red Elvises open Flamingo Bay's blues month ($10), and the Amy Peck Collective plays the Freckled Fin.
Saturday, Nov. 7. Turning Points hosts the 28th Annual Manatee County Stand Down at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto, 8 a.m. to noon. More than 50 agencies offer medical, dental, and eye services, career help, and Veterans Amnesty Court, plus food and live music. It's free, and a shuttle leaves from the Downtown Bradenton Transit Station.
Plenty else fills the same Saturday:
Chase Away Epilepsy Walk loops G.T. Bray Park, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free, dogs welcome, register first.
Manatee River Art Guild's Art & Craft Show & Sale sets up at Waterlefe River Club, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a raffle for local art scholarships.
Art to Thrive, a guided expressive art session at Thistle and Thrive downtown, starts at 10:30 a.m. No experience needed.
Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare marks 10 years at its 6th Annual Friendsgiving at Mixon Farms, 5:30 p.m., with live and silent auctions.
NuJazz brings its Winter Holiday Show of smooth jazz, Motown, and holiday standards to the MPAC at 7 p.m.
SINEWAVES plays the Freckled Fin.
Sunday, Nov. 8. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble plays Salute to Service: A Tribute to America's Veterans at Peace Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m., with retired Sgt. Maj. Bob McDonald of the U.S. Army Chorus as guest. Before that, the Artisan Market sets up at The Blue Flamingo (4229 26th St. W), 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with artists, makers, collectors, and food trucksGypSea Soul Studios (615 15th St. W) starts its holiday workshop run at 1 p.m. with sea glass Christmas trees, a coastal wreath, and a 12-inch Santa gnome. Every GypSea class is BYOB.
Nov. 9 to 15: Veterans Day and Empty Bowls
Wednesday, Nov. 11. The Parrish Civic Association's 2nd Annual Veterans Day Parade steps off along Fort Hamer Road at 10 a.m., followed by a ceremony at Parrish Community Park around 11. Free. That evening, Bourbon & Bowties pours bourbon and whiskey tastings for Southwest Florida Scouting at Loaded Cannon Distillery at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50, and the live auction prize is a wheelbarrow full of whiskey.
Thursday, Nov. 12. Mathias Lattin plays Flamingo Bay ($25).
Friday, Nov. 13. The 26th Annual Empty Bowls serves soup and bread from local restaurants at Lakewood Ranch Main Street starting at 10:30 a.m. You pick a hand-painted bowl to keep. General admission is $35, and $50 VIP gets you early bowl picks. After dark, Manatee Movie Night shows GOAT at Mixon Farms (free), and the 10th Annual Sangarita Showdown hands you a ballot for the best sangria, margarita, and small bite at the fairgrounds at 7 p.m. Unlimited tastings, with proceeds to Parenting Matters.
Saturday, Nov. 14. Start with the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Free Community Shred Day, a drive-thru at Manatee Technical College (6305 State Road 70), 9 to 11 a.m. Bring up to two standard boxes per car, plus hard drives already pulled from their devices. The Gulf Coast Corvette Club's Poker Run leaves Cox Chevrolet on Cortez Road at 9 a.m. and finishes at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse. Any ride counts, bicycles included, and the money goes to The Food Bank of Manatee.
Then pick a market or a show. Waypoint Fall Market brings more than 40 artists and small businesses to Palmetto, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Main Street Market at Lakewood Ranch is back for its November Saturday. In Lakewood Ranch, the Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch hangs its Annual Fall Art Show and Sale at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall (8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.), free to get in and park. Ask a Master Gardener holds a session at the Palmetto library, and GypSea pours resin ornaments.
At night, the Chris O'Leary Band, led by Levon Helm's former frontman, plays Flamingo Bay ($20).
Sunday, Nov. 15. TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City hosts its own Empty Bowls at 11 a.m., with soup, salad, bread, and dessert alongside a horse show. If you'd rather bake, Sarvin Emami teaches a three-hour sourdough class at GypSea, and you go home with your own starter. Duke Tumatoe plays Flamingo Bay ($15, call to reserve), and Platinum Superstars bring "The Legacy Tour" to the MPAC at 7 p.m. The Manatee River Garden Club moves holiday shopping indoors for its Holiday Craft Fair (3120 1st Ave. W), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with plants, handmade crafts, home-baked goods, floral arrangements, and gifts. Free admission, and vendors take cash only.
