It may be the “dog days of summer” but there’s still plenty of fun to be had in the Bradenton area! Check out our round-up of the Top 20 Cool Things to Do in Bradenton during the month of August!
1. Salt Room Sound Bath
Every Thursday between 3 pm and 8 pm
Turning Tides with Dr. Hutch: 6672 Cortez Rd. W Bradenton, FL 34210
There’s no better way to relax and unwind than with a 45-minute Salt Room detox complete with Aromatherapy, Guided Meditation, and the delicate healing sounds of Crystal Singing Bowls and Chimes.
You can enjoy this incredible experience every Thursday night at Turning Tides with Dr. Hutch.
Limited spots are open each week between 3 pm and 8 pm. Call (941) 280-4673 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
2. Trivia at Loaded Cannon Distillery
Every Thursday of the month from 6 PM to 8 PM
Loaded Cannon Distillery: 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Ste. 110, Bradenton, FL
Mark your calendars! Every Thursday Night you can enjoy a fun evening of Trivia at Loaded Cannon Distillery!
Get ready to test your knowledge and compete in this brain-teasing challenge, all while sipping on handcrafted, small-batch spirits. It’s free to play and the top teams will win some exciting prizes!
3. Back to School Bash
Friday, August 4th from 11 AM to 1 PM
G.T Bray Park: 5502 33rd Ave Drive W Bradenton, FL 34209
Get ready to kick off the new school year with a bang! If you have kids, you won’t want to miss the Back-To-School Bash at G.T. Bray Park.
Pick up a free backpack courtesy of MCR health, then stick around and enjoy all the amenities G.T. Bray Park has to offer, including free swimming! There will also be a bounce house, games, vendors, and food trucks, making this event fun for the whole family!
4. Trivia at Orange Blossom Coffee
Friday, August 4th from 7 pm to 9 pm
Orange Blossom Coffee: 1166 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Don’t miss downtown Bradenton’s favorite trivia night, held at Orange Blossom Coffee! Test your knowledge and challenge your friends!
There will be drink specials and beer and wine available. No entry fee, and the 1st place team will walk away with a $40 Orange Blossom Gift Card!
5. Dixie Belle Paint Demo
Friday, August 4th from 10 AM to 4 PM
The Blue Flamingo: 4229 26th Street W, Bradenton, FL
Unlock your inner artist as you explore the world of creativity at this upcoming Dixie Belle Paint Demo at The Blue Flamingo.
You’ll learn how to paint using the Dixie Belle Chalk Mineral Paint colors, have a meet and greet with the founder of Dixie Belle – Suzanne Fulford, watch Melissa from The Top Drawer RVA demonstrate the new Cottage Collection, and answer questions
Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 and there will be discounts throughout the store with ticket purchase, goodie bags for attendees, and they’ll be raffling off signed aprons. Contact The Blue Flamingo at 941-227-1936 to learn more and reserve your spot.
6. Hot Summer Days Art Walk Weekend
Friday, August 4th from 6 PM to 9:30 PM and Saturday, August 5th from 11 AM to 4 PM
The Village of the Arts: 1227 12th St. W, Bradenton, FL
Bradenton’s Village of the Arts welcomes you to the Hot Summer Days Art Walk Weekend! Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend filled with art, inspiration, and hot summer madness.
Explore the vibrant VOTA community and dive into a world of art. This is a place where local artisans, galleries, delicious restaurants, and unique specialty shops come together in a display of amazing talent and fun. Take a stroll down the art-filled streets while interacting with fellow enthusiasts and listening to live music.
Worried about parking? No problem! The VOTA has street parking, free parking in an empty lot on 13th Ave, and a public parking garage downtown.
7. Marauders Back to School Night & Backpack Giveaway
Saturday, August 5th from 5:30 PM
LECOM Park: 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Gear up for an exciting Back to School Night with the Marauders! This year’s season is almost over, so don’t miss out.
Bring your kids to the Bradenton Marauders’ game on August 5th for loads of fun before school starts back up. The first 500 kids under 12 will receive a fantastic surprise – a brand-new backpack to start the school year with a bang. Gates open at 5:30 PM. Get your tickets now!
