Community Events Fill the Calendar Across Manatee County March 16–23
Residents and visitors across Manatee County will find a full lineup of community events, live performances, races, and family activities scheduled between March 16 and March 23, offering opportunities to enjoy music, sports, civic engagement, and local traditions throughout the region.
The week begins with a youth fishing event aimed at building outdoor skills and community connections. On March 18, Manatee Bridging the Gap will host a Fishing Tournament for participants ages 10–17 on the Palmetto side of the Green Bridge from 8 a.m. to noon. Participants will receive training and a fishing pole and reel, while gift cards will be awarded for the longest fish, smallest fish, and most fish caught. The event focuses on helping youth build confidence, mentorship connections, and safe outdoor recreation opportunities.
Manatee County Government continues its popular County Grooves concert series with a performance by the Nauti Girl Band on March 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the GT Bray Amphitheater. Sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare, the free concert invites residents to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of live music in one of the county’s most popular outdoor venues.
The arts scene also remains active across the region. The Sarasota Pops Orchestra will present Rocket Man, an Elton John tribute featuring Greg Bickley, on March 20 at the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center in Bradenton and again on March 21 at the Riverview Performing Arts Center in Sarasota. The colorful performance celebrates the legendary catalog of Elton John with theatrical costumes and well-known songs.
Meanwhile, the Manatee Performing Arts Center will host Joe and Lauren Make Cool Music at MPAC, featuring Hermitage Fellows Joe Iconis and Lauren Marcus. The performance showcases contemporary songwriting and theatrical storytelling in a concert-style performance presented in partnership with the arts center.
On March 21, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida will host a 5K race at the Bradenton Riverwalk beginning at 8 a.m. The event brings together runners, law enforcement officers, and community supporters to raise awareness and funding for Special Olympics athletes throughout Florida. Participants will start and finish along the scenic Riverwalk route as part of the statewide Torch Run initiative.
Later that evening, the North Manatee Kiwanis Club will host its annual Beast Feast fundraiser at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto beginning at 5 p.m. The event features a southern-style feast with dishes including frog legs, swamp cabbage, hog, buffalo, bison, fish, and shrimp and grits, along with beer and wine.
The evening also includes live music and dancing, a gun raffle, cornhole games, a silent auction, and a 50-50 drawing. Proceeds support youth programs and community service projects organized by the Kiwanis club.
From youth fishing tournaments and outdoor concerts to charity races and performing arts events, Manatee County residents will find a wide variety of ways to get involved in their community during the week of March 16 through March 23.
With spring weather drawing more people outdoors, local parks, theaters, and community venues are expected to see strong attendance as families and visitors take advantage of the region’s growing lineup of events.