Manatee County Events August 18–25: Awards, Festivals, History, and Community Engagement
A full week of activity awaits Manatee County residents from August 18–25, with highlights including government hearings, cultural programs, festivals, and a major recognition of local businesses and nonprofits.
County Government and Civic Engagement
August 19 – The Board of County Commissioners convenes its Regular Meeting at the County Administrative Center in Bradenton.
August 20 – The Manatee Chamber of Commerce Headliners Luncheon, themed “Shaping the Future of Education in Manatee,” brings business and education leaders together.
August 21 – A public hearing on Comprehensive Plan Text Amendments (PA-25-02 / Ordinance No. 25-17)takes place at the Patricia M. Glass Chambers.
Manatee Chamber of Commerce Spotlight
August 21 – The 45th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards will honor local small businesses and nonprofit organizations that reflect Manatee County’s diversity, entrepreneurial drive, and community spirit. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 4:00 PM, followed by the awards ceremony and hors d’oeuvres at 5:00 PM. Nominees, finalists, and winners will be celebrated for their contributions to the region. Details and a full list of nominees can be found on the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year website.
Community and Cultural Highlights
August 19 – Turning Points Open House & Tour (5–7 PM, 701 17th Ave W, Bradenton) invites service clubs and veterans organizations to learn about local housing and healthcare support programs.
August 19 – Sarasota Paradise Day (6–8 PM, Premier Sports Campus, Lakewood Ranch) features carnival games, music, food, face painting, and giveaways. Join in the celebration of this professional soccer team.
August 20 – Public ticket sales for the Florida Railroad Museum’s North Pole Express open at noon, following member pre-sales earlier in the week.
August 21–25 – The Manatee Performing Arts Center begins its summer run of The Prince of Egypt: The Musical, with evening performances Thursday through Saturday and a Sunday matinee.
August 21–24 – Downtown Palmetto hosts nightly Phantoms of Palmetto Ghost Tours at 8 PM.
August 23 – Beertopia Craft Beer & Food Festival (6–9:30 PM, Manatee County Fairgrounds Veterans Hall, Palmetto) offers craft beverages, local cuisine, live music, auctions, and raffles. Tickets are $75; attendees must be 21 or older. Proceeds benefit the Hernando De Soto Historical Society and the Vision Foundation.
August 23 – The Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez presents “A Splendid Little War: Florida and the Spanish-American War of 1898” (2–3 PM). The free lecture explores Tampa Bay and Manatee’s role in the war and the rise of U.S. global influence. Seating is limited.
August 24 – Oscura in downtown Bradenton hosts the Friendly City Flea indoor market (10 AM–2 PM), followed in the evening by a live show featuring Worst Party Ever, Lowtalk, and Spanish Bombs.
Ongoing and Family Activities
Mondays (Aug 18 & 25) – Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts, a free program by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, runs from 10–11 AM at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
This week blends civic engagement, historic reflection, business recognition, and community celebration, offering something for every resident in Manatee County.