8. Linger Lodge One-Year Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, August 5th from 1 PM to 4 PM
The Linger Lodge: 7205 85th St Ct E, Bradenton, FL 34202
Celebrate The Linger Lodge as they celebrate their one-year reopening anniversary with food, drinks, music, prizes, and fun!
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the smoker will be all fired up, so you can get yourself some real Southern BBQ, including gator ribs and Cheshire pulled pork. Take-out meals will also be available with all kinds of fixin’s. There will also be a selection of free appetizers and drink specials.
Bring your children and come early. The first 50 kids will get goodie bags! There will also be drawings for prizes like gift cards, hats, t-shirts, and more. Tyler Butltler from “Out and About in Sarasota” will be on site. Justin Matthews from “Matthew’s Wildlife Rescue” will be bringing some special guests, and Jeff Hughes will be providing “play along, dance along, sing along” music!
9. Geek Ladies Night
Thursday, August 10th from 3 PM to 5 PM
Bat City Comic Professionals: 915 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, FL
Calling all the geeky ladies of Bradenton, embrace your inner superhero at the ultimate Geek Ladies Night at Bat City Comic Professionals!
Connect with your fellow fans, share your fandoms, and indulge in thrilling discussions about comics, movies, and more. Light snacks and drinks will also be available. Just stop by or contact Bat City at (941) 714-0402 to learn more.
10. Downtown Bradenton Popup Market
Friday, August 11th from 5 pm to 8 pm
City Center Garage/Orange Blossom Coffee: 1166 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Come on out and #SupportLocal by visiting the area’s shops and vendors who will be displaying and selling their wares.
Grab a cup of coffee, beer, or wine at Orange Blossom Coffee, browse through Pink & Navy Boutique, The Stoked Flamingo, and The Beach Shop, and don’t forget to grab yourself a sweet treat at Millie’s Sweets & Treats.
There will also be vendor tables set up outdoors in front of the shops. This is a great opportunity to check out some of Bradenton’s amazing local businesses.
11. Grape Picking Experience at Fiorelli Winery
Saturday, August 12th from 8 AM to 12 PM
Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard: 4250 Waterbury Road, Bradenton, FL
Want to do something unforgettable? Join Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard for their exclusive Grape Picking Experience.
The day will start with a complimentary continental breakfast, then you’ll have a chance to get your hands dirty (in a fun way!) as you spend the day with the Fiorelli wine gurus, picking grapes from the vines that will go straight into your favorite Fiorelli wines.
Enjoy a guided grape-picking experience followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the grape-crushing process. This is a great way to include yourself in the first step of their wine-making process. After your morning at the vineyard, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch & a complimentary wine tasting and will get a souvenir wine glass and commemorative t-shirt to remember your day at the vineyard. You’re also welcome to stick around after the event for live music on the front patio until 5 PM.
Tickets are for $70 and spaces are limited, so get your tickets now!
12. Dutch Masters Arranging Workshop
Saturday, August 12th from 10 AM to 12 PM
Vintage Vine Market: 424 9th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Here’s another fun summer class to try! Learn how to arrange a moody & free-flowing Dutch Master-inspired floral arrangement during this Kinspoke Floral Workshop.
Whether you’re a budding floral enthusiast or a seasoned designer, this workshop offers a great opportunity for you to learn a new set of skills and explore the artistry of Dutch floral arranging featuring seasonal summer blooms, fruit, and greenery.
Your ticket includes snacks and drinks, professional photos, and a take-home bag. Register here.
13. Friendly City Flea
Sunday, August 13th and 27th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Don’t miss the Summer Pop-Up Series of the Friendly City Flea, held twice this month at Oscura in Old Manatee.
This indoor, air-conditioned event will feature tons of cool items made by local vendors, makers, and creators. Come hungry, so you can explore Oscura’s unique brunch and drink menu.
There will also be live music by DJ Milo B, who will be spinning throwbacks and modern classics.
14. Shop and Walk Old Manatee
Sunday, August 13th and 27th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Segunda Vida: 708 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
The Old Manatee area is a vibrant neighborhood hotspot for shopping, dining, and fun. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out – and if you have, now is a great time to go back!
