From Art Walks and workshops to wine tastings, live music, and more, there’s no shortage of things to do in The Friendly City. Check out our round of the Top 20 Cool Things to Do in Bradenton in the coming month.
1. Sweetheart’s Artwalk
Friday, February 3rd, from 6 PM to 9:30 PM and Saturday, February 4th from 11 AM to 4 PM
Village of the Arts, Bradenton, FL 34205
On the first weekend of each month, you’ll always want to pay a visit to Bradenton’s Village of the Arts for their monthly Artwalk!
This month, you’ll have the chance to check out local galleries and shops, exploring “Art from the Heart” created by Village artists. It’s so much fun to stroll around this vibrant and colorful neighborhood, where you can enjoy the Valentine’s mood with fine art, food, music, and more to your heart’s content.
2. 13th & 13th Art Market
Friday, February 3rd from 6 PM to 10 PM, and Saturday, February 4th from 11 AM to 4 PM
Adobe Graffiti Lounge, 1302 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL
While you’re in the Village of the Arts, be sure to head on over to Adobe Graffiti Lounge and check out their 13th & 13th Art Market, which will feature a variety of vendors selling jewelry, paintings, drawings, pottery, crystals, and more. This is your chance to immerse yourself in local art, music, and good vibes.
3. Journal Writing Classes
Every Wednesday through the end of March from 10 am to 11 am
Downtown Bradenton Library: 1031 Barcarrota Avenue, Bradenton, FL 34205
Are you looking for a dedicated time to focus on your journaling but can’t seem to focus or don’t know where to start? Head on over to the Downtown Bradenton Public Library each Wednesday morning for their journal writing class.
You’ll have tons of fun learning different ways to write in your journal and how to add color, perspective, and dimension to your reflective writing! Best of all, the classes are completely FREE! No registration is required, just show up ready to learn.
4. Ice Baths with Dev’s Bevs
Every Wednesday between 9 am and 12 pm
The Center of Anna Maria Island: 407 Magnolia Avenue, Anna Maria Island, FL 34216
Did you know that ice baths have may many health benefits? Some say they can help reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve sore muscles, improve exercise recovery, improve mental health, and support immunity.
If you’re ready to start exploring these benefits, head over to The Center of Anna Maria Island and enjoy your own ice bath with Devinne Whittaker of Devs Bevs! Baths are held in 5-minute loops and no registration is required. The cost is just $10 for Members of the Center, and $10 plus the cost of a day pass for non-members. To learn more, email culture@centerami.org or give them a call at (941) 778-1908.
5. Tra Williams Keynote Address & Book Signing
Wednesday, February 8th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
26 West Center: 5840 26th St W Building 8, Bradenton, FL 34207
If you’re a small business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, won’t want to miss this networking and book signing event with author Tra Williams at SCF’s 26 West Center. Williams’ book “Boss Brain” has empowered many aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to unlock their entrepreneurial instincts and live the real American Dream.
There’s no cost to attend this event, but you must pre-register to reserve a spot.
6. Bradenton Area River Regatta
Saturday, February 11th from 10 am to 7 pm
Bradenton & Palmetto
The Bradenton Area River Regatta is Manatee County’s Largest and FREE Civic Event where you can enjoy a day of fast, furious, edge-of-your-seat thrills!
This 8th annual event will feature power boat races, live music, food, and tons of FUN! Some of the entertainment options include Flyboard World Champion Kristen “The Destroyer” Smoyer, World Champion Freestyle Jet Skier Chris Anyzeski, Team Zoom and Dare Devil Stunt Dogs, Bradenton Marauders/Pittsburgh Pirates Kid’s Fun Zone, a drone light show, and more. You can learn more and check out the schedule here.
7. Main Street Live
Saturday, February 11th from 6 PM to 9 PM
Old Main St. Bradenton, FL 34205
After the River Regatta, head on over to Downtown Bradenton’s most famous street party!
This month, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the music of Cassidy Daniels, shop with local artisans, and keep the kids busy with activities including rock painting and model boats.
