Residents and visitors will find a variety of activities throughout Manatee County from October 13 through October 19, 2026, including fall festivals, live music, community meetings, educational programs, family celebrations and opportunities to support local organizations.
The week’s events stretch from Bradenton and Palmetto to Parrish and Myakka City, offering activities for families, veterans, gardening enthusiasts, theatergoers and residents interested in becoming more involved in their communities.
Tuesday, October 13
The Bishop-Parker Foundation and The Patterson Foundation, working with the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, will host a community conversation from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dogs Inc Student Center, 4210 77th Street East in Palmetto. The discussion will focus on community needs, shared spaces and priorities as North River Manatee County continues to grow. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is available at SurveyMonkey.
The Parrish Civic Association will meet at Parrish Community High School, 7505 Fort Hamer Road. A public forum from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. will focus on plans for a community garden at Parrish Community Park. Speakers will include David Shurmer, Carmine DeMilio and UF/IFAS horticulture agent Mack Lessig. Residents can review proposed plans, ask questions and offer suggestions. The board meeting follows from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14
Manatee County Animal Welfare will offer free vaccinations and microchipping from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Animal Welfare Resource Center, 401 17th Avenue West in Bradenton. The clinic is limited to Manatee County residents, with a maximum of three pets per household. Appointments are required. Cats must be in carriers, and dogs must be leashed. Registration is available at mymanatee.org/petclinic.
A community cookout and fundraiser supporting deployed military personnel will take place on Wednesday, October 14. The event will feature food, complimentary kayaks, fishing with equipment provided, karaoke and raffles. A suggested $5 donation will help fund care packages for forward-deployed service members, with all contributions being matched to increase their impact. The gathering offers residents an opportunity to connect with neighbors while supporting military personnel serving away from home.
Thursday, October 15
The Manatee Performing Arts Center will present Carrie: The Musical October 15 through November 1 at the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 Third Avenue West. Based on Stephen King’s novel, the musical explores bullying, family conflict and supernatural powers. Recommended for mature audiences. Tickets and showtimes are available at manateeperformingartscenter.com.
Friday, October 16
Manatee County’s Goblin Gathering will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West in Bradenton. The free community celebration will feature trick-or-treating, costume contests, bounce houses, spooky photo opportunities, hayrides and a petting zoo. Food trucks will also be available.
The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service will host a free clothing swap October 16 and 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at 1303 17th Street West in Palmetto. Participants are encouraged to bring clean, gently used clothing to exchange. Halloween costume donations are also being accepted. The event promotes textile reuse and waste reduction.
Saturday, October 17
Country Critters Animal Adventure Park, 15571 Rutland Road in Parrish, will host its fall festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can enjoy animal encounters, pumpkin carving, face painting, vendors and pony rides. Admission is $15, with children younger than 2 admitted free. Pony rides cost extra. The festival is also scheduled for October 24.
Dakin Dairy Farms will continue its third annual Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 30771 Betts Road in Myakka City. Attractions advertised include live music, hayrides, food trucks, vendors, bounce houses and a pumpkin cannon. Admission is $20 per person, with children ages 5 and younger admitted free. Parking is free. The festival continues October 18, 24 and 25.
Ananda Farm’s Fall Festival continues Friday, October 16, through Sunday, October 18, at 579 Ken Hubbard Road in Terra Ceia. The seasonal celebration features a pumpkin patch, flower fields, a flower maze, tractor-pulled hayrides, seasonal food, local artisan merchandise and family activities. Live music is also offered throughout the weekend. The festival continues through November 1. Tickets and additional information are available at anandafarm.com.
The Woods of Moccasin Wallow will host its second annual Craft Fair in the Clubhouse from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 9250 49th Avenue East in Parrish. The event will feature local vendors selling handmade gifts, crafts and other items, providing an opportunity to support small businesses.
MCR Health will host its fourth annual Community Baby Shower from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 in Bradenton. The event welcomes expectant mothers, families with new babies and fathers. Activities will include educational resources, interactive games, music, food, vendors and raffle prizes while supplies last. Information about maternal health, parenting and community support services will also be available.
The Brotherhood Ride, a nonprofit cycling organization honoring fallen first responders, will arrive at Bradenton Elks Lodge 1511 at approximately 4 p.m. Community members are invited to welcome the riders and attend a memorial service honoring local fallen first responders. The lodge will provide dinner, overnight accommodations and breakfast before the riders continue their seven-day journey through Florida, October 17–23. The 2026 ride honors 22 fallen first responders.
Sunday, October 18
The Pops Orchestra and Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation will present Groovin’ in the Gardens from 4 to 6 p.m. at Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest in Bradenton. The afternoon will feature live jazz by The Pops Orchestra Jazz Combo in an outdoor garden setting. Additional information is available at ThePopsOrchestra.org.
Bradenton City Councilwoman Lisa Moore will participate in a community conversation from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Reflections of Manatee, 1305 Fourth Avenue East in Bradenton. The discussion will explore the Bradenton community, its history, how communities develop and ways residents can contribute to local improvements. The program is free and open to the public.
