Fireworks Light Up the Night Skies
on a Sarasota Fourth of July!

Suncoast and Sarasota Events
July 4, 2023

There's nothing like a Sarasota Fourth of July with a variety of ways in which to celebrate. They're all to be found here!



There's everything from parades to food to festivals and, of course, fireworks, usually spread out over a few day period at various locations.

This page not only covers the immediate Sarasota Independence Day events but also the greater Sun Coast area spreading from Palmetto at the north all the way to North Port, Englewood and Punta Gorda at the south end.

And we also cover Fourth of July Events on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Nokomis Beach and Casey Key as well as Venice and everywhere in between if something should pop up.

So surely there's something happening in your neck of the woods for the Fourth of July! And if there is, you can find it here.

Check it all out.

And have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

© Copyright 2007-2023 www.Escape-to-Sarasota.com LLC. All Rights Reserved. This site is protected under U.S. and International Copyright laws. DO NOT COPY FROM THIS SITE.


Protected by Copyscape

We make every effort to publish accurate information however events, dates, times and places are all subject to change without notice due to organizers, weather, misinformation, mistakes and circumstances beyond control.

A Sarasota Fourth of July Weekend

Fireworks over Bradenton, Florida

July 3, 2023:  Sarasota: Nathan Benderson Park’s annual July 3 tradition, NBP Fireworks On The Lake returns in 2023. Enjoy live music from Kettle of Fish, Kids Zone, family fun, a 5K run and walk, and a stunning fireworks display around 9 p.m.. Festive food trucks and drinks available for purchase. Gates open at 5 p.m. General admission is free. Regatta Island Parking $30 per car, South lot parking $20 per car/$50 RV. VIP Viewing Experience $75 per person. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota FL. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 3, 2023: Bradenton:  As All-American as it gets: Baseball and fireworks! Take in the Marauder's Baseball game along with Fireworks after the game at LECOM Field. Game time at 6:30 p.m. against the Clearwater Threshers and a post-game fireworks show. Fans will be treated to the largest post game fireworks show of the season.1st 1,500 fans get a free T-Shirt. LECOM Field 1611 9th Street West, Bradenton, FL. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2023: North Port: It's their July 4th Firecracker 5K Run, 1 Mile Fun Walk,  5K Run and Virtual 5K Run with Awards for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in age groups of 5yr. increments. Awards: Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Masters, & Veterans. 10-under to 80-above. The 1 mile fun walk is around the Track- Not chip timed just for fun. Everyone will receive a finishers award. Registration fee/deadline/day of. Check in for runners begins at 6 a.m. Takes place at North Port High School. 6400 W Price Blvd., North Port, FL.

July 4, 2023: Longboat Key: The Annual Freedom Fest on Longboat Key takes place at Bicentennial Park with a Parade, Food, Games, Sand Art, Face Painting, a Balloon Artist, Stilt Walker and Chucko the Clown! Check out the 9th annual "Hot Diggity Dog" Parade and Contest with Prizes! Prizes to the most patriotic dog, most creative dog costume and best owner/dog combination. Cannon's Marine is offering a $500 cash prize to the most patriotic business entry. (as long as there is a minimum of 10 business entries). Floats may be any motorized vehicle with 4 wheels e.g. golf cart, auto, van, trailer, etc. To enter, please call the chamber at 383-2466. Parade starts promptly at 9 a.m. Advance registration for the dog parade is encouraged. To enter, please call 847-274-8741. Dogs and owners will register at the Rotary LBK Table near Truist Bank, 510 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key by 8:30 a.m. for the 9 a.m. parade. Awards after the parade at the Bicentennial Park Celebration. Parade starts promptly at 9 a.m. There will be fun games for kids of all ages after the parade with loads of prizes for everyone. Kids can also take tours of Longboat Key's biggest fire truck and rescue unit. Kids will get to release dozens of butterflies, supplied by the Longboat Key Garden Club. So, gather the family, kids and pets and enjoy an old-fashioned community celebration. 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Bicentennial Park, next to Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

Heading to the Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay? Find out what traffic is like by calling 511 toll free, visiting FL511.com, or checking the free Florida 511 mobile app. You also can get traffic updates on Twitter by following @FL511_SOUTHWEST.

