This weekend in Manatee County, FL

Devoted Canine Training offers a free, casual group walk at Bob Gardner Community Park in Lakewood Ranch for dog owners of all experience levels. The session centers on improving leash manners on real community trails, helping dogs stay attentive around typical park activity like disc golf, joggers, and playground noise, and practicing calm, neutral behavior near other dogs and handlers. A professional trainer will be available for friendly questions and guidance. Participants can plan to meet near the main pavilion and trailhead by the playground and look for the trainer with a treat pouch. For safety, this is a structured training environment. Please give other teams 6 to 8 feet of space, and skip on-leash greetings or play during the walk to keep things comfortable for nervous or easily distracted dogs. All friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Attendees should have a flat collar, martingale, or harness with a short, non-retractable leash. High-value treats such as small pieces of hot dog, cheese, or freeze-dried liver can boost focus, and bringing water and waste bags is recommended.

A planetarium educator leads a two hour introduction to telescopes and observational astronomy in the Willis Smith Classroom. Topics include how glass and mirrors function in telescopes, practical methods for navigating the night sky, and a comparison of common telescope types. The session focuses on clear, step by step guidance for setting up and operating your own telescope with confidence.

This gathering of Resilient Women shifts into a relaxed, come-as-you-are day centered on belonging at the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival in Bradenton, FL. Bring family, a partner, kids, or friends, or come solo and connect with others throughout the festival. The spot to find one another is the Saloon Barn. To make it easier to locate each other in the crowds, wear an orange top. Expect farm conditions that can be hot, dusty, and busy, so choose comfortable shoes and clothing you do not mind getting a little dirty. This is not a ticketed event through The Collective. Each person handles their own entry directly with Hunsader Farms. Current festival pricing is listed as $15 for ages 10 and up, $5 for ages 5 to 9, free for children under 5, and $5 for parking. Admission and parking are cash only. Some individual vendors may accept cards, and select activities such as the corn maze and train rides have additional small fees set by outside vendors. The festival offers plenty to explore, including live music and shows, pumpkins, hayrides, animals and a petting zoo, Tiny Town, craft vendors, and foods like homemade ice cream and roasted sweet corn, plus a corn maze and more. For the latest festival information, refer to the official Pumpkin Festival page before you go.

Psychic Fair: Practical Magic offers a welcoming day devoted to insight, connection, and everyday enchantment. The atmosphere invites curiosity and trust in intuition, with meaningful moments often appearing in surprising ways. The fair features 24 psychic and mediumship readers, with the option to reserve a reading in advance or choose a reader on site. Readings are 15 minutes and cost $25. Throughout the day, 20 short talks and workshops provide opportunities to learn something new and enjoy those satisfying aha moments. Admission is $10 and includes access to all mini talks and workshops. The Mystical Treasures Boutique adds to the experience with spiritual tools, thoughtful gifts, and unique finds. It is a relaxed setting for wandering, discovering, and connecting. Attend a session, sit for a reading, explore the space, or simply enjoy the ambiance as conversations flow easily and unexpected connections take shape.

A new hands-on workshop at GypSea Soul Boutique & Studios invites you to craft a coastal-inspired wreath on a 14-inch wooden form, decorated with sparkling sea glass in your choice of soothing colors. All materials and supplies are provided, the experience is great for beginners, and BYOB is welcome, making it a relaxed outing for friends and family. Expect a calm, creative atmosphere where every wreath becomes a one-of-a-kind piece. Capacity is limited.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County marks 80 years of impact with an inaugural alumni and friends reunion paired with a Wing Fest. Expect a lively college football tailgate feel with games from the Club’s playbook, wings served by local restaurants, chilled drinks, and the big games on several large TVs. The gathering centers on reconnecting with fellow Club kids across generations, sharing stories, and celebrating friendships and mentorship that started at the Club. Alumni who were members in other counties, states, or on U.S. military bases and who now live in the area are included in the celebration. Admission is free, and registration is encouraged. The event honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks ahead to inspiring the next generation of Club youth.

An evening of live blues comes to the Village of the Arts as The Cadillac Cats take the stage at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen. Look forward to heartfelt blues and soul, comforting Southern soul dishes from the kitchen, and a warm, lively atmosphere. This outing is suitable for families, and guests can arrive with a big appetite and settle in for a fun night.

Celebrate the sounds of the 80s hard rock era at Woody’s River Roo in Ellenton. Enjoy music from Metallica, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Guns and Roses, Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe, along with more from that era.

Get hands-on with a friendly baking class where flour-dusted fingertips and the aroma of something fresh from the oven bring everyone together. One session dives into pizza, starting with dough made from scratch and ending with hot slices straight from the oven. Another centers on cinnamon rolls for Mother’s Day, offering a thoughtful gift and a chance to spend time together while creating a warm treat to share with the whole family. Space is limited.

Massage Nights brings together table and chair bodywork with soothing foot massages. The focus is relaxation and renewal, offering a peaceful reset for the week through gentle, restorative care.