Manatee County Calendar Packed With Markets, Sports, Arts and Community Events Sept. 29-Oct. 5
MANATEE COUNTY — The first week of October brings a full calendar of activities across Manatee County, with community markets, nonprofit fundraisers, professional sports, live performances, family activities and educational programs scheduled from Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Monday, Oct. 5.
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Residents can begin the week by preparing for a shopping event that supports the Women’s Resource Center. The Manatee Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers will host a Sip & Shop at the Unique Boutique on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at 417 12th St. W., Suite 103, in Bradenton. Shoppers will receive 50% off merchandise, including items in the Designer Corner. Purchases support programs and services offered by the Women’s Resource Center.
Thursday, Oct. 1
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity will hold a 2027 Women Build Sip & Learn from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bradenton Woman’s Club, 1705 Manatee Ave. W. The free happy-hour event allows residents to learn how they can participate in the 2027 Women Build. Registration is requested.
Friday, Oct. 2
Several events are scheduled throughout the county Friday.
Walking in My Purpose, a professional development event for current and emerging nonprofit leaders, will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton. The program is designed to help women in the nonprofit sector develop leadership skills, relationships and social capital. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
At 1 p.m., Manatee County Public Safety will host When Disaster Strikes: Volunteers & Donations — The Do’s and Don’ts at the Manatee County Public Safety Center, 2101 47th Terrace E. in Bradenton. The program will focus on how residents can effectively volunteer and donate following disasters.
Friday evening, the Chuckleheads, the improv team from Parrish Playworks, will perform at Parrish Community Park. The free, family-friendly program begins at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will be on site, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs. Audience members may watch the show or participate on stage.
Also Friday, Sarasota Contemporary Dance and The Barker Project will open Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s 21st season with a performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. The collaboration pairs contemporary dance with live music from bassist Johnnie Barker and The Barker Project, blending jazz, funk, blues, rock and gospel. An opening-night gathering will feature live jazz, champagne and non-alcoholic options before the performance.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Saturday offers one of the busiest event schedules of the week.
The Bradenton Public Market returns to Old Main Street, also known as 12th Street West, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., marking opening day for the downtown market.
A Fall Charity Market benefiting the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch will also run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4800 Foxbrook Trail in Parrish. The event will feature local craft vendors, food trucks, raffles and a 50/50 drawing. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4.
The American Car Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, 600 301 Blvd. W. in Bradenton. The event will showcase American muscle cars and Corvettes and include live music and food. A $20 entry fee will benefit Flight to the North Pole and the Sheriff’s Charity.
In Parrish, HCA Florida North River Ranch Emergency will celebrate its first anniversary with a community birthday event from 10 a.m. to noon at 12145 Little River Way. Activities will include a Teddy Bear Clinic, games, birthday cake and free teddy bears while supplies last. Children participating in the clinic will receive a health certificate.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance and The Barker Project return to the Manatee Performing Arts Center for two additional performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday evening, Sarasota Paradise will continue its soccer season with a home match against Charlotte Independence at 7:30 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch. The match is part of Sarasota Paradise’s late-season push toward the playoffs.
Sunday, Oct. 4
The Palma Sola Botanical Park Fall Plant & Garden Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9800 17th Ave. NW in Bradenton. The festival will feature a large selection of plants for sale along with artisans, music, food and family activities. Admission is free, with donations accepted to support the nonprofit botanical park.
The Rocket Phonics Foundation will host Paint with a Purpose from 2 to 4 p.m. at Painting with a Twist-Bradenton, 5917 Manatee Ave. W., Suite 209. Participants will paint a lighthouse-themed piece during the fundraiser. Registration is $40 per painter, with a portion of each registration supporting Rocket Phonics Foundation. No painting experience is required.
Looking Ahead
The events offer residents several ways to spend the first October weekend while supporting local nonprofits, arts organizations, small businesses and community programs. From professional soccer and contemporary dance to plant sales, improv, charity shopping and family activities, events are scheduled across Bradenton, Parrish and Lakewood Ranch.
Residents planning to attend ticketed or registration-required events should check with individual organizers in advance for availability, registration requirements and any schedule changes.