More Sun Coast Area & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

July 4, 2023: Venice: Check out the annual Myakka River Kayak Festival with kayaking, live music and craft beers. Canoe & kayaks rentals will be available beginning at 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. If you have your own canoe or kayak, feel free to bring it along. Participation certificates will be awarded! Snook Haven will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for lunch, dinner and refreshing beverages. This is a FREE EVENT! There is no cover charge for entrance. Please note that Kayak Festival and live entertainment is weather-permitting. Can't forget the live tunes - Gator Creek will be onstage from 1 to 4 PM in our good ole' Florida paradise! Canoe, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the music, food and drinks! Snook Haven, 5000 E. Venice Ave, Venice, FL Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

Sarasota Fourth of July Fireworks over the bayfront

July 4, 2023: Anna Maria Island: The Anna Maria Island Privateers hold their Annual 4th of July Parade. It will run from Coquina Beach through Holmes Beach and end at the City Pier Park in Anna Maria. The Privateers will lead a Parade of Islanders, friends of the Island, and lovers of this country to celebrate life and freedom on our country's birthday. Enjoy one of the best and longest parades you'll ever be a part of. The 2018 Parade was attended by an estimated 25,000 Parade Watchers along the 7 mile parade route, 95 Parade Entries and over 800 participants. Staging for parade participants will begin at 8 a.m. at the Coquina Beach North Boat Ramp. Parade steps off at 10 a.m. sharp. Coquina Beach, Anna Maria Island, FL. Picnic at Bayfront Park (just north of City Pier) immediately after parade. More info: liaison@amiprivateers.org or Call (941) 896-0797. (Please note: Please know ahead this parade involves water. Many spectators like to use low powered water guns and squirt shots at the parade participants and in return, many of the parade participants do the same. If you don't like the idea of being wet, please stand back from the road or use some kind of a shield. We advertise the use of water balloons is not acceptable  because they have hurt others in the past so if you would like to participate in the water toss, no water balloons please. The Privateers do not charge a parade participation fee however we are accepting donations for the parade, and the donations will be forwarded to the Roser Church Food Pantry.) Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2023: Venice: Join the Knights of Columbus for their 4th of July Patriotic Ceremony and BBQ Picnic. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., Picnic starts at noon. BBQ lunch featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, KofC Beans, coleslaw, corn on the cob, ice cream and more! Beer & Wine available. $15. Register by credit card at at: epiphanyknights.org or by check at 941-321-0415. Knights of Columbus #7052, 512 Substation Road, Venice, FL .

July 4, 2023: Punta Gorda: The quaint waterside Fisherman's Village is hosting an  Independence Day Celebration. The festivities begin with live music featuring musician Dan Meadows 12 noon - 4 p.m. on the dry beach, located on the west side of Fishermen’ s Village. At 5 p.m. and continuing until 9 p.m., From the Edge Band takes the stage with their unique blend of country, rock and dance music! We salute our nation with a beautiful FIREWORKS DISPLAY beginning at 9 p.m.! Admission and parking are free. (Best viewing area – Sunset Beach Club Tiki  Bar on Dry Beach, West Side). Free admission. Fishermen's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL. Monday Night Fireworks at 9 p.m. Fisherman's Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL. (Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall, Resort and Marina is located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. From I-75, take exit 164, turn left and proceed 3 miles to Fishermen’s Village. Call (941) 639-8721 for more information or visit on line at www.fishville.com) Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com



More Sun Coast Area Fourth of July Events

July 4, 2023: Punta Gorda: Canceled for 2023. -  Freedom Fest in Laishley Park CANCLED FOR 2023. PRESS RELEASE FOR 2023: Smugglers Enterprises regrets not being able to host the fireworks this year due to circumstances beyond our control. This community event has entertained thousands from all over Southwest Florida. In addition, Fourth Fest has partnered with various non-profits and youth organizations to provide important funding for support their causes. In our partnership with the City of Punta Gorda, we have been fortunate enough to use the Laishley Park fishing pier to shoot the fireworks show. It was discovered that the fishing pier, where the fireworks are shot from, was damaged and determined to be unusable. Therefore requiring the use of a barge with a minimum size of 40x60. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian’s destruction is still requiring the use of all available barges in our area. We do not anticipate this barge shortage to continue in 2024 and are planning to resume our normal Fourth Fest and Fireworks celebration on July 4, 2024. We are looking forward to hosting a great 2024 Fourth Fest and Fireworks in Laishley Park. 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. Laishley Park, 150 Laishley ct, Punta Gorda, FL. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2023: Sarasota: Celebrate the Fourth of July with The Choral Artists of Sarasota as they present American Fanfare with rousing songs celebrating America including perennial favorites. A patriotic concert full of choral fireworks celebrating America, the American Dream - liberty and justice for all - forms the cornerstone of this annual performance. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble joins Choral Artists in performing. Musical fireworks abound in this annual salute to America! 4:30 p.m. Tickets: $5 - $50. Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL  Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

