Forks & Corks
Jan. 27-30, 2012
A premier food, wine and beer festival for the Suncoast, Forks & Corks showcases the diverse cuisine of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals members and the fruits of the labors of international winery owners and winemakers. Events like interactive wine seminars and The Grand Tasting are held at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, member restaurants and other locations.
Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
Feb. 18-19, 2012
Now in its 30th year, this festival in the village of Cortez features Florida seafood, arts and crafts, live music and museum displays. It runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with admission costing $2 (kids under 12 get in free). The hub of the festival is 4600 124th St. W. in Cortez, and all proceeds benefit the F.I.S.H. Preserve.
DeSoto Heritage Festival Seafood Fest
March 30-April 1, 2012
Part of a family-friendly three-day event celebrating the area’s heritage, Seafood Fest offers local seafood plus non-seafood dishes from area restaurants. Live entertainment is available on two stages, and local artisans and craftspeople sell their wares. It’s held along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton, centering on 12th Street West/Old Main Street, and admission is free.
Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest
April 13-15, 2012
Food, music and family fun are the highlights of this festival held annually at the Manatee County Fairgrounds. Rib-cooking teams from across the country gather to compete and serve festivalgoers their award-winning recipes, and recording artists perform country, jazz, blues, rock and R&B. In the past, The Charlie Daniels Band, One Night Rodeo, The Grass Roots and Rick Derringer have entertained the crowd.
Taste of Manatee
2012 dates TBA
A two-day celebration of local food and entertainment, Taste of Manatee is a Rotary Club of West Bradenton/Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association event held each fall in downtown Bradenton. Live music and family activities are available (there’s even a children’s stage), and past events saw dishes from a variety of local restaurants and national chains. Admission is free.
Suncoast Food & Wine Fest
2012 dates TBA
Another fall food event, the food and wine festival takes place at Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch. More than 300 wines are available for tasting and sale, and you can sample dishes from more than 35 area restaurants. There also are beer tastings, cooking demonstrations and a silent auction. Tickets are available in advance only, with proceeds benefitting area charities on behalf of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch.
