1. Curate Your Life. A Mindset Workshop
Tuesday, May 2nd from 6 PM to 8 PM
Your Honeycomb/The Vintage Vine Market: 426 9th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208
Start this month’s activities with a 2-hour workshop at Your Honeycomb, located adjacent to The Vintage Vine Market.
This workshop is designed to help change your attitude toward organization and prepare to simplify your life. You’ll also learn how to prioritize what’s most important to you – all while creating your own Creed Bracelet.
The cost for this fun and interactive workshop is only $40 and all supplies are included. Register here.
2. Oscura Trivia Night – Star Wars Edition
Thursday, May 4th at 7 PM
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
Ready to test your knowledge about Star Wars and compete for great prizes?
Mark your calendars for Trivia Night – Star Wars Edition at Oscura!
This game is presented to you by B Trivial – where the winning team will receive a $25 bar tab plus a small prize!
There’s no cost to enter the game, but there’s s two-drink minimum to play. The event will start shortly after 7 PM. May the 4th be with you!
3. Cinco De Mayo Art Walk + Other VOTA Festivities
Friday, May 5th from 6 PM to 9:30 PM and Saturday, May 6th from 11 AM to 4 PM
Village of the Arts: 1227 12th St. W, Bradenton, FL
Kick off your Cinco de Mayo celebrations at the monthly Art Walk in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts.
Visit the local galleries and explore this vibrant and colorful neighborhood, where you’ll enjoy art, food, music, and more.
The fun doesn’t end there. While you’re in the VOTA, be sure to stop by the 13th & 13th Art Market at Adobe Graffiti Lounge (1302 13th Ave W.), where you’ll find a variety of vendors selling jewelry, paintings, drawings, pottery, crystals, and more.
On May 6th, you’ll also want to head over to the 13th St. Artwalk Extension brought to you by Saw Blossom and Jennifer McKee Art.
Saw Blossom’s gallery (1506 13th St. W.) will feature six local artists, live music, and food by Authentic Rendition and Cremesh Bakery.
4. The Ballad of Old Manatee
Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th
Manatee Village Historical Park: 1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
If you didn’t get a chance to watch The Ballad of Old Manatee last month, you’re in luck! There are a few more chances to catch it in May.
Don’t miss the epic love story of James C. Vanderipe and Sarah Lee — and an intense conflict between James and Sarah’s father, the Reverend Edmund Lee. This conflict, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, leads to James’ death and burial in what is called “The Lonesome Grave.” This event is history meets mystery in a unique theatrical experience!
Watch this World Premiere Musical among the historic buildings and grounds at Manatee Village Historical Park. Get your tickets here!
5. 2nd Annual Taco Fest
Saturday, May 6th from 12 PM to 7 PM
Manatee County Fairgrounds: 1402 14th Avenue West Palmetto, FL 34221
Everyone loves tacos, right?! If you’re a fan of tacos (and we know you are!) – then visit Manatee’s 2nd Annual Taco Fest at the Manatee County Fairgrounds! This event will showcase over 70 of Tri-State Area’s Best Tacos together with a variety of Specialty Cocktails and entertainment.
This is a family-friendly event that will have a kid zone with a free petting zoo, free jump houses, face painting, free children’s books from the Manatee Early Learning Coalition and so much more.
Thanks to all the support from the community during the 1st Taco Fest, they have decided to extend their hours up to 7 PM for more fun and tacos. General admission is for only $10, seniors 65 and over – $5, while kids under 10 years old go in for free. Get your tickets here!
6. Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 6th
Descent Into Gaming: 5205 33rd St East, Bradenton, FL
Bat City Comic Professionals: 915 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, FL
Calling all comic book fans! Free Comic Book Day is coming and you have multiple chances to cash in!
On May 6th, head over to Descent Into Gaming between 10 AM to 4 PM for free comics, comics on sale, games on sale, and dress up too!
Dress up as your favorite fictional character for the day. Come show off and get entered into a drawing to receive a gift from Descent Into Gaming!
Then, make your way to Bat City Comic Professionals between 11 AM to 5 PM where you can choose from hundreds of FREE comic titles, meet costumed characters, support local creators and vendors, and more!
7. Manatee Chamber’s Spring Expo
Thursday, May 11th from 4 PM to 7 PM
Bradenton Area Convention Center: One Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221
The Manatee Chamber’s Spring EXPO – formally known as the Ship-Shape Showcase – is a great way to support our local community by connecting, shopping, and growing together.
This event will showcase fantastic businesses and organizations here in Manatee County. Hundreds of attendees and 60+ Chamber member booths will be on-site to promote local products and services.
