This Weekend in Bradenton
The first full weekend of November is a great one to spend in Downtown and West Bradenton. Day of the Dead art fills the Village of the Arts, the Saturday market is in full swing on Old Main Street, and there’s live music on the Riverwalk all weekend long. Here’s what’s happening Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Festival of the Skeletons – Village of the Arts
Bradenton’s most colorful weekend is here: the 22nd annual Día de los Muertos Festival of the Skeletons. Galleries, studios and cafés across the Village of the Arts set up shrines and altars, there’s a community shrine and memory wall, strolling music, pop-up vendors and food stands. Costumes are welcome, and admission is free.
- Friday, November 6: 6 – 9 p.m. EST
- Saturday, November 7: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST
- Where: Village of the Arts, around 1227 12th St W, Bradenton (between 9th and 17th Ave W, 9th and 14th St W)
Bradenton Public Market – Old Main Street
The Bradenton Public Market is back for its 2026–27 season, running every Saturday through May 29, 2027. Expect fresh produce, local art, food vendors and live music right in the heart of downtown, a perfect start to Saturday before heading over to the Village of the Arts a few blocks away.
- When: Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. EST
- Where: Old Main Street (12th St W), Downtown Bradenton
Live Music on the Riverwalk
Mattison’s City Grille right on the Bradenton Riverwalk has live music lined up all weekend, with the Manatee River as the backdrop:
- Friday, November 6: The 888 Band
- Saturday, November 7: Messenger
- Sunday, November 8: “Blues Brunch” with LC Williams & The Driver
- Where: 101 Riverfront Blvd, Downtown Bradenton
The Bash at The Bishop
Dressing up on Saturday night? The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature hosts its gala “The Bash at The Bishop: A Celestial Affair” with cocktails, dinner and dancing to benefit the museum. Formal attire.
- When: Saturday, November 7, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. EST
- Where: The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Downtown Bradenton
Make a Weekend of It
Our West Bradenton vacation rentals are just a short drive from Old Main Street, the Riverwalk and the Village of the Arts, and the beaches of Anna Maria Island are close by, too. For more ideas, browse our Bradenton local guide or see all SuncoastVacation.com homes. Book direct for the best rate.
Times and details are provided by the organizers and may change. Please check with the organizers before you go. Sources: Village of the Arts, Pulse of Manatee, Escape to Sarasota event calendar, Realize Bradenton, Bradenton Gulf Islands, Mattison’s.