From Main Street Live and Comedy Nights to the Friendly City Flea and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy this month. Check out our round-up of the top 20 Cool Things to Do in Bradenton this March.
1. 13th & 13th Art Market
Friday, March 3rd from 6 PM to 10 PM and Saturday, March 4th from 11 AM to 4 PM
Adobe Graffiti Lounge: 1302 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL
The 13th & 13th Art Market is held during each monthly Art Walk. Head on over to the Adobe Graffiti Lounge in the Village of the Arts.
They’ll have a variety of awesome vendors selling jewelry, paintings, drawings, pottery, crystals, and more. This is a great chance to enjoy the eclectic VOTA while also supporting local artists and creators!
2. Manatee Strength Expo
Saturday, March 4th from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Manatee County Fairgrounds: 1402 14th Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34221
Calling all fitness fanatics! Come out to the Manatee County Fairgrounds to watch The Manatee Strength Expo. This is a sports festival where men and women of all ages, shapes, and sizes come out to show off their strength and take part in a head-to-head battle.
This festival will feature more than just a competition,, there’s also Powerlifting, Strongman, Crossfit, Jiu Jitsu, and Sword Fighting. There will be a lot of activities for you to see, including the “World’s Strongest Manatee” Strongman Competition and The Havoc Games Crossfit Competition.
There will also be vendors, food trucks, and more. Tickets are just $10 and children ages 12 and below are free. Get your tickets here.
3. Grand Opening – Garden Party
Saturday, March 4th from 12 PM to 4 PM
424 9th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Celebrate the grand opening of The Vintage Vine Market with a fun and lively Garden Party! Catch the festivities on Saturday, March 4 from noon to 4 PM. You won’t want to miss all the treasures in this gorgeous new vintage shop.
They will be honoring the origins of the Davis Building we are in, dedicated in 1910. Refreshments will be served. See you there!
4. Comedy Night at Oscura
Saturday, March 4th at 8 PM
Oscura Cafe & Bar: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
Bradenton’s favorite live venue, Oscura, will be hosting an unforgettable Standup Comedy Night! Stpetestandup will be coming over the Skyway Bridge to bring laughter and fun to the community.
This show will feature the best working comedians in Florida. There’s a chance this could sell out, so get your tickets now.
5. Fire & Flow Saturdays – Adobe Graffiti Lounge
Every Saturday from 9 PM to 1 AM
Adobe Graffiti Lounge: 1302 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL
If you’re looking for something different to do in Bradenton, you’ll definitely want to check out Fire & Flow Saturdays at Adobe Graffiti Lounge in the Village of the Arts.
Everyone is welcome to watch, party, and have some fun. The venue has plenty of space to dance, flow, spin fire, or just chill and vibe.
6. Cruisin for Charity Fundraiser
Saturday, March 11th from 11 AM to 3 PM
BubbaQue’s BBQ Bradenton: 6581 E SR 70, Bradenton, FL
Want to watch an extravagant exotic car show while supporting a great cause? If so, you won’t want to miss the “Cruisin’ for Charity” Car Show Fundraiser supporting Manatee Children’s Services.
Head on out to BubbaQue’s BBQ, where you can see some of the area’s most beautiful and rare car collections. You’ll even get the chance to have some photo ops with the beautiful cars displayed. There will also be beer and delicious food, 50/50 raffles, and live music to.
All donations and raffle proceeds will benefit MCS and the important services they provide to Manatee County’s child abuse victims and families.
7. Manatee Pride
Saturday, March 11th from 12 PM to 5 PM
Bradenton Riverwalk: 452 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL
Show your support and encouragement to our LGBTQ+ community by checking out the annual Manatee Pride Festival at the Bradenton Riverwalk, presented by ALSO Youth.
Catch a fantastic lineup of live entertainment while tasting delicious foods and drinks. This family event will feature performances by Hovercar, Brittany Zeff & Crew, and more!
This is always a fun event and it’s for a great cause, so don’t miss out!
8. Spring Plants and More Sale
Sunday, March 12th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Palma Sola Botanical Park: 9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL
Plants lovers and collectors won’t want to miss the annual Spring Plants & More Sale at the Palma Sola Botanical Park. You’ll find a wide variety of plants for sale as well as a collection of arts and crafts throughout the park.
Take note that this year, the park will be closed until 10 AM so that all of the vendors, staff, and volunteers can properly prepare for this big event. Admission is free, so don’t miss out.
9. Friendly City Flea
Sunday, March 12th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Don’t miss your chance to check out the March edition of Bradenton’s Friendly City Flea. This unique market is now held monthly on Sundays and features both indoor and outdoor shopping & entertainment.
Outdoors, you’ll find 70+ Artisan Vendors and a live DJ. Inside, there will be live Jazz music, brunch, and a specialty drink menu. There’s no cost to attend, so don’t miss out!
10. Discover Bradenton’s March Networking Event
Wednesday, March 15th from 5 PM to 7 PM
BeerSauce Shop Bradenton: 419 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34207
Ready to make incredible connections, grow your business, and maybe meet new friends along the way?
Head on over to BeerSauce Shop – Bradenton for this month’s Discover Bradenton Networking Event. We will host a casual Happy Hour where everybody can enjoy networking and socializing. There will be complimentary lite bites, door prizes, and a cash bar.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards! The event is free for Discover Bradenton members and $10 for visitors. We can’t wait to see you! Get your tickets here!
