Free and inexpensive things going on in the community and a whole lot more!
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Events

2013 Events

If you have an event you’d like to add please e-mail manasotafamilyfun@yahoo.com.

 

Manatee   County Natural Resources Department
http://conta.cc/11PbOTm
Sarasota County Parks
www.foscp.org/
Manatee County Libraries
www.mymanatee.org/library
Sarasota County Libraries
http://ow.ly/kEbHu
Southeastern Guide Dogs
www.guidedogs.org

May

Wendy Suarez 5K and Kids Fun Run at Manatee High School on   Saturday, May 11th @ 7:30am!
www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/miller/
Manatee Miles is a non-competitive walk open to all ages and   abilities with a course choice of 5K (3 miles) or 1 mile on Saturday, May   11th at Robinson Preserve. All proceeds benefit United Way of Manatee County.
www.manateemiles.com
5K Get ‘Er Run at 8:00am on Saturday, 5/11 at Myakka State Park.   Everyone receives FREE T-shirt and Goody Bag. Prizes will be awarded to Top   (3) Male and Female Finishers. All Kids Runners will receive an award.  Benefits the Myakka City Foundation.
www.myakkacityfoundation.org
27th Annual Jerry Hill Memorial Kids Fishing Tournament
Date: Saturday, 5/11
Times:
7-8am Registration
8-10am Tournament
10-10:45am Free lunch
10:45-11:30 am  Awards ceremony:   Child must be present to win
Location: Green Bridge Fishing Pier
Cost: FREE
Ages 7-14 are eligible.  Each child   must have own rod & reel.  No   tackle boxes allowed.  This is a Catch   & Release tournament, All fish must be released alive.  See the registration form for more details.
http://on.fb.me/12dSjpm
Venice Chalk Art Festival
Date: Saturday, 5/11
Time: 8am-11am
Location: Venice Farmer’s Market
Cost: $5 per participant/$10 for groups/$15 professionals
Register at the Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave S or call 941-485-7136.  Registration deadline is May 9th.  Bring your own chalk and check in at the   Chalk Festival booth.
http://conta.cc/101C0Jj
Lowe’s Build & Grow
Date: Saturday, 5/11
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Location: Lowe’s Stores
Cost: Free
Mother’s Day is right around the corner! This Sweetheart Frame makes the   perfect gift!
http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx
Velvet Art Playday
Date: Saturday, 5/11
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Children’s World & Children’s World Uniform Supply
Address: 4525 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota
Cost: FREE
You’ve seen those beautiful art projects done on black velvet.  Bring the kids in to Children’s World and   let them make one of their own to keep.
www.facebook.com/events/194992417316415
Mommy & Me Flower Arranging Class
Date: Saturday, 5/11
Time: Classes at 1:00pm & 3:00pm
Location: King’s Wholesale Florist
Address: 3022 1st Street, Bradenton
Cost: $10
Includes two arrangements as well as refreshments. RSVP on the event page   or call 941-748-3553.
www.facebook.com/events/516851698350315/
Lucky Ducky Race For Pace
Date: Saturday, 5/11
Time: Family Fun begins at Noon; Race around 2:30pm
Location: Bradenton Riverwalk
Address: 808 Third Ave W, Bradenton
Cost: $5 to adopt a duck, $20 for a Qucak Pack (5), & $100 for a Flock   (30)
Over 15,000 rubber ducks will race down the Manatee River for prizes!  This event will benefit Manatee Pace for   Girls.  Adopt a duck…help a GIRL!
www.duckrace.com/manatee
Face Autism, Inc. will have a sensory friendly showing of   “Wreck it Ralph” on Saturday, 5/11 at Burns Court for children with   autism and their families. Admission is Free. Movie start time is 10:00am.
www.face-autism.org
Kate’s Kids Club: Body Care For Mom
Date: Saturday, 5/11
Time: 11am-12:30pm
Location: Whole Foods Market Sarasota
Address: 1451 1st St., Sarasota
Cost: FREE
Kids can learn how to make bath salts and sugar scrubs for Moms in this   hands on demo for kids of all ages. No registration necessary. Demo will be   in the Whole Body department.
www.facebook.com/events/150061545174895
On Saturday, May 11th from 10am-12pm, The Healthy Start   Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc. is celebrating Mother’s Day by partnering   with the Kiwanis Club of Sarasota to present the 19th Annual Community Baby   Shower!

