BRADENTON, Fla. — Pickin’ Picnic returns to the Bradenton Riverwalk on May 6, 2017, featuring regional and local bands, free craft beer tasting, top-rated food trucks, and local artisan vendors. The free, family-friendly event kicks off at 1 p.m. with the festivities continuing until 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. A wide variety of food, including vegetarian options and desserts, will be available to purchase along with soft drinks and domestic and locally brewed craft beer. The Bradenton Riverwalk is located 452 3rd Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton.
“Pickin’ Picnic is a free, family-friendly event on the Bradenton Riverwalk that highlights the diversity of downtown Bradenton,” said Johnette Isham, Executive Director of Realize Bradenton, the nonprofit that produces Pickin’ Picnic. “It is prime example of how a combination of live music, food, and public space attracts people of all ages, building vibrancy in our community,” Isham continued.
Live music is the main attraction at Pickin’ Picnic, with bands that represent a mixture of acoustic, Americana, blues, rock and roll, and folk. “While the lineup at Pickin’ Picnic is geared toward millennials, families and people of all ages will enjoy the variety of talented musicians taking the stage,” said Holly Eisemann, Events & Creative Services Manager for Realize Bradenton. “It’s not just about the music. We will also have a variety of local food trucks serving fresh, handcrafted items. Brew masters from four Bradenton-based craft breweries will be pouring samples, and local artisan vendors will be at the festival as well,” Eisemann explained.
Local food trucks will be at the event serving a variety of specialty dishes, including wood-fired pizza, freshly prepared tacos and tostadas, flame grilled burgers, vegetarian options, and more. Patrons can satisfy their sweet tooth with frozen treats and other dessert selections. Event goers may also bring a picnic basket with their own food.
Pickin’ Picnic sponsors and partners include Realize Bradenton, C&S Community Management Services, Inc., Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, Bradenton Herald, Florida Blue, Kimley Horn, City Fitness, Manatee Community Federal Credit Union, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Hernando Desoto Historical Society, and Independent Jones.
Kristopher James
2–2:45 p.m.
Alt-folk troubadour that channels the balanced line of life, love, doubts and hopes into captivating music with soft, acoustic guitar tunes, and stunning vocals.
Lauris Vidal
3–4 p.m.
Lauris has invented his own signature brand of “kitchen sink beat blues.”
Hail Dale
4:15—5:15 p.m.
A three-piece rock and roll band that mixes elements of southern rock, country, and blues.
All Day Tuck
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Combining acoustic melodies, warm string patterns, and rocking back beat rhythm, All Day Tuck keeps the listeners asking for more.
Beartoe
6:45–7:45 p.m.
A four-piece outfit that brings soul, blues, country, and folk together in a powerful way.
The Applebutter Express
8–9 p.m.
A truly unique outfit that blends Americana roots with a funky groove that can only be described as infectious.
Darwin Brewing Company & Tap Room
Brewers of culinary-inspired ales and lagers evolved from native flavors of Florida and Latin America.
3 Keys Brewing & Eatery
A small batch brewery and family-friendly eatery featuring a weekly evolving selection of handcrafted beers and interesting food.
Motorworks Brewing
Bradenton’s first craft brewery, home to Florida’s largest Beer Garden, live music, 30 craft beers on tap, wine, cocktails & food.
Naughty Monk Brewery
A Belgian beer-inspired craft brewery and tasting room.
The Spot Tacos and More
Fresh, made-to-order, authentic tacos, tostadas and more.
Dashing Dingo Pizza Co.
Handmade, wood-fired pizza in two minutes.
Traveling Kitchen TK Grille
Featuring a traditional menu, with a signature Latin-style pulled pork.
Chefs2u
A variety of chef-inspired, culinary experiences.
B’s Cool Treats
Premium frozen treats and ice cream.
Cafe Brule
A mobile torchery and coffee roaster.
Alcover Massage
On-site massage, as well as soaps and bath products.
The Babe Cave Studio
Eclectic, handmade jewelry.
Jack Squire Supply Co.
Jewelry and hard-to-find vintage items.
Rusty Crickett’s
Clothes and unique household items, like signs and candles.
Clothesline Creative
On-site, custom screen-printed t-shirts.
Akiko Graphics
Face painting, henna tattoos, and hair flairs.
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Realize Bradenton is a nonprofit organization that brings people together to create a vibrant and prosperous Bradenton area. For more information visit: RealizeBradenton.com.