Manatee County Springs into Action: Earth Day Celebrations, Community Events, and Outdoor Adventures Await
April 21–27, 2025 | Manatee County, Florida
As spring peaks, Manatee County is abuzz with various events catering to nature enthusiasts, families, and art lovers. Here's a roundup of notable happenings from April 21 to 27, 2025:
🌍 Earth Day Celebrations and Environmental Initiatives
Earth Day Paddle Cleanup
April 22, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Neal Preserve
Join fellow conservationists for a kayak-based shoreline cleanup at Neal Preserve. Participants can bring their own kayaks or borrow one on-site. HomeFrogWatch Citizen Science Program
April 22, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Emerson Point Preserve
Engage in local wildlife monitoring by learning to identify frog calls, contributing valuable data to the national FrogWatch USA database. HomeTide Trekker Paddle Cleanup
April 25, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Robinson Preserve North Entrance
Participate in a kayak-based cleanup event, helping to remove debris from local waterways. Equipment is provided for volunteers. Home
🎶 Music, Arts, and Cultural Events
The Six String Social Club with Dan Shafer
April 24, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Oscura, Bradenton
Enjoy an evening of live acoustic music featuring singer-songwriter Dan Shafer at Oscura's intimate venue. Evita at the Manatee Performing Arts Center
Thursday, April 24 & Friday, April 25 at 7:30 PM | Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 PM
Stone Hall, 502 Third Avenue West, BradentonExperience the powerful story of Eva Perón in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Tony Award-winning musical, Evita. This production, presented by the Manatee Players, follows Eva's rise from humble beginnings to becoming the First Lady of Argentina. With iconic songs like "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," this historical musical opera offers a captivating theatrical experience.
Mocktails & Merriment Fundraiser
Thursday, April 24 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | The Worthington, PalmettoJoin North River Prevention Partners for an uplifting evening of Mocktails & Merriment, a casual fundraising event supporting the North River Youth Coalition. Guests will enjoy non-alcoholic beverages, mingling, and entertainment—all while supporting important youth prevention initiatives in Manatee County.
Held at The Worthington in Palmetto, this event aims to unite community members in a fun, alcohol-free environment for a great cause.
Stelliferous Presents Ancient Skies: Indian Astronomy
April 23, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Explore ancient Indian astronomy and its cultural significance in this engaging presentation.
April Sunset Series: Crossfire Creek Live
Friday, April 25 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Palmetto Marriott (Free Concert)The final show in the April Sunset Series 2025 closes out the month with a high-energy performance by Crossfire Creek, a rising country-rock band known for lighting up the stage. This free concert offers the perfect way to enjoy the sunset with live music, a fun atmosphere, and great company.
This outdoor concert is part of a free public series featuring top talent throughout April and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an evening of great tunes and good vibes.
Music in the Park: Live on the Riverwalk
Friday, April 25 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Bradenton Riverwalk PavilionWrap up your week with Music in the Park, a free, family-friendly concert series hosted by Realize Bradenton at the Riverwalk Pavilion. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers, and enjoy live local music under the stars with the Manatee River as your backdrop.
This beloved outdoor series spotlights talented regional artists and creates the perfect setting for a relaxing community gathering. It’s also an ideal way to support local music and engage with Bradenton’s vibrant downtown culture.
🎨 Workshops and Family-Friendly Activities
De Soto Grand Parade & Block Party
Saturday, April 26 | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Downtown BradentonThe streets of downtown Bradenton will come alive with pageantry and celebration during the highly anticipated De Soto Grand Parade & Block Party, hosted by the Hernando De Soto Historical Society. Beginning at 6:30 PM, this massive parade will feature over 100 colorful floats, live music, and costumed reenactors aboard the famed San Cristobal ship. Tens of thousands are expected to line the route as the De Soto Queen and her court throw beads and wave to the crowd.
The festivities will continue into the night with a vibrant block party featuring food vendors, street performers, and live entertainment throughout the downtown area. Parade watchers are advised to arrive early and be prepared for road closures, including Manatee Avenue and Green Bridge segments.
Nature Play Fest
April 25, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Robinson Preserve NEST
Families are invited to an outdoor festival focused on unstructured play and nature-based activities for children. Know Your Rights: Housing Law Clinic
Friday, April 25 | 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Salvation Army, 1204 14th St W, BradentonManatee County Community and Veterans Services, in partnership with Gulfcoast Legal Services, offers a free legal clinic for residents facing housing-related challenges. Attorneys and paralegals will be available on-site to assist with eviction prevention, ADA accommodations, foreclosure, security deposit disputes, and fair housing rights.
This CDBG-sponsored event is open to income-eligible residents. No appointment is required. Attendees should bring a photo ID and proof of income, such as a pay stub or benefits statement.
Whether you’re a renter, homeowner, or dealing with HOA issues, this fast-paced informational session can help you navigate your legal rights and protections in housing.
Learn more at gulfcoastlegal.org
Bradenton Bull Bash
Friday & Saturday, April 25–26 | Gates Open 5:30 PM | Show Starts 7:30 PM
Manatee County Posse Arena, 2409 Lena Rd, BradentonGet ready for two adrenaline-filled nights of rodeo action as the EBA Bradenton Bull Bash rides into town! Held at the Manatee County Posse Arena, this high-energy event features top bull riders, rodeo thrills, and fun for the whole family.
UCW Big Bang: Live Pro Wrestling Show
Saturday, April 26 | Doors 6:30 PM | Bell Time 7:00 PM
DeSoto Boys & Girls Club, 5236 30th St W, BradentonGet ready for an action-packed night as UCW Pro Wrestling brings the heat to Bradenton with its Big Bang event, featuring the high-stakes 30-Man Universal Rumble. This live wrestling spectacle promises hard-hitting entertainment for fans of all ages with an electrifying card of matches, intense rivalries, and crowd favorites.
Hosted at the DeSoto Boys & Girls Club, the event starts with doors opening at 6:30 PM and the opening bell at 7:00 PM. Tickets start at $20, and kids 12 and under get in free, making it a budget-friendly family night out.
For tickets and info, visit www.ucwverse.com
🌿 Ongoing Nature Programs
Tortoise Talk
April 23, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Robinson Preserve – Mosaic NEST Lawn
Meet and learn about gopher tortoises during this informal educational session. HomeGreen Explorers: Eggcellent Eggs
April 24, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Conservatory Park
Children aged 5–12 can explore the world of eggs through interactive activities and creative play. Home