The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County hosts and participates in many community events throughout the year. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with staff, tour our mobile classrooms, and receive FREE books! Up-coming events are listed below or click here to view our full calendar of events.
ELC in the Community
October 7, 2026 - Soar in 4 Lab
Sara Scott Harllee Campus (6423 9th St East Bradenton, FL 34203) 9:00am-3:00pm
At the Soar Lab, kids can build prekindergarten and kindergarten readiness skills through interactive learning spaces featuring art, tinkering, engineering, and outdoor discovery areas. Join us for our partner programming and choose a book from the ELC Book Bus (9:30am-12:30pm). soarin4.org/soar-lab.
October 7, 2026 - Soar in 4 FREE Family Night
Bishop Museum (201 10 St W, Bradenton) 5:30pm-7:00pm
Join Soar in 4 Manatee for a FREE Family Night at the Bishope Museum. Enjoy free admission for your whole family, tour the museum, and receive literacy materials and books to support your child's classroom learning at home! soarin4.org.
October 16, 2026 - Goblin Gathering
G.T Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton) 4:00pm-7:00pm
This spooktacular outdoor event is family friendly and fun for all ages! Local businesses will be passing out “treats & sweets” providing a safe alternative for families to trick-or-treat. This year will also feature bounce houses, face painting, costume contests, petting zoo and magic! This year will also feature bounce houses, face painting, costume contests, petting zoo and magic! Learn More
October 17, 2026 - MCR 4th Annual Baby Shower
Manatee Technical College (6305 State Rd 70 E, Bradenton) 11:00am-1:00pm
Join us for a fun-filled FREE afternoon created with moms, dads and growing families in mind! Learn more about Healthy Start, connect with local resources on pregnancy and parent education, enjoy free swag for moms and dads (while supplies last), music, food, games, raffle prizes, and more!
October 22, 2026 - MCSO Spooktactical Night
Manatee County Sheriff's Office (600 301 Blvd. West, Bradenton) 5:30pm-8:30pm
Join Sheriff Wells and the MCSO team for a safe and fun evening of trunk-or-treating with deputies, staff, and community partners, MCSO special teams demonstrations, kids' activities, music, food and more!
October 31, 2026 - Crime Stoppers Safe Kids Halloween
Bradenton Area Convention Center (1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto) 6:00pm-9:00pm
Join us for safe trick-or-treat experience for kids of all ages featuring local agencies, vendor booths, pop-ups, candy, games, activities, public safety vehicles, prizes for the best costumes and more! View Flyer
November 4, 2026 - Soar in 4 FREE Family Night
Bishop Museum (201 10 St W, Bradenton) 5:30pm-7:00pm
Join Soar in 4 Manatee for a FREE Family Night at the Bishope Museum. Enjoy free admission for your whole family, tour the museum, and receive literacy materials and books to support your child's classroom learning at home! soarin4.org.
November 14, 2026 - Tons of Fun Touch-a-Truck
North River Ranch-Parrish (between Buckeye Rd and Erie Rd, near Harvey K-8) 11:00am-2:00pm
Bring the family and join us for tons of family fun with music, food trucks, a Kids’ Zone, and large vehicles and machinery to explore! Admission and parking are free (RSVP required for tickets) Learn More
December 2, 2026 - Soar in 4 FREE Family Night
Bishop Museum (201 10 St W, Bradenton) 5:30pm-7:30pm
Join Soar in 4 Manatee for a FREE Family Night at the Bishope Museum. Enjoy free admission for your whole family, tour the museum, and receive literacy materials and books to support your child's classroom learning at home! soarin4.org.
December 12, 2026 - A Night Before Christmas
G.T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave Dr W, Bradenton) 4:00pm-8:00pm
A Night Before Christmas event at GT Bray Park is sure to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit! Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy family-friendly activities, including a double-snow slide, foam zone, pony rides, mechanical reindeer and petting zoo, and “Shop Local” Vendor Marketplace with KidsMarkets, food and dessert trucks! Free admission with suggested donation of 1 new unwrapped toy per family for Toys for Tots. Learn More