Guests will also enjoy complimentary light bites provided by local restaurants and caterers, fun entertainment, dozens of door prizes, and more. A cash bar is also available. You do not have to be a Chamber member to attend! Register for the Spring Expo 2023 here.
8. Lucky Ducky Race for Pace
Saturday: May 13th from 3 PM to 6 PM
Caddy’s Bradenton: 801 Riverside Dr. E Bradenton, FL 34208
“Adopt a duck – help a girl!”
Join Quacky and her friends at the 14th Annual Lucky Ducky Race for Pace at Caddy’s Bradenton. Watch as over 30,000 rubber ducks race down the Manatee River and win prizes for their “adoptive parents.” Choose your own “lucky duck” and cheer them as they race on.
If you haven’t adopted your ducks yet, it’s not too late! You can purchase your ducks here and get in on the fun. The grand prize is a Jeep Wrangler (2-year lease or $5,000) and all proceeds benefit Pace Center for Girls of Manatee County.
9. 84 Years of Mixon Memories
Saturday, May 13th from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Mixon Fruit Farms: 2525 27th Street East Bradenton, FL 34208
We’re all so sad about the closing of Bradenton’s iconic Mixon Fruit Farms, but there’s still time to visit and enjoy this unforgettable location.
Celebrate 84 years of Mixon Memories together with the community at this once-in-a-lifetime event hosted by Dean and Janet Mixon.
Live entertainment will be provided by The Billy Rice Band, so you can dance the evening away while you mingle and have fun. Delicious food, hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine will also be served.
Thee cost is $75 per ticket, Ages 4 -12: $40 per ticket, and kids 3 and under get in for free. Get your tickets now.
10. 36th Annual Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament
Saturday, May 13th from 7 AM to 11 AM
805 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL 34221
Bring your kids out at the 36th Annual Jerry Hill Memorial Fishing Kids Fishing Tournament! This Catch and Release annual tournament, held in Palmetto, Florida, is FREE for everyone to join.
It’s a very popular event that attracts more than 200 participants each year. There will be prizes for each age group based on the longest fish caught and released and every registered angler will also get a free t-shirt. Please bring your own rod, reel, line, and sinker with hook. Loaners will be available if you do not have one. The event is free, but you must register ahead of time. Register here.
11. Bradentucky Bombers Double-Header Bout
Saturday: May 13th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex: 5309 29th Street East Ellenton, FL, 34222
Watch the Bradentucky Bombers take on the Tampa Roller Derby in a Double Header at home.
The first game will be the Bradentucky Bombers vs. Tampa Bruise Crew and the second is Tampa Death Rollers vs. Magic City Mayhem.
Doors will open at 4:30 PM. There are plenty of bleacher seatings available, but if you want to get up close to the action, be sure to bring a chair. Get your tickets online for $10 or at the door for $15. Ticket price includes BOTH games. Kids under 5 are free.
12. Adopt-a-Palooza
Saturday, May 13th from 11 AM to 3 PM
Bradenton Area Convention Center: 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221
If you’re looking for a new furry friend for you and your family, then head on over to the 7th Annual Adopt-A-Palooza at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.
This is the largest one-day-only adoption and pet expo event in the area. You’ll find over 100 puppies, dogs, cats, and kittens from Manatee County Animal Welfare (MCAW), local shelters, and animal rescues – all ready to go to their new homes.
Not looking to adopt? No worries! The Adopt-a-Palooza Marketplace will feature vendors selling a variety of pet products, pet information tables with special pricing on services such as spay and neuter, chipping, veterinarian services, and more. There will also be raffles and silent auction items.
All proceeds from this event support Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. This nonprofit agency works hard to serve as the fundraising arm for Manatee County Animal Welfare. Help support their mission to improve shelter animals’ lives by helping them raise funds to provide for their needs!
13. Mother’s Day Classes at Gypsea Soul
Saturday, May 13th at 11 AM and 3 PM
Gypsea Soul: 615 15th Street West, Bradenton, FL
Looking for a fun way to spend a day with Mom, or want to create a unique and creative gift for Mother’s Day? Head on over to Gypsea Soul Studios for a Mother’s Day-themed class!
Two classes are available on May 13th: Make a Mother’s Day Gift Resin Workshop and Mama and Mini Mer Acrylic Painting. These fun, beginner-friendly classes are a perfect gift idea!
There are also other classes available throughout the month of May, and gift cards for future classes are available. Visit Gypsea Soul’s Class Page to view your options and register!
