Roads to close for Bradenton Area River Regatta. What to know

The Bradenton Area River Regatta is this weekend, and several roads will be closed to accommodate the event.

The activities will begin on Friday, Feb. 20, with musical performances and a drone light show in Bradenton’s Rossi Park Pavilion Stage. No road closures will take place on Friday; however, the Rossi Park parking lot will close to the public at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, for race preparation.

Only those with V.I.P. parking passes will be able to park in the Rossi Park lot after 4 a.m. on Saturday.

There will also be no parking in the circle between the River Dance condominiums and Riversong apartments on Saturday, according to the Bradenton Police Department.

In Palmetto, Riverside Park West and the Palmetto boat ramp will be closed on Friday and Saturday, according to the city.

Bradenton roads to close Saturday for regatta

Saturday, multiple roads will close around 4 a.m.

While the DeSoto bridge will remain open throughout the events, the Green Bridge will close to vehicles on Saturday and will remain closed until the events conclude and cleanup is complete.

Pedestrians can use the Green Bridge to view the races, and a free trolley service is available to travel across the Manatee River from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ninth Street West will close between Manatee Avenue and the Green Bridge for the entirety of the event.

12th Street West (Old Main Street) will be closed from Manatee Avenue to First Avenue West/Barcarrota Boulevard.

10th Street West will be closed from the City Centre Parking Garage to the Bradenton Riverwalk, although the garage will remain accessible.

Third Avenue West will be open to eastbound traffic only between Ninth Street West and First Street/U.S.-41.

Bradenton parking + Ferry service closure

Parking garages and lots operated by the City of Bradenton, with the exception of the parking lot located between the City Centre garage and City Hall, will remain open and free to the public. Manatee County parking garages will also be open, with free parking available after 5 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday.

The Gulf Islands Ferry service will be unavailable on Friday and Saturday.

Being aware of these road closures will help enhance the Bradenton Area River Regatta, allowing visitors to experience more water racing and fun activities with less time waiting in traffic.

This story was originally published February 20, 2026 at 5:50 AM.