BAM!Fest FAQ

BAM!Fest will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm.

BAM!Fest is held on the Bradenton Riverwalk between the Green Bridge and the Desoto Bridge.

BAM!Fest stands for the Bradenton Art & Music Festival. It is an eight-hour art and music festival featuring live music, visual art creation, and interactive activities along the Bradenton Riverwalk from the Green Bridge to the Desoto Bridge.

There is no admission fee. The only money needed will be for food, drinks, and treasures purchased at the Atomic Bazaar Market. You can have a great time and not spend any money at all!

BAM!Fest is presented by Realize Bradenton. Realize Bradenton is a local nonprofit that enhances the vibrancy of downtown Bradenton through community engagement, events, and the pursuit of insightful and innovative practices to increase social connectivity. In addition to
BAM!Fest, they bring you the weekly Bradenton Public Market, Music in the Park, Winter Wonderland, and the Start-Up Circle Entrepreneurship Program.

BAM!fest is meant for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a family-friendly event that includes activities for children. With so much to do, there is something for everyone!

When you park in a downtown Bradenton garage, signs will lead you to the pedestrian walkway safely under the Green Bridge to the Riverwalk. Free parking is available at several downtown locations:

• City Centre Garage, 200 10th Street West (less than a 5-minute walk)
• Manatee County Garage, 414 10th Street West (5-minute walk)
• Judicial Center Garage, 615 12th Street West (10-minute walk)

Note: The Rossi Park parking lot is closed to the public for the event

If you take a ride share such as Freebee, Lyft, or Uber, then you can be dropped off at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL or the Riverwalk Parking Lot, 129 Riverfront Blvd, Bradenton, FL. Please note that these are not locations for general parking.

Accessible parking is available in all of the garages. Accessible access to the Riverwalk is at the west end of the Riverwalk, near Corwins Ice Cream, 1000 Barcarrota Blvd, Bradenton FL.

The full schedule will be available soon! 

• We have plenty of seating throughout the festival; however, feel free to bring a blanket or chair to spend time listening to bands or watching performances.
• A bag to carry home the art you create and your purchases from the Atomic Bazaar
  Market.
• Your friends and family, there is something for everyone.
• Your imagination!

This event is going to be loud with lots of movement and activity. Even though we love dogs (very much), this might not be the best environment for them. Anyone bringing an animal to BAM!Fest will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal.

Absolutely! This event has something for everyone, especially children and families. Kids can enjoy the Bat City Discovery Lane for comic making, Sandcastle Beach for building lessons, the Eco Park touch tanks, and & “Relax at Rossi” for face painting, giant yard games, bubbles, and the
playground and splash pad.

Yes. Local food trucks and vendors will be stationed throughout the festival, with beer, water, and soda available at multiple locations, including the Tiki Bar. Note: YOU MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE to consume alcohol within the festival grounds. ID’S WILL BE CHECKED. Bring your ID to drink alcohol. Last call will be 6:30 pm.

The Riverwalk is a park, and bringing your own food is permitted; however, we are bringing some of the best food vendors from the area to BAM!Fest and these small businesses would greatly appreciate your support.

Alcohol will be for sale at the event to those over the age of 21. Bringing your own alcohol is prohibited.

Several of the immersive art experiences use flammable materials. For the safety of all guests, smoking at the festival is discouraged.

Portalets are available at The Great Lawn, Rossi Park, and Sandcastle Beach (volleyball court).

Please dispose of all litter and recycling in the appropriate receptacles. Every little bit helps, and we appreciate your consideration in properly disposing of trash. Our City of Bradenton Sanitation team works hard to keep the Riverwalk free of litter, and we all appreciate your help
by using the trash receptacles throughout the event.

BAM!Fest is a “Rain or Shine” event. In the rare case of severe or threatening weather or other emergencies, Realize Bradenton management, in consultation with the City of Bradenton, may choose to cancel or close the event.