Roundup of Thanksgiving Events & Local Fun Runs in Bradenton and Sarasota

With Thanksgiving approaching quickly, it's time to start planning how you'll celebrate Turkey Day with family and friends.

For residents of our Springs at Palma Sola and Springs at Bee Ridge apartments that plan on staying in town, here are several Thanksgiving events and local fun runs in Bradenton and Sarasota:

1. Bradenton "Give to Run" Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 23 at 8 a.m.
DeSoto National Memorial Park
8300 DeSoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton
941.400.3383

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Bradenton "Give to Run" 5-mile Turkey Trot, which takes place on Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. While this family-friendly run/walk does not charge a registration fee, participants are encouraged to make donations to the local charities that are sponsoring the race in the form of cash or canned goods. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, runners are invited to bring post-race favorites to share with the crowd, such as bananas, bagels and water.

2. ALSO Youth 8th Annual Turkey Trot 5K
Thursday, November 23 at 7:30 a.m.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota
1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
941.953.1234

Want to encourage your children to live a healthy lifestyle? Sign your whole family up for the ALSO Youth 8th annual Turkey Trot 5K race in Sarasota! The race starts and ends at the Hyatt Regency and includes the scenic Ringling Bridge in the route. Strollers are permitted in the race, but are encouraged to lineup behind the runners at the starting line. Stick around after the race for snacks, coffee, beer and live music.

3. Thanksgiving Eve Party: "Main Street Live"
Wednesday, November 22 from 5 p.m. to Midnight
Old Main Street, Bradenton

Want to kick your Thanksgiving festivities off the right way? Start celebrating Thanksgiving Eve by checking out the Main Street Live party in Bradenton. Live music will entertain the crowd, and local food and drink vendors will keep the party going. Several local arts and crafts vendors will also be present at the event.

4. Light Up Siesta Key & Village Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 25 at 6 p.m.
Downtown Siesta Key Village
5114 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key

This year will mark the 33rd anniversary of this festive parade that kicks off the holiday season. In addition to the parade, you can experience the holiday tree lighting, Santa's arrival, live music and more. Free trolley rides between Siesta Key Public Beach to Siesta Key Village will be available between 5:30 and 10 p.m.

5. The Venice Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 25 at 7 p.m.
Intersection of Park Blvd and W Venice Ave, Venice

Looking for an alternative to the Siesta Key Parade? This year the Venice Holiday Parade will continue a 40-year tradition with more than 3,000 enthusiastic and creative participants, including local schools, companies, social organizations and music groups. This favorite local family-friendly parade attracts thousands of spectators, so get to the event early to secure your spot along the parade route.

How do you plan to celebrate Thanksgiving in Bradenton and Sarasota?