From shopping and fashion shows to parades and parties, there’s literally something for everyone. Take a look at our round-up of the top 20 Cool Things to Do in Bradenton this month.
1. Fashion for Action
Saturday, April 1st from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
88Live Piano Bar: 6640 Cortez Rd West, Suite A, Bradenton, FL
Enjoy a fashion show with a purpose! Check out Fashion for Action at the 88Live Piano Bar.
Tickets are just $35 and include a breakfast buffet and one drink.
All proceeds from this show will go directly to The Blessing Bags Project for Mental Illness Awareness. Fashions by Heart’s Desire of Sarasota. Get your tickets here!
2. Bonsai and Brews
Saturday, April 1st from 2 PM to 4 PM
BeerSauce Shop Bradenton: 419 Cortez Road West Bradenton, FL 34207
Watch out everyone, Bonsai & Brews is coming back to Bradenton! Head over to BeerSauce Shop in Bradenton to enjoy a tasty craft beer and experience the living art of bonsai.
This event is open to everyone from beginners to experts and no tools or supplies are required – just bring yourself and have some fun. There is no pressure and you’ll love learning the basics of bonsai. While you’re there, be sure to check out BeerSauce Shop’s selection of over 500 craft beers, 200 hot sauces & BBQ rubs, and their delicious BBQ food menu.
Registration is $75 per person. The space is limited – so be sure to book now!
3. Springtime at the Kitchen
Saturday, April 1st from 10 AM to 3 PM
Pineapple Kitchen: 4914 Lena Road, Unit 104 Bradenton, FL 34211
Experience Springtime at the Pineapple Kitchen! This FREE tasting event will feature delicious ingredients and products for you, your friends, and your family to enjoy!
They’ll have samplings, product demos, discounts on featured products, Charcuterie, pies, bread, quiches, soft pretzels with dip, and more for you to pre-order for Easter. 
There will also be fun raffles throughout the day, so be sure to head over and check it out!
4. Vintage & Thrift Shop Crawl
April 1st through April 25th
Multiple Locations
Help us celebrate Earth Month by visiting some of the Bradenton area’s best thrift & vintage stores!
Stop by each of the participating shops between April 1st and April 25th and get your card stamped. Then, once your card is complete, leave it at the last shop you visit.
When you do, you’ll be entered to win a grand prize that includes a $25 gift card from each participating retailer, as well as some cool Discover Bradenton swag!!
5. Oscura Welcomes the Mr. Crowley Ozzy Experience
Sunday, April 2nd at 8 PM
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
Calling all Ozzy and Sabbath fans! Don’t miss your chance to head over to Osura to check out the Mr. Crowley Ozzy Experience!
This show will feature all of your favorite MTV Classics like – Crazy Train, I Don’t Know, Mama I’m Comin’ Home, Flying High, and more along with Sabbath classics like War Pigs, Into The Void, and many more grand metal classics from the enormous Ozzy Osbourne library!
This show is open to all ages, but kids under 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The show is general admission, and tickets are $20. Get your tickets here!
6. Loaded Cannon Grand Tasting
Monday, April 3rd at 6 PM
Loaded Cannon Distillery: 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Ste. 110, Bradenton, FL
Loaded Cannon Distillery and Elevated Wine and Spirits are hosting an exclusive tasting event.
This is your chance to try a selection of award-winning spirits and small-batch boutique wines.
There will also be tours, food, friends, and fun.
To attend, please contact kristy@elevatedwineandspirits.com no later than April 1st.
7. Geek Girl Night
Thursday, April 6th from 8 PM to 10 PM
Bat City Comic Professionals: 915 Manatee Ave E. , Bradenton, FL
Who says comic books are just for boys?! Ladies of Bradenton – check out this fun geek night and nerd out!
Visit Bat City Comic Professionals for a fun evening of talking about comic books, cosplays, movies, music, gaming, and whatever fandom you enjoy.
Find girl buddies who love to nerd out as much as you do. Light snacks and drinks will also be available.
