- June 19, 2026
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Runs from 5-10 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Fireworks on the Lake returns with live entertainment, a kids zone, plenty of other family-friendly activities, and food and beverage trucks. From 8-9:30 p.m., The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota play a patriotic concert. The fireworks show begins approximately 9:15 p.m. VIP Viewing Experience tickets from the finish tower are available at $105 per adult and $65 per child for ages 12 and under. The ticket includes complimentary food and beverages, an open bar with beer and wine, and access to the air conditioned finish tower. Parking is $30-$60. Visit FireworksOnTheLake.com.
The city of Palmetto’s Fourth Fest features live music from 5-10 p.m. by Soul Circus Cowboys, as well as food and drinks and a kids zone. The event will be held at Riverside Park, 801 Riverside Drive, Palmetto. Fireworks over the Manatee River, sponsored by the cities of Palmetto and Bradenton, begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. from the Green Bridge Pier. Admission and parking are free. Visit PalmettoFL.org.
Bradenton Alive hosts a free event from 5-9:30 p.m. at Rossi Park, 444 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, and 7-11 p.m. in downtown Bradenton. Enjoy food trucks, a kids zone and merchant vendors. Live music will be by Twinkle in Rossi Park and Luna and the Warriors in downtown Bradenton. All-inclusive VIP tickets are available. Fireworks, sponsored by the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto, over the Manatee River begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. from the Green Bridge Pier. Visit Bradenton-Alive.com.
Lakewood Ranch is pulling out the stops for Independence Day this year with its second Star-Spangled Spectacular. Runs from 6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch. A 7 p.m. performance from variety artist Noah Royak, an 8 p.m. show by Circus Arts Conservatory and a 9 p.m. drone show are the highlights of a special, free holiday event at Waterside Place. The event will include carnival games, vendor booths, food and family-friendly fun that includes a kids zone. All parking is free, and a trolly will run continuously between Waterside Place and lots at Grace Community Church from 5:30-10 p.m. Visit LakewoodRanch.com.
The city of North Port’s annual Fourth of July celebration begins at 6 p.m. at CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port. There will be local food and merchandise vendors, as well as free kids activities including bounce houses and lawn games. Live music will be provided by Dukes of Brinkley. The fireworks show will be at approximately 9 p.m. Visit NorthPortFL.gov.
9 p.m. at Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive. Free. The city of Sarasota continues the Fourth of July tradition of fireworks over Sarasota Bay. Viewing is free along the bayfront. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
The Siesta Key Community Fireworks show draws families and friends to Siesta Key’s white-sand beaches for an evening of fun. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosts the community event from 8-9:30 p.m. on Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key. Fireworks start at dusk. Viewing is free, but the event has sponsorships available that provide free parking, free beverages and snacks, as well as preferred seating at the hospitality area for the best view. Visit SiestaKeyChamber.com.
There are few better ideas than traveling down Tamiami Trail to catch the impressive fireworks show launch from North Brohard Beach around 9 p.m. The free 20- to 25-minute show can be checked out at several area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis. Humphris Park and South Jetty will be closed to the public. Visit VeniceGov.com.
Start your Fourth of July party early with Fiorelli Winery's annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival. Enjoy live music; eats including barbecue, comfort, pressed sandwiches and charcuterie; vendors; face painting from 3:30-7:30 p.m.; and, of course, Florida-grown wine. The festival is 2-10 p.m. at Music In The Vines, Co Road 675, Bradenton. Admission is free; parking is $10. Visit FiorelliWinery.com.
Sarasota Music Archive presents The Sarasota Clarinet Trio performing a patriotic celebration at 4 p.m. at Selby Library's Geldbart Auditorium, 1331 First St., Sarasota. Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.
Start your Fourth of July holiday weekend with a tailgate party at The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. From 4-9 p.m. Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, enjoy more than 40 food vendors, crafters and local businesses, as well as a view of the fireworks at Nathan Benderson Park. The event is in Parking Lot 4, on the east side of the mall. Parking and entry are free. Visit FloridaPenguinProductions.com.
