Arts& Culture Arts & Culture Guide
Ready to find your inspiration? Come visit. You’ll be amazed.
Elliott Falcione
Executive Director Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Debbie Meihls, CDME
Executive Manager Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
E V E N TS & M A P
O R G A N I Z AT I O N S & G R O U P S
But there’s even more to discover. The area is becoming better known every day as host to a constantly changing kaleidoscope of cultural events – from concerts, to live performances, exhibitions, festivals such as the Bradenton Blues Festival, and more. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check our arts and culture calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the memorable moments this area has to offer.
C L A S S E S & E D U C AT I O N
Here you can stroll through an eclectic artists’ colony. Be captivated by a gripping drama from an award-winning theater group. Re-live exciting local history or explore distant galaxies. You can encounter creations by our local artists tucked into quiet village galleries as well as proudly displayed in our public settings.
H E R I TA G E & H I STO RY
Beyond our sun-splashed recreation, charming seaside villages, natural wonders and agricultural adventures, visitors are discovering an electrifying arts and cultural scene unlike anywhere else in the state. In fact, AmericanStyle Magazine has ranked Bradenton as the nation’s #2 best small arts city in the nation.
T H E AT E R & P E R F O R M A N C E
People from around the world have found our destination an inspiration for years, but now, for a whole new reason.
V I S U A L A R TS
Come be inspired.
Visual Arts
Welcome to an area named the #2 best small arts city by AmericanStyle Magazine – above places such as Aspen, Asheville and Taos. And for good reason. The visual arts permeate the destination, and can be discovered and experienced easily at every turn. Here art is as accessible as a visit to a beachside gallery, on a stroll through an artist village or discovered on public display. Enjoy art over conversation with its creator in a local gallery such as Graciela Giles at the Rose-Giles Studio in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts. Or discover intriguing creations for sale in area shops, such as Anna Maria Island’s Artists Guild Gallery. Or enjoy art in public places such as the sculptures along the area’s Riverwalk.
Village of the Arts Located in the heart of Bradenton and comprised of 52 acres, the Village of the Arts is the largest artists’ colony in Florida. Restored 1920’s bungalows house 25 galleries, dining and more.
V i s u a l A r ts
From the local to the legendary. Inspiration and vision on a human scale.
Artspace Anna Maria
ArtCenter Manatee
Back Alley
Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island
Bradenton Riverwalk
Monthly exhibits display local and regional art. Also offers a wide range of classes and workshops for all ages. 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach 941-778-2099 / islandartleague.org
Exhibitions in the galleries change monthly and showcase local, regional and national artists. Come meet the artists at the monthly evening opening receptions. 209 9th St. W., Bradenton 941-746-2862 / artcentermanatee.org
Zoe Von Averkamp Folk Artist Village of the Arts
A self-taught artist and gallery owner in the area’s thriving Village of the Arts district, her Divine Excess Folk Gallery features the work of Florida’s top folk artists and well-known regional Gulf Coast artists. Her own work draws upon and combines deep spiritual influences, Mexican folk art and the whimsical.
The Artists Guild sponsors an art gallery showing the work of 70+ artists. 5414 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach 941-778-6694 / amiartistsguildgallery.com
Arts for the Earth
Discover drawings, paintings, photography, glass, music and more from eco-friendly artists and innovators. 5345 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach 941-243-3818 / artsfortheearth.com
Activities at the studio/gallery include luncheons, guest speakers, art receptions, classes, workshops and more. 101 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria Island 941-243-3835 / artspaceannamaria.com
Home to over 100 local artists’ work. Unique jewelry, whimsical stained glass, paintings, handbags, clothing, pottery, folk art, recycled and repurposed pieces of art and more! 108 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 941-778-1800 / backalleygifts.com
The collection of public art – including interactive sound sculptures, tower banners and hand-cast glass blocks – enhances the beauty of this downtown riverside park. 452 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton realizebradenton.com
Emerson Quillin Studio Store Prints, paintings and more by nationally known illustrator Emerson Quillin. 317-C Pine Ave., Anna Maria Island 941-896-9889 / emersonshumor.com
V I S U A L A R TS
Anna Maria Island Art League
Co-op of approximately 30 local artists offering a wide range of original fine art and seasonal scheduled demonstrations. 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach 941-778-6648 / islandgallerywest.com
Art, antiques and gifts in a laid-back island setting. 5416 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach 941-779-2624 / backalleygifts.com
A Room With A Hue
Palmetto Art Center
Arts, cultural and community center offering a range of classes and activities from painting to Pilates. 907 5th St. W., Palmetto 941-518-2109 / palmettoartcenter.com
Relish Marketplace
Restless Natives
One of the flagship stores of the renowned Anna Maria Historic Green Village, curating a collection of vintage and quality designer finds. 501 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Island 941-275-2713 relish-anna-maria-island.com
Hand-painted art, murals, furniture, faux finishing and gifts. 314 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Island 941-778-1222 / aroomwithahue.com
State College of Florida Fine Art Gallery
Provides dynamic exhibitions by students, faculty and guest artists that explore connections between art, education and culture. 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton 941-752-5225 / scf.edu/ArtGallery
The Studio at Gulf and Pine Located in an authentic seaside village on Anna Maria Island, and operated by Rhea Chiles, former First Lady of Florida, the Studio welcomes artists, poets, musicians, performers and writers to exhibit their talents and exchange ideas. Art of the Studio’s permanent collection consists of the Chiles family paintings that once hung in the Florida governor’s office.
