It's DeSoto Weekend In Bradenton

More than a month’s worth of Hernando DeSoto Historical Society events celebrating the rich heritage of Manatee County culminate this weekend in Bradenton with a black-tie party and Grand Parade.

Look for the Patch RV in the parade. We'll be launching t-shirts, tossing candy and of course throwing out beads. Don't forget the city will clost Manatee Avenue from 43rd Street West to downtown Bradenton beginning at 5 p.m.

DeSoto Society’s website has all of the weekend events and parade details including route and time. See below for more information.

In addition to the DeSoto Heritage festival there will be plenty of drink specials and live music around town, too. Relax with the upbeat sound of reggae band Jahgape at Ace's Lounge, try your poker hand at Cork's and settle your stomach Sunday with a bloody mary at McCabe's.

Around Bradenton this weekend:

• , 424 Old Main St., has free poker starting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Win Cork bucks! It’s also Tequila Thursday with $3 margaritas, Tequila Sunrises or Tequila shots.
• Downtown Bradenton is hosting the annual DeSoto Heritage Festival events this weekend, stating with the DeSoto Ball Friday night at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium. The 5K run followed by the Grand Parade throughout the city is Saturday night with the parade and a party concluding in downtown. Click here for details.
• Test your karaoke skills at , 7423 Manatee Ave. W., at 9 p.m. Friday. Build up your liquid courage first, if you must. Happy hour from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. features $2.50 wells, $3.50 select calls, $2.50 domestic bottles, $2 domestic drafts, $3 house wines and $4 margaritas. All-you-can-eat fish fry from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday.
• , 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., has live music from the reggae band Jahgape starting at 9 p.m. Saturday. Jahgape is a Bonita Springs-based group of friends who created a new-roots reggae style with an eclectic mix and an uplifting message. The band has influences of 1970s new wave and old and new reggae. No cover.
• Wake up, and get to , 302 Old Main St., for a liquid breakfast. Lou Thomey’s famous Bloody Mary bar is operating all day with $2.75 drinks. Free pool all day. McCabe’s is open from noon until 2 a.m. everyday.