11. BAD NIGHT: Chemistry of a Cocktail
Thursday, March 16th from 6 PM to 10 PM
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL
Celebrate Women’s History Month with cocktails, music, and fun at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature! BAD NIGHT: Chemistry of a Cocktail is a women-led event, where Culture Shaker and Mixologist Lauren Reese will talk about all things cocktails.
Aside from all the cocktail talk, you’ll also enjoy an all-female mixologist competition featuring their take on a Rum Daiquiri. Everyone will have the chance to vote for their favorite Daiquiri, along with a panel of judges to decide on the winners.
Foods and drinks will also be available during the event. White Rum provided and sponsored by Loaded Cannon Distillery. Registration includes admission to the competition, presentations, and a sample of each mixologist’s Daiquiri.
12. Main Street Live
Friday, March 17th from 6 PM to 9 PM
Old Main St. Bradenton, FL 34205
What better way to enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day than to head out to Downtown Bradenton’s most famous street party! There will be live music by the Honey Hounds, vendors, food trucks, and all sorts of family-friendly games and activities like Kids Rock Painting, St. Paddy’s Day Kids Crafts, and more.
The Main Street area will be closed to traffic and the streets will be lined with awesomeness. The music kicks off at 6 pm and will continue until 9 PM. This event is free to attend.
13. St. Patty’s Day Bash at Motorworks
Friday, March 17th at 7 PM
Motorworks Brewing: 1014 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Check out one of Bradenton’s BEST classic rock/hard rock cover bands – The Lost Boys! They will be rockin’ the house Irish style this St. Patrick’s Day at Motorworks Brewing.
Plenty of shenanigans will take place and good times will be had by all! Don’t miss your chance to check out this incredible local talent.
14. 2023 Beast Feast
Saturday, March 18th from 6 PM to 11 PM
Manatee County Fairgrounds: 1402 14th Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34221
Join the Kiwanis Club of North Manatee for their annual Beast Feast on March 18th at the Manatee County Fairgrounds.
This event will feature local recording artist, Eric Von, and a feast of eat-all-you-can southern fare that includes frog legs, swamp cabbage, hog, buffalo, gator, fish, as well as shrimp & grits. In addition, beer and wine will be served. There will also be a Silent Auction, Raffles & 50/50! Admission is $50, with two drink tickets included. Get your tickets here.
15. Music in the Park
Friday, March 24th and Friday, March 31st at 6 PM
Mosaic Amphitheatre on Bradenton’s Riverwalk: 606 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
The Music in the Park series returns this month at the Bradenton Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater. Listen to the music of the IRuption Movement – Caribbean on March 24th, and the Glass Onion Beatles Band – Beatles on March 31st.
Craft beer, wine, other beverages, and food will be available for purchase. If you want to join the event and jam, please bring blankets or chairs for your own comfort. This is a pet-friendly event, so furry friends with leashes are welcome.
16. Kids in the Kitchen
Saturday, March 25th from 10 AM to 12 PM
Bradenton Public Market: 400 Old Main St. Bradenton, FL
The Junior League of Manatee County is partnering once again with Realize Bradenton to host this month’s Kids the Kitchen – a great way to teach your children how to prepare easy and healthy meals with foods available at the Bradenton Public Market.
In this lesson, children are provided with their own ingredients and a recipe to help them successfully create their snacks. Sign-up at 10:00 AM! The activity will begin at 10:30 AM. This is free, so don’t miss out!
17. Bradenton Spring Festival
Saturday, March 25th from 11 AM to 2 PM|
Caddy’s Bradenton: 801 Riverside Dr. E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Join the 2023 Bradenton Spring Festival benefitting the Humane Society of Manatee County at Caddy’s of Bradenton on March 25th. This is a family and pet-friendly event that presents all sorts of fun activities for you and your furry companions.
Vendors will be on-site to give their warmest welcome and hand out free items for you and your family. There will also be a DJ, and food/beverages for you to enjoy. You’ll also have fun watching and participating in activities such as a race course for pooches, pet photos, face painting, games, and more. Get your tickets now!
18. Tropical Nights Goes Hollywood
Saturday, March 25th from 6 PM to 10 PM
Grove Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will be hosting its 29th annual Tropical Nights Goes Hollywood fundraising event at the Grove Ballroom in Lakewood Ranch. Get ready to wear your most fabulous gowns and tuxedos and experience a red carpet event fit for a celebrity.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the programs of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and stay right here in our local community. Admission includes dinner, live music, entertainment, and more. Get your tickets here.
19. Kids Bunny Bash 2023
Saturday, March 25th from 10 AM to 2 PM
Mixon Fruit Farms 2525 27th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208
Get ready for the Kids Bunny Bash 2023 at Mixon Fruit Farms on Saturday, March 25th. You and your kids will get a chance to meet the Easter Bunny, and enjoy all sorts of fun games and activities like a bounce house, Easter crafts & coloring, a sandbox, and more. Kids can also play all day at Mixon’s Amazing Play Place.
Tickets are just $8, and kids under 2 years old get in for free. Get your tickets here.
20. Blues Brunch at Mattison’s
Sunday, March 26th from 11 AM to 2 PM
Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille: 101 Riverfront Blvd #120, Bradenton, FL 34205
Experience the best in blues at the monthly Live Blues Brunch at Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille. Join fellow blues and brunch enthusiasts as Mattison’s welcomes the one and only Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones.
Call 941-896-9660 today to make reservations to experience delicious chef-created brunch menu items and authentic blues. This event fills up quickly, so reservations are highly recommended.
