BRADENTON – It's hot and it's summer, so get out for some indoor and evening activities this weekend. On Friday, you can beat the heat at any of several Manatee library branches offering a wide variety of programs for all ages, then head over to downtown Sarasota for the opening of local artist Eska Palmer's inspired original darkroom photography exhibit, "The Collection". On Saturday, you can get over to the beach for the Bridge Street Market for an evening of shopping, eating, entertainment and fun. Or get the family out to Emerson Point Preserve for another edition of their Families Flock Together series. Throw on some bug juice and break out the sunscreen, it's time for a Weekend Adventure in Bradenton!
![]() |
The libraries of Manatee County offer great programming all summer. This Friday the Palmetto Library offers its Alzheimer’s Education series from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The South Manatee Branch Library Presents author Diane E. Robertson for a family program from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., and the Rocky Bluff Library Summer school age program: “Pirate Treasure Adventure” presented by Showtime for Kids will take place at the Central Library from 2-3:00 p.m.
![]() |
Friday is the opening night for Sarasota artist Eska Palmer’s photography exhibit, “The Collection,” at the Clothesline Gallery & Boutique. An experienced darkroom photographer that brings surreal artistry to her work, Palmer's exhibit will showcase her original series “The Props Assist the House” from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Opening night festivities will include live music starting at 6:30 p.m. You can RSVP on Facebook here; for more about Palmer’s work, go to www.EskaPalmer.com. The exhibit runs through July 27.
Eska Palmer: The Collection
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Clothesline Gallery & Boutique
529 South Pineapple Avenue
Sarasota
Families Flock Together is Manatee County's family-friendly way to enjoy your preserves, while learning about the world around us. Are you a parasite, or are you more of a mutualistic kind of creature? In this fantastically fun program, the Manatee County natural Resources staff will help you explore the world of relationships in nature.
Discover the life of ticks, leeches, orchids, and bees – all creatures that work with another in order to survive. Participants will discover if they can live life as a tick, go on a scavenger hunt for natural relationships, create wanted posters, and much more! Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required. Please call 941-742-5757 ext. 4
Families Flock Together
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Emerson Point Preserve
5801 17th St W
Palmetto
![]() |
photo: Bradenton CVB |
This summer, the Bridge Street Merchants will host their weekly night markets from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Bridge Street Night Market is held every Saturday evening from June through July on historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.
The market showcases area restaurants, gourmet desserts, live music, handmade arts and craft vendors, jewelry, clothes, home décor, food, fun and more. Check it out this Saturday in one of the area's most quaint treasures.
Bridge Street Market
Saturday
5:00 p.m. – 9:00
Bridge Street
107 Bridge Street
Bradenton, FL 34217