Manatee County Celebrates a Week of Community, Culture, and Cause: Festivals, Fundraisers, and Family Fun from November 3–10
Manatee County is set for a vibrant week filled with community connection, cultural celebration, and family fun from November 3 to 10, 2025. From local government meetings and town halls to outdoor festivals, charity fundraisers, and athletic championships, residents across Bradenton, Palmetto, and Parrish will find numerous opportunities to get involved, give back, and enjoy the season together.
🏛 Government & Civic Updates
Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Meetings
Nov. 4 | 9:00 AM – Regular Meeting
Nov. 5 | Work Session
Nov. 6 | Land Use Meeting
📍 Manatee County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton
Commissioner Town Hall with Tal Siddique
Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 6:30 – 8 PM
📍 Palmetto Branch Library, 923 6th St W, Palmetto
An open forum for residents to discuss local issues and ask questions directly to their commissioner.
Food Bank of Manatee – Emergency Food Distribution
Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 4 – 6 PM
📍 Dream Church, 1820 53rd Ave E, Bradenton
Drive-through food pickup coordinated by Meals on Wheels PLUS and Food4Families for local households in need.
🎨 Arts, Culture & Community
21st Annual Día de los Muertos: Festival of the Skeletons
Fri, Nov. 7 | 6 – 9:30 PM
Sat, Nov. 8 | 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 Village of the Arts, Bradenton
Art, music, food, and colorful shrines honor loved ones in this beloved two-day festival.
Mixon Farms in Bloom & Passing of the Key
Fri, Nov. 7 | 10:30 AM – 1 PM (Key Ceremony at 10 AM)
📍 2525 27th St E, Bradenton
Celebrate a new chapter for this local landmark with tours, gardens, and a sense of community spirit.
Friendsgiving 2025
Sat, Nov. 8 | 6 – 10 PM
📍 Manatee County Fairgrounds Veterans Hall
A festive fundraiser by Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare supporting local shelter pets.
Pages in the Park
Sat, Nov. 8 | 4 – 6 PM
📍 Parrish Community Park, 7550 Fort Hamer Rd
Family reading event offering free children’s books, prizes, and local vendors—sponsored by Texas Roadhouse, Bat City Comics, and Pelican’s Snoballs.
🏈 Sports & Recreation
2025 American Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Championship
Nov. 3, 6 & 9 | Premier Sports Campus, Lakewood Ranch
Free admission for all three match days. Themed celebrations include:Nov 3: Local Heroes Day
Nov 6: Teacher Appreciation Day
Nov 9: Championship & Jersey Day
Family fun zone, food trucks, and giveaways will be available throughout the tournament.
Traffic Safety Event & Family Bike Ride
Sat, Nov. 8 | 9 AM – 12 PM
📍 Lakewood Ranch Library
Kids’ traffic garden, helmet giveaways, trivia with prizes, and on-road family ride led by Manatee County Public Works.
🎅 Fundraisers & Family Fun
The Inaugural Kringles & Kayaks
Sat, Nov. 8 | 9 AM – 1 PM
📍 Robinson Preserve (South End), 840 99th St NW, Bradenton
A jolly paddle fundraiser hosted by The Salvation Army Bradenton. DJ, Santa, games, and holiday prizes—all supporting the Family Shelter.
Hand Up to Victory – 8th Annual Fall Gala
Sun, Nov. 9 | 6 PM
📍 Oasis Church, 5215 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton
Theme: Out of the Darkness and Into the Light—Dinner by Carrabba’s, entertainment by Melinda Drake, and guest speaker Commissioner Jason Bearden.
Family Movie Night – Parrish Community Park
Fri, Nov. 7 | 6 – 8 PM
Bring chairs and blankets for a movie under the stars.
🐾 Special Features & Honors
U.S. Police Canine Association National Field Trials
Nov. 9–14 | Tom Bennett Park & Manatee County Fairgrounds
Nationwide K9 teams compete in obedience, scent work, and apprehension events. Free admission for spectators.
Rhinestone Cowboys & National Heroes
Nov 7 & 9 | SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton
Nov 8 | Riverview Performing Arts Center, Sarasota
A country-music salute to America’s veterans with Nashville artist Ralph Curtis and The Pops Orchestra
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