V I S U A L A R TS
Island Gallery West
You could spend an entire day in one of Florida’s most unique emporiums of art, antiques, gifts and nautical treasures. Located in the historic village of Cortez. 12304 Cortez Road W., Cortez 941-795-5756
The Studio at Gulf and Pine
Art gallery and theater providing a continual and diverse array of educational and cultural events. 10101 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria Island 941-778-1906 / studioatgulfandpine.com
Palmetto Art Center
Village of the Arts – An Artist Community
A vibrant community of artists living and working together. Shops, galleries, dining and more. 12th St. W. & 12th Ave. W., Bradenton 941-747-8056 / villageofthearts.com
V I S U A L A R TS
The Sea Hagg
Theater & Performance
Let your spirit soar and your heart sing. The Bradenton/Anna Maria Island/Longboat Key area is alive with a full calendar of entertainment – from gripping dramatic plays to colorful Broadway musicals, to rousing blues music. And venues in the area are just as diverse as the performances themselves. In addition to storied stages and glittering halls, you can experience orchestras on island beaches, jazz musicians in a riverfront park‌even a chilling portrayal of Edgar Allan Poe in a historic 1929 Mediterranean-revival mansion. If you love it live, you’ll love it here.
Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra Although famous for its laid-back attitude and old Florida charm, Anna Maria Island has also produced an accomplished chorus and orchestra. Join with fellow music lovers to thrill at the passion behind each performance.
T H E AT E R & P E R F O R M A N C E
The area raises the curtain with thrilling shows, talented performers and diverse venues.
Manatee Performing Arts Center
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Neel Performing Arts Center
An accomplished Chorus and Orchestra that thrills and amazes audiences, year after year. The group performs four concerts from November through March. CrossPointe Fellowship Church, Anna Maria Island 941-795-2370 / amicco.org
Rick Kirby
The Manatee Players
The award-winning theater company’s Producing Artistic Director brings his enormous passion and enthusiasm for performance to the area’s stateof-the-art Manatee Performing Arts Center. Rick is a three-time winner of Outstanding Director by the Southeastern Theater Conference and two-time winner of Best Director by the American Association of Community Theatre.
