Residents will have a full calendar of activities to choose from across Manatee County during the week of Sept. 15–21, with events ranging from community assistance and gardening classes to sports, theater, fundraisers and family activities.
Several events take place on Thursday, Sept. 17. Manatee County Government’s Community Development Division will host a Housing Information Session & Legal Clinic from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the 13th AV Dream Center, 922 24th St. E. in Bradenton. The event will provide information about affordable housing resources, rental and utility assistance, public housing programs, homebuying support and housing-related legal assistance.
Also Thursday, UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County will offer a free Garden Bugs class as part of its fall Vegetable Gardening Classes. The series covers topics including fertilizer, nutrients, pest management, plant diseases and seed saving.
The weekend begins early with several events on Friday, Sept. 18. Keep Manatee Beautiful will hold its FORE the Environment Golf Fundraiser at River Club Golf Course in Lakewood Ranch beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is $150 per golfer or $500 for a foursome and includes 18 holes, a cart, range balls, lunch and raffle opportunities.
The Suncoast Cornhole Classic will also begin Friday and continue through Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Presented by HaoleNaut Sports and Speakeasy Cornhole, the three-day competition is expected to offer more than $30,000 in payouts and include specialty events, blind draws, singles and doubles competition.
On Anna Maria Island, The Center of Anna Maria Island will hold a Community Clothes Swap from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. Participants can bring clothing, shoes, accessories and small home décor items to donate and browse items contributed by others. Remaining items will be donated to a local shelter.
The weekend is especially busy Saturday, Sept. 19. Manatee Hope will hold its 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W. in Bradenton. Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by the event at 9 a.m. The family-friendly fundraiser benefits local children who need occupational, physical and speech therapy.
Manatee County will host a Fairy Festival from 9 a.m. to noon at The NEST at Robinson Preserve. The morning event will offer families an outdoor, fairy-themed experience at the preserve.
In Parrish, The June Collective will host Pop Up in the Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Parrish Community Park. The Sept. 19 gathering is the first of several Saturday pop-up events planned through December.
The Crewe of De Soto will hold its Main Street Putt-Putt: A Putt N’ Crawl Classic on Saturday, Sept. 19. The event combines miniature golf with stops along Main Street as part of the Crewe’s community activities. You must be 21 to join in.
Sports fans can head to Lakewood Ranch Saturday evening as Sarasota Paradise hosts Greenville Triumph SC at 7:30 p.m. The match is part of the Paradise 2026 home schedule, with tickets starting at $13.
Theatergoers also have an option throughout the week. Arsenic and Old Lace continues its run through Sept. 20. The classic dark comedy follows a drama critic who discovers that his seemingly sweet aunts have a deadly secret.
The events are among activities scheduled throughout the Bradenton area during September, when local organizations, nonprofits and community groups are offering a variety of recreational, educational and cultural programs.