Bradenton area to celebrate Fourth of July with fireworks, festivals despite rain
The Bradenton area will mark the Fourth of July holiday with several festive events in 2025.
Free and family-friendly celebrations on Friday, July 4, include fireworks shows, concerts and more.
And for the second year, Bradenton and Palmetto will host Fourth of July festivities on both sides of the Manatee River.
Those planning to attend local events should keep an eye on the forecast, which shows wet weather and thunderstorms are likely Friday. But organizers of the Palmetto and Bradenton events say most festivals and fireworks are still planned to go on.
“We’re keeping a close eye on the weather, and we’ll keep you posted if any changes occur,” the City of Bradenton said in a social media post. “Until then, plan for scattered storms throughout the day and come prepared with an umbrella or rain jacket.”
“We are proceeding confidently with Fourth Fest as scheduled today,” Palmetto Mayor Dan West said in an email. “Public safety is our top priority: If weather conditions pose any risk to spectators, scheduling adjustments may be necessary and we will provide updates in real time on our social media channels.”
Here’s a guide to fun Independence Day events near you.
Bradenton Marauders Independence Celebration
The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders baseball team will celebrate Independence Day on Thursday, July 3, at LECOM Park.
The team will face off against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in special edition patriotic jerseys. The first 1,500 guests will receive free T-shirts, and a fireworks show over the stadium will follow the game.
- Details: Gates at 5:30 p.m.; game begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3. 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. $19 to $30.
- 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 Thursday, July 3. The event includes live music, a kids’ zone, food and drink 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 8 p.m. July 4.
- Details: Thursday, July 3. Gates open at 5 p.m.; fireworks launch around 9 p.m. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Admission is free. Parking is $40 per car on Regatta Island, $30 in the park’s south lot ($55 for recreational vehicles) and $30 in a special event lot next to Homewood Suites.
- Info: NathanBendersonPark.org
Weather cancels AMI Privateers parade
The Anna Maria Island Privateers have canceled their Fourth of July parade on Anna Maria Island due to severe weather expected on Friday.
“After frequent conversations with local law enforcement officials today and their conversations with the National Weather Service, the risks are too high with the threat of severe thunderstorms and flooding during parade time frames,” the group said in a social media post.
Palmetto Fourth Fest
Palmetto’s 14th annual Fourth Fest will take place at Riverside Park.
The festival includes live music, food trucks and vendors, a beer garden and a kid’s zone.
Performing this year are DJ James Thomas, Music Royale (soul, funk and hits) and The Eric Von Band (country).
A fireworks show over the Manatee River will finish the night. This year’s display will be timed to music.
Know before you go:
The festival is free to attend.
Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and stake out a spot.
No coolers, tents or outside alcohol are allowed.
Free parking is available in city lots and along the street in downtown Palmetto as well as at First Baptist Church, 1020 Fourth St. W., Palmetto and First United Methodist Church 330 11th Ave. W., Palmetto.
Two free trolleys will run throughout downtown Palmetto from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with pick up and drop off at Riverside Drive and 10th Avenue West.
- Details: 5 p.m. Friday, July 4. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Riverside Park, 801 Riverside Drive, Palmetto. Free.
- Info: Facebook.com/PalmettoFourthFest
Bradenton Alive Independence Day Celebration
Bradenton will also join the party with a downtown party on the Fourth of July.
Bradenton Alive’s Independence Day Celebration will bring live music, food vendors, merchants and family fun to the Bradenton Riverwalk. There will be a kids play zone with face painters, bounce houses and games, and the splash park and playground will be open late.
Live music performances by Phoenix 5 (soul, funk and reggae) and 22N (rock and pop). This year’s event will offer open lawn seating as well as a VIP shaded area with a private bar and food selections ($82).
The Manatee River fireworks show will wrap up the festivities.
Know before you go:
The festival is free to attend.
Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and stake out a spot.
No coolers, tents or outside alcohol are allowed.
Free parking is available in downtown parking garages and Riverwalk lots, and free street parking is available near Rossi Park.
- Details: 5 p.m. Friday, July 4. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Rossi Park, 444 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Free.
- Info: Facebook.com/BradentonsAlive
Manatee River fireworks show
Palmetto, Bradenton and Manatee County will host this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display over the Manatee River. Grab a spot on the Bradenton Riverwalk, Riverside Drive, a waterfront restaurant or a boat deck to enjoy the show.
Fireworks timed to music will light the night around 9 p.m. with a pyrotechnics show lasting approximately 30 minutes.
- Details: Fireworks are set to begin around 9 p.m. July 4 over the Manatee River, launching from the Green Bridge Fishing Pier.
This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 1:15 PM.