Sarasota Fourth of July fireworks over Sarasota Bayfront

July 4, 2023: Bradenton: It's Red, White, and BOOM! at The Bishop! Grab a seat or bring your blanket to their Riverside Plaza for a front-row view of the fireworks over the Manatee River. Local food truck, Willy-Yums, will be vending delicious bites while you can cool off with a sweet treat from Kona Ice. Thirsty? There will be a cash/card bar for adult beverages, soda, and water while you sit back and relax for the show. They’ll even have activities to keep your kids entertained! Doors open at 5 p.m. $25 Admission / Children 4 and under FREE. No rain date, no refunds. The total purchase price may be applied to membership or tickets should the event be rained out. No coolers. No outside foods or beverages. No fireworks or sparklers. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL

July 4, 2023: Sarasota: Enjoy an All American Cookout and Independence Day Celebration on the grounds of Selby Gardens. Celebrate the 4th of July at Selby's bay front sanctuary. Savor All-American favorites (available for purchase) from the Michael’s on East Grill, Uncle Dave’s Popcorn, The Purple Belle Ice Cream Truck, and Kona Ice. Enjoy family-friendly activities and games on the Great Lawn, and then take in the spectacular fireworks display over Sarasota Bay..(Note on parking: Due to ongoing construction, remote parking with trolley service will be available at Sarasota Art Museum for general admission attendees.) General admission Ticket Pricing: Members $25 / Non-Members $35 / Children ages 5-17 $10 / Children 4 and Under FREE. Kick up your celebration a notch with All-Inclusive tickets, which include on-site self-parking, a delicious buffet dinner by Michael’s on East, an open bar inside our air-conditioned Event Center, as well as prime viewing of the fireworks show over Sarasota Bay! Ticket Pricing: Members $200 / Children ages 5-17 $50 / Children 4 and Under FREE. No coolers. Blankets and chairs welcome. 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Selby Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL. 941-366-5731. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.

Sarasota dining on the waterfron

Other Sun Coast Area & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

July 4, 2023: Sarasota: Night time brings the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay. Part of the Suncoast Summer Fest, viewing is free from anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park. The display is an awesome sight from a boat anchored on Sarasota Bay. Make sure you bring an umbrella just in case of rain. The Sarasota show starts at dusk or around 9:00 p.m. and is privately funded and charity focused and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.

July 4, 2023: Venice: The Venice area fireworks are fired from the south Venice Jetty in the Venice Beach area and there are a number of good vantage points: anywhere along Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, Nokomis Beach, or from a boat on the Gulf of Mexico or anchored on the Intracoastal waterway, northeast of the Jetty on the water. Fireworks go up after sunset. The South Jetty and Jetty Jacks Refreshment Deck will be closed for safety. Beach spectators are strongly advised to not bring their own fireworks. With so many people, especially small children, individuals using fireworks can be extremely dangerous. Arrive early as thousands line the beaches, jetty and surrounding waterways. The fireworks will be set off shortly after 9 p.m. and last about 30 minutes. Boats should be at anchor by 8:15 p.m. July 4; the Venice Inlet will be closed to boat traffic at 8:30 p.m. until about 45 minutes after the display’s grand finale. In the case of inclement weather, the fireworks show may be delayed. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

Fireworks over Anna Maria Island, Florida

July 4, 2023: Siesta Key: The  Annual Community 4th of July Fireworks Display over the number 1 beach in the nation, Siesta Key, are blasted off just north of the volleyball courts, so viewing is good from anywhere south and along Crescent Beach (south of Siesta Public Beach), out on the Gulf, or from the Intracoastal waterway. Beach spectators are strongly advised to not bring their own fireworks. With so many people, especially small children, individuals using fireworks can be extremely dangerous. Good weather brings estimates of 20,000 to 30,000 to the fireworks on Siesta Key. Fireworks at around 9 p.m. More info: (941) 349-3800. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.