Nov. 16 to 22: Shanties, a trail 5K, and a big Saturday
Monday, Nov. 16. The Wellness Center of Ellenton's Christmas Ornament Workshop starts at 4:30 p.m. and caps at 15 people. Call 941-803-7487 to pay and reserve.
Tuesday, Nov. 17. The Old Time Sailors haul out the sea shanties at the MPAC, with shows at 2 and 7 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. For something quieter, Thrive Yoga & Fitness holds a Loving Kindness Meditation & Sound Bath at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 20. The Steepwater Band's Chicago Blues Night hits Flamingo Bay ($20).
Saturday, Nov. 21. This is the busiest day of the month. The Run Manatee series wraps its season with the Rye Preserve 5K in Parrish at 7:30 a.m., on shaded trails that make it quieter than the road races. One Stop Cares and MCR Health host the 4th Annual Thanksgiving Give Back at The NEST at Robinson Preserve, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Thanksgiving meals for families, dental screenings, kids' haircuts, a bounce house, fire trucks, and letters to Santa.
Third-Saturday regulars are all on:
The June Collective Pop Up in the Park sets up at Parrish Community Park.
Village of the Arts Third Saturday Market opens its lanes.
Read to a Dog meets at the Lakewood Ranch Library.
Ask a Master Gardener holds a session at Central Library.
The Crewe of De Soto's 7th Annual Boards, Bites & Brews Cornhole Tournament tosses off at The Yard at the Palmetto Marriott (check-in 10:30 a.m., bags fly at noon). GypSea runs holiday paint-and-resin.
On the island, AMI South End's Sundown Get Down lights the Christmas tree on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, 2 to 8 p.m. Santa shows up, the shops stay open, and there's live entertainment and food. Free.
The evening splits three ways. Grammy-nominated bassist Daniel Kimbro, who has recorded with Eric Clapton and John Hiatt, plays the 41st Street Music Patch at 7 p.m. JP Soars & The Red Hots play Flamingo Bay ($15). Out in Holmes Beach, Lisa & The All Terrain Band bring high-energy covers to the Freckled Fin, 8 to 11 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22. The 2nd Annual Pints & Paws Fundraiser fills Flamingo Bay, noon to 4 p.m., with adoptable dogs, vendors, and live music. Free admission.
Nov. 23 to 30: Thanksgiving week
Monday, Nov. 23. Meals on Wheels PLUS and The Food Bank of Manatee hand out Thanksgiving dinners at a drive-thru at Dream Church (1820 53rd Ave. W), 4 to 6 p.m., while supplies last.
Wednesday, Nov. 25. Not cooking? Our Thanksgiving restaurants guide has the to-go feasts and dine-in tables, including Pier 22's 2026 menu and The Chop Shop's $17.99 plates for pickupWednsdat, Nov 25th. That night, Bradenton Alive takes over Old Main Street for its Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration, 7 to 11 p.m., and it's free. It's the downtown block party for the night everyone's back in town with the next day off. Rock & Roll Trivia still goes on at the Freckled Fin.
Thursday, Nov. 26. The 29th Annual Bradenton Runners Club Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run & Walk starts at 8 a.m. at the south entrance of Robinson Preserve (10299 99th St. NW). Registration is $15 for ages 16 and up, $5 for ages 9 to 15, and free for 8 and under. You can sign up on-site that morning with your phone or cash. No checks.
Friday, Nov. 27. Skip the store lines. The Black Friday Adoption Event at Bishop Animal Shelter waives adoption fees in exchange for a donation to Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare, noon to 4 p.m., and Cat Town is open too. Gators and Seminoles share Sutton Park in Palmetto for the Legacy Weekend UF vs. FSU Tailgate & Watch Party, with gates at 1:30 p.m. and former players from both teams on hand.
The Florida Railroad Museum's North Pole Express pulls out of Parrish for the season the same night, with evening runs Nov. 27, 28, and 29 before the December dates. Most nights leave at 5:15 and 7:15 p.m., and the round trip takes close to four hours. Prices depend on the date and seat class, and sold-out trains have no waitlist, so book early. Back in town, Joey Tenuto closes Flamingo Bay's blues month with South Florida blues.
Saturday, Nov. 28. Manatee Cars & Coffee pulls into Mixon Farms, 9 a.m. to noon, with the Mini Concours d'Elegance, a car club display, and a vendor village. Spectators get in and park free. Showing a car costs $10, and VIP lounge tiers run $15 to $30. GypSea wraps the month with Christmas tree builds.
Monday, Nov. 30. Hurricane season officially ends.
