5 Things To Do In Manatee County This Weekend

BRADENTON, FL -- Looking for something to do this weekend? Here's some ideas:

2018 DeSoto Grand Parade

With more than 150 entries, the De Soto Grand Parade is the largest parade in Southwest Florida. More than 200,000 people are expected to line the streets from Manatee Avenue from Manatee High School through downtown Bradenton Saturday, April 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to view the illuminated parade entries and catch a glimpse of the newly crowned Queen and Princess. Beads, coins and other fun items are tossed to the crowd throughout the night.

The Parade steps off at 6:30pm from Manatee High School, so get there early to get the best possible view.

The DeSoto 5k will immediately precede the illuminated grand parade. This race will give runners the opportunity to race as thousands of spectators cheer them on. Visit the DeSoto 5K website to register.

Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival

The Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Lakewood Ranch.

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch will transform downtown Lakewood Ranch into an outdoor gallery of original handmade artwork created by the vision and talents of local, regional and national artisans.

The festival will include paintings, sculptures, jewelry, glass and ceramics, photography, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art and more.

Admission is free.

ArtCenter Manatee Open House

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W., Bradenton, will host an open house Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Step on in for a fun free day of demonstrations and hands-on experiences for all ages.

Bradenton Blues Brunch

Mattison’s City Grille on Bradenton Riverwalk, 101 Riverfront Blvd., Bradenton, will host a Bradenton Blues Brunch Sunday, April 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Guests will enjoy live music and the new Mattison's City Grille Brunch Menu, featuring local and sustainable cuisine. There is no cover charge for the music; simply order brunch and drinks off the menu.

Make a reservation by calling ( 941) 896-9660. Seating is limited.

Let The Good Times Roll

The Let the Good Times Roll Spring Gala and Auction will take place Saturday, April 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Caddyshack Grill, 6600 River Club Blvd., Bradenton.

Funds raised go to buy books for the classrooms, provide latest professional development seminars for teachers and pay for educational classroom websites.

Tickets are $40 per person and include a four-course menu (entree, two sides, salad, dessert) and two drink tickets. The IPA Band will perform. The auction will consist of live auction items including parking spots as well as 22 silent auction items and chance raffle baskets.

St Anthony's Benefit Cornhole Tournament

The St. Anthony’s Benefit Cornhole Tournament will take place Saturday, April 28 at Caddy’s At The Pointe, 801 Riverside Drive, Bradenton.

Sign-up starts at noon with a bag start to fly at 1 p.m. The entry fee of $30 includes a pitcher of beer and 50 percent off food. There will be prizes, drink specials, a raffle for a fishing charter for four and a live band.

All proceeds will go to St. Anthony’s Hospital Baycare.

Image via Realize Bradenton