The Main Street area will be closed to traffic and the streets will be lined with awesome food trucks, artists, and vendors. The music kicks off at 6 pm and will continue until 9 PM.
8. Friendly City Flea
Sunday, February 12 from 10 AM to 3 PM
Oscura Café & Bar, 816 Manatee Avenue, East Bradenton, FL 34208
Looking for some fun and unique Valentine’s Day gifts? You won’t be disappointed at Bradenton’s Friendly City Flea. This curated flea market will showcase items from artists, makers, and creators hailing from Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, and Tampa.
This is a great way to celebrate our city and all the creatives in it while supporting and shopping locally. There will also be live music, food and drinks from Oscura, and more!
9. 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff
Sunday, February 12 at 4 PM
Cork’s Cigar Bar: 424 Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL
Florida’s “chili” weather is right around the corner this February! Don’t miss the chance to get hot and spicy at the 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff at Cork’s Cigar Bar. You can either join in the fun and compete for the title of Best Chili Recipe, or just come be a taste-tester and cast your vote.
First place will win $200 cash, second will get $100 Cash, and third place will get a $50 gift card to Cork’s. Cheers & Good Luck!
10. Sweetheart Fondue for Two & Wine Tasting
Tuesday, February 14th from 7 PM to 9 PM
Culinary Theater at Pineapple Kitchen: 4914 Lena Rd UNIT 104, Bradenton, FL 34211
Spend Valentine’s Day with a romantic Sweetheart Fondue for Two at the Culinary Theater at Pineapple Kitchen! Enjoy a delicious fondue platter of prime meats, blanched veggies, artisan cheeses, and bread for you and your sweetheart.
They will also serve a special chocolate fondue with fruit and gourmet cookie dippers for dessert, which is sure to sweeten the night. All of these will be paired with various wines to complement the taste of the fondue courses. In addition to the romantic ambiance, all the guests will receive fresh flowers and gourmet chocolate to enjoy at home.
This delicious and romantic experience WILL sell out, so book now!
11. Discover Bradenton’s Networking Event
Thursday, February 16th from 5 PM to 7 PM
Paddywagon Downtown Bradenton: 320 12th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Are you ready to grow your business, make amazing connections, and maybe even meet a few new friends? Head over to Paddywagon Irish Pub in downtown Bradenton for Discover Bradenton’s February Networking Event.
This fun and casual happy hour will feature catering by Fewd Tent, goodies from Lifted by Happy Soul, door prizes, and more! This event is FREE for Discover Bradenton members and just $10 for visitors. Get your tickets now!
12. Rotary Club Comedy Night
Friday, February 17th at 7 PM
Manatee Performing Arts Center: 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
The Rotary Club of Bradenton will be presenting a night filled with laughter as a pair of star comedians grace the stage with fun acts that will have you holding on to your sides. Whether taking on relationships, his Italian-American family, or current events, Joe DeVito’s dead-on timing, unexpected twists, and sheer flights of lunacy make him a favorite at clubs and colleges across the USA, and at the top venues in New York City. Joe’s opening Act is local comedian Mike Rivera.
All proceeds from this performance benefit the Salvation Army, Art Center Manatee, and the Early Learning Coalition. Get your tickets here.
13. Speakeasy Casino Night
Saturday, February 18 from 6:30 PM to 11 PM
Bradenton Woman’s Club: 1705 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205
Don’t miss out on this fun 1920s-themed Speakeasy Casino Night at the Bradenton’s Woman’s Club! While you’re there, you’ll get to enjoy a cash bar, heavy hor d’oeuvres, a raffle for a wheelbarrow of booze, and the opportunity to win great prizes.
Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their best 1920s attire and come game your way through blackjack & roulette to win great prizes. $5,000 funny money & 2 drink tickets are included with your $75 admission.
**Bring a $20+ bottle of wine for a future fundraiser and receive a BONUS GRAND PRIZE TICKET! Get your tickets here!
14. Beertopia
Saturday, February 18th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Manatee Fairgrounds: 1402 14th Ave W Palmetto, FL 34221
Come out to the Manatee County Fairgrounds and enjoy a sampling of a variety of local and craft beers, seltzers, and liquor along with dishes from local restaurants. There will also be live music, silent and live auctions, & raffle tickets!
