Fourth of July Calendar 2018

From fireworks to boat races, check out these area events to help you celebrate Independence Day right.

By Observer Staff
| 5:00 a.m. June 26, 2018

Sarasota
Neighbors

Looking for fireworks?

TUESDAY, JULY 3

Nathan Benderson Park Fireworks Show

Come to Nathan Benderson Park for its second annual fireworks show over the water of the park. This family friendly event will feature a variety of musical groups, an opportunity for families to picnic in the grass and a display of fireworks. The musical lineup includes The Greg Billings Band, a group with an expanded repertoire that include many soul and rhythm and blues classics. Albert Castiglia, an American blues singer, songwriter and guitarist, also performs. Gates open at 4 p.m. at 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle. Admission is free. Call 487-1917.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

Palmetto Fourth of July Festival

Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency’s sixth annual Fourth of July Festival will feature music from country music star Charlie Daniels. Family friendly activities start at 3 p.m. at Sutton Park. Munch on snacks, peruse local crafts from vendors, sip a brew in the beer garden and entertain the little ones with a trip to the kids zone. After Daniels’ performance, there will be a firework show that starts at 9 p.m. Free. Call 723-4988.

Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

This annual fireworks display is part of the 2018 Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix. The official festival viewing is at Island Park. However, the show can be seen in all its patriotic glory from anywhere along Sarasota Bay. There will be plenty of available seating throughout Island Park along the bayfront. Show starts at 9 p.m. Free. Call 487-7904.

28th Annual Siesta Key Community Fireworks

Gather your family and friends and head to the white sand beaches of Siesta Key. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce invites you to join it for the 28th annual community Fourth of July fireworks on Siesta Key Beach. Fireworks are free. Sponsorship prices vary by level but include preferred viewing area, parking, free beverages and snacks. Viewing area opens at 6 p.m. and fireworks start at dusk. Call 349-3800.

Venice Fireworks

Head down Tamiami Trail to enjoy an eye-catching fireworks display fired from the south jetty at Venice Beach after sunset. The show may be viewed on area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis, as well as from other locations around Venice. Free.

Sarasota Power Boat Grand Prix

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27

‘The Friendliest Catch’
Fishing Tournament

9 a.m. at Sarasota Outboard Club,
1604 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island.
Invitation only.

THURSDAY, JUNE 28

Sarasota Powerboat Grand
Prix Festival Kickoff Party

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Grand Foyer, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Tickets $150, call 487-7904.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29

‘Meet & Greet Who’s in the
Driver’s Seat’ Autograph
Signing Event

2-3:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency,
1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota

Tickets $5; free for ages 18 and younger, call 487-7904.

‘Boats By The Bay’ Party in The Pits

6-11 p.m. in the Van Wezel Parking Lot
777 N. Tamiami Trail

Free, call 487-7904.

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

Finz Finds ‘Coastal Cruise’
Motorcycle Charity Ride

9:30-11 a.m. at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, 330 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota

Tickets $10 per rider, $5 per passenger. Call 487-7904.

Superstock and Aquax
Qualifying Races

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lido Beach,
400 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota

Free. Call 487-7904.

For information, visit sarasotapowerboat
grandprix.org

TUESDAY, JULY 3

Bradenton Marauders Independence Day Celebration

Batter up. Launch the holiday weekend by watching the Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders take on the Palm Beach Cardinals in Class A minor league baseball. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and the game begins at 6:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. The event features a patriotic-themed baseball jersey auction and a free shirt giveaway to the first 1,500 fans to enter the stadium. A fireworks show will follow the game. Tickets start at $6. Call 747-3031.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

Longboat Key Annual Freedom Fest and Hot Diggity Dog Parade

This classic Longboat Key patriotic event begins at 9 a.m. The quarter-mile parade begins at the Longboat Key Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, and ends at Bicentennial Park next door. Put together your proudest red, white and blue ensemble and deck out your bike, wagon and even your furry family members to show your patriotism. The fun continues after the parade at Bicentennial Park, where activities, food and refreshments will be available, and the Rotary Club of Longboat Key will announce the winners of its annual Hot Diggity Dog! Parade costume contest. Free. Call 383-2466.

Annual Firecracker 400 Race

Celebrate Independence Day by cruising on the water in your squadron PHRF sailboats and one-design fleets for a pursuit-style race with the slower boats starting first. Registration is at 1 p.m. at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. Must have a valid West Florida Performance Handicap Racing Fleet certificate to race in the PHRF Fleet. Entry is $10 a boat. Come enjoy some nautical fun, and don’t forget to stay to see the fireworks in downtown Sarasota after dark. Call 388-2355.

Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade

Yo Ho Ho! The Anna Maria Island Privateers will once again be hosting their annual Fourth of July parade. This public celebration is open to all, whether it be businesses, groups, families or individuals who would like to participate. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and ends at City Pier, 100 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Free. Email [email protected].

Patriotic Spectacular

Choral Artists of Sarasota, formerly Gloria Musicae, will host its second annual Fourth of July concert to fill its patrons with patriotic spirit. This year’s 90-minute performance will begin at 4:30 p.m. at First Church, Sarasota, 104 S. Pineapple Ave. And this patriotic spectacular will be more than just a collection of patriotic hits. Joseph Holt is pulling out all the stops to create an uplifting holiday music experience inspired by the spirit of the country. Tickets are $15 for students and $35 for adults. Call 387-6046.

Myakka River Kayak Festival and Fourth of July Jam Blast

Grab your paddles and take a kayak ride along the Myakka River this Fourth of July from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Snook Haven, 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice. The family friendly festival features live music, food and drinks, as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Free. Call 485-7221.

All-American Cookout

Celebrate July Fourth surrounded by nature at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave. Starting at 6 p.m., listen to live music from popular soul band, The Hydramatic. Indulge in All-American food favorites, take part in a variety of family and children’s activities and enjoy the bayfront fireworks display from a different vantage point. Tickets are $10 to $100. VIP Selby Experience tickets available. Call 366-5731.