The recently completed $20 million facility is home of the Manatee Players, a nationally award-winning community theatre with over 60 seasons of presenting live theater in Bradenton. 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton 941-748-5875 / manateeplayers.com
The largest repertory theater in the Southeastern United States stages up to fifteen productions a season from November to July, spanning newly commissioned plays, reinterpretations of contemporary and classical works, and provocative new musical theatre. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-351-8000 / asolorep.org
The center has served as a cultural hub for the area, hosting both college and community sponsored events. 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton 941-752-5252 scf.edu/CampusLife/ NeelPerformingArtsCenter
Island Players
Studio 84 Productions, the college’s student theatre company, has performed to wide acclaim since 1966. 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton 941-752-5252 / scf.edu/Theatre
Delighting audiences for more than six decades, the island’s community theater hosts performances from October through May. 10009 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria Island 941-778-5755 / theislandplayers.org
State College of Florida Howard Studio Theatre
T h e at e r & P e rformanc e
Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra
Ace’s – Bradenton’s Live Music Venue
The Distillery Tavern
National acts and local talent, including blues, rock, funk, country, jazz and zydeco. 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton 941-795-3886 / aceslivemusic.com
McCabe’s Irish Pub & Alehouse
Cork’s Cigar Bar
Live entertainment, beer, wine cocktails and fine cigars. 424 Old Main St., Bradenton 941-744-2589 / corkscigarbar.com
Manatee Performing Arts Center
515 Martini Bar
A blend of jazz and lounge music nightly. 515 27th St. E., Bradenton 941-745-1540 / carmensitaliancafe.com
Cortez Clam Factory
Full-service establishment providing live music, happy hour and drink specials. 450 Old Main St., Bradenton 941-745-8433 / the-distillery.com
Live entertainment and sports bar. Full band Friday and Saturday nights. “Clam Jam” every Tuesday. 10104 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton 941-798-9898 / clamfactory.com
Live music and libation within easy walking distance of all downtown has to offer. 302 12th St. W., Bradenton 941-896-3126
Pier 22 Restaurant Patio Ballroom
Located downtown on the Manatee River, features a 140-seat deck with live music. 1200 1st Ave. W., Bradenton 941-748-8087 / pier22dining.com
Pub Eighty Eight
Friendly neighborhood piano bar with big-screen televisions and more. 436 12th St. W., Bradenton / 941-896-8877 facebook.com/pub88bradenton
Manatee Performing Arts Center This new $22 million, two-theater facility is alive with a full slate of musicals and plays by the Manatee Players. Recognized nationally, the award-winning troupe has entertained Florida’s Gulf Coast for generations.
T h eater & P erf o rma n ce
LIVELY ENTERTAINMENT
Heritage & History
More than 475 years ago, Conquistador Hernando de Soto sailed up the area’s majestic Manatee River and landed in search of gold and glory. Today, you can uncover even richer treasures. Enjoy the area’s colorful history coming to life in area museums, or immerse yourself in the area’s heritage sites. Tour a rare antebellum sugar plantation, or even a historic fishing village populated by descendants of earlier settlers, still earning their livelihoods from gulf waters. This is a place where you can uncover the past with a passion.
South Florida Museum The largest facility of its kind on Florida’s Gulf Coast offers three adventures in one place. You experience the area’s natural and cultural history in the museum, explore the cosmos in the planetarium, or meet Snooty™ – the world’s oldest known manatee – at the aquarium.
Manatee Village Historical Park
H E R I TA G E & H I STO RY
See, feel and hear the area’s past come alive.
The island’s rich history is maintained and displayed in this museum with free admission. Have your picture taken in the city jail. 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Island 941-778-0492 / amihs.org
Braden Castle Village
Kevin Kiser
Park Manager Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Kevin works to preserve the only antebellum sugar plantation house in South Florida, and the oldest building in Manatee County. Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took refuge at the mansion after the fall of the Confederacy. Through guided tours and events, you’re invited to explore and uncover the area’s exciting and colorful past.
Constructed by slave labor and once attacked by Seminole Indians, the castle was once the heart of a sugar plantation built by early settler Joseph Addison Braden and his brother Hector in 1850. Castle ruins can be viewed today. 1 Office Dr. / 27th St. E., Bradenton 941-746-7700 / bradencastlepark.com
Cortez Historic Fishing Village This “living history museum” is a working fishing village founded by early area settlers. Tour the museum, visit waterfront restaurants, or buy seafood, fresh off the boat. Cortez Rd. & Intracoastal Bridge, Cortez 941-708-6120 / cortez-fish.org
Madira Bickel Mound State Archeological Site
The 10-acre site located on Terra Ceia Island, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The site preserves massive earthwork temples of Native American Indians that occupied the area before European encounter. 955 Bayshore Dr, Terra Ceia 941-723-4536
De Soto National Memorial
A National Park site commemorating the 1539 landing spot of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Park, discovery center and programs. 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton 941-792-0458 / nps.gov/deso
H e r i ta g e & H i sto ry
Anna Maria Island Historical Museum
Located on the campus of State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, the gallery and resource center spotlights AfricanAmerican achievements. 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton 941-752-5319 familyheritagehousemuseum.com
Florida Maritime History Museum
Located in the historic fishing village of Cortez, with wooden boat-building shop and 100-acre nature preserve. 4415 119th St. W., Cortez 941-708-6120 / maritimemuseum.aspx
Old Cabbage Head at Manatee Historical Village
Florida Railroad Museum
Bringing railroad history to life, the museum operates a heritage railroad and offers excursions along 6 miles of a former Seaboard Air Line Railway route in the area. 12210 83rd St. E., Parrish 941-776-0906 / frrm.org
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
A rare opportunity to visit and explore one of the few Florida plantations from America’s antebellum past and the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. 3708 Patten Ave., Ellenton 941-723-4536 floridastateparks.org/gambleplantation
Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum
Discover the area’s rich agricultural history through exhibits focusing on local commodities, tools, equipment and photographs reflecting early life. 1015 6th St. W., Palmetto 941-721-2034 manateeclerk.com/historical/ AgMuseum.aspx
H e r i ta g e & H i sto ry
Family Heritage House Museum
Visit this collection of restored buildings from the area’s settlement history and experience life in the area before the arrival of modern conveniences such as automobiles and electricity. 1404 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton 941-741-4075 manateeclerk.com/historical/ manateevillage
South Florida Museum
Largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Also includes the Bishop Planetarium and the Manatee Aquarium, home to Snooty™, the oldest known manatee in the world. 201 10th St. W., Bradenton 941-746-4131 / southfloridamuseum.org
The area’s colorful past comes to life at entertaining events like Spirit Voices of Old Manatee at the Manatee Village Historical Park.