This fun and FREE event will be held at the Boys and Girls Club of   Sarasota, 3100 Fruitville Road. Pregnant women and new families (with infants   up to 1 year old) are invited to attend.

www.facebook.com/events/549677941721237
Sea Breeze Elementary Annual Spring Carnival
Date: Friday, 5/17
Time: 3:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Sea Breeze Elementary
Address: 3601 71st Street West, Bradenton
www.edline.net/pages/sdmcseabreezees
DeMolay Spring Fair
Date: Saturday, 5/18
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Sarasota Military Academy
Address: 801 Orange Ave, Sarasota
Relays, Games, Crafts, Food & More!
http://on.fb.me/ZxxBCk
10th Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Fair
Dates: Saturday, 5/18 & Sunday, 5/19
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: Downtown Sarasota
Address: Main Street from Lemon Ave to Selby Five Points Park
http://www.artfestival.com/
Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr.

Performed by The Players Kids
May 18 at 7pm and May 19 at   2pm

The beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in   the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make   a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric she’s the   girl with the enchanting voice.

Tickets $10

The 3rd Annual Nolan Night on Main will be 5-9pm on Saturday,   5/18 at Lakewood Ranch Main Street!   www.facebook.com/events/483372208378886

This evening will feature phenomenal student performers, fun-filled games   with prizes, live and silent auction, delicious food and artisans featuring   their unique wares. Listen to the sound of the foot stomp”n, rolick”n music   by the “Chillbillies”. There is sure to be something for   everyone.

Proceeds will go toward assisting R. Dan Nolan Middle School’s academic   programs to enhance student learning.

85th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Date: Saturday, 5/19
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Location: Venice Airport
Address: 120 E Airport Ave, Venice
Cost: FREE Admission
Forties Dance music by the Bill Millner Trio, former Student Pilot Officers   Club. Vintage aircraft and vehicles on display all day.
https://www.facebook.com/events/388857451137139/
Bradentucky Bomber Bout
Date: Sunday, 5/26
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Astro Skate
Address: 3611 3rd St W, Bradenton
Cost: $12 at the door and $10 in advance
www.bradentuckybombers.com

June

Kids Workshops
Date: Saturday, 6/1
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: The Home Depot
Cost: Free
Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills   and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.
www.homedepot.com/Workshops
ArtWalk
Dates & Times:
Friday, 6/7 6-9:30pm
Saturday, 6/8 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Village of the Arts
Join art lovers, food lovers,   explore the Village of the Arts, and support local artists!
www.villageofthearts.com
Music on Main
Date: Friday, 6/7
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Cost: Free Admission
Bring a chair, but no coolers.  Food   and drink available for purchase.  Each   concert will feature a different style of music and will benefit a local   non-profit organization.
www.lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet
12th Annual St. Armands Circle Craft Festival
Dates: Saturday, 6/8 & Sunday, 6/9
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: St. Armands Circle
http://www.artfestival.com/
21st Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival
Dates: Saturday, 6/15 & Sunday, 6/16
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: Downtown Venice
Address: Miami Avenue
http://www.artfestival.com/

July

ArtWalk
Dates & Times:
Friday, 7/5 6-9:30pm
Saturday, 7/6 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Village of the Arts
Join art lovers, food lovers,   explore the Village of the Arts, and support local artists!
www.villageofthearts.com
Music on Main
Date: Friday, 7/5
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Cost: Free Admission
Bring a chair, but no coolers.  Food   and drink available for purchase.  Each   concert will feature a different style of music and will benefit a local   non-profit organization.
www.lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet
Kids Workshops
Date: Saturday, 7/6
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: The Home Depot
Cost: Free
Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills   and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.
www.homedepot.com/Workshops

