Community Calendar Highlights Manatee County Events from January 26 to February 1
Manatee County residents have a full slate of events to choose from Monday, January 26, through Sunday, February 1, with activities spanning health and wellness, business networking, arts and culture, and community gatherings.
Health, Wellness, and Community Services
The week begins Monday, January 26, with a free Autism Screening hosted by Easterseals Southwest Florida in partnership with Florida Health. The screening will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at 350 Braden Ave. in Sarasota. Funded by the Florida Department of Health, the event provides families with opportunities for early identification, followed by case management, education, and community resources. Proof of residency is required.
On Wednesday, January 28, the Manatee County Falls Prevention Coalition will host the 2026 Falls Prevention and Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the State College of Florida Library and Learning Center in Bradenton. The free expo will feature interactive health screenings, educational exhibits, wellness resources, and prize giveaways, with a focus on fall prevention, safety, and healthy aging.
Health-focused programming continues Saturday, January 31, when the City of Bradenton partners with Moffitt Cancer Center and MCR Health to present Health Expo 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rossi Park along the Bradenton Riverwalk. The free event will offer dental, vision, blood pressure, blood sugar, wound care, and diabetic foot screenings, along with cancer prevention education, free books, live music, refreshments, and family-friendly activities. COVID testing, education, and vaccines are sponsored by the City of Bradenton.
Business and Civic Engagement
On Friday, January 30, the Parrish Area Business Alliance will host its Monthly Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beef O’Brady’s on U.S. 301 in Parrish. The luncheon brings together local business owners and community leaders for networking, updates, and discussion on growth and development in the Parrish area.
Downtown Bradenton Public Market
Each Saturday, including January 31, the Downtown Bradenton Public Market adds to the weekend’s activity in the heart of the city. Hosted along Old Main Street and the Bradenton Riverwalk, the weekly market features local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and live music in a family-friendly, open-air setting. The market supports small businesses while creating a vibrant gathering space that draws residents and visitors downtown to shop, stroll, and connect.
Arts and Culture
From January 22 through February 1, the Manatee Performing Arts Center continues its winter season with the musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress. The production offers a humorous twist on The Princess and the Pea, following the arrival of the unconventional Princess Winnifred as she disrupts a tightly controlled royal court in her pursuit of Prince Dauntless. Featuring lively musical numbers, witty dialogue, and a cast of local volunteer performers, the show highlights the center’s commitment to community theater and the performing arts in downtown Bradenton.
A Week of Connection Across the County
With health expos, screenings, business gatherings, weekly markets, and live theater all taking place during the final days of January and the start of February, Manatee County residents have many opportunities to engage with their community. These events reflect a shared focus on wellness, economic vitality, and cultural enrichment, offering meaningful ways for individuals and families to stay informed, involved, and connected as the new year continues.