Exciting Week of Festivals, Music, Markets, and Family Fun Set for Manatee County: April 28–May 4, 2025
As the region heads into the first week of May, Manatee County residents and visitors have a full calendar of events to look forward to. There's something for everyone, from learning festivals and comic book celebrations to concerts and culinary showcases.
Suncoast Remake Learning Days continues its free family festival across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Running through May 3, this series of events promotes learning through hands-on experiences and is generously funded by The Patterson Foundation.
As part of Remake Learning Days, Easterseals Southwest Florida will host “Let’s Make Music” on Tuesday, April 29from 4:00–6:00 PM at 350 Braden Avenue in Sarasota. Families can design instruments, play in a drum circle, and enjoy musical activities while creating lasting memories.
On Tuesday, April 30, the Business Market at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa invites entrepreneurs and professionals to a stylish networking event themed "White & Pearls." Vendors and business leaders will gather to socialize, collaborate, and shop starting at 6:00 PM.
Music lovers will find their rhythm on Thursday, May 1, during the National Day of Prayer Unity Rally at The Yard at Palmetto Marriott. From 6:30–8:30 PM, the event will feature concert performances, worship, and prayer with artists from FBC Palmetto, Bayside Worship, and 3C.
Theater fans can experience the magic of Broadway when the Manatee Performing Arts Center presents Evita, with daily performances from Wednesday, April 30, through Sunday, May 4. This iconic musical chronicles the life of Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina, with a stunning score featuring “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Performances will run through May 18.
Also on May 1, Oscura Live in downtown Bradenton will continue hosting live entertainment events. Patrons are encouraged to check Oscura’s website for a full lineup of performances throughout the week.
Rock legends Kansas and Southern rock band The Outlaws will perform at the Bradenton Area Convention Center on Friday, May 2. Doors open at 7:00 PM for a night of iconic hits and memorable performances. Tickets are available through centerami.org.
Food enthusiasts can indulge at Taste & Toast on Saturday, May 3 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. Beginning at 3:30 PM for VIPs and 4:30 PM for general admission, this culinary and beverage showcase will feature samples from some of the area’s top restaurants and vendors. Tickets are $85 for general admission and $145 for VIP access.
Families won’t want to miss Manatee’s 4th Annual Taco Fest also on Saturday, May 3, from 12:00 PM–7:00 PM at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. The event includes food trucks, vendors, a petting farm, music, and activities. Admission is free for children 13 and under, and veterans receive free parking.
Meanwhile, Bat City Comic Professionals will celebrate Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3 starting at 11:00 AM. Along with free comics, visitors can enjoy Good News Grillers offering free hot dogs from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM at 915 Manatee Avenue East in Bradenton.
With such a dynamic lineup of activities, Manatee County offers residents and visitors countless ways to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the start of May.