Manatee County residents have a full calendar of activities to enjoy November 10–16, 2026, with Veterans Day commemorations, charitable fundraisers, live entertainment, educational workshops and family-friendly events scheduled throughout the community.
Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day Parades – Palmetto and Parrish
Communities across northern Manatee County will honor military veterans with Veterans Day parades on Wednesday. The Palmetto Veterans Day Parade begins at 10 a.m., with veterans, community organizations and local participants gathering to recognize those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Parrish will also host its annual Veterans Day Parade, bringing residents together for a patriotic community celebration.
Veterans Day Open House – Roskamp Institute
The Roskamp Institute, located at 2040 Whitfield Ave. in Sarasota near the Manatee County line, will host a free Veterans Day Open House from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event includes institute tours, veteran resources, food and opportunities to meet researchers studying traumatic brain injury, Gulf War illness, post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. The open house is free and open to the public.
Bourbon & Bowties – Loaded Cannon Distillery
The Southwest Florida Council of Scouting America will host Bourbon & Bowties beginning at 6 p.m. at Loaded Cannon Distillery, 3115 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Suite 110, in Bradenton.
The fundraiser features premium bourbon and whiskey tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a best bowtie contest, networking and a live auction. Proceeds benefit Scouting programs throughout Southwest Florida. Tickets cost $50 per person.
Thursday, November 12
Manatee Chamber Fall Expo – LECOM Park
The Manatee Chamber of Commerce will host its Fall Expo 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W. in Bradenton.
The event offers an opportunity for residents to connect with local businesses, explore products and services, and support the area’s business community.
Seed Saving Workshop – UF/IFAS Extension
The Manatee County UF/IFAS Extension Service will offer a free Seed Saving class as part of its vegetable gardening education series. The workshop focuses on gardening techniques and seed preservation for future planting.
Residents seeking additional information may contact instructor Mack Lessig at 941-722-4524, ext. 1821.
Friday, November 13
10th Annual Sangarita Showdown – Manatee County Fairgrounds
The 10th Annual Sangarita Showdown will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. inside Veterans Hall at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W. in Palmetto.
Presented by the Division & Exchange Club, the event features local restaurants competing for top honors in sangria, margaritas and appetizers. The annual gathering celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Saturday, November 14
Chili Con Comics Cook-Off and Family Fun Day – Bat City Comic Professionals
Bat City Comic Professionals will host its third annual Chili Con Comics Chili Cook-Off and Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 915 Manatee Ave. E. in Bradenton.
The free event features chili tastings, carnival-style games, crafts and family activities. Attendees may purchase voting tickets to select a Fan Favorite chili entry, with each ticket also providing an entry into a prize drawing.
Proceeds support Bat City Comic Professionals’ nonprofit educational programs, which promote reading, writing and imagination among children and teenagers. Visitors who donate a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots will receive an additional drawing entry.
Community Shred Day – Manatee Technical College
The Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller will host a free Community Shred Day from 9 to 11 a.m. at Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 E. in Bradenton.
Residents can bring personal documents for secure shredding, and hard drive destruction services will also be available. The event provides an opportunity to dispose of sensitive information safely.
Native Florida Plants 101 – Mixon Farms
A free Native Florida Plants 101 workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Mixon Farms. Presented in connection with Manatee County and UF/IFAS Extension, the educational program will introduce participants to native plants and their role in Florida landscapes.
Beach Cleanup – Anna Maria Island
The Center of Anna Maria Island and Prime Vacations will host a beach cleanup from 9 to 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at The Center, 407 Magnolia Ave. in Anna Maria, before walking to the Gulf to collect litter.
The cleanup is part of an ongoing series of community environmental stewardship events. Additional information is available by calling 941-778-1908.
251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball – Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
Veterans and community supporters are invited to the 251st Marine Corps Birthday Ball and annual fundraiser at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 U.S. Highway 41 in Palmetto. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Organized by VVA Services, the event features an official Marine Corps birthday ceremony, reception, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffle baskets, dancing and entertainment by the Jesse Daniels Band. Melinda Drake will perform the national anthem.
This year’s fundraiser benefits Our Next Mission, an organization supporting veterans and their families. Black tie or dress blues are encouraged. Tickets and information are available at vvaservices.org/events.
Born in the U.S.A. – The Pops Orchestra
The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota will present Born in the U.S.A. at 3 p.m. at 7505 Fort Hamer Road in Parrish.
The patriotic-themed musical program will feature orchestral entertainment celebrating American music and culture.
Sunday, November 15
A Trip Around the World: The Legacy Tour – Manatee Performing Arts Center
Platinum Superstars Dance Factory will present A Trip Around the World: The Legacy Tour at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Manatee Performing Arts Center , 502 Third Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton.
The production celebrates the dance organization’s past, present and future through a variety of dance styles and performances highlighting its artistic development.
Tickets and additional information are available through the performing arts center’s box office at 941-748-5875.
From honoring military service to supporting local businesses, arts organizations and youth programs, the November 10–16 calendar offers opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community activities.