Fourth of July Events Around Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish & Sarasota (2026)

If you're looking for something fun to do this Fourth of July weekend, there are plenty of great events happening across Manatee and Sarasota counties. Whether you're looking for fireworks, live music, family activities, or just a great place to spend the evening, here's your local guide.

🇺🇸 Friday, July 3

Fireworks on the Lake

📍 Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota
🕔 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

One of the area's biggest Independence Day celebrations returns with:

• Live entertainment

• Kids zone

• Food trucks

• Patriotic concert by The Pops Orchestra

• Fireworks around 9:15 PM

VIP tickets are available, but general admission is free.

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Bradenton Marauders Independence Day Game

📍 LECOM Park, Bradenton
🕡 First pitch at 6:30 PM

Celebrate America with baseball followed by one of the largest post-game fireworks shows of the season.

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🇺🇸 Saturday, July 4

Bradenton Alive Independence Day Celebration

📍 Rossi Park, Riverwalk & Downtown Bradenton

Riverwalk: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Downtown: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Enjoy:

• Live music

• Food trucks

• Kids activities

• Local vendors

• VIP experience available

🎆 Fireworks over the Manatee River begin around 9:10–9:15 PM and are expected to be one of the largest displays our area has ever seen.

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Palmetto Fourth Fest

📍 Riverside Park, Palmetto
🕔 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Across the river from Bradenton, you'll find:

• Live music

• Kids zone

• Food vendors

• Family activities

The same spectacular Manatee River fireworks can be viewed from Palmetto beginning around 9:15 PM.

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Star-Spangled Spectacular

📍 Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Perfect for families!

Highlights include:

• Carnival games

• Kids zone

• Circus performances

• Food vendors

• Live entertainment

• Drone show at 9:00 PM

If you're looking for an alternative to traditional fireworks, this is one of the best family-friendly events in the area.

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Sarasota Bay Fireworks

📍 Bayfront Park, Sarasota
🕘 Fireworks at 9:00 PM

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy one of Sarasota's longest-running Fourth of July traditions overlooking Sarasota Bay.

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Siesta Key Fireworks

📍 Siesta Beach
🕗 Fireworks at dusk

Spend the day at one of America's best beaches before enjoying the annual community-funded fireworks display.

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Selby Gardens Fourth of July Cookout

📍 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Celebrate with:

• BBQ dinner

• Lawn games

• Family activities

• Prime viewing of the Sarasota Bay fireworks

Tickets are required.

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Tips Before You Go

• Arrive early—many of these events are expected to draw record crowds this year as America celebrates its 250th birthday.

• Parking fills quickly, especially in downtown Bradenton, Palmetto, and Sarasota.

• Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and lawn chairs or blankets.

• Expect traffic after the fireworks, particularly around the Green Bridge, Riverwalk, and Waterside Place.

Wherever you decide to celebrate, have a safe and happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