1. Tattoo for a Rescue
Friday, October 4th from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. (and throughout the month of October)
One One Eleven Arts: 1010 16th Ave. W. Bradenton, Florida 34205
During the month of October, One One Eleven Arts — a tattoo studio located in the Village of the Arts — is teaming up with The Humane Society of Manatee for their Tattoo for a Rescue event. The event begins on Friday, October 4th then continues throughout the month of October (Tuesdays through Saturdays) from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Call the studio at (941) 216-5790 for more information and to book your appointment.
2. 3rd Annual Heroes FORE Life Men’s and Women’s Golf Tournament
Saturday, October 5th from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Waterlefe Golf & River Club: 1022 Fish Hook Cv, Bradenton, Florida 34212
Golf enthusiasts can have a ton of fun and support a great cause at the 3rd Annual Heroes FORE Life Men’s and Women’s Golf Tournament, supporting Care Net Manasota Pregnancy Center. The cost is $100 per player and includes greens fees, cart fees, driving range balls, buffet lunch, and beverages. For more information, contact Hali Heasley at halih@carenetmanasota.com or 941.751.1966 or Steve Ayers at steve14golf@gmail.com or 941.650.3625.
3. Fall Into Health Fair 2019
Saturday, October 5th from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Reveal Vitality: 2816 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Join Fit Crew and Reveal Vitality for a fun and family-friendly health and wellness fair featuring lots of local businesses. During the event, you’ll have a chance to receive free health and wellness services and screenings, enter raffles and giveaways, and enjoy plenty of food and drinks.
Vendors include: Fit Crew Bradenton, Reveal Vitality, CryoXL, Bowled Life, Power Meals by Dawn, BEMER, Palma Sola Therapies, Zevia, Liquid IV, CBD Manatee, Juice Plus, Thrive Yoga and Fitness, Athlete Pro Sports Medicine, Rollassage, Yummi Food, Lululemon, and SCGO. The event is free, but you do need to get your tickets ahead of time by clicking here.
4. Bradenton Farmer’s Market
Saturday, October 5th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (and every Saturday until May)
Downtown Bradenton, Old Main St.
It’s time for the Bradenton Farmer’s Market time again! Come down for the first one of the season and pick up some fresh produce, pasta, bakery items, artisan goods and more! The Farmer’s Market creates a thriving community with their weekly chef’s demonstrations, local art, upbeat music, and family-friendly activities. Parking is free and leashed dogs are welcome!
Check Discover Bradenton next Thursday for detailed information about the specific vendors, chef demos, and special events you’ll find at the Farmer’s Market throughout the year!
5. Bradenton Veg Expo
Saturday, October 5th from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Bradenton Area Convention Center: 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, Florida 34221
Do you care about healthy, compassionate living? If so, you’ll want to check out the first-annual Bradenton Veg Expo. Here you’ll find health professionals, conscientious business owners, and animal activists providing an array of fun and educational services. Enjoy chair massages, free health assessments, and learn about products and services that will enhance your life.
The expo will also feature live music, mini-demos, and an all-ages scavenger hunt. There will also be giveaways, a silent auction, and chances to win free prizes! This event is free, but, if you plan to go, they request that you RSVP on their Facebook event page.
6. Oktoberfest at Linger Lodge
Saturday, October 5th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Linger Lodge Restaurant and Bar: 7205 85th Street Court East, Bradenton, Florida 34202
Are you ready to kick off Fall the right way? Head over to Oktoberfest at the Linger Lodge! Enjoy food and beer, music by the 4-4-1 Band, and vendors from Who Knew Popup Market. Tickets are free, but you’ll need to get them ahead of time by clicking here.
7. Water Lantern Festival
Saturday, October 5th from 4 pm. until 10 p.m.
Nathan Benderson Park: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, Florida 34235
The Water Lantern Festival was voted the #1 festival by USA Today, and it’s coming to Nathan Benderson Park! This is an amazing experience where family, friends, and strangers gather to celebrate life in a beautiful way. Enjoy food trucks, artists, music and family-friendly fun starting at 4 p.m. At 6 p.m. attendees will begin designing their lanterns, and the launch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices go up as the event gets closer and it’s possible that this could sell out. If you’re interested, get your tickets here today!
Wondering what the heck a Lantern Festival is? Check out this video:
8. Relay Rally (Relay for Life Kickoff Party)
Saturday, October 5th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Motorworks Brewery: 1014 9th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Join the American Cancer Society as they kick off their next Relay for Life season. The Relay Rally in the beer garden at Motorworks Brewing will include a cornhole tournament, luminary ceremony, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle, and live music by Rye Road. While you’re there, make sure to check out their signature drink, because Motorworks is donating a percentage back for every one they sell! This is a free event, so come on out and support a great cause.