July 4, 2023: Port Charlotte: Although this year is the Freedom Swim's 32nd anniversary, it actually will be the 33rd time it is taking place. Swimming takes place across the 1.5 mile river from from Charlotte Harbor (north side of the river), not Port Charlotte, to Punta Gorda. The starting point is the west side of bridge. Swimmers use various flotation devices from rafts to swim noodles. The swim's starting point returns to its original site, west side of the Barron Collier Bridge's north end, with a 2:30 p.m. starting time. Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL.

Other Sun Coast Area & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

Fireworks over Venice, Florida

July 4, 2023: Palmetto: The Palmetto Fourth of July Festival returns in 2023. Their 12th annual “Fourth Festival” will start with award winning country music singer Darryl Worley followed later in the evening by the feature headliner, rock band Great White. Free admission. Free and paid parking around the area. Put on by the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency. Local vendors will be on site selling food and drinks. Craft vendors and family fun activities. No outside coolers will be permitted. There will be family friendly fun activitiess for all ages, food and craft vendors. No coolers, tents or alchohol. The July 4th celebration begins at 5:00 p.m. in historic Sutton Park. Fireworks over the Manatee River, sponsored by the County, City of Bradenton and the City of Palmetto, will follow the musical event. Bring chairs and blankets to sit on for fireworks an the Green Bridge. Sutton Park, 1036 6th Street West, downtown Palmetto, FL.Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2023: North Port: The City of North Port’s annual Freedom Festival, at CoolToday Park, will be a family-friendly event and will include fun activities, great vendors, plenty of food options, and of course, fireworks at 9 p.m. Available on the front event lawn of the stadium will be a Kids Fun Zone which will include a variety of free activities, vendors, lawn games  and much more!  Seating will be available both inside the stadium or outside on the Event Lawn. If watching the Fireworks Show from the Event Lawn, the public is welcome to bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the show. No personal fireworks, sparklers, animals, or stickers will be permitted. Those who prefer to enjoy the show from home will be able to stream it on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NorthPortParksAndRec  5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. CoolToday Park, 18800 W Villages Parkway, Venice, FL.Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2023:  Bradenton/Palmetto: Honor America's birthday with fireworks over the Manatee River. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk/darkness and can be viewed from the Green Bridge. People usually mass along both sides of the Manatee River Riverwalk waterfront in downtown Bradenton and Palmetto. After dark around 9 p.m. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2023: Englewood: The Light up Lemon Bay Fireworks Display will launch from Middle Beach (Blind Pass Beach) over Lemon Bay on Manasota Key. Viewing is free from anywhere along the Lemon Bay Intracoastal Waterway, from the Tom Adams Bridge to Englewood Isles and along Manasota Key. Weather permitting, fireworks shoot off at 9:05p.m.








Protected by Copyscape

Return to July Sarasota Events

August Sarasota Events

Sarasota Fourth of July to Sarasota Events Calendar Main Page

Escape-to-Sarasota-Florida Home





Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.
SARASOTA WEATHER

Site Sponsors

 

 

Entertainment.com

 

 

 

Discovery Cove

Featured Pages

spring-training-promo-graphic-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking For a Hot Time After Dinner?
Check Out Our
Sarasota Bars and Clubs Guide

 

 

What other Web Visitors are Saying....

"John, your site is excellent! I am coming home from Afghanistan in 2 weeks and discussed with my wife where to go when I get home. We looked from Winter Haven to Tarpon Springs. This site made the choice for us. You have all the information we need in a perfect format. You have set the bar very high." -- David D, Florida

"Just stumbled upon your website and thought I'd send you a shout out. The site is marvelous. My girlfriend and I are paying a visit to Sarasota. It's one thing to hear good things on the Travel Channel; it's another to hear from a real person with real opinions. Thanks for all the info!" -- Brad, Michigan, US

"I just wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoy reading what you have to say about Sarasota and the fun things to do here. I just recently moved to Sarasota and I am still looking for things to do. I find your site to be very helpful. Thank you for all the work you put into this site, for all of us to enjoy." -- Donna P, Sarasota, FL

"Wow! What a great way to represent our community! I love your site! I can look on here and see what's happening! And we know, there is ALWAYS something happening in Sarasota!" -- Heather P, Sarasota, FL

"Very glad I found your website.....this is a great website...will use it often & let friends know about it."  -- Jayne S, Bradenton, FL

"As a visitor to Siesta Key from the UK, I would just like to say what an excellent source of information your website is. Thanks & please keep it up" -- Chris M, United Kingdom

"Thank you for a great website. Keep up the great work!" -- Carole W, Newburgh, NY

"Cool site" -- Pat W, Massachusetts