Manatee County Events Roundup: February 23 – March 2, 2026
Manatee County will close out February with a full calendar of community conversations, live performances, fundraisers and family-friendly events. From county-hosted expos to nonprofit fundraisers and theatrical productions, residents have multiple opportunities to engage locally between February 23 and March 2.
Manatee Tiger Bay Club – Law Enforcement Update
On Thursday, February 26, the Manatee Tiger Bay Club will host a Law Enforcement Update from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in downtown Bradenton. Featured speakers include Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells, Bradenton Police Chief Josh Cramer, Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler and Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer. The event will provide updates on public safety initiatives and regional collaboration among local agencies.
Safety Jam 2026 – Learn. Play. Stay Safe.
Families are invited to Safety Jam on Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the State College of Florida Bradenton campus, 5840 26th St. W. Presented by the Florida Department of Transportation, State College of Florida and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the free Health & Traffic Safety Expo features interactive safety stations, emergency vehicles, mascots, live music, food trucks and hands-on demonstrations focused on keeping families safe at home and on the road. Admission and parking are free.
Bradenton Rotary 17th Annual Comedy Night
The Rotary Club of Bradenton will celebrate 100 years of service with its 17th Annual Comedy Night on Saturday, February 28, at 7 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Comedians Tim Boyd and Rahn Hortman headline the evening, which also includes a live auction benefiting Rotary’s local projects. Tickets are $65.
The Cemetery Club – February 19 through March 8
Local audiences can experience The Cemetery Club by Ivan Menchell, presented by Florida Cultural Group as part of its Action Through Acting social impact initiative. Running February 19 through March 8, the production follows three lifelong friends navigating love, loss and new beginnings. Blending humor and heartfelt storytelling, the play explores friendship and resilience while encouraging dialogue and empathy within the community. The production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
East Manatee Firefighters Benevolent Association Sporting Clay Shoot
The East Manatee Firefighters Benevolent Association will host a 100-target sporting clay competition on Saturday, February 28, at Sarasota Trap, Skeet & Clays, 7730 Target Trail, Nokomis. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with shooting at 9 a.m. Teams of four are encouraged, and individual shooters will be paired. A $100 donation per team member includes clays, a T-shirt and a meal ticket. Lunch and a raffle/auction follow the shoot, with proceeds supporting the association’s community efforts.
The Florida Highwaymen Art Exhibit & Sale
Art enthusiasts can visit The Florida Highwaymen exhibit and sale on Saturday, February 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton. The event features original 1960s and 1970s Highwaymen paintings, new artwork, books and notecards. Admission is free and open to the public.
From live theater and comedy to public safety expos and charitable competitions, the final week of February offers Manatee County residents a wide range of opportunities to gather, learn and support local causes.