Are you constantly at a loss for fun and entertaining things to do? Do you feel like you need to go to Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa if you want to have a good time? You’re just not looking in the right places! Check out this list of 25 awesome things to do in Bradenton this month.
1. Village of the Arts Artwalk
Friday, May 3rd 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 4th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
930 12th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Bradenton’s Village of the Arts hosts an ArtWalk on the first Friday and Saturday of every month. Come out for the special Cinco De Mayo edition and explore the unique studios, galleries, and specialty shops. There will also be food, music, and more. This event is free and you can find street parking or park for free at the public parking garage, which is three blocks away from the village.
2. Braden River Bluegrass Festival at The Linger Lodge
Saturday, May 4th 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
7205 85th St. Ct. E. Bradenton, FL 34202
Linger along the Braden River and listen to your favorite Bluegrass bands during the Braden River Bluegrass Festival at the Linger Lodge. This event will feature local bands including Hwy 41 South, Penny Creek, Manatee River Band, Keith Bass & the Florida Bluegrass Express, and Duck Wallow. There will also be vendors selling local goods and plenty of great food from the Linger Lodge.
3. Main St. Live, Downtown Bradenton
Saturday, May 4th 6 p.m. until midnight
12th St. W. (Old Main St.) Bradenton
Enjoy Bradenton’s favorite street party with a Cinco De Mayo twist. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks and shop for handcrafted goods from local vendors. Bradenton band Katalyst will be rockin’ downtown with their high-energy mix of original songs and rock covers from bands like Guns N’ Roses, Tom Petty, and Pantera.
4. Kentucky Derby Party at 3 Keys Brewery
Saturday, May 4th 2 p.m to 6 p.m.
2505 Manatee Ave. E. Bradenton, FL 34208
Need a great spot to celebrate “the most exciting two minutes in sports?” Look no further than 3 Keys Brewery. They’ll be serving up Derby Pie and Kentucky hot browns all day (or until they run out). There will be a $25 prize for the best derby hat, and they’ll have a special Bourbon Barrel Beer on tap for the occasion.
5. Rise and Shine Power Flow Yoga at “The Nest” at Robinson Preserve
Sunday, May 5th 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
10299 9th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
Connect with nature while you rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul during the monthly Rise and Shine Power Yoga at Robinson Preserve. Bring your own yoga mat and enjoy an hour-long class by Brandy Gray of MomWifeSOUL Yoga. The cost is $10 (cash only) and you can RSVP by contacting aedan.stockdale@mymanatee.org or call 941-742-5923 ext. 6039. This event is held on the first and third Sundays of every month.
6. Cinco De Mayo Party at Caddy’s at the Pointe
Sunday, May 5th 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
801 Riverside Dr. E. Bradenton, FL 34208
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Florida style at Caddy’s at the Pointe. Live music starts at 2 p.m. and specials include $3 pints of DosXX, $5 Electric Margaritas, and $12 Sombrero Burgers.
7. Think and Drink at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Wednesday, May 8th 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
On the second Wednesday of every month, the “Think and Drink” event transforms the Bishop Planetarium Theater into a place where you can come to learn from the experts and join in on a spirited discussion while enjoying a glass of beer or wine.
The cost is $5 for members of the Discovery Society and $8 for non-members. Drinks and snacks are available for sale. Pre-registration is required, and you can purchase your tickets here.
8. Beach Day Hosted by Wolfe’s Born to Ride
Saturday, May 11th 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Palma Sola Causeway, Manatee Ave. Bradenton
Have you ever wanted to ride horseback in the water? Now is your chance! Wolfe’s Born to Ride is offering rides on Saturday the 11th for just $20 per person! Rides are first come, first serve and you must pay ahead of time through their PayPal account.
9. The Lucky Ducky Race for Pace at Caddy’s on the Pointe
Saturday, May 11th Approx. 3 p.m.
