March is officially here, and Bradenton has plenty of fun things for you to do! From beer festivals and murder mysteries to trivia and walk-a-thons, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a look at our round-up of the top 20 Cool Things to Do in Bradenton this March.
1. Mardi Gras at Pineapple Kitchen
Tuesday, March 1st from 7 PM to 9 PM
4914 Lena Rd, Unit 104, Bradenton FL 34211
Join Pineapple Kitchen and their Krewe to Let the Good Times Roll at a fun Mardi Gras Mixology & Fat Tuesday event where you’ll learn how to make special Mardi Gras cocktails like The Mardi Gras King Cake, New Orleans Hurricane, and Bourbon Street Milk Punch. There will also be regional Mardi Gras light fare and of course, a King Cake!
Want to be crowned the King & Queen of the Pineapple Kitchen Mardi Gras Krewe? Come ready to enter their Mask Contest! The cost for this event is $75 a ticket and you must be 21 or over to join in on the fun! Check out PineappleKitchen.com to register!
2. Blues Women Rule Festival
Friday, March 4th, and Saturday, March 5th
Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St W Bradenton, FL 34205
Birdrock Taco Shack 1213 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Celebrate Women’s History Month in true Blues Style with Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen and Birdrock Taco Shack, as they pay tribute to the ladies! Catch the following FREE shows that are open to the public:
Cottonmouth:
March 4 – 6 pm Lauren Williams | 8 pm Kristine Jackson
March 5 – 12:30 pm Sister Lucille | 4 pm Kat Crosby | 6 pm Annika Chambers
Birdrock:
March 5 – Kara Grainger 1 pm
3. Beertopia
Saturday, March 5th at 6 PM
Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221
Beertopia, presented by Mango Cart, benefits the Eye Center Inc. Vision Foundation and the Hernando De Soto Historical Society.
Your admission includes samples of a variety of local and craft beers, seltzers, and liquor along with dishes from local restaurants. There will also be live music, raffle tickets, and a silent auction. Check out the Beertopia Event Page to get your tickets today!
4. Manatee Fit Fest
Saturday, March 5th from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM
840 99th St NW Bradenton, FL 34209
Calling all fitness fanatics! You don’t want to miss the first-ever Manatee Fit Fest at Robinson Preserve. This family-friendly event is all about promoting healthy lifestyles and showcasing health and wellness experts in Manatee County and the surrounding areas.
During the event, there will be a TON of fun activities including yoga, boot camp workouts, paddleboarding, a 5K run/walk through the gorgeous preserve, and more! The event is free and open to the public – BUT if you want to participate in the 5k (and get an exclusive shirt!) you must register and pay by March 3rd. Head over to their event page to sign up now!
5. Manatee Pride
Saturday, March 5th from 12 PM to 5 PM
Bradenton Riverwalk, Bradenton FL
Come on out and support ALSO Youth and the LGBTQ community at the Manatee Pride Festival on the Bradenton Riverwalk.
There will be food, beverages, music, entertainment, and more for everyone to enjoy. The event runs from 12 pm to 5 pm and is sure to be a ton of fun!
6. Suncoast Walkathon
Saturday, March 5th at 9 AM
Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, FL
The Suncoast Walktahon at Nathan Benderson Park is a free outdoor event with all sorts of activities for you and your fur-buddies to enjoy. You won’t want to miss this 3k walk around the park and a Waggin’ Tails festival with live music, food vendors, and a raffle draw.
All proceeds from this Walkathon will go directly to Southeastern Guide Dogs and will help them breed, raise, train, and match their amazing guide dogs with the people who need them. Check out their event page to learn more and sign up.
7. Monark Custom Framing’s Customer & Artist Appreciation Day
Saturday, March 5th from 12 PM to 6 PM
1207 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
The folks over at Monark Custom Framing and Art Gallery are all about appreciating and supporting local artists and their customers. This month, they’re celebrating with a special Customer and Artist Appreciation Day.
Catch live music by the Brother’s Gabriel from 1 – 5 PM, and a Cake and Wine reception from 2 – 4 PM. The Schnitzel trailer will also be there with amazing German food from 12 – 6 PM.
8. Palmetto Heritage Festival
Saturday, March 5th from 10 AM to 1 PM
Palmetto Historical Park, 515 10th Ave W Palmetto, FL 34221
It’s time for a triple celebration! The Manatee County Agricultural Museum is turning 20, the Palmetto Historical Park & Palmetto Historical Commission is turning 40, and the City of Palmetto is turning 125!
To commemorate this exciting year, there will be a free, family-friendly event at the Palmetto Historical Park and the Manatee County Agricultural Museum with fun activities throughout the park all day. This includes a Special Anniversary Exhibit, contest, arts and crafts, giveaways, and much more.
9. Live Music at the Winery
Every Weekend this March
4250 Waterbury Road Bradenton, FL 34211
Live music will always be a treat, and what better way to listen to it than in a Vineyard! You can enjoy live music every weekend at FioRelli Winery and Vineyard.
Visit their events page to see the outstanding lineup for this month. Then make sure to mark your calendars so you won’t miss a thing!
10. Palma Sola Botanical Park’s Spring Plants & More Sale
Saturday, March 12th from 8 am to 3 pm
Palma Sola Botanical Park: 9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
If you’re a plant lover, you won’t want to miss the Spring Plants & More sale at Palma Sola Botanical Park. Here you’ll find a huge selection of plants for sale as well as crafts, artisan goods, food, music, and tons of fun!