9. Tombstone Tours
Friday, October 11th (also 12, 18th, and 19th) 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Manatee Village Historical Park: 1404 Manatee Ave. E. Bradenton, FL 34208
Get ready for Halloween with a spooky Tombstone Tour. This walking tour will take you through the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds by torchlight with a costumed guide. During the tour, your guide will explain the history of the burial grounds and the people buried there and explain details about why the tombstones look the way they do. Tickets are $20 per person, and the event may sell out, so you’ll want to get your tickets here today.
10. Kid’s Night Out
Friday, October 11th from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Star Academy of Dance & Aerial Arts: Located in One Tribe Fitness 602 Manatee Ave. Bradenton, Florida 34205
Looking for a fun way for the kids to burn off some energy? Kids Night Out at Star Academy Dance & Aerial Arts is it!
This event gives kids between the ages of 4 and 13 a chance to try out Aerial Silks and Lyra, learn a fun dance combo, and play lots of awesome games! The current students will also be there, learning new tricks and practicing their aerial skills. Drop your little ones off at 6:30 and pick them up at 8:45. The cost is $18 if you register before October 10th, and $25 the day of the event. You can register by reaching out to info@StarAcademyFL.com.
11. Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, October 12th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Hunsader Farm: 5500 County Road 675 E, Bradenton, FL 34211
The locally-famous Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday from October 12th through the 27th. Visitors will enjoy live music, food, hayrides, a corn maze, chainsaw sculptor, face painting, a petting zoo, scarecrow displays, a rock climbing wall, a juggler, zip line and more! Tickets are $10 and parking is $5. Kids under 10 are free.
12. Corporate Ladder Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 13th from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Corporate Ladder Brewing Company: 4935 96th Street E, Palmetto, Florida 34221
If you’re not ready to give up Oktoberfest yet, you’ll want to check out Corporate Ladder Brewing’s Oktoberfest Celebration! They’ll have authentic German food from the Schnitzel Trailer, beer hall games, and lots (and lots!) of beer! You’ll have the option of getting a half-liter or liter stein adorned with the Corporate Ladder logo.
Their two traditional side-pull Czech taps will feature Marzen and Festbier. Make sure to wear your traditional Oktoberfest garb, and you’ll receive a free beer!
13. Grand Opening Celebration of the new DeSoto Boys & Girls Club
Thursday, October 17th from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
DeSoto Boys & Girls Club, 5236 30th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207
Come out and celebrate the grand opening of the new Desoto Boys and Girls Club! Enjoy live jazz music by The Foundation and delicious food provided by Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. You’ll also have a chance to tour the new facility and enter to win awesome raffle prizes. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.
14. Vintage Christmas Tree Painting
Friday, October 18th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Arts a Blaze Studio: 8111 Lakewood Main Street Unit 107, Bradenton, Florida 34202
Almost everyone over the age of 30 grew up with one of these awesome ceramic Christmas trees in their homes. Want to recreate your own? Check out Vintage Christmas Tree Painting at Arts a Blaze Studio. These trees are special order and difficult to get during the holidays, so now is the perfect time to start a new family tradition!
There is currently a discounted price that includes the tree, light kit, lights, glaze, and kiln firing. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required for us to order your tree. Please sign up early as supplies of trees are limited and they can’t guarantee the availability of trees as time passes.
15. Bayfest 2019
Saturday, October 19th from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island, FL
Gather up your family and friends and head out to the 19th Annual Bayfest on Anna Maria Island. They’ll have plenty of food and drinks, adult beverages, artisans, crafts, vendors, and a kid’s play zone.
There will also be a classic car show from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and live music throughout the day featuring Trevor Bystrom (10:30 to 11:30), Memphis Rub (12 to 1:30), soulRcoaster (2 to 4), Dr. Dave Band (4:30 to 6:30) and Karen & Jimmy Band (7 to 9).
16. Goose and Stewart Raising HOPE Halloween Bash
Saturday, October 19th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Connect! Bradenton: 1201 6th Ave W #100, Bradenton, FL 34205
Join the Rariden-Andrews Agency and Stewart Title for a ridiculously fun Halloween bash to benefit HOPE Family Services. Your $25 ticket ($30 at the door) will get you food, beer, wine, soda, and a signature “jungle juice.” There will also be raffle prizes, bobbing for apples, a “best decorated” room contest, and Jello shots. Make sure you come up with a creative costume because they’ll also be giving away prizes for the best costume, best couple’s costume, and most original costume.
17. Stuff the Bus
Sunday, October 20th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Every Publix in Manatee County
The holidays are right around the corner, and now it the perfect time to start thinking about ways to give back. It’s fun and easy to participate in the annual Stuff the Bus event to help wipe out hunger in Manatee County! On Sunday the 20th, school buses will be located in every Publix parking lot in Manatee County. This community event is held in conjunction with Mosaic, iHeartMedia, the Herald-Tribune, Publix, the United Way Suncoast, and The School District of Manatee County, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and The Food Bank of Manatee.