Palmetto Historical Park Go back in time and experience some living history. Check for mail at the 1880 Post Office, write on slates in the Schoolhouse and try on pioneer clothing in the cottage. There’s also a chapel, Military Museum and 1914 Carnegie Library.
H e r i ta g e & H i sto ry
Manatee Village Historical Park
Classes & Education
Beyond an eccentric artists’ village, unique galleries and respected museums, the area invites you to explore art on an even deeper, more personal level. Unleash the artist within you in a class or workshop. Experienced masters can help you at the potter’s wheel, at the canvas or on the dance floor. You can also draw inspiration at a writer’s workshop or film lecture at a studioor local college. Can you think of a better way to spend your visit?
ArtCenter Manatee
Artspace Anna Maria
Arts A Blaze Studio
Florida Enrichment Academy
Offers classes and workshops to educate the novice and professional artist in a welcoming, professional atmosphere. 209 9th St. W., Bradenton 941-746-2862 / artcentermanatee.org
Glass-fusing and clay-building studio that lets you paint your own pottery. 8111 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch 941-306-5840 / artsablazestudio.com
Activities at the studio/gallery include luncheons, guest speakers, art receptions, classes, workshops and more. 101 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria Island 941-243-3835 / artspaceannamaria.com
In addition to music lessons for all ages, the academy offers instruction in drama and art. 5708 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton 941-773–6301 floridaenrichmentacademy.com
Arts A Blaze Studio Try your hand at creating your personal masterpiece in clay or fused glass. Individual instruction is available or you can bring a group for a memorable art party.
Palmetto Art Center
C L A S S E S & E D U C AT I O N
Don’t just see the art…be the artist.
A division of the area’s famed Ringling College of Art & Design, the center focuses on “arts, culture, creativity and community.” The center offers classes, workshops, lectures, retreats, activities designed to engage your imagination and creativity. 6860 Longboat Dr. S., Longboat Key 941-383-2345 / lbkca.ringling.edu
Manatee Performing Arts Center
Jane Buckman
Director, Longboat Key Center for the Arts
Jane leads the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, part of the acclaimed Ringling College of Art and Design, serving as a vital creative hub of the area. Here you can take a class, join in at a reception, or even enter an exhibition. Jane’s passion is to create an educational environment where creativity is the cornerstone for new audiences to realize personal and professional growth.
Dancing, singing and acting classes for people of all ages, including Dramature, an acting troupe for seniors. 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton 941-748-5875 / manateeplayers.com
Ovation School of Musical Theatre
With classes for acting, singing and dancing, students are taught to perform like professionals by professionals. 9122 Town Center Pkwy., Suite 102, Lakewood Ranch / 941-400-4854 ovation-musicalschool.com
The Palmetto Arts Center
Community arts, cultural and community center offering a range of classes and activities from painting to Pilates. 907 5th St. W., Palmetto 941-518-2109 / palmettoartcenter.com
South Florida Museum
Offers a broad, continually evolving variety of classes for children and adults in both science and the arts. 201 10th St. W. Bradenton 941-746-4131 / southfloridamuseum.org
The Studio at Gulf & Pine
Eclectic array of exibits, instructional classes, and serves as a salaon where artists and art aficianados interact. 10101 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria Island 941-778-1906 / studioatgultandpine.com
C l a s s e s & E d u c at i o n
Longboat Key Center for the Arts
Organizations & Groups
A close-knit community of local enthusiasts is at the heart of the area’s arts and cultural scene. And while you’re here, you’re invited to share their passion and participate in their craft. Connect with the group, organization or guild that reflects your interests. They can help you make the most of your arts experience while you’re on vacation in the area.
