7 Memorial Day weekend events near Bradenton: AquaPalooza, MAYhem, Heroes Block Party

Robyn Murrell
·5 min read

Memorial Day weekend is drawing near, and there are lots of ways to celebrate in and around Bradenton, with plenty of parades, community service events, block parties and live music to visit throughout the holiday.

This three-day weekend is dedicated to remembering those who have died while serving in America’s military.

If you don’t have plans yet, we’re here to help.

Find the full list of Memorial Day parades and ceremonies here.

Here’s a hand-picked guide to holiday and non-holiday weekend events around Bradenton and Sarasota from May 27-29.

8th Annual SRQ VETS 5k Memorial Hike

Hike with local veterans through Sarasota’s J.D. Hamel Park, where the bronze World War I soldier known as the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” stands. On May 25, 1998, the statue was unveiled at a Memorial Day event.

The journey will begin at JD Hamel War Memorial Park, cross over the Ringling Bridge and return to the park, where there will be a cookout, music and inflatables.

In its eighth year, the event brings together veterans and civilians to raise funds for local veterans.

Tickets for the hike can be purchased on Eventbrite. Adult tickets are $35 and include an event T-shirt and a food and drink ticket. Children’s tickets are free with a paid adult ticket and also have a food and drink ticket.

Details: 8 a.m. Saturday. JD Hamel Park 199 Bayfront Dr. in Sarasota

Info: https://www.srqvets.us/

Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade

Many people will line Lakewood Main Street in honor of the local active-duty and fallen veterans.

An hour before the parade, a pre-parade block party will begin. Get to your Main Street location early. There will be food, beverages, and children’s activities. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.

Details 6-8 p.m. Sunday. 8130 Lakewood Main Street Bradenton

Info: https://lakewoodranch.com/event/tribute-heros-block-party-parade/

AquaPalooza 2023 Memorial Day Weekend

Boaters in Sarasota, this event is for you.

Each year MarineMax Sarasota throws a party at New Pass Sandbar, and this year they will have live music from Rye Road, Dr. Dave and The Jon and Bane duo and food from Clean Plate Club SRQ.

This event is free and accessible to all boaters, kayakers, paddleboarders, and other water enthusiasts.

Band Lineup:

10-11:30 a.m. – Bain & Jon Duo

12-1:30 p.m. – The Dr. Dave Band

2–4 p.m. – Rye Road

Details 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, New Pass Sandbar, Sarasota

Info: https://fb.me/e/PgW9vO6j

The Chaos For The Fly Tour 2023 Memorial Day MAYhem

With its Memorial Day celebration, Joyland Live Music Venue intends to mix things up a little.

The country-western club will have its first heavy metal show on Sunday.

The Distinguished Order of Disobedience, a theatrical heavy metal band from Sarasota, will play along with Re-Birth, Wrecked by Apathy, and Upon the Heaven from Ohio.

Admission is free for veterans and active-duty military with ID. General admission is $10.

Details: Doors open at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota

Info: https://thedoodband.com/event/5078944/637223903/the-chaos-for-the-fly-tour-2023-memorial-day-mayhem-joyland-sarasota

Memorial Day Jeep Parade

DD-214 Jeepers of South West Florida, Sarasota Jeep Club and Bradenton Jeep Club are organizing Memorial Day parade.

If you’re in any Jeep club, you can join in as they make their way through Main Street in Sarasota. Staging will start at the Sarasota Lanes Parking Lot at 8 a.m. The line-up is as follows: Gold Star family, veteran or active military, police, fire and rescue.

Details: 8-11 a.m. Monday. 2250 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota,

Info:https://www.facebook.com/events/774821183691084/

Veg Head Music & Wine Festival

The Veg Head Music & Wine Festival is a new event held at University Town Center’s Mall. It includes veggie and vegan food trucks and vendors, live jam bands, wine sampling from Central Florida and abroad, and a spring indie market with 60+ local artists.

Live band lineup:

  • 12:30 p.m. - Bickley Island Chill

  • 3:30 p.m. - Remedy Tree

General admission tickets are $10, and children under the age of 18 are free. Attendees are required to have an ID to participate in the wine sampling.

Details: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday. 140 University Town Center Drive,Sarasota.

info: https://www.visitsarasota.com/veg-head-music-wine-festival

Kids in the Kitchen at Bradenton Public Market

The Junior League of Manatee County has teamed up with Realize Bradenton to host a table at the Bradenton Public Market to educate young children on how to make easy and healthy meals prepared with food that the community can access.

Ingredients and a recipe will be supplied for the kids.

Parents can sign their child up starting at 10 a.m., the class will be held at 10: 30 a.m.

Details 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, 400 Old Main Street, Bradenton

Info: https://fb.me/e/4jAte2WcJ

Farmers’ markets

Downtown Bradenton Public Market: This weekly market is a community gathering place that welcomes vendors offering fresh local produce, meat, pantry and home goods, packaged foods, plants, clothing, accessories and more.

Food, drink and dessert vendors make the market a great place to grab a tasty snack.

This year, the market is nearly doubling in size with plans to host about 100 vendors each week, including a core group of businesses and some rotating selections, organizers say.

The market also features live music performances from different regional artists each week. Kid’s activities, special events and cooking demonstrations add to the fun throughout the season.

Oneco Farmers Market is open seven days a week. The permanent market boasts more than 100 vendors in one location, including meats and seafood, fresh produce, sweets and treats. There are also restaurants and arts and crafts vendors to check out, and the market frequently hosts free community events.