Community Events Fill Mid-January Calendar Across Manatee County
Manatee County residents will find no shortage of ways to connect, celebrate, and engage with their community as a full slate of events unfolds from January 12 through January 19, 2026, spanning civic gatherings, cultural performances, family activities, and signature annual traditions.
One of the week’s most anticipated events is the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade 2026, presented by the Palmetto Youth Center. The parade will take place Saturday, January 17, stepping off at 12 p.m. in Palmetto. This year’s theme, Mission Possible: Empowering Our Youth to Dream Big, Act Boldly, and Be Part of the Solution, highlights youth leadership and community involvement. The annual event brings together local schools, organizations, marching groups, and families to honor Dr. King’s legacy through unity and service.
Family-friendly fun ramps up this week with the opening of the Manatee County Fair, running January 15 through January 25 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. The fair celebrates America’s 250th anniversary this year and features agricultural exhibits, youth livestock shows, midway rides, live entertainment, and educational demonstrations. Opening day, Thursday, January 15, includes Building Stronger Families Day with free gate admission from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and a canned-food drive benefiting The Food Bank of Manatee. The fair continues throughout the weekend with special contests, shows, and family attractions.
Manatee County officials and community partners will gather for the Valor Commons Groundbreaking Ceremony on Wednesday, January 14, at 1 p.m., at 5215 Buckeye Road in Palmetto. The event will include the official groundbreaking and the unveiling of the Valor Commons project's logo, a development focused on serving veterans and strengthening community resources.
Arts and culture also take center stage this week at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, where audiences can enjoy performances of Terms of Endearment. The stage adaptation of the beloved story explores family relationships, love, and resilience, offering local theatergoers an emotional and engaging experience in downtown Bradenton. Tickets and showtimes are available through the Florida Cultural Group’s box office.
Book lovers are invited to the Local Author Fair on Friday, January 16, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Library. The event features dozens of regional authors, book signings, and community networking, with keynote speaker Lisa Unger. Doors open at 1 p.m., opening remarks begin at 2 p.m., and the keynote address and Q&A take place at 4 p.m. The fair is presented with support from the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library.
Younger residents and families are invited to the Fuzzy Forest program at the Palmetto Branch Library on Saturday, January 17, at 2 p.m. The all-ages event features story readings by authors, hands-on crafts, and creative activities designed to inspire imagination and early literacy.
The School District of Manatee County will host a Teacher & Paraprofessional Virtual Job Fair on Tuesday, January 13, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The online event is open to candidates interested in positions across elementary, VPK, middle, and high school levels, including ESE teachers, teacher aides, and paraprofessionals. Registration is required, and the event is accessible to participants with or without Facebook accounts.
Community engagement continues with the Parrish Civic Association Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, at Parrish Community High School. The meeting includes a guest presentation by Ed Ference, a local candidate for Manatee County Commission, followed by the association’s regular board meeting.
Volunteer opportunities round out the weekend with a Beach Cleanup hosted by The Center of Anna Maria Island on Saturday, January 17, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants will meet at The Center and walk to the Gulf shoreline to help preserve local beaches.
Manatee Children’s Services will host A 70s Gala for Child Abuse Prevention on Saturday, January 17, at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. The themed evening supports the Manatee Children’s Services Child Advocacy Center and includes entertainment, fundraising activities, and community recognition, all focused on preventing child abuse and supporting vulnerable children and families.
From honoring civil rights history and celebrating literature to supporting children, veterans, educators, and the arts, the week of January 12–19 offers Manatee County residents numerous opportunities to connect, learn, and give back to their community.