Johnette Isham Executive Director Realize Bradenton
The energetic and visionary director of Realize Bradenton, Johnette directs an organization responsible for the area’s artistic, cultural and civic renaissance. With a deep belief that all is possible when people work together, she combines a background in art, design, education, and place-making with a strong enthusiasm for growing the potential of the Bradenton Area.
Anna Maria Island Art League
Offering a wide range of classes and workshops for all ages. Monthly exhibits display local and regional art. 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach 941-778-2099 / islandartleague.org
Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island
The Artists Guild sponsors an art gallery showing the work of 70+ artists. 5414 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach 941-778-6694 / amiartistsguildgallery.com
Cultural Connections of Anna Maria Island The organization brings together a number of different groups who are thoroughly informed and deeply involved with the local arts scene. Each year, Cultural Connections hosts a three-day event to celebrate the island’s art, theater, music and historical riches.
O R G A N I Z AT I O N S & G R O U P S
Connect with the local arts community.
The area’s volunteer organization that recognizes and celebrates the 1539 landing of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in the area, through events, festivals and more. 910 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton 941-747-1998
The Gulf Coast Writers
This association of writers meets at the Island Library and sponsors guest speakers. 5701 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach 941-778-7631
Off Stage Ladies
These dedicated theater enthusiasts support the productions of the Island Players. 10009 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria Island 941-518-4431 / theislandplayers.org
Realize Bradenton
The organization brings together people of all ages to celebrate the rich cultural life of downtown Bradenton. Art Slam and Bradenton Blues Festival are examples of their popular events. 1001 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton 941-350-8563 / realizebradenton.com
Manatee County Cultural Alliance
With a passion to make art a vital part of everyday life, the group provides educational opportunities, presents events, and offers service to artists and arts organizations. 926 12th Street W., Bradenton 941-746-2223 / manateearts.org
Realize Bradenton Discover one of the driving forces behind the energy and excitement of downtown Bradenton. Realize Bradenton is the non-profit organization that supports the new Riverwalk park, Bradenton Blues Festival along with a growing and diverse calendar of events and promotions.
O R G A N I Z AT I O N S & G R O U P S
DeSoto Historical Society
Events & Map
In addition to unforgettable experiences you can enjoy all year long, the area boasts seasonal events, fairs and festivals that can enhance your visit to the area. Check out the month-by-month guide, and visit the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau’s online calendar for up-to-date information. BradentonGulfIslands.com/events
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Forks and Corks
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
More than 50 independently owned restaurants from the Bradenton and Sarasota areas unite in a festival of great food and wines on the majestic grounds of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. freshoriginals.com
Art Walk – Village of the Arts*
Stroll the Village during the monthly Artwalk and explore the individual galleries. Check webpage to verify day and time. villageofthearts.com *This list is not comprehensive. Please visit our website for more information.
A celebration with fresh seafood, exhibits, entertainment and crafts with a nautical theme at the Cortez Historic Fishing Village. cortez-fish.org/ fishing-festival.html
MARCH ArtSlam
This all-day event brings together a highenergy group of artists, performers and musicians to downtown Bradenton’s Main Street and Riverwalk. realizebradenton.com
Manatee Heritage Days
Costumed volunteers take you through the history of the Manatee Settlement and other points of historic pride. reflectionsofmanatee.com
Anna Maria Island Heritage Day
Historical tours, art shows and clowns help this corner of paradise celebrate its story. AMIHS.org
Gamble Plantation Annual Open House
An authentic Civil War encampment offering free tours and craft demonstrations. floridastateparks.org/ gambleplantation
E V E N TS & M A P
Discover a full calendar of concerts, festivals and seasonal celebrations.
