The can't-miss events in East Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch in 2023

Save the date for the more than a dozen signature events lined up for East County in 2023.


Riders enjoy a flight on the Yo Yo ride at the Manatee County Fair.
Riders enjoy a flight on the Yo Yo ride at the Manatee County Fair.
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There's never a dull moment in East County with a full schedule of signature events being held throughout 2023. 

Whether it's kicking off the year at the Manatee County Fair, enjoying the summer sun leading up to a fantastic display at Fireworks on the Lake or ringing in the holiday season with the Florida Turkey Trot, there is something for everyone to do. 

Here are 15 events you'll want to put on your calendar in 2023.


Manatee County Fair

Jan. 12-22 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds, 1402 14th Ave. W., Palmetto. Visit ManateeCountyFair.com.

Enjoy fair food, games and rides during the Manatee County Fair. Future Farmers of America and 4-H members will be showcasing their livestock, local and national acts will perform, and community members of all age groups will share their arts and crafts.


Ringmaster Joseph Bauer Jr. introduces the first act.
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Circus Sarasota

Feb. 10 to March 5 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus Sarasota will present “Legacy: 25th Anniversary.” Come and see award-winning international artists perform under an iconic red and white Big Top.


Greek 'Glendi'

Feb. 17-19 at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota. Visit StBarbaraFestival.org.

The 39th annual “Glendi” Greek festival is four days of family fun while enjoying Greek dishes, pastries and domestic and imported beverages. After grabbing a bite to eat, listen to live Greek music and dancing.


Community Campout

Feb. 25 at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure PIace, Bradenton. Visit MyLWR.com.

Bring the family to Greenbrook Adventure Park and pitch a tent to camp with neighbors. The campout includes tent pitching demos, music, and food trucks.


Cheri McDonough, of Lion Rampant Pipe & Drum, heads to her group's performance.
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Irish Celtic Festival

March 11 at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13010 Adventure PIace, Bradenton. Visit MyLWR.com.

Irish food, dancers, craft beer, Best Legs in a Kilt contest, Lucky Dog Parade and children’s activities are just parts of what the Irish Celtic Festival has to offer.


Lakewood Ranch's Cassidy Barnhardt almost catches a fish, but it escapes the hook.
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Youth Fishing Tournament

March 25 at Lake Uihlein, which is behind Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Lakewood Ranch. Visit MyLWR.com

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts the annual Youth Fishing Tournament for ages 5-12. Equipment and live bait is provided. A youth fishing seminar will be held March 18 at Summerfield Park for those who want to learn the basics of fishing before the tournament.


Eggstravaganza

April 1 at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch. Visit MyLWR.com

Don’t miss your chance to see the Easter Bunny while hunting for thousands of eggs spread across a field and volleyball courts during the longest-running egg hunt in Lakewood Ranch.


Byeong Hun An holds up the 2022 LECOM Suncoast Classic trophy after winning the tournament at 17 under par (65-66-67-69—267).
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LECOM Suncoast Classic

April 20-23 at the Lakewood National Golf Club, 17605 Lakewood National Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. Visit LECOMSuncoastClassic.com.

The Korn Ferry Tour's LECOM Suncoast Classic offers golf fans an opportunity to see future PGA Tour stars. Enjoy Lakewood National Golf Club's views and watch some of the world's best golfers compete for a first-place payoff of more than $100,000.


Grand Marshal Michael Kanter, the owner of Lakewood Ranch Dental and a U.S. Army veteran, greets the crowd at the start of the Tribute to Heroes Parade.
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Tribute to Heroes Parade

May 28 at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Visit MyLWR.com

Thousands gather on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch to honor veterans and see dozens of parade entries. Residents are encouraged to decorate their strollers, bikes and golf carts.


Maya Schultz and Maeva Ginsberg-Klemmt let some some screams after winning the A Final of the Women's U17 2x (7:36.96) at the 2022 USRowing Youth National Championships.
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USRowing Youth National Championships 

June 8-11 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

NBP will host the nation’s top youth rowers, as USRowing kicks off its summer schedule with this massive regatta. Thousands of student athletes from across the nation will gather for the event.


Fireworks are the highlight of Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park.
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Fireworks on the Lake

July 3 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

Nathan Benderson Park will celebrate the country’s independence with its annual Fireworks on the Lake. Thousands of people will gather to celebrate with live music, games, a kids zone, food and of course, fireworks.


BooFest

Oct. 27, Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch (date and location are subject to change). Visit MyLWR.com

Time to get spooky with your best costume during BooFest. With music, performances and people giving out treats, the whole family will have fun. Traditionally, this event draws thousands of guests.


Lakewood Ranch's Alice Golub volunteers for the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch to serve wine. "I'm loving it," she says. "It's wonderful seeing everyone having a wonderful time for such a good cause."
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Suncoast Food and Wine Fest

Nov. 11 at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Visit LakewoodRanch-Rotary.com.

The Suncoast Food and Wine Fest will return to Premier Sports Campus for its 21st festival. Enjoy hundreds wines and food samples available for tasting from dozens of restaurants while raising money for the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch’s charities.


Lakewood Ranch's Shami Bhullar and his 3-year-old daughter Sophie have the Turkey Trot spirit.
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Florida Turkey Trot

Nov. 23 at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

The Thanksgiving tradition continues. The 5K run/walk will include kids dashes and sweet treats at the finish line.


Music on Main (tree lighting)

Dec. 1 at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch. Visit MyLWR.com

Kick-off the holiday season with the first Friday of the month tradition. Music on Main in December includes a tree lighting and a visit from Santa.

 

author

Liz Ramos

Liz Ramos covers education and community for East County. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.

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