Back-to-School Giveaways, Nature Programs and Family Fun Highlight Manatee County Events for July 21–27
The final full week before August offers families throughout Manatee County a variety of community events, educational programs, entertainment and opportunities to prepare for the upcoming school year. From school supply drives and backpack giveaways to baseball, gardening classes and nature programs, residents will find activities for all ages between July 21 and July 27.
Children and teens can enjoy the next Great Library Picnic on Tuesday, July 21, at Pride Park. Hosted by Manatee County Libraries in partnership with the School District of Manatee County Food and Nutrition Services, the free event includes meals, crafts and family-friendly activities.
Gardeners can expand their knowledge on Wednesday, July 22, during Plant Bingo at Palma Sola Botanical Park from 1 to 2 p.m. Participants will learn about plants through themed bingo games led by park staff.
Nature enthusiasts can visit Palma Sola Botanical Park on Thursday, July 23, for Rescue Animals, a free educational program from 2 to 3 p.m. Wildlife rehabilitator Krista Carpenter of Wildlife Inc. will introduce participants to rehabilitated birds, tortoises and other native animals.
Residents interested in local elections can attend the Manatee Tiger Bay Club County Commissioner Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. The forum will feature candidates running for County Commission Districts 4 and 6 and provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office.
Also on Thursday, the University of Florida IFAS Extension will offer its Vegetable Gardening class, the first in a series of fall gardening workshops. The class will introduce participants to the basics of growing vegetables at home, with additional topics scheduled throughout the fall.
Families looking to support local students can participate in The Salvation Army’s Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive on Friday, July 24, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Walmart located at 5810 Ranch Lake Blvd. in Bradenton. Community members are encouraged to donate backpacks, notebooks, pencils, art supplies and other classroom essentials. Donations may also be dropped off at The Salvation Army’s Bradenton location.
On Saturday, July 25, several organizations will host free back-to-school events across the region.
MCR Health’s Back to School Bash will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. The event will feature free backpacks with school supplies while supplies last, food distributions, vision and dental screenings, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, children’s entertainment, music and other family activities.
The Bradenton YMCA will host its Endless Summer Community Event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering free school supplies while supplies last, children’s activities, snacks and information about before- and after-school programs and fall activities.
Baseball fans can head to LECOM Park on Saturday evening for Marty’s Crew Night as the Bradenton Marauders host a special promotion followed by a postgame concert by Jack’d Up.
The week’s activities conclude on Sunday, July 26, with a fundraiser benefiting Kim’s Krew at Canvas & Clay Art Studio in Palmetto from 3 to 6 p.m. Participants will paint a ceramic piece while enjoying charcuterie and refreshments. Proceeds will help Kim’s Krew provide food and essential supplies to Manatee County families facing health-related crises.
With school supply drives, educational workshops, community forums and family entertainment scheduled throughout the week, residents have numerous opportunities to get involved, prepare for the new school year and support local organizations across Manatee County.