Local

6 annual events that showcase the Bradenton area’s vibe

Stories by Bradenton Herald journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories highlights annual events in Bradenton that capture the area's local culture and community spirit.

The Manatee County Fair spotlights the county's agricultural history and features fair food, music, shows and midway rides. The De Soto Grand Parade brings illuminated floats and fire engines parading down Manatee Avenue each spring. The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival celebrates the historic fishing village with seafood and live music.

The Bradenton Area River Regatta just marked its 10th anniversary with speedboat racing and family fun. And the Sarasota Medieval Fair invites attendees into a world of jousting and historical reenactments at its new venue in Myakka City.

See past coverage of these annual events below.

A sprinkle of rain falls on the midway at the Manatee County Fair.

NO. 1: MANATEE COUNTY FAIR RETURNS, AND OTHER LOCAL EVENTS AROUND BRADENTON TO START 2024

Check out these popular annual events. | Published January 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

11/14/21—A member of New Riders of the Golden Age performs War Games at the Sarasota Medieval Fair in Myakka Sunday.

NO. 2: SCENES FROM SARASOTA MEDIEVAL FAIR 2021: JOUSTING, HUMAN CHESS, COSTUMES AND MORE

Take a look at the annual Sarasota Medieval Fair at the “Woods of Mallaranny,” a 47-acre festival grounds in Myakka City. | Published November 15, 2021 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

The Manatee County Fair Queens wave to the crowds during the DeSoto Parade on Saturday, April 27, 2024. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 3: BRADENTON’S DE SOTO GRAND PARADE MAKES A COMEBACK. TAKE A LOOK AT THE FLOATS AND FUN

The 2024 parade had over 150 entries. | Published April 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

Formula 2 boats racing for the championship at the Bradenton Area River Regatta. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 4: BRADENTON AREA RIVER REGATTA CELEBRATES 10 YEARS. WHAT’S PLANNED FOR 2025 EVENT?

The regatta brings a weekend of fun on the Manatee River. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

Hurricane Helene damaged several properties in the village of Cortez, including Star Fish Company, 12306 46th Ave. W. Residents and Manatee County officials began recovering from the storm on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 5: ‘SWAMPED BUT NEVER SUNK.’ FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE CORTEZ’S STRENGTH IN FACE OF HURRICANES

Here’s all the things to see and do at the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ryan Ballogg

Children wait for beads from the sidelines at the annual DeSoto Children’s Parade and Party in the Park in Palmetto on April 18, 2025. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 6: DESOTO CHILDREN’S PARADE BRINGS SMILING FACES TO PALMETTO. TAKE A LOOK

This year’s parade blended storybook themes, music and fun. | Published April 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tiffany Tompkins

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.