Page 490 - ASMF Marriner 100 Coverage Book

01 March 2024
Here are the top March events around Bradenton —

from St. Patrick’s Day to music fests

BY RYAN BALLOGG MARCH

01, 2024 5:00 AM Amaris Monosiet waves from a big green hat while participating in a past St.
Patrick’s Day Parade in Village of the Arts. TIFFANY TOMPKINS ttompkins@bradenton.com If you
need help planning your weekends in March, we’ve got you covered. From music festivals to St.
Patrick’s Day celebrations, shows, spring training and a circus, there are plenty of options for
local fun around Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Sarasota. Here’s a look at what’s on tap.
MUSIC ON MAIN IN LAKEWOOD RANCH

Music on Main brings family-friendly fun to the heart of Lakewood Ranch on the first Friday of
every month. Food vendors, beer trucks, booths and kids activities will line the street. Each
month’s event benefits a different local charity. Guests are welcome to bring chairs and dogs on
short leashes. Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March. 1. 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch.
Free. Info: LakewoodRanch.com

VILLAGE OF THE ARTS ART WALK AND STUDIO TOUR

The creative folks of the Village of the Arts in Bradenton will open their more than 25 businesses
on the first weekend of March for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, live music and
more. Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, furniture, records or
quilting, Village of the Arts has something to offer most tastes. Friday night, the Village will host
an Art Walk and market with live music. Come back on Saturday for another day of Art Walk,
plus studio tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at artists’ creative process. Details: 6-9:30
p.m. Friday, March 1 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Village of the Arts, downtown
Bradenton. Info: villageofthearts.com

SPRING PLANTS AND MORE SALE
Get your green thumb back in action at Palma Sola Botanical Park’s plant sale, where growers
will offer a wide array of plants including orchids, bromeliads, plumerias and tropical species.
Local vendors will also be on site selling homemade treats, goods and crafts. Food vendors are
another reason to stop by. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit botanical gardens. Details:
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, March 3. Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. NW., Bradenton.
Free. Info: 941-761-2866. palmasolabp.org

COQUINA BEACH SEAFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

This free all-weekend music festival on Anna Maria Island will feature local and regional bands
playing rock, blues, funk, country and more. Vendors will offer fresh seafood and other dining
options, and there will also be a market of Floridian arts and crafts. Details: 4-10 p.m. Friday.
March 15; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, March 16; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, March 17. 1800 Gulf Dr.
S., Bradenton Beach. Free. Info: ParagonFestivals.com/festival/coquina-beach-seafood-music-
festival.