Bradenton's Village of the Arts

The Village of the Arts (VOTA) is Bradenton’s most unique and eclectic neighborhood. This live/work community is a colorful artist’s colony that’s home to a diverse mix of quirky art studios and galleries, shops, restaurants, a healing arts center, and even a microbrewery. The area is made up of colorfully restored 1920s & 1930s historic cottages alongside some more modern additions.

The Village spans from 9th Ave West to 17th Ave West between 9th St West and 14th St West. It consists of over 275 individual properties and is within walking distance from Lecom Park, voted Florida’s best minor league ballpark, downtown Bradenton, and the Bradenton Riverwalk.

During the first Friday and Saturday of every month, the village hosts an exciting Art Walk, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the area’s galleries, enjoy live music, delicious food, and more. At the same time, you’ll also find the 13th & 13th Art Market, located at the intersection of 13th St. and 13th Ave., between Adobe Graffiti Lounge and Birdrock Taco Shack. The VOTA is also famous for its annual Día De Los Muertos (Festival of the Skeletons) celebration that includes a community shrine, plus individual shrines in many of the galleries, as well as street performers, live music, costumes, and plenty of revelry.

For family-friendly fun, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Mystic Mines Gemstone Mining – Southwest Florida’s largest gemstone mining attraction. Kids and kids at heart will love becoming a prospector for the day as you mine for crystals, gemstones, shark’s teeth, and fossils from around the world. Feeling crafty? Discover your inner artist and create your own glass creation at Witchgrass Studio – or shop gorgeous glass art made by studio owner Harriet Harris. Or, relax and unwind with a massage or sea salt scrub at Alcover Massage.

When the sun goes down, fun in the VOTA doesn’t stop. Adobe Graffiti Lounge – Bradenton’s Premier Kava Lounge and Café – hosts exciting events like Spin Saturday, featuring a live DJ and fire spinning and Bar DJ Sessions every Friday with a mix of EDM, house, and techno. Birdrock Taco Shack and Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen also host live music nearly every weekend.