Where to find Fourth of July 2022 fireworks and events around Bradenton, Sarasota

Bradenton and Sarasota will celebrate U.S. independence in 2022 with a Fourth of July weekend jam-packed with festive events.

The family fun includes river, beach and bay-front fireworks shows, concerts, parades and more.

Here’s a guide to Independence Day fun near you.

Fireworks return to Anna Maria Island

Fireworks on Anna Maria Island are back in 2022, and Sandbar Seafood & Spirits promises the biggest display they’ve ever hosted this Saturday. The show will be visible all along Anna Maria’s public beaches and is free to enjoy.

You can also compliment the show with food and drink. The Sandbar restaurant will be open for regular dining from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (there are no reservations, so stop by in person to put your name in early if you want a table). The restaurant’s VIP holiday event “Sparkling Good Time,” is already sold out.

• Details: Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Saturday, July 2. Sandbar Seafood and Spirits, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria.
• Info: sandbardining.com

Bradenton Marauders Independence Celebration

The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders baseball team will celebrate Independence Day on Sunday at LECOM Park.

The team will face off against the Tampa Tarpons. The first 1,500 guests will receive free T-shirts, and the team’s special edition patriotic jerseys will be auctioned off.

The game will be followed by a fireworks show over the stadium.

Sunday’s game is part of a will play a six-game series with the Tarpons, which starts Tuesday.

• Details: Gates at 5:30 p.m.; game begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3. 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. $10-$14.
• Info: 941-747-3031. milb.com/bradenton

Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park

Nathan Benderson Park will get the Independence Day fun started a day early with Fireworks on the Lake on Sunday, July 3. The event includes live music, a kids’ zone, food and drink, a run and other family fun. A fireworks display will top off the evening.

The event is free to attend, but there is a fee to park in nearby lots. WWSB ABC 7 will broadcast a recording of the fireworks show at 9 p.m. July 4.

• Details: Sunday, July 3. Gates open at 5 p.m.; music starts at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks launch after 9 p.m. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Admission is free. Parking is $30 per car on Regatta Island and $20 in the park’s south lot ($50 for recreational vehicles).
• Info: nathanbendersonpark.org

Palmetto Fourth Fest

Palmetto will welcome crowds to Sutton Park on Monday for its 11th annual Fourth Fest.

’90s country hitmaker Neal McCoy will headline. His career spans 15 studio records, including three platinum albums and one gold album.

1980s rock tribute band Lazy Bonez will open the show at 5 p.m.; McCoy is expected to take the stage around 7 p.m.

In addition to live music, local vendors will be set up at the event offering food and drink.

The festival is free to attend. There’s no reserved seating, so bring your lawn chairs or blanket and stake out a spot. This year, outside food and drink will not be allowed.

A fireworks show over the Manatee River sponsored by Palmetto, Bradenton and Manatee County will follow the concert.

• Details: Fourth Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. July 4. Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Free.
• Info: facebook.com/palmettocra

Manatee River fireworks show

Palmetto and Bradenton share the love on the Fourth of July with a fireworks display that is visible on both sides of the Manatee River. So grab a spot on the Bradenton Riverwalk, Riverside Drive, a waterfront restaurant or a friend’s boat deck to enjoy the show.

• Details: Fireworks are set to begin around 9:30 p.m. July 4 over the Manatee River.

‘Red, White & Boom’ at The Bishop

“Red, White & Boom” at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is another way to enjoy this year’s Manatee River fireworks show. The event includes food, kids activities and a guaranteed good view of the pyrotechnics in the museum’s Riverside Plaza. Bring a chair or blanket and get comfy. Boxed barbecue meals provided by Nancy’s Bar-B-Q from Lakewood Ranch will be available for an extra charge.

• Details: Doors open 6 p.m. Monday, July 4. Food served at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Single admission without food: $20. Single admission with food: $40. Kids 4 and under: Free.
• Info: bishopscience.org

Bradenton restaurants host fireworks parties

Oak and Stone in downtown Bradenton is hosting a fireworks viewing party on its rooftop deck with prime views of the Manatee River. A ticket includes a $100 food and drink credit and reserved seats for the fireworks. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

• Details: Check-in at 5 p.m. Oak and Stone, 102 Old Main St., Bradenton. $100 per person.
• Info: oakandstone.com

Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille on the Bradenton Riverwalk will be open for Fourth of July dining with views of the fireworks and live music from rhythm, funk and blues group the Tropix band.

• Details: Opens 11 a.m. Monday; music starts at 6 p.m. 101 Riverfront Blvd. #120, Bradenton. Reservations recommended.
• Info: mattisons.com

Pier 22 will host an Independence Day party with fireworks viewing from the restaurant’s terrace on the Manatee River. A ticket includes valet parking, an all-you-can-eat buffet and a reserved table for the evening.

• Details: Check-in at 6:30 p.m. 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton. Ages 10 and up: $100. Under 10: $39.99.
• Info: pier22.com

Siesta Key fireworks

If you want a front-row seat to fireworks near the beach, Siesta Key’s annual fireworks show may be the one for you. The show launches around dusk from near Siesta Key Public Beach and is free to the public.

• Details: Fireworks set to launch around 8 p.m. on Monday, July 4 at Siesta Key Public Beach.
• Info: my.siestakeychamber.com

Sarasota Bayfront fireworks show

The Sarasota Bayfront fireworks show will light up downtown Sarasota and Sarasota Bay.

The fireworks show is sponsored by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with the Marina Jack restaurant; award-winning fireworks company Pyrotecnico will light the night.

• Details: Fireworks to launch around 9 p.m. Monday, July 4 from near Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota.

All-American Cookout at Selby Botantical Gardens

The All-American Cookout at Selby Botanical Gardens is another fun way to enjoy the Fourth of July. The celebration includes access to the gardens, family-friendly games and activities and cookout favorites available for purchase. Guests get a scenic view of the fireworks display over Sarasota Bay.

An “all-inclusive” upgrade includes valet parking, a buffet and an open bar.

• Details: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Ages 13 and up: $35 (member price is $25). Kids 4-12: $10. Kids 3 and under: Free. All-inclusive tickets are $200 for ages 13 and up and $50 for kids 4-12; kids 3 and under are free.
• Info: selby.org

AMI Privateers parade

The Anna Maria Island Privateers will hold their annual Independence Day parade on Monday, July 4. On top of the patriotic fun, the parade offers a cool down from the summer heat with a “water fight” between floats full of pirates and spectators.

Organizers ask guests to bring “safe water toys” only — water balloons, high-powered water devices and spray nozzles are not allowed. A no-splash zone will be designated near the end of the parade route for spectators who don’t want to get wet.

The parade will depart from the north entrance of Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach at 10 a.m. and make its way north to City Pier Park in Anna Maria, ending around 1 p.m.

• Details: 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Gulf Drive, Anna Maria Island.
• Info: facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandPrivateers

This story was originally published June 27, 2022 at 10:54 AM.