August

ArtWalk
Dates & Times:
Friday, 8/2 6-9:30pm
Saturday, 8/3 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Village of the Arts
Join art lovers, food lovers,   explore the Village of the Arts, and support local artists!
www.villageofthearts.com
Music on Main
Date: Friday, 8/2
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Cost: Free Admission
Bring a chair, but no coolers.  Food   and drink available for purchase.  Each   concert will feature a different style of music and will benefit a local   non-profit organization.
www.lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet
Kids Workshops
Date: Saturday, 8/3
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: The Home Depot
Cost: Free
Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills   and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.
www.homedepot.com/Workshops
September
Kids Workshops
Date: Saturday, 9/1
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: The Home Depot
Cost: Free
Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills   and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.
www.homedepot.com/Workshops
ArtWalk
Dates & Times:
Friday, 9/6 6-9:30pm
Saturday, 9/7 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Village of the Arts
Join art lovers, food lovers,   explore the Village of the Arts, and support local artists!
www.villageofthearts.com
Music on Main
Date: Friday, 9/6
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Cost: Free Admission
Bring a chair, but no coolers.  Food   and drink available for purchase.  Each   concert will feature a different style of music and will benefit a local   non-profit organization.
www.lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet
5th Annual Downtown Venice Labor Day Weekend Craft   Festival
Dates: Saturday, 9/7 & Sunday, 9/8
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: Downtown Venice
Address: Miami Avenue
http://www.artfestival.com/
October
ArtWalk
Dates & Times:
Friday, 10/4 6-9:30pm
Saturday, 10/5 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Village of the Arts
Join art lovers, food lovers,   explore the Village of the Arts, and support local artists!
www.villageofthearts.com
Music on Main
Date: Friday, 10/4
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Cost: Free Admission
Bring a chair, but no coolers.  Food   and drink available for purchase.  Each   concert will feature a different style of music and will benefit a local   non-profit organization.
www.lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet
Kids Workshops
Date: Saturday, 10/5
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: The Home Depot
Cost: Free
Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills   and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.
www.homedepot.com/Workshops
19th Annual Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival
Dates: Saturday, 10/19 & Sunday, 10/20
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: Downtown Sarasota
Address: Main Street
http://www.artfestival.com/
Bradentucky Bomber Bout
Date: Sunday, 10/20
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Astro Skate
Address: 3611 3rd St W, Bradenton
Cost: $12 at the door and $10 in advance
www.bradentuckybombers.com
Siesta Key Village Association Presents Safe Treats for   Kids
Date: Thursday, 10/31
Time: 3:00pm-6:00pm
Location: Siesta Village
Address:  Along Ocean Blvd
Cost: Free
Bring your little ones to trick or treat in Siesta Village along Ocean   Blvd. and the surrounding streets. Look for participating members displaying   orange and black balloons and pumpkin flyers in their windows. This free   event provides a safe venue for children on Halloween
http://www.siestakeyvillage.org/upcoming-events/32-halloween
November
ArtWalk
Dates & Times:
Friday, 11/1 6-9:30pm
Saturday, 11/2 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Village of the Arts
Join art lovers, food lovers,   explore the Village of the Arts, and support local artists!
www.villageofthearts.com
Music on Main
Date: Friday, 11/1
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Cost: Free Admission
Bring a chair, but no coolers.  Food   and drink available for purchase.  Each   concert will feature a different style of music and will benefit a local   non-profit organization.
www.lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet
Kids Workshops
Date: Saturday, 11/2
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: The Home Depot
Cost: Free
Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills   and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.
www.homedepot.com/Workshops
26th Annual Downtown Venice Art Festival
Dates: Saturday, 11/2 & Sunday, 11/3
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: Downtown Venice
Address: West Venice Avenue
Cost: Free Admission
http://artfestival.com/
25th Anniversary St. Armands Art Festival
Dates: Saturday, 11/9 & Sunday, 11/10
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: St. Armands Circle
Cost: Free Admission
http://artfestival.com/
December
ArtWalk
Dates & Times:
Friday, 12/6 6-9:30pm
Saturday, 12/7 11:00am-4:00pm
Location: Village of the Arts
Join art lovers, food lovers,   explore the Village of the Arts, and support local artists!
www.villageofthearts.com
Music on Main
Date: Friday, 12/6
Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Cost: Free Admission
Bring a chair, but no coolers.  Food   and drink available for purchase.  Each   concert will feature a different style of music and will benefit a local   non-profit organization.
www.lakewoodranch.com/mainstreet
Kids Workshops
Date: Saturday, 12/7
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: The Home Depot
Cost: Free
Designed for kids 5-12, these free workshops teach do-it-yourself skills   and tool safety, while instilling a sense of accomplishment.
www.homedepot.com/Workshops