Guide to Bradenton’s De Soto Grand Parade: Parking, weather and more
A Bradenton tradition returns Saturday.
The De Soto Grand Parade is one of the largest and oldest in the Southeast, with more than 100,000 flocking to Bradenton to watch illuminated floats parade down Manatee Avenue, organizers say.
There are over 150 entries for the 2025 edition, which runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Road closures and parade route
The 1.75-mile parade route starts in downtown Bradenton on Manatee Avenue at Ninth Street West. From there, the parade travels westbound along Manatee Avenue, ending at 39th Street West.
Various roads will be closed throughout Saturday for the event.
They are as follows:
- 12th Street West, from Manatee Avenue West to Sixth Avenue West will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Manatee Avenue West from First Street West to 14th Street West will be closed from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Manatee Avenue West from 14th Street West to 44th Street West will be closed from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- 43rd Street West from Manatee Avenue West to Ninth Street West will be closed from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Green Bridge (US-41 Business) southbound lanes from Palmetto to Bradenton will be closed from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Ninth Street West will be closed from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. between Third Avenue West and Manatee Avenue, though the intersection at Ninth Street West and Third Avenue West will remain open.
The Bradenton Police Department said in a news release that the roads are expected to reopen around 11 p.m. Saturday.
Parking
City of Bradenton parking garages are open on the weekend. The free parking areas in downtown Bradenton include:
- The City Centre Parking Facility on Third Avenue West between 10th and 12th Streets
- Judicial Center Parking Garage, 615 12th St. W.
- County Administration Building, 414 10th St. W.
- Post Office parking lot, located on Manatee Avenue between Eighth Street West and Ninth Street West
Parade weather forecast
One thing out of control for event organizers is the weather. The parade was canceled in 2022 and 2023 due to inclement weather, but returned last year without Mother Nature wreaking havoc.
As of Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service’s forecast calls for sunny and breezy Saturday afternoon with temperatures hitting a high of 90 degrees with clear skies and a low of 67 degrees predicted for Saturday night.
Other parade events
In addition to the parade, there is a block party and annual 5K race planned. The block party begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends around 8:30 p.m. Live music, street vendors and a kids zone comprise the block party on Old Main Street.
The 5K race begins at 5 p.m. and is expected to last around 45 minutes. The race runs along the parade route on Manatee Avenue.
For more information on the parade, visit deSotoHQ.com.