8. Manatee’s Got Talent Children’s Parade & Party in the Park
Friday, April 7th at 10 AM
Sutton Park in Palmetto
The Manatee’s Got Talent Children’s Parade & Party in the Park, hosted by the Hernando De Soto Historical Society is one of the top family-friendly events taking place this month.
The parade will kick start at 10 AM starting at Sutton Park. This is one of the most heart-warming events you’ll ever see. Don’t miss the adorable and wholesome fun as beautifully designed floats parade around the historic avenues of Palmetto.
There will also be food, fun, and many activities for children at the “Party in the Park” in Sutton and Lamb Parks after the parade ends. It’s going to be a day full of excitement and big smiles!
9. Music in the Park
Each Friday in April from 6 pm to 8 pm
Mosaic Amphitheatre on Bradenton’s Riverwalk: 606 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Realize Bradenton‘s FREE Music in the Park series returns to the Bradenton Riverwalk Mosaic Amphitheater each Friday during the month of April. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs—and their furry companions on leashes are welcome.
April 7: Eric Von Band (Country)
April 14: Kettle of Fish (Blues, Rock, Soul)
April 21: Dual Exhaust (Country, Blues, Rock)
April 28: Bri Rivera SRQ (Latin Fusion, Blues, Funk Rock)
10. Village in Bloom Artwalk
Friday, April 7th from 6 PM to 9:30 PM and Saturday, April 8th from 11 AM to 4 PM
Village of the Arts: 1227 12th St. W, Bradenton, FL
Put on your favorite Easter Bonnet and take a stroll through the Village of the Arts. This unique Art Community will be in full bloom with colorful local art, paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, garden art, and more.
Take the time to soak in the brightly painted historic houses blooming with April flowers. You might even meet an Easter Bunny!
11. BWC’s Fashion “Show” Case
Saturday, April 15th from 10 AM to 1 PM
Bradenton Woman’s Club: 1705 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34205
Want to have a ton of fun and support a great cause? Check out the Bradenton Woman’s Club‘s Fashion “Show” Case! You’ll enjoy a light brunch buffet and a glass of bubbly while checking our fashions from Beach to Burlap, Gypsea Tides Beach Boutique, The Market Boutique, The Sweet Life Boutique, and The Teal Turtle.
Be prepared for an amazing Fashion Runway Show starting at 11 AM. It will feature all things chic and stylish with styles including Casual Comfort, Midday Modern, and Evening Elegance modeled by members of the Bradenton Woman’s Club themselves. After the lovely show, you’ll also get to bid on some gently-loved designer purses and purchase a cork for their wine pull which includes two special grand prizes. The cost is just $25! Get your tickets now!
12. Friendly City Flea
Sunday, April 16th from 10 AM to 3 PM
Oscura: 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
Check out this month’s Friendly City Flea at Oscura! This uniquely curated flea market will display a variety of items from local vendors, makers, and creators.
Outside, you’ll be able to explore over 70 local artisan vendors with a live DJ. Inside, enjoy smooth jazz music by The Royale Duo. Be sure to come hungry, as Oscura has a delicious brunch menu as well as a selection of exciting specialty drinks to choose from.
Visiting the Flea an awesome way to celebrate and support our community, so be sure to stop by and check out this fun, free event.
13. The Ballad of Old Manatee
Friday and Saturday, April 21st, April 22nd, April 28th and April 29th
Manatee Village Historical Park: 1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL
“The Ballad of Old Manatee” tells the dynamic 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.” History meets mystery in this unique theatrical experience!
Inspired by true events and the early settlers of Manatee County, audiences will experience this World Premiere Musical among the historic buildings and grounds at Manatee Village Historical Park. Get your tickets here!
14. Landing & City Capture
Saturday, April 22nd at 1 PM
Bradenton Old Main Street: Bradenton, FL 34205, USA
Don Hernando de Soto and his Crewe will journey from Barcarrota Boulevard up Main Street to meet the Mayor.
