Final Week of July Brings Baseball, Backpack Giveaways, Festivals, Crafts and Community Celebrations to Manatee County
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – From fireworks and foam parties to watercolor classes and cultural dinners, Manatee County is bursting with vibrant activity from July 28 to August 4, 2025. Here's an updated roundup of events to help residents plan a week of fun, family, and community.
⚾ Bradenton Marauders Homestand Events (July 29 – August 3)
Catch the Marauders at LECOM Park all week as they host Fort Myers and Tampa, with each night offering a unique promotion:
July 31 – Thirsty Thursday: $2 hot dogs, beer, and soda.
August 1 – Party with Marty: Featuring a pregame foam party and 11 mascots for kids to enjoy.
August 2 – Back to School Night: Free backpacks for the first 500 kids (ages 12 and under).
📍 LECOM Park, 1611 9th St W, Bradenton
🎉 Summer Fest – July 31
Enjoy live music, food vendors, and shopping with local small businesses at Summer Fest at the Palmetto Marriott on Thursday, July 31 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. It's a festive way to cap off summer with the community.
📍 600 US Hwy 41, Palmetto
🧑🎨 Plumeria Watercolor Class – July 30
Learn to paint the iconic tropical bloom in a guided session at Palma Sola Botanical Park on Wednesday, July 30 at 11 a.m. Registration is $20.
📍 9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton
🐇 Make It Take It – July 30
The Manatee Agricultural Museum wraps up its July craft series with a session on rabbit by-products, allowing children to learn and create while exploring agriculture.
📍 1015 6th St W, Palmetto
🍿 Regal Summer Movie Express – July 29 & 30
Catch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and The Garfield Movie for only $1 at participating Regal theaters.
🐢 Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts – July 28
A free presentation by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch held every Monday at Holmes Beach City Hall, from 10–11 a.m..
📍 5801 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach
📚 Palmetto Library Wrap-Up Party – August 2
Celebrate a summer of reading at the Palmetto Branch Library with games, crafts, photo opportunities, and real pirates starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 2.
📍 923 6th St W, Palmetto
🌍 Morocco to Montana Culinary Experience – July 29
A unique, one-night-only food journey hosted by Café on St. Armands and EnRich, blending Middle Eastern spices with rustic Montana comfort food.
📍 Café on St. Armands, Sarasota
🎒 Family Fun Night at G.T. Bray – August 1
Manatee County hosts a back-to-school Family Fun Night at G.T. Bray Recreation Center from 4–8 p.m., featuring live music, inflatables, foam fun, pool access, and free backpack giveaways.
📍 5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton
🚒 Parrish Fire Truck Ceremony – August 4
Celebrate the arrival of the Parrish Fire District’s first-ever ladder truck at a community ceremony with station tours and equipment demonstrations on Monday, August 4 at 10 a.m.
📍 12132 US Hwy 301 N, Parrish
Stay cool, stay curious, and stay connected—summer in Manatee County is going out with a bang!