Every week, all month
Markets. All the weekly markets are open. Bradenton Public Market sets up on Old Main Street every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mixon Farms Market is Sundays, 9 to 2, and the Anna Maria Community Farmers Market is Tuesdays, 9 to 2, at Roser Church. Coquina Beach Market fills the beach lot Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 10 to 2. Hours, parking, and the rest of the lineup are in our Manatee County farmers markets guide.
Trivia and games: Rock & Roll Trivia with Steve Arvey at the Freckled Fin (Wednesdays), Tuesday Trivia at Cody's Original Roadhouse, Tuesday Game Night at Adobe Kava, and Sunday Funday Bingo at Cork's Cigar Bar.
Line dancing: Country Night with the Buffalo Gals at Flamingo Bay on Tuesdays, plus Country Round Up at Cody's.
Open mics and karaoke: Rock Star Open Mic at Flamingo Bay (Wednesdays), Sunday Open Mic at Loaded Cannon and at Adobe Kava, and Monday Karaoke at the Freckled Fin.
Outside: The Holmes Beach Drum Circle meets every Friday an hour before sunset near the Spanish Rocks.
Weekly specials: Loaded Cannon Distillery keeps Friday Nights and Saturday Martini Specials going.
Most of the shops and venues on this page are in our Manatee County business directory. For the full stage schedule at the MPAC, see what's playing at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, and for the bigger annual events, our festivals guide.
Already on the December calendar
The first weekend of December is filling up. Palmetto's Christmas in the Park opens at Palmetto Historical Park on Friday, Dec. 4, the same night Albert Castiglia plays a solo kickoff for Bradenton Blues Fest at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen. On Saturday, Dec. 5, Winter Wonderland lights up Old Main Street and the Bishop Museum opens for a free admission weekend. The full December list goes up here at the start of the month.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Manatee County in November 2026?
November brings the Festival of the Skeletons at the Village of the Arts (Nov. 6 and 7), the Parrish Veterans Day Parade (Nov. 11), Empty Bowls at Lakewood Ranch Main Street (Nov. 13), The Old Time Sailors at the Manatee Performing Arts Center (Nov. 17), the Thanksgiving-morning Turkey Trot at Robinson Preserve (Nov. 26), and Manatee Cars & Coffee at Mixon Farms (Nov. 28)
What's happening in Manatee County this weekend?
Here's each November weekend. Nov. 6 to 8: the Festival of the Skeletons and the veterans Stand Down. Nov. 13 to 15: Empty Bowls at Lakewood Ranch Main Street and Free Community Shred Day. Nov. 20 to 22: the Rye Preserve 5K, the Third Saturday Market, and the Bridge Street tree lighting. Nov. 27 to 29: the North Pole Express and Manatee Cars & Coffee.
What free events are happening in Bradenton in November 2026?
Free picks include the Festival of the Skeletons (Nov. 6 and 7), Holly Days Sip & Shop (Nov. 5 to 7), the Creative Arts Association Fall Art Show (Nov. 14), the Bridge Street Christmas tree lighting in Bradenton Beach (Nov. 21), and Bradenton Alive's Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration on Old Main Street (Nov. 25). Manatee Movie Night shows free films on Nov. 6 and 13.
What Veterans Day events are in Manatee County in 2026?
The Manatee County Stand Down offers free services for veterans at the Manatee County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 a.m. to noon. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble's Salute to Service concert is Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. The Parrish Veterans Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11, along Fort Hamer Road.
What is there to do in Bradenton over Thanksgiving weekend 2026?
On Thanksgiving morning, the Bradenton Runners Club's 29th Turkey Trot 5K starts at 8 a.m. at Robinson Preserve ($15 for ages 16 and up, $5 for ages 9 to 15, free for 8 and under). On Friday, Nov. 27, Bishop Animal Shelter trades adoption fees for a donation, and the North Pole Express starts its season in Parrish. Manatee Cars & Coffee fills Mixon Farms Saturday morning.
What live music is happening in Bradenton in November 2026?
Flamingo Bay books seven blues acts this month, including Mathias Lattin (Nov. 12, $25), Duke Tumatoe (Nov. 15, $15), The Steepwater Band (Nov. 20, $20), JP Soars & The Red Hots (Nov. 21, $15), and Joey Tenuto (Nov. 27). Music on Main brings Passerine to Lakewood Ranch Main Street on Nov. 6, and The Old Time Sailors sing sea shanties at the MPAC on Nov. 17.
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