To participate, just pick up some extra groceries at Publix, and drop them off at the bus on your way out! Did you know Meals on Wheels PLUS and The Food Bank of Manatee were just featured on Discover Bradenton? If you missed it, check out the article here!!
18. Handbags and Happy Hour
Thursday, October 24th at 4:30 p.m.
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club: 7650 Legacy Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34202
Come on out and support HOPE Family Services (HOPE) and The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) for their Handbags and Happy Hour event. Tickets are $40 and include delicious appetizers, an open bar, a wide variety of gorgeous designer handbags, jewelry and other prizes that you can win by purchasing raffle tickets.
There will also be a pop-up shop, games, music, and more! Also, please consider bringing a gently used handbag with you to donate to HOPE and WRC participants. This event may sell out, so purchase your tickets today, or for information, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lynn Lavigne-Quinn at lynn.lavigne@hopefamilyservice.org or 941-747-8499.
19. Quality of Life EP Party
Friday, October 25th from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Connect! Bradenton: 1201 6th Avenue West, Suite 100, Bradenton, Florida 34205
Join Bradenton-based singer-songwriter Undine Shorey for an intimate night of music as she releases her very first EP — Quality of Life. This is your chance to get up-close and personal as she performs her songs live and discusses the stories behind them. Every ticket purchased includes a copy of the Quality of Life EP. There will also be snacks and drinks available for purchase courtesy of Tellers. Limited seating is available, so get your tickets today.
20. Boo Run 5k and Boo Dash
Saturday, October 26th from 7:45 a.m. until 10 a.m.
Lakewood Ranch Main St. 8100 Lakewood Main St, Bradenton, Florida 34202
Join over 1,200 runners, walkers, and dog walkers for the 16th Annual Boo Run 5k and Boo Dash in Lakewood Ranch. During this fun, family-friendly event there will also be a costume contest, awesome vendors, and a great after-party. Age group winners will receive special Tervis tumblers. 100% of the proceeds go to the Another Day for Gray Foundation. To guarantee your shirt size you’ll want to register by October 1st, but registrations are open up until race day. You can register online at www.boorun.com.
21. Cortez Nautical Flea Market
Saturday, October 26th from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Florida Maritime Museum: 4415 119th St W, Cortez, Florida 34215
If you love all things sea-related, you’ll definitely want to join the Florida Maritime Museum for their 22nd Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market. Here you’ll find new and used fishing equipment, diving and sailing gear, powerboat supplies, and more! Items will be for sale and for trade. This is a free, family-friendly event so gather up the kids and come check it out!
22. Jewelry to the Rescue
Saturday, October 26th from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Good Liquid Brewing: 4824 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Jewelry, beer, and supporting a great cause — what more could you ask for?! Come on down to Good Liquid Brewing for their Jewelry to the Rescue event and support the Humane Society of Manatee County. Bring your own piece of jewelry to donate and receive a free beer voucher. Prices start at just $3 and the average cost for a beautiful piece of jewelry is between $9 and $25. All proceeds benefit HSMC.
23. Murder Mystery Dinner
Saturday, October 26th from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Fiorelli Winery: 4250 County Road 675 E. Bradenton, FL 34211
Kick the Halloween weekend off right with a Murder Mystery Dinner in the winery! This entertaining evening created in conjunction with Florida Studio Theater is something you won’t soon forget. Enjoy an evening of elegant food, wine, and … MURDER! During your multi-course meal, you’ll discover that someone has been killed, and you and the rest of the guests will be immersed in an interactive who-done-it style dinner show. Tickets are $45 per person and you can purchase them here.
24. Halloween Cover Show
Saturday, October 26th from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Oscura Café & Bar 540 13th St W, Bradenton, Florida 34205
If you enjoy live music, you won’t want to miss the Halloween Cover Show at Oscura Cafe with Joyce Manor and more bands TBA. The cost is $8 ($5 with costume).
25. The Return of Boo Bash
Saturday, October 26th from 7 p.m. until 2 p.m.
Joyland: 5520 14th St W, Bradenton, Florida 34207
Back by popular demand, Boo Bash at Joyland promises to be a great time! You won’t want to miss Sarasota and Bradenton’s favorite Halloween Party co-hosted by CTQ Radio. There will be a legendary costume contest and drink specials all night.
There you have it, Now you know about all of the Coolest Things to do in Bradenton this month. If you liked this post, please share it, and don’t forget to Follow Discover Bradenton on Facebook so you can keep your finger on the pulse of all the great things happening around town.
Check back later this month for the November edition of “Get of the Couch, Bradenton!” There are a lot of exciting events coming up and you won’t want to miss them!
