Bradenton is an area rich in culture and heritage where vacationers can find a unique blend of authenticity and an eclectic lifestyle. This location has a lot to offer, from Florida’s Spanish heritage to its scenic beaches. If you are a traveler who loves to explore, Bradenton has many local events you can enjoy.
We have a list of the prominent local Bradenton events you can look forward to when planning your trip here in 2023. Let’s take a look. (more…)
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!
The year-round sun and warmth of Florida makes it the ideal destination any time of year you need a break. Pack your bags and gather your loved ones for a fun and exciting fall vacation full of sand, water, and sun, as well as a special event or two added to the itinerary. The Sarasota and Bradenton area has a myriad of 2023 Florida spring festivals and events for you to enjoy during your well-deserved spring break.
Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival
Celebrating 16 years in 2023, the festival is considered the area’s premier food and wine festival. The four-day event consists off several events that include wine dinners, university master classes led by a panel of world-renowned wine industry professionals, and more. Take part in the Grand Tasting, where over 40 members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurant come together and sample from a selection of over 350 wines from across the globe. The Grand Tasting also features live music and a wine retail tent where you can purchase the wines tasted during the event. The event runs April 20-23, with an online food and wine auction that starts on April 17 and runs through the event.
5th Annual Sarasota International Dragon Boat Festival
The family-friendly event is free! Held annually at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, the event combines culture, sport, and international flavor along with 2,500-year-old tradition. Watch as boats of 20 paddlers – friends, family, and even college rowing teams – move in unison to propel the boat with a design that originates in ancient China. There will also be plenty of activities for all ages, including a Health & Wellness Village, food trucks, a beer garden, marketplace, and more. The event runs 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on May 20th.
41st Annual Englewood Fine Arts Festival
Olde Englewood Village is the location of the annual event. Join locals and other tourists on the pedestrian-only street of West Dearborn Street to take in the beautiful work of the artists. Take a break and pop into a restaurant or shop along the way.
25th Annual Sarasota Film Festival
Celebrating a quarter century of presenting quality films, the festival returns this March. It features over 200 films each year, including features, documentaries, shorts, and even kid-friendly films. Tickets are available on the festival website and include tickets to the live events. There is also a virtual festival full pass that gets you access to all the films available through the virtual event website. Both the live and virtual events run March 24 – April 2.
Sarasota Jazz Festival
Celebrate jazz music with visitors and locals alike at the annual festival in Nathan Benderson Park. The festival features five stages that will host international, national, regional, and local musicians. Buy tickets and get more information about performers, schedule, and other details at the festival website.
Hernando De Soto Historical Society Children’s Parade
Each year the society puts on a beautiful and fun parade that puts kids in charge oof the entertainment. Watch as floats that were engineered, built, and decorated at local schools or even a child’s own home travel the historic avenues of Palmetto, starting at the Manatee County Fairgrounds and ending at Lamb Park. After the parade, you’ll find plenty of food, fun, activities, games, and more at the “Party in the Park.” This year’s event takes place April 7 starting at 10 a.m.
Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training
Baseball fans treat every spring training game as an event not to be missed. Many MLB teams migrate to warmer temperatures when it’s time to start warming up for a new season. Bradenton plays host to the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM park. You can check their calendar and buy tickets on the team website so you can make a game or two part of your spring trip.
Celebrate with Florida Spring Festivals
Enhance your spring festival or event experience with 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 event 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 festival 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 a fireplace, double ovens, flat screen TVs, private pool and more. Include the whole family by inquiring about select rentals that allow your fur babies to stay.
Contact us today to book your stay for a spring vacation you’ll never forget!