801 Riverside Dr. E. Bradenton, FL 34208
Join in on the fun and support a great cause by heading out to Caddy’s for the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace‘s official duck drop. Watch as volunteers drop 25,000 rubber ducks into the Manatee River, and cheer them on as they race to win prizes for the supporters who have “adopted” them. Still need to get your ducks? You can purchase them using this link.
10. Yoga, Paint & Meditate at Beyond the Mat
Saturday, May 11th 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
5315 47th St. E. Bradenton, FL 34203
This unique 2-hour workshop is the perfect combination of gentle yoga, painting, and guided meditation. No previous yoga or painting experience is required. The cost is $40 and spaces are limited, so pre-registration is recommended.
11. Mother’s Day Beer and Yoga at Darwin Brewing Company & Taproom
Sunday, May 12th 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
803 17th Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
On the second and fourth Sunday of every month, Darwin Brewing Company & Taproom hosts a Beer and Yoga event. This month, they’re hosting a Mother’s Day special. Bring your Mom along and she’ll receive bottomless Beermosas and a free essential oil gift.
The cost is $10 per person and includes one beer. If you pre-register, they’ll even save you a parking spot! Stick around after class to learn more about essential oils, treat yourself to an AromaTouch Hand Treatment, and enjoy a Circa 1926 beer, which is only $4 all day.
12. Mainly Art at the Bradenton Farmer’s Market
Saturday, May 18th 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
400 12th St. W. Bradenton, 34205
The Bradenton Farmer’s Market gets even better once a month when it’s joined by Mainly Art. This happens on the third Saturday of each month and features an array of local artists selling their handmade creations. Here you’ll find pottery, paintings, jewelry, crafts, handbags, home decor, and more.
13. Street Heat at Bradenton Motorsports Park
Saturday, May 18th 5 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.
21000 E. State Road 64 Bradenton, FL 34212
Presented by Florida Street Scene, the Street Heat racing event is open to all cars, trucks, and bikes. This month, there’s also a free car show with prizes for best domestic, best import, and best of show. Event entry is $20 (children under 11 are free) and it’s free to race. Come join in on the fun or just hang out and watch the show.
14. Cornhole Tournament at 3 Keys Brewery
Saturday, May 18th 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2505 Manatee Ave. E. Bradenton, FL 34208
Join the Manatee Riverside Rotary club at 3 Keys Brewery for an exciting Cornhole Tournament. The cost is $50 per team and each team will get to play at least four times while competing for cash prizes. All proceeds go towards the Rotary’s International Baccalaureate School Building Program in Guatemala.
15. Five-Year Anniversary Party at Darwin Brewery and Taproom
Saturday, May 18th 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
803 17th Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Darwin Brewery and Taproom is celebrating their Five-Year Anniversary in a big way! Stop by on the 18th to enjoy food provided by OMG Dogs and Stonecoals BBQ and live music by Faceless Bandits and Ted Stevens and the Doo Shots. They’re also planning a special release of their new White Russian Milk Stout and will be raffling off their limited-edition anniversary t-shirts. As if this event wasn’t awesome enough, the Bradentucky Bombers team will also be at the brewery to celebrate with you after their bout.
16. Pig Floyd (Pink Floyd Tribute Band) at Neel Performing Arts Center
Saturday, May 18th 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
5840 26th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34207
Enjoy the sounds of America’s #1 Pink Floyd tribute band, Pig Floyd. This promises to be an incredible show, complete with lights and lasers. The band is known for their accurate performances of Pink Floyd’s music and the intense amount of energy they bring to the stage. If you’re a Pink Floyd fan, you won’t want to miss this! Tickets range from $20.95 to $49.95 and can be purchased from Eventbrite.
17. Rare Fruit Tree Sale at the Bradenton Area Convention Center
Sunday, May 19th 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1 Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221
Don’t miss your once-a-year opportunity to attend the area’s largest rare fruit tree sale. This indoor, air-conditioned event features over 20 vendors and more than 5,000 plants. The event is free to attend, and in addition to fruit trees, there will also be rare plants, fertilizer, honey, and tropical fruit jelly for sale. Some vendors may also be giving out fruit samples. If you have a wagon and you plan to buy trees, bring it to help with transportation.
