The first week of September brings a packed schedule to Manatee County, with county government meetings, family activities, professional and minor league sports, live theater and a free weekend at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
Events scheduled from Sept. 1 through Sept. 8 include opportunities for residents to participate in local government, take children to a free literacy event, catch the final home games of the Bradenton Marauders season and watch Sarasota Paradise return to Lakewood Ranch.
Tuesday, Sept. 1 — Manatee County Commission Meeting
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners will hold its regular meeting beginning at 9 a.m. at the Manatee County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton.
The meeting will take place in the Honorable Patricia M. Glass Chambers. Among the scheduled matters is a public hearing on Ordinance 26-40, which proposes changes related to the county’s acquisition, protection and management of environmental lands.
The commission has a busy opening week in September. A work session is also scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 2, followed by a land use meeting Thursday, Sept. 3. Both are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 2 — Soar in 4 at The Bishop
Families with young children can participate in the monthly Soar in 4 Family Night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.
The free event combines literacy and hands-on learning activities designed to help families continue learning at home. Families can meet educators and community organizations, receive literacy materials and books, and participate in activities tied to a featured children’s book.
Thursday, Sept. 3 — Arsenic and Old Lace Opens
The Manatee Performing Arts Center begins its September theater schedule with Arsenic and Old Lace, running Sept. 3 through Sept. 20.
The classic dark comedy follows a drama critic who discovers his seemingly sweet aunts are hiding some deadly family secrets. Performances during the Sept. 1–8 period are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 3, 4 and 5 and 2 p.m. Sept. 6.
The Manatee Performing Arts Center is located at 502 Third Ave. W. in Bradenton.
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5–6 — Free Admission at The Bishop
Manatee County residents can visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature for free Sept. 5 and 6 through a program supported by the Rotary Club of Bradenton.
Visitors can explore the museum’s natural history exhibits, Mosaic Backyard Universe and Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. The September weekend is one of several free-admission weekends being offered to county residents during 2026 and early 2027.
The Bishop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum has announced it will close Sept. 7–9 for cleaning before reopening Sept. 10.
Saturday, Sept. 5 — Bradenton Marauders Fan Appreciation Night
The Bradenton Marauders will wrap up their Saturday night home schedule with Fan Appreciation Night at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W. in Bradenton.
The Marauders face the Lakeland Flying Tigers at 6:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m. Fans can stay after the game for a drone show over the ballpark.
The series continues Sunday, Sept. 6, with a noon game against Lakeland.
Saturday, Sept. 5 — Sarasota Paradise Hosts Spokane Velocity
Professional soccer returns to Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch as Sarasota Paradise hosts Spokane Velocity FC at 7:30 p.m.
The USL League One matchup will be played at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd. Tickets start at $13. The Sept. 5 contest is one of the club’s remaining home matches during its first professional season.
Through Friday, Sept. 4 — Back-to-School Food Drive
The Kind Mouse’s Back-to-School Food Drive concludes Sept. 4. The campaign collects food to help families in transition and children facing food insecurity. Participating groups and businesses have been filling collection bins with food throughout the drive, which began Aug. 17.
With government meetings, free educational activities, theater, baseball, professional soccer and museum admission all on the calendar, residents have a variety of ways to spend the first week of September across Manatee County.