The Palmetto Historical Park annual open house offers live entertainment, demonstrations and a luncheon. 941-723-4991
Springfest Festival of Fine Arts
Artists and craftsmen show their work in many media, to music and the smell of great food. This three-day event has been celebrated on Anna Maria Island for more than a quarter century. islandartleague.org
APRIL
Florida Gulf Coast Traditional Small Craft Festival
The Florida Maritime Museum celebrates boat building. It draws people from all over the country. 941-708-6120
Florida Wine & Balloon Festival
As part of the area’s annual wine festival, the grounds of the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch hosts an event featuring fine wine, great food, hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), and lots of fun. Premier Sports Campus 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch 941-952-1109
De Soto Seafood Fest
One of Florida’s largest outdoor festivals offers three continuous days of vendors, food and entertainment. Celebrating Spanish Explorer Hernando de Soto’s historic landing in the area. desotohq.com
De Soto Grand Parade and After Parade Party
This huge illuminated night parade boasts more than 150 entries and 180,000 onlookers. Celebrating Spanish Explorer Hernando de Soto’s historic landing in the area. desotohq.com
MAY Food and Wine on Pine
Historic Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island showcases the best in food, wine, art and music. foodandwineonpine.com
Harvest & Harmony
Enjoy an evening of farm-to-fork dining amongst the peach trees at King Family Farm. Southern Living editors will present topics on sustainable dining, then enjoy your farm-to-table dinner while you listen to rising country music stars! bradentongulfislands.com/ harvestandharmony
JUNE Music on the Porch
The Florida Maritime Museum invites you to free Music on the Porch on the second Saturday of the month. Performances by featured artists begin at noon and continue until 4 p.m. 941-708-6120
EVENTS & MAP
E V E N TS & M A P
Palmetto Heritage Day
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
KidsArt Summer Camp
Open House – Island Gallery West
Arts HOP on the Island
Have an emerging artist? KidsArt Summer Camp at ArtCenter Manatee gives kids ages 4 to 15 the opportunity to showcase their talents through a variety of mediums. artcentermanatee.org/kidsart
Mixon Fruit Farms Summer Antiques, Arts and Crafts Fair Held at the Mixon packing house, you’ll discover antiques, crafts and wonderful items for sale at more than 20 booths. 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton 941-748-5829 / mixon.com
AUGUST Art Walk – Village of the Arts*
Stroll the Village during the monthly Artwalk and explore the individual galleries. Check webpage to verify day and time. villageofthearts.com
*This list is not comprehensive. Please visit our website for more information.
Join the artists at Island Gallery West at Homes Beach for fine art, fun, food and refreshments at their monthly open house, featuring an outstanding local artist. Check website for days and times. islandgallerywest.com
OCTOBER Anna Maria Island Chamber Bayfest
Food, wine and entertainment kick off an action-packed weekend that celebrates the island. annamariaislandchamber.org
Spirit Voices from Old Manatee
Experience costumed actors sharing haunting tales and living history at the Old 1850 Burying Grounds at the Manatee Village Historical Park. manateeclerk.com/historical/ manateevillage
Anna Maria Island shows its cultural side with a three-day celebration of art, music, open houses and the Bridge Street Market. islandartleague.org
Symphony on the Sand
Beachfront concert at Coquina Gulfside Park on Anna Maria Island. Features a full orchestra, chorus and professional soloists performing the sounds of Broadway, classical music and patriotic American songs. symphonyonthesand.com
WinterFest Festival of Fine Arts
Browse original artwork while you listen to toe-tapping Cajun and bluegrass music on Anna Maria Island. islandartleague.org
E V E N TS & M A P
JULY
Gamble Plantation Holiday Open House
Free tours of the Gamble Mansion and Patten House, with food and music for the whole family. floridastateparks.org/gambleplantation
Bradenton Blues Festival
Food, drink, art, and an array of vendors complement the live music to create an awesome experience overlooking the Manatee River. bradentonbluesfestival.org
Holiday Boat Parade
Boats decorated with colorful holiday lights illuminate the Manatee River. Sponsored by the Bradenton Yacht Club. Check website for exact day and time. bradentonyachtclub.com
A 1913 Cracker Christmas
A celebration of old-fashioned holiday traditions, with Victorian decor and seasonal crafts. manateeclerk.com/historical/ manateevillage
Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park
Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum host Santa and seasonal fun. manateeclerk.com/historical/AgMuseum
South Florida Museum’s Star of Bethlehem
What was the Star of Bethlehem? Astronomers at the planetarium use their tools to ask the question. southfloridamuseum.org
Winter Luminary Walk
De Soto National Memorial places thousands of lights along its trails, and offers music and history. nps.gov/deso/planyourvisit/events.htm
Winterfest
Located on quaint and picturesque Anna Maria Island, this two-day festival of fine arts and fine crafts is hosted by the Island Art League islandartleague.org/festivals
EVENTS & MAP
E V E N TS & M A P
DECEMBER
If your visit to the area includes art and culture, you may want to also take advantage of opportunities nearby in our region. Just minutes away, they’re a great way to make your stay even more enjoyable.