Admission to this event is free, so don’t miss out! Note that some vendors only accept cash, so make sure you stop at an ATM before you get there.
11. Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday, March 13th at 4 PM
5801 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217-1561, United States
Are you feeling lucky? Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Anna Maria Island by heading out to watch the Annual Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Holmes Beach.
Make sure you dress up in your finest green gear and be prepared to have a blast!
12. St Paddy’s Day Drag Queen Trivia
Thursday, March 17th at 7 PM
Table Talk Board Game Bistro, 3999 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34210
Table Talk Board Game Bistro wants you to celebrate St Paddy’s Day with them! You won’t want to miss their hilarious Drag Queen 70s Trivia Night hosted by Butta M’s Biscuit.
This event is for those aged 21 years and over, and it’s only $5 to play! Come solo or put together a team of up to eight players. There will be cash prizes for the 1st and 2nd place teams. Make sure you come hungry, because the food is amazing, and they’ll have some great dinner specials. Reservations are required to join the event. Visit their event calendar to learn more and reserve your spot.
13. Music in the Park
Friday, March 18th and 25th from 6 PM to 8 PM
Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion at Rossi Park, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
We’re super excited to announce that Music in the Park, a Realize Bradenton production, is back at Bradenton Riverwalk! You’ll be able to catch live music each Friday from March 18th through April 29th.
Derek Lersch Music will be playing country tunes on March 18th and Americana band Have Gun, Will Travel will take the stage on March 25th.
Craft beer, wine, other beverages, and food will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs—and their furry companions on leashes are welcome.
14. Royal Princess Tea
Saturday, March 19th from 2 PM to 4:30 PM
Star Academy of Dance & Aerial Arts, 308 7th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221, USA
Your little princesses won’t want to miss the Royal Princess Tea event presented by Star Academy of Dance and Aerial Arts on March 19th.
There will be games, arts & crafts, cookie decorating, Royal Tea Time, and a Princess Dance Lesson that your little one is sure to love.
This event is for children ages 3 – 9 and parents are welcome to stay and participate during the event. Registration is $35 per child. This might sell out, so don’t wait. Check out their events page to register.
15. Paws in Motion
Saturday, March 19th from 8 AM to 12 PM
801 Riverside Dr. E., Bradenton
Join the Humane Society of Manatee for its 16th Annual Paws in Motion: Walk-a-Thon at the Bradenton Riverwalk. Enjoy a 1-mile leisurely walk, over 40 vendors to explore, and raffle baskets with goodies. Your participation can help them save lives – four paws at a time.
All proceeds of this event will go directly to the Second Chance Adoption Shelter located at 2515 14th Street W.
Sign up today so you can start fundraising right away!
16. Mystery at the Museum
Thursday, March 24th from 6 PM to 9 PM
At The Bishop, 201 10th St W – Bradenton
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has launched their Bishop After Dark (BAD) event series! This month, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a night filled with fun, high-fashion, and mystery. Experience a museum-themed dinner show-heist where you can become a detective and find the thief who stole a precious diamond!
You must be 21 or older to join in on the fun. Pre-registration is required! Visit their events page to learn more and reserve your spot.
17. Tropical Nights: A Royal Affair
Saturday, March 26th at 6 PM
The Grove Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee will be hosting its 28th Annual fundraiser – Tropical Nights, A Royal Affair. Come on out and enjoy a unique experience fit for a royal King and Queen.
All proceeds from Tropical Nights benefit the programs of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee and stay right here in our local community. Get ready to put on your crowns and tiaras and join A Royal Affair! A special online silent auction will also begin on Friday, March 18th at 12pm.
Admission includes dinner, live music, entertainment, and more! Purchase your tickets today!
18. 1920s Murder Mystery Fundraiser
Saturday, March 26th from 6 PM to 10 PM
1705 Manatee Avenue W. Bradenton
You’ve been invited to the 1920s Murder Mystery Fundraiser presented by the Bradenton Woman’s Club! This year’s theme is “A 1920’s Mafia Marriage Murder Mystery,” and 1920’s attire is encouraged for everyone!
You must be 21 or older to participate. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Tickets for this event are on sale for $75. To purchase your tickets, please contact Tammy Kesky at 910-612-7912 or Shannon Scarfino at 941-301-5813.
19. Mocktails & Merriment
Saturday, March 26th from 6 PM to 9 PM
The Wood Barn, 4730 17th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221
Mocktails & Merriment is a casual evening filled with music, food, and fun at The Wood Barn in Palmetto. Enjoy a night of bidding on items at the silent auction, enter to win their 50/50 drawing, and join the mocktail contest – a competition for the best mocktail recipe. The winning team will get the opportunity to have their recipe featured on the menus of local restaurants!
All proceeds of this event will go directly to North River Prevention Partners. Event tickets start at just $35, so purchase yours today.
20. Live Blues Brunch
Sunday, March 27th from 11 AM to 2 PM
Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille Downtown Bradenton, 101 Riverfront Blvd Ste 120 Bradenton, FL 34205
What’s better than Sunday brunch? Brunch outdoors with live blues music! Head on over to the Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille to experience their Live Blues Brunch out on their covered open-air patio.
You’ll love listing to the beautiful music by Steve Arvey while enjoying a chef-crafted brunch menu. Don’t forget to try their signature Bloody Mary’s and bottomless Mimosas.
You can reserve a spot by giving Mattisons a call at 941-896-9660.