14. Food Trucks, Pirates, & Tunes
Saturday, May 13th from 12 PM to 6 PM
Holmes Beach City Hall Field: 5801 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Join the Anna Maria Island Privateers for their fun and exciting Food Trucks, Pirates, & Tunes event in Holmes Beach City Hall Field.
Come out and see your favorite pirates, fill up on delicious drinks and foods, and explore their treasure cove of tent vendors selling the most amazing stuff from the island and ocean.
All proceeds of this event will benefit The Anna Maria Island Privateers – a nonprofit organization that donates to local high school students.
15. Bradenton Marauders Special Promotion Nights
May 13th, May 26th and May 27th
LECOM Park: 1611 9th Street W., Bradenton, FL
The Marauders’ 2023 season is always jam-packed with fun! A regular game is always a good time, but you definitely won’t want to miss these special promotion nights.
Mark your calendars for Star Wars Night on May 13th, where you can catch your favorite Star Wars characters around the ballpark all night and watch the Marauders take the field in Star Wars-themed jerseys. Be sure to stay for the post-game fireworks show. On May 26th, grab your furry friend and head out to Paws & Claws, where well-behaved dogs are welcome and you can enjoy specials on White Claw beverages.
You also won’t want to miss Military Appreciation Night on May 27, when the Marauders will honor the hardworking members of our military and take on the field in military-themed jerseys. There will also be a post-game fireworks show. No matter which night you plan to attend, you can get your tickets here.
16. Friendly City Flea
Sunday, May 14th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
Don’t miss this Mother’s Day Market and Bruch at the Friendly City Flea, held at Oscura. This uniquely curated flea market is a great way to celebrate with Mom!
You’ll find a variety of items from local vendors, makers, and creators. Outside, enjoy more than 70 local vendors with a live DJ. Inside, listen to jazz music by The Royale Duo.
Also enjoy a special Mother’s Day brunch menu with a selection of delicious drinks to choose from. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the community. Take a stroll down the street and check out some local shops like Segunda Vida, Bat City Comics, and the Vintage Vine Marketplace.
17. Mother’s Day – Charcuterie & Wine!
Sunday, May 14 from 11 AM to 2 PM
Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard: 4250 Waterbury Road, Bradenton, FL
Looking for a fun, classy, and unique way to treat Mom this Mother’s Day? Check out this Charcuterie & Wine event at Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard.
There are few things better than a fun day of learning how to create the perfect charcuterie board while enjoying delicious, locally-made wine.
Praise Cheeses will supply everything you need from from the take-home box to all the perfect charcuterie ingredients. There are only 50 tickets available for this special event, so book your spot now.
18. Penguin Project/Players Present Annie
Sunday to Wednesday, May 14th to May 17th at 7:30 PM
Manatee Performing Arts Center: 502 Third Avenue W, Bradenton, FL
If you want to attend a feel-good event that is sure to pull at your heartstrings, this is it!
The Penguin Project is a national program that gives special needs individuals the opportunity to explore their creative talents while participating in a life-changing theater experience.
The cast and their mentors have been hard at work rehearsing for months, and you’ll get the see the results of their efforts live and in person this month at the Manatee Performing Arts Center! The cost is just $20 and this show promises to be an unforgettable experience.
The Penguin Players (age 23+) are performing on May 14th and 15th (tickets here).
The Penguin Project (ages 8-22) are performing on May 16th and 17th (tickets here).
19. Hops & Heart
Wednesday, May 17th from 6 PM to 10 PM
Motorworks Brewing: 1014 9th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34205
If you’re looking for a fun-filled evening that supports a great cause, you won’t want to miss Loveland Center’s Hops & Hearts event!
Enjoy craft beers and great company while supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This event is sponsored by Motorworks Brewing and Proper Meats. All proceeds of this event will support the Loveland Center. The event is FREE for everyone, but registration is a must. Register here.
20. Casino Royale Party at Kava Social Club
Saturday, May 20th at 8 PM
Kava Social Club: 540 13th street west, Bradenton, FL
Kava Social Club is celebrating their three-year anniversary with a 1920s Casino Royale Theme.
Come on out and enjoy full-sized Blackjack, Roulette, Craps & Texas Hold ‘em Tables with professional dealers.
There will be plenty of great prizes, delicious food, and celebration.
There will also be a costume contest with a prize of $100, so wear your finest 1920’s attire.
There you have it! A list of the top 20 fun things to do in Bradenton during the month of May. Be sure to bookmark this page so you don’t miss a thing!
Looking for even more Bradenton events? Check out Discover Bradenton’s Event Calendar. We add new events every day!
