River Regatta returns to Bradenton this weekend with new boat races and more
High-speed, adrenaline-inducing powerboat racing will return to the Manatee River this weekend for the 11th annual Bradenton Area River Regatta.
On Friday and Saturday, nonstop events will take place in Bradenton and Palmetto during the free, family-friendly event, including musical performances, top-tier speedboat racing and a dazzling drone light show with fireworks, organizers say.
For the first time, the event will welcome Formula One racing, a category featuring supercharged watercraft with top speeds over 120 mph. The Bradenton-Palmetto event will kick off the International Hot Rod Association’s F1 Powerboat Series, a national eight-leg championship.
Two other categories of boats will compete in the River Regatta — Formula Light and Tri-Hull.
Tri-Hull features small, open-cockpit boats that handle rough-water effortlessly and entertain crowds with the “total chaos” of their racing, as the American Power Boat Association describes it.
This is also the first time Tri-Hull racing will appear at the River Regatta.
River Regatta brings music and fun to Bradenton and Palmetto
On Friday, Feb. 20, festivities begin at 5 p.m. and go until 9 p.m. Several musicians will appear at Bradenton’s Rossi Park Pavilion Stage, including performances from Bella Garland, Sweet Fleet, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, and ABBA Nova, an ABBA tribute band.
At 7 p.m. on Friday, the “Friday Night Flash” starts, illuminating the night sky in a “spectacular drone light show culminating in a dazzling fireworks extravaganza,” organizers say.
Saturday’s activities begin at 8:30 a.m. with the LECOM 5k Run/Walk in Bradenton and the DeSoto Little Anglers Fishing Tourney in Palmetto.
Following the morning events, all-day activities will occur on both the Bradenton Riverwalk and the Palmetto side of the Manatee River. The opening ceremony for the powerboat races begins at 11:45, and the Formula One final championship race will kick off at 3:15 p.m.
Family friendly activities planned for both sides of the Manatee River include the Publix Family Fun Zone and world-class dog stunt shows in Bradenton and the United States Army and U.S. National Guard Family Fun Zone in Palmetto.
With aerobatics on the water and musical acts all day long, there will be no shortage of activities during this year’s Bradenton Area River Regatta.
The Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, 600 U.S. 41, will host Saturday night’s closing festivities, including a free racing awards ceremony recognizing Formula One drivers, followed by a performance by the Beach Buoys, a Beach Boys tribute band. Free parking is available on site.
“The City of Bradenton is extremely excited to have Regatta return for another fantastic two-day event, and it is all free,” Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown said.
Bradenton Area River Regatta hours and info
Hours: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.
Location: Bradenton and Palmetto along the Manatee River.
Admission: Free.
More info: BradentonAreaRegatta.com.
This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 5:50 AM.