18. Yappy Hour Extravaganza at Motorworks Brewery
Sunday, May 19th 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
1014 9th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Every month, a different organization is represented during the Yappy Hour Extravaganza at Motorworks Brewery. This month, you can come out and support Vintage Paws Sanctuary, which helps senior dogs whose owners have passed away or are unable to care for them due to extreme health conditions.
Bring your four-legged friends to this free event and grab a beer and food from local food trucks. There will also be a variety of vendors, a silent auction, and raffles.
19. Memorial Day Kickoff Party at Joyland
Friday, May 24th 7 p.m. until 2 a.m.
5520 14th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34207
Get your Memorial Day weekend started off right with a Kickoff Party on Friday night at Joyland. Opening band The Lost Boys will rock the house with their energetic mix of classic and hard rock covers, then the Greg Billings Band will take over the stage and close out the night. Tickets are $10 for those 21 and up, and $18 if you’re between the ages of 18 and 20.
20. Craft Fair at Mixon Fruit Farm
Saturday, May 25th 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2525 27th St. E. Bradenton, FL 34208
On the fourth Saturday of every month, Mixon Fruit farm hosts a craft fair featuring 20 to 30 vendors selling jewelry, crafts, home decor, and more. Stop by for this free event and stick around to explore the grove, cafe, and gift shop. Don’t forget to stop by the wine counter for a tasting!
21. Sunday Crafternoon at Makers Market and Workshop
Sunday, May 26th 12 pm – 3 pm
6650 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, FL 34210
What better way to spend a Sunday than by gathering up your friends and family for a fun Sunday Crafernoon? During this “pick your project” class, you can make a clock, wooden sign, or serving tray. You start with a raw wood product made by a professional carpenter, then stain and/or paint your project to match your home decor. Seating is limited, so you’ll want to reserve your spot ahead of time.
22. Bradenton Blues Brunch at Mattison’s Bradenton Riverwalk
Sunday, May 26th 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
101 Riverfront Blvd. #120 Bradenton, FL 34205
On the fourth Sunday of every month, Mattison’s Riverwalk hosts their Bradenton Blues Brunch. In May, you’ll enjoy the sounds of The Divebombers with George Worthmore. You’ll also love the delicious brunch menu and $5 Mimosas and Bloody Marys.
23. Good Laughs Comedy Showcase at Good Liquid Brewing Company
Tuesday, May 28th at 7:15 p.m.
2824 14th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34207
On the last Tuesday of every month, Good Liquid Brewing Company brings in a selection of comedians for their side-splitting Good Laughs Comedy Showcase. You’ll love the fantastic beer selection, and make sure to bring your appetite because the kitchen will be open and serving the full dinner menu. This free event starts with an open mic at 7:15 and the professional comedians take the stage at 8 p.m.
24. Beer Garden Bazar: Night Market at Motorworks Brewery
Friday, May 31st 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
1014 9th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205
The only thing better than shopping is shopping and beer. Get your fill of both at the Beer Garden Bazar Night Market at Motorworks Brewery. Come by to check out the crafts and one-of-a-kind items made by local vendors, then stay for beer or wine and live music from 7 to 11 p.m. This event is free and a ton of fun!
25. Beneva Fruitville’s Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza at The Angry Rooster
Friday, May 31st 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
7230 52nd Pl. E. Bradenton, FL 34203
Are you ready for a fun night out full of glitter, glam, and a bit of naughtiness? Look no further than Beneva Fruitville’s Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza at The Angry Rooster. Tickets are $40 and include 3 free games of bingo, happy hour drink prices, tickets to the drag show, and a $25 gift card to spend on the night of the event. This is a crazy event that you definitely won’t want to miss!
Well, there you have it! 25 Awesome Things to Do in Bradenton during the month of May. 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 cool things happening around town.
Check back early next month for the June edition of “Get of the Couch, Bradenton!”
