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Local Color: The Friendly City Flea
The arts are big in the Bradenton Area. There’s the actual art itself that’s so fun to see and experience – everything from unique, handmade treasures you can take home to massive murals you can get lost in to exciting live performances you’ll never forget. But perhaps even cooler is the supportive creative environment that surrounds this thriving community. It’s something Bradenton native Olivia D’Amico champions daily in her role as Executive Director of the Friendly City Foundation – and it’s also one of the reasons she and some of her fellow local artists decided to start the Friendly City Flea, a gathering of makers, musicians, and creatives held every second Sunday in Old Manatee Historic District.
Like many good ideas, the Friendly City Flea all started over a cup of coffee. Back in 2018, D’Amico and friends were talking about how they wished the area had more of an independent arts scene with opportunities for local artists to come together and showcase their talents. They noticed a lot of their friends heading to nearby cities to sell their work or perform, and they wanted to create a space for them to shine in their own backyard. And so the Friendly City Flea was born to bring all kinds of artists together for monthly, community-wide celebrations.
When you come to one of the curated markets, you’ll find a mix of live music, live art, various artisan and handmade goods, as well as vintage items and collectibles. Anyone can apply for a booth regardless of where they live; however, D’Amico and team try to keep about 70% of vendors local to highlight the creativity and craftsmanship happening in the Bradenton Area – which means it’s always a great place to shop for one-of-a-kind keepsakes!
And everyone is welcome to attend, too. The Flea is a free, family-friendly event with lots to enjoy for all ages. D’Amico adds, “We want to be a space that people aren’t just coming to, but they’re learning from, they’re growing in.”
She especially loves how the whole neighborhood comes alive on Flea days. “All the other businesses here in the Old Manatee Historic District, they all open. They do little pop-ups and we have food trucks,” says D’Amico. Everyone has really embraced the event and gotten behind the mission, which isn’t all that surprising for a town nicknamed “The Friendly City” in the first place!
If you’re lucky enough to be in town on the second Sunday of the month, be sure to swing by the Friendly City Flea for this fun and authentic Florida experience that goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event takes place outside in the parking lot next to Oscura (816 Manatee Avenue E, Bradenton, FL) from October to April and then moves indoors for the warmer summer months.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of live music, the serenity of sunset yoga on the beach, or the excitement of local festivals the Bradenton Area is home to a treasure trove of events waiting to be explored.
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