Community Events Across Manatee County Offer Something for Everyone This Week
Manatee County residents and visitors will find a full calendar of activities from April 20 through April 27, 2026, with events ranging from family festivals and live music to theater performances, community forums, and charitable gatherings.
One of the largest ongoing events is Remake Learning Days Suncoast, a 15-day hands-on learning festival running through May 2. Designed for both children and adults, the event features interactive educational experiences that foster creativity, curiosity, and family engagement across the region.
Sports fans can catch Sarasota Paradise as they take on Corpus Christi FC on April 22, offering local soccer supporters a midweek opportunity to enjoy competitive play.
On April 23, several events are scheduled throughout the county. The Manatee Tiger Bay Club will host a School District Candidate Forum at the Manatee Performing Arts Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving residents the opportunity to hear from candidates in Districts 2 and 5 ahead of upcoming elections.
That evening, the Palmetto Youth Center will host a Family Literacy Movie Night from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring a screening of Sentenced, a film focused on the impact of literacy and its role in breaking cycles of poverty.
Also on April 23, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast will hold its Spring Soirée at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club beginning at 6:00 p.m., featuring a cocktail reception, live music, silent auction, and dinner service to support mentoring programs.
Live entertainment continues throughout the week with Music in the Park held Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion. The April 24 performance will feature the Dr. Dave Band, bringing classic southern rock to the outdoor venue.
Theatergoers will have several options as the Manatee Performing Arts Center presents And Then There Were None, playing through April 26. The suspenseful mystery follows ten strangers isolated on an island as they are eliminated one by one.
Beginning April 23 through May 10th, audiences can also enjoy Big Fish, a whimsical musical centered on storytelling and family connections.
A youth production of Alice in Wonderland Jr., showcasing young performers in a lively adaptation of the classic tale will take the stage on April 25th.
April 25 will also bring one of the area’s most anticipated traditions, the Hernando De Soto Grand Parade and Block Party in downtown Bradenton. The event begins with a block party at 2:00 p.m., followed by the parade at 6:30 p.m., featuring floats, music, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Environmental efforts continue with the Free Used Cooking Oil Collection program at the Bradenton Public Market on April 25. Residents are encouraged to bring used cooking oil for proper disposal as part of an initiative to prevent grease buildup in wastewater systems.
Throughout the week, the variety of events highlights the county’s focus on education, arts, civic engagement, and community connection, offering opportunities for residents of all ages to participate.