BAM!Fest: A Day of Art, Music, and Fun
By NICOLE MISKOVIC
Bradenton is nestled into a special corner of the bay area that not only appreciates the arts but also celebrates and supports them – from the colorful streets of the Village of the Arts to local artisans and creators at the Bradenton Public Market. Now, Realize Bradenton is set to add an exciting new tradition to our city calendar – BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival).
On April 5 from 11am to 7pm, the Bradenton Riverwalk will transform into a vibrant showcase of music, art, and creativity, bringing together pop-up performances, large-scale live art installations, interactive art experiences, musicians across multiple genres, and a marketplace of local artisans and culinary delights.
At the Intersection of Community and Creativity
For Karen Corbin, Executive Director of Realize Bradenton, BAM!Fest was born from the very heart of its mission to bring people together with an event that would cultivate shared experiences and celebrate local culture, talent, and the vibrant spaces within the community.
“There are still so many who haven’t experienced all the Riverwalk has to offer. We wanted to create an event that would draw people to it and highlight everything that makes Bradenton special,” said Corbin. “Another goal is to build up and support our artists, our creators, our musicians – all of whom also function as entrepreneurs and small businesses – so that they can continue to grow and flourish.”
One of the hallmarks of BAM!Fest is its strong community partnerships. With support from the City of Bradenton and the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the festival is a collaborative effort that brings together cultural organizations, small businesses, and local artists. From the Girl Scouts, who will have a snack stand near the Mosaic Amphitheater, to Bat City Comics, which will present interactive exhibits on the history of comic book creation, BAM!Fest showcases the power of community in celebrating the arts.
Bringing the Arts to Life
BAM!Fest is a perfect example of how Bradenton embraces its creatives and introduces new audiences to local creativity. One of the most exciting elements of the event will be the live creation of large-scale artwork by local painters and sculptors. Among the featured artists is Mary Fragapane, a local painter from the Village of the Arts whose work embodies the vibrant and diverse creative spirit of Bradenton.
“Festivals like this encourage people who may not normally engage with art to see it in a new way,” said Fragapane. “Maybe they don’t realize how much art is being created right in their own community, but when they see it happening in front of them – when they can watch it, hear it, interact with it – it can change their perspective.”
Photos by Jeremy Piper
By bringing together artists, musicians, and performers in an immersive, interactive setting, the festival will highlight the city’s creative pulse in a way that is both accessible and engaging. From live painting to diverse musical performances, BAM!Fest is an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience firsthand the talent and passion that make Bradenton a true center for the arts.
Big, Bold, BAM
BAM!Fest is a day of creativity for all ages. Attendees can start their stroll of the Riverwalk at the Great Big Art Lawn, which will be filled with live demonstrations and interactive art. There, you can try your hand at painting, sculpting, and other activities, making it fun for people of all ages.
The stroll continues at the Banner Tower, where four artists will paint live on large canvases while others work on smaller pieces, and attendees can contribute to a community mural. The Mosaic Amphitheater will host smaller performances like music, juggling, and dancing, offering family-friendly entertainment. At Rossi Park, large art pieces will hang from the trees, creating a vibrant backdrop as four bands perform. And the final stop is the volleyball courts, which will be transformed into Sand Castle Beach and feature a professional sand sculptor, a tiki bar, and island music.
BAM!Fest was designed to immerse attendees in our rich arts scene, the Realize Bradenton team behind it hopes to encourage them to continue their cultural experiences beyond the festival. “This is your opportunity to take a walk along, explore our beautiful riverfront, and discover what speaks to you. Whether it’s music, visual art, or performance, you’ll find something that inspires you,” said Corbin. “We want people to walk away from the event knowing where they can go next − whether that’s a gallery, a concert, or a future community event.”
With its blend of music, art, and community, BAM!Fest is set to become a signature event for Bradenton. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 5, so you don’t miss out.
Get Involved
An event of this scale requires the support of dedicated volunteers, and Realize Bradenton welcomes community members to join in making BAM!Fest a success. Get involved by visiting www.RealizeBradenton.com and filling out a volunteer form.