Head out to the Friendly City Flea, then stick around to explore the area, including:
-Vintage, Thrift, and Upcycled goods at Segunda Vida
-Pop Up Market and Tea Tasting Party at The Vintage Vine
– Comic Creations at Bat City Comic Professionals
– Delicious Food at Oscura Cafe and Vernona’s Hungarian Restaurant and Deli!
– And more!!
15. Makers Mingle & Sip and Shop Gathering
Wednesday, August 16th from 4 PM to 7 PM
The Vintage Vine Market: 424 9th Street East Bradenton Fl 34208
Step into a world of creativity and fellowship at the Makers Mingle & Sip and Shop. The Vintage Vine Market and Your Honeycomb are hosting a neighborhood event every third Hump Day (Wednesday) of the month.
This is a FREE evening of relaxation with the community. Bring a project or craft to work on, as you sip on a refreshing beverage in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Join us while you sip, shop, make, and relax! No RSVP is required, but you can contact The Vintage Vine at (941) 928-0776 for more details.
16. Dog Daze of Summer Sale at The Cat’s Meow
August 16th through the 26th
The Cats Meow, A Vintage Marketplace: 4307 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Get ready for some tail-wagging excitement at the Dog Daze of Summer Sale held at The Cats Meow, A Vintage Marketplace. As the sun shines hot this summer, fantastic deals on end-of-season merchandise await you.
Whether you’re looking for something specific or you just want to stroll around, this is the place to go. Hurry in and get fantastic savings before the sale ends!
17. Manatee Palms Art Show & Charity Event
Thursday, August 17th from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Manatee Palms: 1128 Manatee Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34208
Join Manatee Palms and EasterSeals for a heartwarming charity event that celebrates creativity and the diverse artwork of adults with disabilities.
The exhibition will feature a wide range of artwork including pottery, painting, and creative decor lovingly crafted by talented EasterSeals clients. All proceeds from the event will go directly to EasterSeals, a group committed to empowering people with disabilities and special needs, as well as the individual artists.
By attending, you can help support the remarkable artistry of these individuals. The event is FREE and will include complimentary hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and wine. RSVPs are required. Register for this event here.
18. Aktion Players Performance
Thursday, August 17th from 1 PM to 2 PM
Stone Hall, Manatee Performing Arts Center: 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Prepare to be amazed by the talents of the Aktion Players as they take center stage at the Manatee Performing Arts Club.
This is a one-of-a-kind performance featuring artists with special needs. It’s full of entertainment, artistry, and theatrical magic.
The audience will be treated to a showcase of the performer’s exceptional abilities in dance, music, drama, and art. Don’t miss out on this incredible FREE performance.
There is no cost to attend, but RSVPs are requested. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot.
19. Discover Bradenton Networking Event
Thursday, August 24th from 5 PM to 7 PM
Freckled Fin Irish Pub 5337: Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217
You’re invited to join Discover Bradenton for a fun, friendly networking event at Freckled Fin Irish Pub on Anna Maria Island. This is a casual happy hour with lite bites, door prizes, a cash bar, and more. Plus, for this event ONLY, your first drink (beer or wine) is free – compliments of The Freckled Fin.
Be sure to bring lots of business cards! You’ll have plenty of chances to connect with professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. The event is free for Discover Bradenton members and $10 for visitors. Space is limited, so get your tickets now!
20. Bradenton Public Market – Summer Edition
Saturday, August 26th from 9 AM to 2 PM
Old Main St. Downtown Bradenton: 400 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL
Celebrate the vibrant season of summer at the Summer Edition of the Bradenton Public Market.
Here, you’ll find plenty of delectable treats, refreshing beverages, locally sourced produce, and artisan goods. With its lively and buzzing ambiance, this is a must-visit destination for the community.
This is the LAST market before the full season begins on October 7th, so don’t miss out!
There you have it! Our round-up of 20 Cool Things to Do in Bradenton during the month of August. When you visit these events, please be sure to tell the hosts you heard about them on Discover Bradenton! This helps us continue to #SupportLocal and #KeepBradentonstrong.
Looking for even more fun things to do? Check out Discover Bradenton’s Event Calendar! We update it every few days, so you never know what you’re going to find.