Beertopia benefits the Eye Center Inc Vision Foundation and the Hernando De Soto Historical Society. You must be 21 or older to attend. Get your tickets here.
15. Avenues to the Future
Saturday, February 18th from 5:30 PM to 10 PM
SCF Bradenton Campus, 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
You won’t want to miss out on the State College of Florida Foundation‘s upcoming event – Avenues to the Future.
During this fun evening, you’ll enjoy specialty cocktails, a delicious dinner, an open bar, and much more. The SCF Presidential String Quartet and Presidential Jazz Ensemble will serenade guests as they stroll the beautifully lit Avenues of the Bradenton campus. Everyone is encouraged to wear their best cocktail casual attire, and SCF colors are always preferred. Get your tickets now.
16. Manatee County Fit Fest
Saturday, February 18th at from 6 AM to 12 PM
Robinson Preserve: 1704 99th Street Northwest Bradenton, FL 34209
Calling all fitness fanatics! Looking for a great way to get physical and have fun? Check out FitFest – an event that brings together popular fitness and healthy lifestyle opportunities in one place.
Kick off the day with a bootcamp; run, walk or stroll the scenic 5K route, then stretch out and recenter during a yoga experience.
Next, you can choose your own adventure by participating in other scheduled workshops and specialty classes like acro yoga, paddleboard, and more. People of all activity levels are welcome to come out and enjoy this day of fitness, music, and food! Event entry and all classes are free, but a waiver/wristband is required.
Registration is REQUIRED to participate in 5K & 1mi walk/stroll. You can sign up here.
17. Pirates Block Party
Saturday, February 18th from 5 PM to 9 PM
Old Main Street, Bradenton, FL 34205
Don’t miss out on one of the coolest block parties of the month! Join the Pittsburgh Pirates as they kick off their Spring Training at the Pirates Block Party on Old Main Street, Downtown Bradenton.
The party is free for everyone and will feature games, photo booths, and a Pirates Autograph Session. Music will be provided by Yesterdayze.
18. Yappy Hour
Sunday, February 19th from 1 PM to 4 PM
Motorworks Brewing, 1014 9th Street W Bradenton, FL 34205
Bring your fur babies out and have some fun at the Yappy Hour Pet Extravaganza at Motorworks Brewing! This month’s event will benefit Friends of Manatee County Animal Services.
Enjoy live music, drink specials, and tasty eats from local food trucks while searching for unique Valentine’s gifts from local vendors. There will also be raffle items and silent auctions during the event. Well-behaved, leashed pets that have up-to-date shots are always welcome. This is one Sunday Funday you won’t want to miss!
19. Alsace Wine Tasting Dinner
Thursday, February 23rd, and Friday, February 24th from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
UTC Location: 8527 Cooper Creek Blvd, University Park, FL 34201
AMI Location: 9906 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Have you had the chance to experience the monthly wine-tasting dinner at Mademoiselle Paris yet? This is an amazing opportunity to taste a delicious 4-course meal paired with wine, live music, friendly staff, and a great ambiance.
You’ll also enjoy a beautifully detailed presentation of the region and vineyard by Jean, the owner and wine connoisseur, and live french accordion music by Ryan.
20. Kids in the Kitchen at Bradenton Public Market
Saturday, February 25th at 10 AM
Bradenton Public Market: 400 Old Main St. Bradenton, FL
The Junior League of Manatee County is partnering with Realize Bradenton to host Kids in the Kitchen – an exciting experience designed to teach young children about how to make healthy and simple meals with foods that are available at the Public Market.
Ingredients and a recipe will be provided for the children to successfully create their snack! Sign-up for this FREE event at 10 am and the event will begin at 10:30 am.
That’s a wrap! Thanks for checking out our round-up of 20 Cool Things to Do in Bradenton this month. For even more events and activities, be sure to check out Discover Bradenton’s event calendar. We’re constantly adding new events, so bookmark it and be sure to come back often!
