Manatee County’s calendar for October 20–26, 2026, includes live theater, professional soccer, rodeo competition, historical programs, educational opportunities and nonprofit fundraisers.
Tuesday, October 20
Palma Sola Botanical Park will host a volunteer garden workday from 9 a.m. to noon at 9800 17th Avenue NW in Bradenton.
Southwest Florida Honor Flight will welcome home veterans returning from Mission XXV at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, with arrival scheduled for approximately 9 p.m. The public is invited to attend, arrive early and wear patriotic colors.
Wednesday, October 21
The seventh annual Suzi Fox Turtle Watch Wednesday fundraiser will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hurricane Hanks, 5346 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The free event benefits Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring and includes live music, auctions and a YETI cooler fundraiser.
Sarasota Paradise will face FC Naples at 6:30 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch. Tickets start at $13.
Thursday, October 22
Manatee Tiger Bay Club will host a discussion on Flock cameras, data centers and privacy concerns from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton.
The School District of Manatee County will offer Parent University from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Island Library, 5701 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. Registration is required.
Friday, October 23
Palma Sola Botanical Park will host a pumpkin succulent arrangement workshop at 10 a.m. The cost is $55, including materials.
The Booked for Lunch fundraiser featuring bestselling author James Patterson begins at noon at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa.
The Manatee County Pro Rodeo begins its two-night run at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with competition at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available at www.ManateeProRodeo.com.
Saturday, October 24
Manatee Village Historical Park, 1404 Manatee Avenue E. in Bradenton, will host a free cemetery tour at 10 a.m., the Manatee County Preservation and Heritage Awards from noon to 2 p.m., and a presentation on Florida’s role in the American Revolution from 2 to 3 p.m.
Dogs Inc will celebrate the grand opening of its new Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5815 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Visitors can watch guide and service dog demonstrations, hear from a Dogs Inc graduate, tour the new facility and learn about opportunities to become puppy raisers or volunteers. Additional information is available at dogsinc.org.
Reflections of Manatee will present Dressed for Death, a program exploring Victorian mourning traditions, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 1305 Fourth Avenue E. in Bradenton. Admission is $5.
Sarasota Paradise will face Westchester SC at 7:30 p.m. at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch.
Live Theater Throughout the Week
The Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue W. in Bradenton, continues its production of Carrie: The Musical through November 1. The musical is based on Stephen King’s novel and explores themes of bullying, isolation and supernatural powers.
The theater also opens Dear Evan Hansen on October 22, with performances continuing through November 1. The musical explores teenage relationships, mental health and the search for belonging.
Performance schedules and tickets are available at ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.
Residents are encouraged to confirm event details, registration requirements and ticket availability with organizers before attending.