The Dog Days of Summer are Ahead-Last Chance to Catch Free Downtown Events

May 3, 2016 | Sande Caplin | Blog

As a Bradenton resident, it’s quite concerning that everything stops as soon as snowbird season is over. What is one to do in the summer? Are they catering just to winter residents and are we full-timers the red-headed step children? Is it just too hot to get people out? Or do the organizers just need a break?

They’ve certainly worked hard this year and do indeed deserve a break. Perhaps we need a break, and have an option for a ‘change of season’ to explore summer vacations, staycations, trips to the library and museums or the pool and beach.

While the end of ‘season’ is upon us, there are a few chances left to catch some free music, food, craft beer, vendor and Farmer’s market action downtown in May.

Here’s the end of the season scoop:

Cinco De Mayo – Thurs. May 5. Old Main St.
Put on by the Old Main St. Downtown Merchants, this is the last free concert on Main of the season. It runs 5 pm to midnight. Kettle of Fish will be playing and plenty of vendors are on hand for food and drink.

Pickin’ Picnic Sat. May 7th, Riverwalk
Music festival? Food festival? Beer festival? Why not all three?! Pickin’ Picnic combines everything into one big, family-friendly celebration. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy your favorite craft beers, food truck tastings, and local bands. The best part? Admission is FREE! Free Craft Beer Tasting and a Food Truck Battle runs 2 – 3 p.m.
Bands play from 3 to 10 p.m. and include in order: Sam Robertson, Michael Snayd Band, Lady and Gentleman, The Western Sons, Dropin Pickin and Good Graef.

Farmer’s Market every Sat. through May 28, Old Main St.
Every Saturday from 9-2 p.m. (from October through end of May) the Market offers fresh food vendors, produce, plants and flowers, jewelry, and arts and crafts set to easy-listening, live music. The Market is designed to support local farmers, growers and local businesses and is intended to be a social gathering place where families and friends can relax in downtown’s tree-shaded Old Main Street while browsing for fresh food. On the third Saturday of every month, the Market welcomes local artists selling their wares during the “Mainly Art” event.