Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County moves to downtown Bradenton

For 15 years, the Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County was a popular event in Lakewood Ranch. This year, it's moving to its new home in downtown Bradenton.

The festival is scheduled for this weekend at 500 15th St. W., at Manatee Avenue West, the site of the old City Hall.

More than 85 artists will show their work in a juried show with cash prizes. Genres include fine craft, jewelry, painting and drawing, photography, pottery and sculpture.

Besides the dozens of artists, the festival includes food vendors and live music.

The music, according to the people at ArtCenter Manatee, will be "a comfortable distance" from the artists' booths. There will be seating in the food vendors' areas so you won't have to try to hold your food, eat and look at fine art all at the same time. And there will be a children's area just in case your kids aren't into fine arts.

Parking is free in the Financial Center Building across the street, at 1402 Manatee Ave. W.

The festival is sponsored by ArtCenter Manatee.

Details: Feb. 27-28, 500 15th St. W., Bradenton. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: Free. Information: 941-746-2862, artcentermanatee.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 6:20 PM with the headline "Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County moves to downtown Bradenton ."