Kiwanis Family Festival Brings Special Needs Community Celebration and Stars Night to LECOM Park on May 16
The Bradenton Kiwanis and Manatee River Kiwanis Kiwanis Clubs invite families from across Manatee County to attend the Kiwanis Family Festival on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at LECOM Park for an unforgettable evening of community, inclusion, entertainment, and family fun.
This year’s event will serve as both Special Needs Night and Stars Night, celebrating the differently-abled community while bringing together local families, organizations, and businesses for an evening filled with activities and excitement.
The festival will feature more than 25 vendors, offering community resources, giveaways, and interactive experiences for attendees of all ages. Children can enjoy a variety of free family activities, including inflatables, face painting and hands-on building projects sponsored by Lowe’s, where kids will have the opportunity to create their own take-home building kits.
A special highlight of the evening will be a pregame performance by the Celebration Troupe, a talented performance group showcasing the abilities and spirit of the differently-abled community.
Adding to the excitement, festival guests can participate in the Kiwanis Family Festival Dunk Tank Fundraiser, where community leaders and local personalities will take the plunge for a great cause. Proceeds from the dunk tank fundraiser will support Rae’s Cabaret Café at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, which serves as a learning lab and vocational opportunity for the differently-abled community.
The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks show, creating a memorable finale for families and attendees.
Featured dunk tank participants include local community and business leaders:
- Omar Edwards, Manatee School District Associate Director
- Kemp Schuessler, City of Bradenton Ward 3
- Dan West, Mayor of Palmetto
- Tom Waters, Easter Seals of Southwest Florida CEO
- Alexa Oliva, Goodwill Manasota VP of Operations
- Wayne LaMura, Bradenton Kiwanis
“This event is about inclusion, celebration, and creating joyful experiences for every family in our community,” organizers said. “We’re proud to bring together entertainment, community partnerships, and opportunities that spotlight and support individuals of all abilities.”
Tickets for the game can be purchased at https://www.milb.com/bradenton/schedule/2026-05.
Event Details
Event: Kiwanis Family Festival – Special Needs Community Celebration & Stars Night
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: LECOM Park