When they arrive, the Mayor will gladly give the “Key to the City” to these Conquistadors in exchange for the fun and entertainment they’ll be providing during the following week.
Whether you’re young or young-at-heart, you won’t want to miss this exhilarating day on the streets of downtown Bradenton. Come out and join in on the fun as the Conquistadors and the Queen’s Court throw beads to all the onlookers.
This is a FREE, family-friendly event. Youth will receive foam swords to defend the Mayor and the City.
15. Kids in the Kitchen
Saturday, April 22nd at 10 AM
Bradenton Public Market, 400 Old Main St., Bradenton, FL
The Junior League of Manatee County and Realize Bradenton will be hosting another “Kids in the Kitchen” event this month. This is a great way to teach your children how to prepare and create healthy and delicious meals with foods and ingredients available at the Bradenton Public Market.
Recipes and ingredients will be provided for the children to successfully create their own snacks. The activity will begin at 10:30 AM, but sign-up starts as early as 10 AM. This is a free event, so don’t miss out!
16. Main Street Live – CANCELED~
Saturday, April 22nd from 6 PM to 9 PM
Main Street Bradenton, FL 34207
Celebrate spring with Downtown Bradenton’s most popular street party! There’s something for everyone, with live music, local vendors and artisans, and plenty of chances to keep the kids busy with all sorts of family-friendly games and activities.
The Main Street area will be closed as food trucks, local vendors, artists, and more line the streets with tons of awesomeness! Music will kick off at 6 PM. This is a fun, free event that you definitely won’t want to miss.
17. Discover Bradenton Networking Event
Wednesday, April 26th from 5 PM to 7 PM
The Vintage Vine Market: 424 9th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Join us for a fun and casual networking Happy Hour at The Vintage Vine Market – Bradenton’s newest, highly-curated vintage store. There will be complimentary beer & wine, lite bites, door prizes, and more!
Be sure to bring lots of business cards and be prepared to make some awesome connections! The event is free for Discover Bradenton members and $10 for visitors. Get your tickets here!
18. Fun with Tech Expo
Thursday, April 27th from 2 PM to 5 PM
State College of Florida – Building # 8 (26-West): 5840 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207
The SCF Coding Academy, FUNducation, and First Robotics welcome you to the Fun with Tech Expo. A fun and techy way to enjoy the day.
Watch drone flying and robots as you learn manufacturing while making buttons, 3-D design/printing, as well as Wacky Olympics (just for fun)! This event is FREE, but make sure to reserve a spot.
19. Art, Animals, and You
Saturday, April 29th from 10 AM to 3 PM
ArtCenter Manatee: 209 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Attention animal lovers!! Mark your calendars, then head over to ArtCenter Manatee for their FREE “Art, Animals, and You” event!
Head inside the center for a cool day of family fun! Big Cat Habitat, Equine Retreat, Hernando Reptile & Exotics, and many more organizations will be there with their animals for you to see.
There will also be family art projects, Pet Portraits, a scavenger hunt, and fun for everyone!
20. De Soto Grand Parade
Saturday, April 29th at 7 PM (ish)
Manatee Avenue
With over 150 entries, the De Soto Grand Parade is one of the largest and oldest parades in the Southeastern United States.
Over 100,000 people line the streets of Bradenton to view the illuminated floats and catch a glimpse of our new Hernando de Soto, Captain of the Crewe, and their newly crowned Queen and Princess. Beads, coins, and other fun items are handed to the crowd throughout the night.
The Parade steps off at 7:00 pm from Manatee High School, so get there early to get the best possible view.
There you have it! Our round-up of the top 20 Cool Things to Do in Bradenton during the month of April. When you visit these area businesses and events, be sure to tell them you heard about it on Discover Bradenton! This helps us continue to #SupportLocal and #KeepBradentonstrong.
Looking for even more exciting events? Check out our Bradenton Event Calendar. We update it daily, so you never know what you’ll find!
