Top November 2023 events, festivals and entertainment around Bradenton and Sarasota
Looking for fun things to do around Bradenton and Sarasota in November 2023?
Fortunately, there’s lots of local fun on tap. The list this year includes returning favorites like the Sarasota Medieval Fair, the Cortez Stone Crab Festival and the Festival of the Skeletons in the Village of the Arts.
There are also food truck rallies and bustling neighborhood farmers’ markets to explore.
On Anna Maria Island, beach-side classical concert Symphony on the Sand will return for the first time since the pandemic.
Here’s a look at the calendar of upcoming events:
Festival of the Skeletons
The Village of the Arts in Bradenton will welcome crowds on the first weekend of November for the 19th annual Festival of the Skeletons, “a celebration of life to remember our departed loved ones in the tradition of Día de los Muertos.”
A community shrine is created for each year’s event, and visitors can leave photos or offerings in tribute to loved ones. Other artful shrines will be in place at businesses around the Village.
The live/work art district is full of crafters and businesses offering unique wares and services, from folk art and fine art to antiques, furniture, jewelry, records and more. There are also a handful of cafes and eateries to enjoy in the Village.
Live music, entertainment, activities and food and drink vendors will also be at hand throughout the event.
The Village spans Ninth Avenue West to 17th Avenue West and 14th Street West to Ninth Street West. Street parking is available in select areas throughout the Village, or in the public parking garage at 12th Street West and Eighth Avenue West (free on weekends).
Details: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Village of the Arts, Bradenton. Free admission.
Sarasota Medieval Fair
Step back into the Middle Ages and partake in a day of medieval merriment at the 19th annual Sarasota Medieval Fair.
Walk among peasants and royalty, sup on turkey legs and other delights, peruse the offerings of ancient vendors and enjoy entertainment like jousting, comedy, rides, games and period music. Don’t forget to dress the part.
This is the fair’s third year at its new home in the “Woods of Mallaranny,” a 47-acre festival grounds in Myakka City.
The 2023 event will have a 15th-century French vs. English theme.
Details: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. Rain or shine. 29847 S.R. 70 E., Myakka City. Ages 4-10: $12.95. Students, seniors and military with I.D.: $20.95. Adults: $23.95. Multi-day passes and add-ons available.
Info: 888-303-3247. SarasotaMedievalFair.com.
Symphony on the Sand
This unique musical experience offers a chance to hear live classical music with the beach as a concert venue.
The 45-piece Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra will perform international and American compositions, Broadway hits, movie favorites and patriotic classics in a salute to Veterans Day.
There will be a live auction and an auction for an orchestra baton. The winner of the baton gets to conduct a piece.
Premium and VIP ticket offerings include complimentary drinks, small plates or dinner provided by local restaurants.
This will be the first time the event has been held since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Coquina Gulfside Park, 2650 Gulf Dr. South, Bradenton Beach. $30-$250 (VIP options available).
Cortez Stone Crab Festival
Stone crab is a Gulf Coast of Florida delicacy, and no one celebrates the arrival of shellfish season quite like the fishing village of Cortez.
This annual outdoor festival features loads of fresh local seafood, drinks, art vendors and two performance stages with live local musicians.
Genres in the lineup include blues, rock, country, singer-songwriters and more.
There will also be a kid’s zone.
The festival uses a ticket system for food purchases and access to kid’s activities.
Parking will be available at the F.I.S.H. Preserve, just west of 115th Street West off of Cortez Road West.
Details: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, and Sunday, Nov. 12. 4628 119th Street W., Cortez. $5 per person. Kids 12 and under free.
Street parties and food truck rallies
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, Nov. 3. 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
Info: LakewoodRanch.com
“Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival 4.0” will line up over 70 food and drink vendors at The Mall at University Town Center.
The food truck fest will coincide with the mall’s annual “Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade.”
Details: Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota. Free admission.
Info: MallatUTC.com
Sarasota International Food Truck Rally & Music Festival: This mega food truck event promises three days of culinary delights at J.D. Hamel Park in downtown Sarasota.
“From local favorites to exotic dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate,” organizers say.
A mix of of rock, pop, jazz and country musicians will perform at the festival.
Arts, crafts and product vendors will also be at hand.
Details: to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota. Free admission.
Info: ParagonFestivals.com/festival/sarasota-food-truck-rally-music-festival
Mall at UTC kicks off holiday season
University Town Center will usher in the holiday season for Bradenton and Sarasota with Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade, a fireworks show, Christmas lights and more on Nov. 11.
This year’s celebration includes an appearance by tightrope walker Nik Wallenda, who will cross Cattlemen Road to light UTC’s 50-foot tall Christmas tree.
A Veteran’s Day tribute will be held just before the parade and will include the Sarasota Military Academy Color Guard and a performance of the national anthem by Shantel Norman.
For the main event, “nearly 50 decorated floats, vehicles, dance troops and walking units will make their way along the parade route, wrapping up with Santa Claus arriving on his sleigh and a festive fireworks show,” organizers say.
The parade will be followed by an after-party concert featuring rock band We the Kings.
A food truck rally on the east side of the mall with over 70 vendors will coincide with the holiday celebration.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. University Town Center, 210 North Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
Info: utcsarasota.com
Farmers and flea markets
Bradenton Public Market: This weekly market is a community gathering place that welcomes over 100 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.
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.
Details: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, From October to May. Old Main Street, Bradenton. Free.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch welcomes more than 100 regional vendors to Waterside Place each Sunday. Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats. Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature at the market.
Details: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
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.
Details: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Oneco Farmers Market, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton.
Info: OnecoFarmersMarket.com
Sarasota Farmers Market brings vendors selling arts and crafts, goods and services, produce, food, plants and more to downtown Sarasota. There’s also live music to enjoy.
Details: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Lemon Avenue and Main Street, downtown Sarasota.
Newtown Sarasota Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh-baked goods and other items twice a week in the Newtown neighborhood. The market also hosts community gatherings including events for kids and food festivals.
Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and every first and third Friday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
Red Barn Flea Market combines the best of a farmers market, a flea market and a food court in one stop. At Red Barn, you’ll find permanent storefronts, vendor booths, fresh produce, local food offerings, live entertainment and more.
Details: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton.
Info: RedBarnFleaMarket.com.
The Friendly City Flea welcomes a “curated gathering of makers, musicians and creatives” to Oscura in downtown Bradenton on the second Sunday of every month. The market includes over 70 vendors displaying crafts, paper goods, home goods, pantry items, food, clothing, jewelry and more.
The market is held outdoors October through April. Oscura will offer a brunch menu and specialty food and drinks, and The Royale Duo will add live jazz to the mix.
Other shops to explore in the Old Manatee district include Segunda Vida, Bat City Comic Professionals and The Vintage Vine Market.
Details: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free admission.
Punk Rock Flea Market: Oscura’s Punk Rock Flea Market will welcome bands, vendors and food trucks from Florida and beyond for a flea market with an edge.
The market celebrates the strange and eclectic with offerings including “eclectic art, band merch, vinyl records, weird home decor, jewelry, vintage toys, up-cycled clothing, taxidermy, wet specimens, skateboards, stickers, patches, buttons, furniture, musical instruments and horror memorabilia.”
Six punk bands from around Florida will perform.
Details: Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Free admission.