The Bradenton Marauders host the Daytona Tortugas at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton that begins at 6:30 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the first 1,500 fans receive a free Marauders T-shirt. Fireworks follow immediately after the game. Visit MILB.com/bradenton for ticket information.
Celebrate the spirit of community for the country's 250th anniversary. The event, from 7-10 p.m. at Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota, features live music, local vendors, tie-dye, face painting, yard games and an interactive virtual fireworks display. Admission is free. Visit SpiritOf76SRQ.com.
A festive edition of the Sarasota Farmers Market features face painting, a bounce house, a giant slide, live music, splash pools for pups and special red, white and blue treats from vendors. The market is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street and Lemon Avenue. Visit SarasotaFarmersMarket.org.
Celebrate the Fourth of July with the “shortest parade in America,” by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. The parade along Bay Isles Road begins at 9 a.m. at Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road. Enjoy the parade, then head into the park for the annual celebration, featuring a parade, a butterfly release, entertainment by Chucko the Clown, music, a petting zoo and other family-friendly activities. The Rotary Club of Longboat Key is also holding its "Hot Diggity Dog!" competition after the butterfly release at 10 a.m. Prizes are awarded for the most patriotic, most creative dog costume and for the best owner-dog combination. Admission is free. Kids are welcome to decorate their bikes, wagons and themselves and march in the parade. The best float or group will with a $500 prize. Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com.
As part of the 250th celebration, the city of Venice will host a parade, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. from West Venice Avenue and Ave des Parques, travel east through Historic Downtown Venice and end near West Blalock Park along Pensacola Road. View the parade along the westbound lane of West Venice Avenue, both sides of Nassau Street and areas surrounding West Blalock Park. Visit Venice.gov.
The Anna Maria Island Privateers host the biggest event on Anna Maria Island, with a parade and water fight starting at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, and ending at Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, with a picnic celebration. Parade entry is $25 per Jeep. Attendance is free. Visit AMIPrivateers.org.
Elevate your Independence Day Weekend at Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar, 1255 North Palm Ave., Sarasota. Daytime pool parties are noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with $15 admission. The Saturday nighttime party is 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. with $20 admission and VIP available. There will be limited fireworks views Saturday night. Visit PerspectiveRooftopBar.com.
Gator Club throws a block party for the Fourth of July from 5-11:55 p.m. on Lemon Avenue from Main Street to Pineapple Avenue. Enjoy live music, food trucks and good vibes all night. Must be 21 or older. Admission is free. Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
If you prefer a more natural venue for your Fourth of July merriment, check out Selby Gardens' All-American Cookout from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' downtown campus, 1534 Mound St. The event will have barbecue favorites and desserts for purchase and a number of activities and games before the fireworks. General admission is $25 for member adults, $35 for nonmember adults, $15 for members ages 4-12, $10 for nonmembers ages 4-12 and free for children 3 and younger. Parking is $20. All-inclusive tickets are also available with on-site parking, a buffet, an open bar and prime fireworks seating. Visit Selby.org.
Join The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature for a safe and spectacular way to celebrate. Enjoy food trucks and drinks from 7-10 p.m. at 201 10th St. W., Bradenton, as well as a 30 minute laser light show at 7:15, 8 or 8:45 p.m. Watch the Bradenton fireworks show from Riverside Plaza at about 9:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, and the laser light show is $5. Visit BishopScience.org.
Feeling patriotic but looking for a laugh? Florida Studio Theatre Improv explores "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter" in this comedy musical with a promise to share an untold story of the American Revolution. Begins at 7:30 p.m. at FST's Bowne's Lab, 1265 First St. Tickets $15-$18. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
If you’re wanting some civic engagement to follow your Fourth of July festivities, try the Keep Sarasota County Beautiful’s annual cleanup event. Liberty Litter Cleanup has hundreds of volunteers picking up trash and refuse at 16 locations including Longboat's Bayfront Park, Lido Beach, Ted Sperling Park, Siesta Beach and North Jetty Park. The cleanup starts at 7 a.m. sharp and wraps by 9 a.m. Registration is required. Visit SCGov.net.
