The year-round sun and warmth of Florida make it the ideal destination any time of year you need a break, and the heat and fun get turned up in the summer. Pack your bags and gather your loved ones for a fun and exciting summer vacation full of sand, water, and sun, as well as a special event or two added to the itinerary. This Florida area has a myriad of festivals and events in Bradenton and Sarasota for you to enjoy during your well-deserved summer break.
Summer Circus Spectacular
Circus fans will no doubt be making at least one performance part of their summer itinerary. The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling have once again come together to present performances from some of the finest circus artists around the world. Performances take place daily, June 9 – August 12. Adult admission is $20 and children are $13.
Bradenton Summer Market
The market takes place monthly throughout the summer. Browse local arts and crafts, homemade goodies, and treasures, and even score some locally-grown fresh produce. Plan your visit around the dates, or make sure to incorporate them in your itinerary if they’re happening during your trip. Dates this summer are June 24, July 29, and August 26. Tickets are available online at the Ringling website.
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival
The 38th annual event is the second-longest-running US powerboat race, with racers battling against the waves along Lido Beach. See a variety of watercraft, including Class 1 and Super Cat crafts, as well as Super Stock and Mod V boats. The competition takes place June 30-July 2.
Sarasota Slam
Marina Jack in Sarasota hosts the annual event, which includes a junior angler division as well as adult categories. Adults can enter the Billfish, offshore, or inshore competitions. Print and fill out the entry form on the tournament website and bring your fee and entry form to the captain’s meetings, or email a copy to the sponsor, the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association. This year’s tournament takes place August 4-12 at Marina Jack.
Red, White, and Blueberry Festival
The Fiorelli Winery in Bradenton is back with its one-of-a-kind festival. Enjoy live music, delicious offerings from food trucks, drink specials, craft vendors, pony rides, and plenty of family-friendly fun. They top it all off with a fireworks display celebrating the patriotic holiday. The free event takes place 6-10 p.m. on July 1.
Bradenton Marauders Bark in the Park
While some baseball fans vacationing in Florida will want to check out a Miami Marlins or Tampa Bay Rays, enjoy a minor league game right in Bradenton, and bring your pet! The team will be hosting a total of ten “Bark in the Park” events throughout the summer where you can bring your well-behaved, leashed pet to enjoy the game with you. There’s a special Bark in the Park homepage with all the details, including dates. The games are at LECOM Park in Bradenton.
Suncoast Summer Fest 2023
The 3rd annual event kicks off the summer season and includes a series of special event fundraisers to raise money for local children, teens, and adults with special needs and their families. The events take place at various locations around Sarasota, with the kickoff event on June 23. Other events that make up the festival include the 7th Annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic on June 23, July 4th Bayfront Fireworks, the “Waves & Wheels” Summer Fest Party on June 30-July 1, and the “Waves & Wheels” fun run on July 1. Wrap up the fun with the Charity Poker Tournament on August 26.
Sarasota Improv Festival
The 13th annual festival brings together top improvisers from across the U.S. and around the world. The fun and silly weekend is a whirlwind of spontaneous comedy that will leave you in stitches. The festival features over 20 troupes, 80 artists, and 29 performances in the three-day run July 20-23. All performances are at the Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota.
Celebrate in Bradenton and Sarasota Throughout Summer
Enhance your summer festival or event experience this year with a stay in a private vacation rental provided by Anchor Down Vacation Rentals. We offer units as small as one bedroom, all the way up to eight bedrooms so you can invite all of your family and friends to enjoy the summertime events and the beautiful Florida weather. You’ll be spending most of your time at your event, but you’ll want to build in plenty of time for lounging around your rental. After a long day of event-filled fun, make a home-cooked meal in your unit’s fully equipped kitchen, and enjoy it in the spacious living/dining areas, or in a private outdoor space. Relax in a private bedroom, or gather the group, pop some popcorn, and watch your favorite movie. Choose a premium unit for perks like double ovens, flat-screen TVs, a private pool, and more. Include the whole family by inquiring about select rentals that allow your furbabies to stay.
Contact us today to book your stay for a summer vacation you’ll never forget!
Welcome to Bradenton, Florida.
What are you going to do while you’re here?
Bradenton calls itself The Friendly City, and that’s pretty appropriate. You’ll make new friends, even if you’re only here for a day or two. We hope you stay longer, though, because there’s so much to do.
You’ll find Bradenton in Florida, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The city is south of Tampa and St. Petersburg and just north of Sarasota. The city center is on the banks of the Manatee River, creating an ideal Riverwalk space that’s full of views, outdoor entertainment, and a perfect setting for outdoor events.
In Bradenton, you’ll find lots of art, gorgeous parks and green spaces, highly rated restaurants, and diverse opportunities for entertainment and recreation. You can go to the beach or do some shopping or explore a museum.
If you’re still putting together your own list of things to do when you visit Bradenton, we have some ideas we’d love to share with you. Check out some of the top activities in Bradenton available here. (more…)