WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?!
Fri-Sat, Oct 4th-5th, 11am | Art Walk & Hurricane Relief | Village of the Arts | 1227 12th St W
Kick off the art season with the upcoming Art Walk, celebrating creativity while supporting those affected by Hurricane Helene. Attendees are encouraged to bring essential supplies to designated drop-off locations, including Monark Custom Framing and Art Gallery, TVM Gallery, The Painter and The Potter, The Village Art House Collective, and Adobe Graffiti Lounge. Needed items include cleaning supplies like gloves, bleach, trash bags, and non-perishable food. Join the festivities to explore the charming streets of Bradenton’s Artist Village, showcasing fine art, folk art, and unique crafts. Enjoy delicious cuisine and music that enhances the atmosphere. This family-friendly event is a wonderful way to connect with the local art scene while showing compassion for those in need.
Sat, Oct 5th, 9am | Let’s Beat Breast Cancer Rally | The Green at UTC | 131 N Cattlemen Road
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this event will feature a variety of activities, including Dr. Jill Jennings sharing her breast cancer story, a 3D mammography bus offering 10-minute screenings, a fitness class on the lawn, and a cooking demonstration with nutrition education. Local high school drumlines will help to “beat” breast cancer, along with various health and wellness vendors. This free event, sponsored by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and co-hosted by Dr. Jill Jennings, welcomes everyone and will be held on The Green at UTC, located directly across from Gifts & More at The Paper Store.
Sat, Oct 5th, 6pm | ROCKtoberfest at UTC | The Green at UTC | 131 N Cattlemen Road
Get ready for an epic night of music at the first-ever ROCKtoberfest at UTC, benefiting those impacted by Hurricane Helene! This live music event, in partnership with iHeart Radio and Suncoast Charities for Children, features seven of the area’s best rock bands performing at seven venues throughout the UTC District. Kick off the night at The Green, where you can grab your all-access pass to ride the trolley tour, enjoy special offers at each participating location, and enter to win a pair of tickets to Welcome to Rockville, America’s largest rock festival. The lineup includes One Eyed Jack’s at The Green, Ellipsis Band at Ford’s Garage, Jane Bond Band at Kona Grill, JJ & The Bad Habits at Oak & Stone, The Meeps at Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe, KJB Band at Bar George, and Nobody’s Fool at PopStroke. Don’t miss this incredible night of music for a great cause!
Sat-Sun, Oct 5th-6th, 10am | First Annual Dakin Harvest Festival | 30771 Betts Road
Join the community for the 1st Annual Harvest Festival at Dakin Dairy Farms! This exciting event features a variety of activities, including a corn maze, hayrides, games, a dedicated kid zone, and the thrill of lawn mower race viewing. Guests can also enjoy equipment displays while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the working farm. Free parking is available on-site. Please note that some vendors may accept cash and/or card payments only, so planning ahead is advised, as there is no ATM on-site. Leashed and friendly dogs are welcome, provided they are cleaned up after. Come and celebrate the harvest season and create lasting memories with family and friends!
Sun, Oct 6th, 5pm | Park-toberfest at The Bay | The Bay Sarasota | 1055 Blvd of the Arts
Celebrate Oktoberfest – The Bay style! This lively event kicks off October with a fun twist, featuring the return of the DeLeon Family Band, performing traditional "oompah"-style music alongside a variety of other tunes. Attendees can join in the world-famous "Chicken Dance," compete in the popular Steinhoisting contest, or challenge friends and fellow festival-goers to an exciting game of cornhole. The Nest Café will be stocked with must-try German-inspired and locally crafted brews, alongside delicious brats and soft pretzel sticks served with beer cheese. Sun King Brewery will also be on-site, offering Oktoberfest beer on tap. Don’t miss out on this festive celebration!
