Residents and visitors will have numerous opportunities to enjoy community celebrations, live entertainment, educational programs, family activities and charitable events throughout Manatee County from November 3 through November 9, 2026.
Tuesday, November 3
Shakespeare in the Park – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Presented by the School District of Manatee County’s Visual and Performing Arts program in partnership with Palma Sola Botanical Park, the outdoor performance begins at 6 p.m. at 9800 17th Avenue NW in Bradenton.
Wednesday, November 4
Free Pet Vaccination and Microchipping Clinic
Manatee County Animal Welfare will offer free vaccinations and microchipping for pets belonging to Manatee County residents.
The clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Animal Welfare Resource Center, 401 17th Avenue West in Bradenton.
High School Students Job Fair
The Launchpad Workforce Development Series will host a job fair designed to connect high school students with career exploration, entrepreneurship, leadership development and employment opportunities.
The event will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 East in Bradenton.
Seventh Annual Arts Alive Celebration
The Manatee Arts Education Council and Manatee Education Foundation will present the seventh annual Arts Alive Celebration at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West in Bradenton.
The event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., beginning with a reception featuring live music, refreshments and a silent student artwork auction. An awards ceremony begins at 6:45 p.m., recognizing community leaders for their contributions to arts education.
Reserved seating for the reception and ceremony costs $35, while non-reserved admission to the awards ceremony is free.
Thursday, November 5
Regional Transit Feasibility Study Community Workshop
The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization will host a community and stakeholder workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bayfront Community Center, 803 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. The workshop is free and open to the public.
Boots vs. Badges Charity Softball Game
The Bradenton Police Department and Bradenton Fire Department will face off in a charity softball game at LECOM Park. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders, the event will bring local first responders together for a community fundraiser supporting causes important to both departments. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Friday, November 6
Festival of the Skeletons Begins in Village of the Arts
Bradenton’s Village of the Arts will host its 22nd annual Festival of the Skeletons on November 6 and 7. The free celebration incorporates Día de los Muertos traditions, artwork, decorated altars and community gatherings throughout the historic arts neighborhood. Friday’s festivities run from 6 to 9 p.m., with activities continuing Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Palmetto Movie Night – Coco
The City of Palmetto will host an outdoor screening of Disney-Pixar’s Coco at Sutton Park, 1006 Sixth Street West.
Manatee Movie Night at Parrish Community Park
Manatee County will present a free outdoor movie night at Parrish Community Park, 7550 Fort Hamer Road. The scheduled film is Toy Story 5, with the event running from 6 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 7
28th Annual Manatee County Stand Down
The 28th annual Manatee County Stand Down will bring more than 50 community agencies together to provide resources and assistance to residents and families. The event will also feature food, live music and family activities. The final entry for services is at 11:15 a.m.
Super Smile Saturday at LECOM
The LECOM School of Dental Medicine will host Super Smile Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4800 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard in Bradenton.
Community Meeting on Proposed E-Bike Ordinance Changes
Manatee County will hold a public meeting at noon at the Lakewood Ranch Library, 16410 Rangeland Parkway.
Sixth Annual Friendsgiving Fundraiser
Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare will host its sixth annual Friendsgiving fundraiser from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Pavilion at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th Street East in Bradenton.
NuJazz Annual Winter Holiday Show
The Manatee Performing Arts Center will host the NuJazz Band’s annual Winter Holiday Show, featuring smooth jazz, Motown, R&B and seasonal favorites. The concert begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:15 p.m., at 502 Third Avenue West in Bradenton.
