The Village of the Arts proudly announces WonderWall Mural Fest, a bold, day-long celebration of live mural art, music, and community connection taking place Saturday, March 7, 2026. Presented in partnership with local muralists and the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County, this immersive event will transform the Village into a living canvas.
Throughout the day, artists will create large-scale murals in real time across multiple locations in the district. Five permanent murals are scheduled for completion during the festival, marking a significant visual evolution for the historic arts community.
A New Gateway Moment
The most prominent transformation will take place on the expansive rear wall of the Federal Market at the corner of 9th Street West and 13th Avenue West. The longtime mural that has welcomed visitors for decades will give way to a new gateway moment connecting the upcoming City Park at LECOM to the Village of the Arts.
With the support and outreach of the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County, the new mural will reflect the spirit and future of the creative community while strengthening connections between youth engagement and public art.
Additional Mural Sites Across the Village
Live mural installations will also take place at:
Bits & Pieces (corner of 13th St W & 13th Ave W)
Jerk Dog Records (1119 12th St W), featuring two simultaneous murals
Embodied Health (1102 12th St W)
A private two-story residential mural at 11th St W & 13th Ave W
Interest in the festival has exceeded expectations, with more artists participating than available wall space. To accommodate demand, temporary 4x8 mural panels will be installed throughout the Village, creating additional sponsorship opportunities for local businesses.
Food, Music, and Village Favorites
In addition to live art, WonderWall will highlight the Village's food and beverage scene. Flamingo Bay Brewery returns as a festival partner and will generously donate kegs for the event. Birdrock Taco Shack will make a highly anticipated return after sunsetting its brick-and-mortar location, adding renewed energy to the celebration.
Guests can also enjoy offerings from Arte Caffe, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, Adobe Kava, and The Village Patio, making the festival a full-day destination within the arts district.
The weekend will also feature the Village's "Village in Bloom" ArtWalk theme, with participating artists and merchants hosting their own creative activities throughout the area. Together, these experiences reflect the independent spirit and collaborative energy that define the Village of the Arts.
Sponsorship and Community Involvement
"WonderWall is about bringing people together through creativity," said Dave Shiplett, President of the Artists Guild of Manatee, Inc. "We're thrilled to collaborate with the Boys & Girls Club and our incredible artists to create something lasting and unforgettable for Bradenton."
Sponsorship opportunities are currently available:
Temporary Mural Sponsor - $250 (business name featured with mural)
Official Event T-Shirt Sponsor - $500 (limited availability; expected to sell out)
The festival will also welcome nonprofit organizations to host booths throughout the Village, strengthening community partnerships and engagement.
Looking Ahead
As the Village of the Arts moves into its next quarter century, WonderWall Mural Fest represents renewal and growth through public art, collaboration, and shared pride in place.
For sponsorship inquiries or additional information, contact: Artists Guild of Manatee Inc (villageofthearts@gmail.com)
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