Dec. 1 Inaugural Bradenton Blues Fest, produced by Realize Bradenton, takes place at the redeveloped Riverwalk overlooking the Manatee River. Gates open at 10 a.m.; festival starts at 11 a.m. For information, go to bradentonbluesfestival.org.

Dec. 5 Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Holiday Social, 5-7 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Members Clubhouse, 15150 70th Terrace E., Lakewood Ranch. Members only; bring 10 nonperishable items to donate to the Food Bank of Manatee/Meals on Wheels. Register at lwrba.org.

Dec. 11 Small Business Development Center “Steps to Starting a New Business,” 5-7 p.m. at State College of Florida Lakewood Ranch, 7131 Professional Parkway E., Sarasota. $20. Register at sbdctampabay.com/training/manatee-sarasota-training.

Dec. 12 TEDx Sarasota presents “Creativity Matters,” 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. $75. Register at tedxsarasota.com/request-for-invite/.

Dec. 12 The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Power House Live networking event, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sangria Tapas Bar, 1532 Main St., Sarasota. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Register at sarasotachamber.com.

Dec. 13 Manatee Young Professionals Networking Social, 5-7 p.m. at the South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers. RSVP not required. For more information, contact Lindsey Leech at [email protected].

Dec. 13 Downtown Sarasota Alliance Holiday Party, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Libby’s Café + Bar, 1917 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota. For more information, visit dsasarasota.com.

Dec. 19 Venice Area Chamber of Commerce Wake Up Venice networking event, 7:30-9 a.m. at the South County Family YMCA, 701 Center Road, Venice. Free. For more information, visit venicechamber.com.