Manatee County Events Offer Sports, Nature, Food and Family Fun Aug. 18-24
Residents looking for something to do around Manatee County will find a mix of professional sports, gardening and nature programs, food and drink events, and exotic animals during the week of Aug. 18 through Aug. 24.
Several special events are scheduled throughout Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Palmetto, giving families and adults plenty of options as summer begins to wind down.
Wednesday, Aug. 19 — Sarasota Paradise Home Game
Sarasota Paradise returns to the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch on Wednesday, Aug. 19, for a home match against the Chattanooga Red Wolves.
The match will also celebrate Sarasota Paradise Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.
Thursday, Aug. 20 — Plant Food 101
Gardeners can learn more about keeping their vegetable plants healthy during a Plant Food 101 class offered through UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County on Thursday, Aug. 20.
The free program is part of a series of vegetable gardening classes covering fertilizer, nutrients, pest management and common vegetable diseases. Additional classes in the series are scheduled for September, October and November.
Friday, Aug. 21 — Tree Biology at Palma Sola Botanical Park
Palma Sola Botanical Park will host a Tree Biology class from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 21, as part of its 2026 Summer Fun Nature Classes.
Richard Larsen with the Florida Division of Forestry will lead the program, which will explore tree anatomy and the benefits trees provide. Participants will also have the option to head outside to discuss trees growing at the park.
The program is open to all ages, although children must be accompanied by an adult. The class is free. Palma Sola Botanical Park is located at 9800 17th Ave. NW in Bradenton.
Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21-22 — Clothing Swap
The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service will host a free Clothing Swap on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21-22, from 9 a.m. to noon each day.
Community members can bring clean, gently used clothing to exchange while finding new-to-them styles. Organizers say the event is also designed to help reduce textile waste and conserve water by extending the life of clothing.
The Clothing Swap will be held at the Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service, 1303 17th St. W. in Palmetto. Clothing donations are also being accepted before the event.
Registration is free.
Saturday, Aug. 22 — Repticon Bradenton
Repticon returns to the Bradenton Area Convention Center for two days of reptiles and exotic animals Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-23.
Visitors can see live animals, meet reptile and exotic animal experts and shop for pets, supplies and related products.
Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the show continuing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The Bradenton Area Convention Center is located at 1 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto.
Saturday, Aug. 22 — BeerTopia Craft Beer & Food Festival
BeerTopia will bring local food and craft beer together Saturday, Aug. 22, at Veterans Hall in Palmetto.
The event is scheduled from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and will feature participating restaurants, including Big Top Brewing & Restaurant, Urban Taco, Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant, Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Coast Seafood Grill, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Central Cafe & Bar, Sunshine Biscotti, Bonefish Grill, O’Bricks and Mean Deans Local Kitchen.
Tickets are a $75 donation, and attendees must be at least 21 years old to purchase tickets and attend.
Saturday, Aug. 22 — Marauders Grateful Dead Tribute Night
The Bradenton Marauders will add live music to a night at the ballpark Saturday, Aug. 22, with Grateful Dead Tribute Night.
Fans can stay after the baseball game for a postgame concert by Dead Set.
Through Sept. 4 — Back-to-School Food Drive
The Kind Mouse is holding its Back-to-School Food Drive beginning Monday, Aug. 17, and continuing through Sept. 4.
The organization works to provide food assistance to children and families experiencing hunger. Participating businesses and organizations can request collection bins, which are delivered empty and picked up after they are filled with donated food.
The drive provides another way for Manatee County residents, businesses and community groups to support local children as the new school year gets underway.
With soccer, baseball, reptiles, gardening, nature programs and food-focused events all on the calendar, the Aug. 18-24 week offers activities for a variety of ages and interests throughout Manatee County.