The Chihuly Collection
The stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a magnificent setting. 400 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg 727-896-4527 / moreanartscenter.org
The Dali
The museum features Dali’s provocative art in a striking glass and concrete building in a waterfront setting. The largest collection of Dali work outside of Europe. One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg 727-823-3767 / thedali.org
The Ringling
The official state art museum of Florida offers twenty-one galleries of 16th to 20th century European paintings as well as well as Asian, American and contemporary art. Showcases a world-renowned collection of paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota 941-359-5700 / ringling.org
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Nested in 14 acres, the open-air and under-glass museum of thousands of colorful and exotics plants, many of which have been collected from the wild on more than 200 scientific expeditions to tropical rain forests by Selby Gardens research staff. 811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota 941-366-5731 / selby.org
The Sarasota Ballet
The Gulf Coast of Florida’s only professional ballet company offers works by world-renowned 20th century choreographers and some of the most sought after talents of today. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-359-0099 / sarasotaballet.org
Sarasota Opera
Housed in the historic Sarasota Opera House, the internationally renowned opera provides a full repertoire of operatic performance. 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota 941-366-8450 sarasotaopera.org
E V E N TS & M A P
And there’s more to discover nearby.
For more than 60 years, the Sarasota Orchestra has been entertaining music lovers from around the region, and visitors from around the world. Performs more than 100 classical, pops and family concerts each year. 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
E V E N TS & M A P
Sarasota Orchestra
Set on Sarasota Bay, the hall brings a broad range of performers and shows, including world-class symphonies, dance companies, jazz artists, pop legends, comedy and Broadway performances. 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3368 / vanwezel.org
Southern Atelier
With a focus on drawing and painting, Southern Atelier provides access to sound artist training at an affordable prices, through a broad range of disciplines. 7226 21st St. E. Sarasota 941-753-7755 / southernatelier.org
The Chihuly Collection The stunning, permanent collection of worldrenowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a magnificent setting. 400 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg 727-896-4527 / moreanartscenter.org
Get our destination magazine on your iPad, and bring our beaches to your fingertips. Download it for FREE at the App StoreSM
Florida Railroad Museum
Madira Bickel Mound State Archeological Site
A Room With A Hue Anna Maria Island Historical Museum The Studio at Gulf and Pine
Artspace Anna Maria Relish Marketplace Emerson Quillin Studio Store Island Players Off Stage Ladies
Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum De Soto National Memorial
Anna Maria Island Art League
Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra The Gulf Coast Writers Arts for the Earth Restless Natives
Palmetto Art Center
Artists Guild of Anna Maria Island Florida Enrichment Academy
Island Gallery West
Cortez Historic Fishing Village
South Florida Museum Pier 22 Restaurant Patio Ballroom Cork’s Cigar Bar Pub Eighty Eight
McCabe’s Irish Pub & Alehouse Manatee County Cultural Alliance
The Sea Hagg Ace’s – Bradenton’s Live Music Venue
Back Alley
Florida Maritime History Museum
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Bradenton Riverwalk ArtCenter Manatee Braden Castle Village Manatee Performing Arts Center Realize Bradenton 515 Martini Bar DeSoto Manatee Village Historical Society Historical Park The Distillery Tavern
MAP KEY Airport
Village of the Arts – An Artist Community
Information
Cortez Clam Factory
Longboat Key Center for the Arts
Neel Performing Arts Center State College of Florida Fine Art Gallery
Visual Arts
Family Heritage House Museum State College of Florida Howard Studio Theatre
Theater & Performance Heritage & History
Gulf of Mexico Arts A Blaze Studio Asolo Repertory Theatre Ovation School of Musical Theatre
Classes & Education Organizations & Groups Events
Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau One Haben Boulevard, Palmetto, FL 34221 941-729-9177 BradentonGulfIslands.com
Download our free Bradenton Area mobile apps for iOS and Android.