Get Out of the Apartment and Enjoy These 5 Winter Events in Bradenton and Sarasota

Regardless of whether you’re in Bradenton, Sarasota, or the frigid Midwest, it’s natural to be drawn indoors in the depths of winter. However, even with the less-than-stellar weather on Florida’s west coast, there is plenty to do both indoors and outdoors.

Here are five upcoming events in Bradenton and Sarasota that are worth putting on your calendar:

Create Mosaic Wine Stoppers at ArtCenter Manatee
Friday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.
209 9th St W, Bradenton

This creative crafting event will teach you how to use beads, charms, dichroic glass and Italian millefiori to create a mosaic wine stopper that is a great hostess gift or simple asset to your home. The event costs $35 with beer, wine and snacks included.

Mainly Art
Saturday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fourth Avenue West, Bradenton

Every third Saturday throughout the year — including the winter months — Mainly Art hosts local artisans to display and sell their wares. This outdoor craft fair connects to the Bradenton Farmers' Market on Main Street, so you can shop for a beautiful piece of art for your apartment home before heading over for some fresh, locally-grown produce.

Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County
Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
500 15^th St W, Bradenton

Enjoy a full day of artistic fun in Bradenton. See artist demonstrations, shop the creations of award-winning local artists, listen to live music or take the kids to enjoy children's activities. Plenty of food booths will be available to keep you well fed throughout the festival.

Suncoast Blues Festival
Friday, Feb. 26 – Saturday, Feb. 27
3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota

Hear award-winning blues artists with multiple concerts Friday night and all day Saturday at the Sarasota County Fair Grounds, and be sure to stick around each night after the last concert to enjoy a group jam. Proceeds from the festival go in part to support Mothers Helping Mothers, a local charity assisting mothers in the Sarasota region.

Sun Circle Art Festival
Saturday, March 5
Sun Circle, Sarasota

Enjoy the fourth annual Sun Circle Art Festival in Sarasota’s Historic Museum District. This winter event brings around 60 artists to the park to showcase their creations. You can enjoy shopping for new artwork, dining on food from local food booths and listening to live music and entertainment all with Sarasota Bay as your backdrop.

Do you have a favorite winter event in the area? Let us know in the comments!