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

Suncoast and Sarasota Events
July 4, 2025

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!

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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

July 3, 2025: Sarasota: Fireworks on the Lake is coming back with a bang! All are invited to a sparkling celebration at Nathan Benderson Park on Thursday, July 3. This year’s NBP Fireworks on the Lake Driven by Lamborghini Sarasota will feature live music, a Kids Zone presented by MOTE Marine, plenty of food trucks at the south end and Regatta Island, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks show around 9 p.m. Those who prefer to watch the show from home can tune in to WWSB ABC 7 on Friday, July 4 for a recorded Independence Day special starting at 9 p.m. General Admission: Free VIP Viewing Experience: $100 per person (Includes complimentary food and beverages, open bar with beer & wine, premium parking, exclusive access to the air-conditioned Finish Tower with indoor and outdoor prime viewing spaces.  Regatta Island Parking: $35. South Lot Parking: $25 cars/$55 RVs. Special Event Lot (next to Homewood Suites): $25. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota FL Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2025: 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 for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in age groups of 5yr. increments Awards: Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Masters, & Veterans.12-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 6:15 a.m. Takes place at North Port High School. 6400 W Price Blvd., North Port, FL.

More Sun Coast Area & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

July 4, 2025: Longboat Key: The Annual Freedom Fest on Longboat Key takes place at Bicentennial Park. The Freedom Fest will feature kids' games, patriotic music, food, the Hot Diggity Dog Contest, a butterfly release, face painting, a small animal petting zoo and an old-fashioned parade which kicks off at 9 a.m. with community organizations, kids who have decorated their bikes, pets, and floats. Kids are welcome to decorate their bikes, wagons, and themselves and march in the parade. Call for additional information. 941-383-2466. Bicentennial Park, next to Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2025: Anna Maria Island: The Anna Maria Island Privateers hold their Annual 4th of July Parade. The southeast's largest biggest Water Fight 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 largest parades you'll ever be a part of. The 2024 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. More info: amiprivateers@yahoo.com or Call 931-639-0986 (kim boyd).  (Please note: Please know ahead this parade involves water. No water balloons please. Water balloons are not allowed because they can cause harm to parade participants and wildlife.) Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2025: Venice: Join the Knights of Columbus for their 4th of July Patriotic Ceremony and BBQ Picnic. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., Ceremony at noon, Picnic starts after the ceremony. BBQ lunch featuring hamburgers, bratwurst, beans, potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, ice cream and more! Beer & Wine available. $15. Register by credit card by July 1 at: epiphanyknights.org or by check at 941-321-0415. Knights of Columbus #7052, 512 Substation Road, Venice, FL .

July 4, 2025: Punta Gorda: The quaint waterside Fisherman's Village is hosting an  Independence Day Celebration. The free festivities kick off at 12 noon! Family friendly activities/vendors will be featured on the Village Promenade from 12 noon-6 pm. Live entertainment to be featured: Cedrick Talton Experience (funk and blues), 12 noon-4 pm in Center Court. From 5-9 pm, musician Mark Gorka performs in Center Court and From the Edge Band takes the main stage on the Dry Beach with their unique blend of country, rock and dance music, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. They salute our nation with a beautiful FIREWORKS DISPLAY beginning at 9 pm! Best viewing is west side of property. Fishermen'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, 2025: Punta Gorda: It's Punta Gorda's Freedom-Fest & Fireworks 2025. This festival is a celebration of the United States with nonstop entertainment for the entire family. This year’s event features Water-Mania, a group of 12 giant waterslides which will be located in Laishley Park. There will be slides of all types and sizes for all ages. In addition to the Water-Mania water slides, there will be a large Kid’s Fun Zone with plenty to keep the young ones excited throughout the day and evening. There will also be plenty of fun festival food, cold beer, and beverages with live music throughout the day. This year’s fireworks display is sure not to disappoint with what organizers are calling the most spectacular fireworks display in the event’s history scheduled to kick off at 9:00pm lighting up the sky over the Peace River. The fireworks will be launched from twin barges located in front of Laishley Park! In all, it is sure to be an enjoyable day to remember for the entire family. For 2025 there will be FREE GENERAL ADMISSION TO THE FESTIVAL. Preferred Seating Area & VIP Tickets are also available Wristbands for unlimited use of the waterslides during the event will be available for purchase for only $10.12 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, 2025: Bradenton:  Check out Bradenton Alive’s Independence Day Celebration which kicks off at 3 p.m. Bradenton Alive is hosting one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in the area, right in the heart of Bradenton at Rossi Park. Enjoy food trucks, merchant vendors, live music, and so much more! This is an event you won't want to miss! 3 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Rossi Park, 444 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL

July 4, 2025: Waterside Place: Get ready to light up your 4th of July at the Star-Spangled Spectacular at Waterside Place! The fun will be non-stop with jaw-dropping circus acts, classic carnival games, a whimsical kids’ zone, mouthwatering local eats , and festive vibes all around. Then, at 9 PM, look to the sky for a dazzling drone show that’ll leave you starry-eyed! There is limited seating available, please feel free to bring a lawn chair. No outside food or drinks permitted. 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240

July 4, 2025: 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. Doors Open at 7pm: Arrive early and grab your perfect spot on the Riverside Plaza with your blankets or chairs. Festive Food Trucks: Savor a variety of delicious treats from the on-site food trucks to fuel your fun. Refreshing Drinks: Quench your thirst with a selection of beers, wines, and soft drinks available for purchase at the bar. General Admission $20. Children (4-10) $15. No rain date, no refunds.  No coolers. No outside foods or beverages. No fireworks or sparklers. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton, FL

Other Sun Coast Area & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

July 4, 2025: Sarasota:  Enjoy an All American Cookout and Independence Day Celebration on the grounds of Selby Gardens. Don’t miss one of Selby Gardens’ most beloved summer traditions! Celebrate Independence Day at their annual Fourth of July All-American Cookout. Enjoy family-friendly activities and games on the Great Lawn, and then take in the spectacular fireworks display over Sarasota Bay! This is a rain or shine event. Various General Admission Ticket Pricing options and packages. 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.

July 4, 2025: Port Charlotte: Although this year is the Freedom Swim's 34th anniversary, it actually will be the 35th time it is taking place. Swimming takes place across the 1.5 mile river from Charlotte Harbor. The 2025 Freedom Swim will start from Live Oak Point. Swimmers are to gather in the water offshore of the public beach and Riverwalk boardwalk at the northwest side of the north end of the northbound U. S. 41 Bridge. Swimmers will paddle, swim, or float to the channel and across the Peace River towards the landing site at Welcome Beach, Gilchrist Park, exiting the water at Welcome Beach , next to the now-empty site formerly occupied by Hurricane Charley’s .The crossing is estimated to take 40 minutes to 3 hours. As always this is intended to be a happening rather than a race. Although there will be numerous vessels escorting the swimmers across the river, each swimmer is responsible for their own safety and their own support team. Swim with a buddy, it’s safer and more fun. Various governmental agencies will be on the water. Vessels will be required to operate at idle speed in the Peace River Channel from the U. S. 41 Bridge to Marker Number 2 while swimmers are in the Channel. Boating safety is not an accident. There will be no Trolley Service; there will be no land access to the starting point. This year’s Freedom Swim will start at 3:00 p.m. on Fri day, July 4, 2025. Discussion with swimmers before the start will occur at 2:50 p.m. Swim will end at Welcome Beach, Gilchrist Park. Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL. More info: 941-661-5622

July 4, 2025: Venice: The Venice area fireworks are fired from the south Venice Jetty in the Venice Beach area. Although Humphris Park at the South Jetty and Jetty Jacks Refreshment Deck will be closed for safety July 4, the fireworks display on Independence Day may be viewed on area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis, as well as from other locations around Venice. Please arrive early to secure your spot. 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. With so many people, especially small children, individuals using fireworks can be extremely dangerous. The fireworks will be set off shortly after 9 p.m. and last about 20-25 minutes. . Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

Other Sun Coast Area & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

July 4, 2025: Siesta Key: The  34th Annual 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 dusk.. More info: (941) 349-3800. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.

July 4, 2025: Palmetto: The City of Palmetto 14th annual 4th Fest is at beautiful Palmetto Riverside Park. Join in for a spectacular celebration beginning at 5 PM with live music plus food trucks vendors, and  more This year, have fun with the whole family with Live Music, Food Trucks, Kids Activities. Kicks off at 5 p.m. then the dazzling fireworks show around 9 p.m. off the Green Bridge Pier. No coolers, tents or outside alcohol. Palmetto Riverside Park, 801 Riverside Drive, Palmetto, FL. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2024: 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, bounce house  and much more!  Seating will be available both inside the stadium or outside on the Event Lawn. Hear inspiring remarks from City officials, followed by a powerful performance of the National Anthem by the 2025 North Port's Got Talent winner. The ceremony will conclude with an awe-inspiring flyover by the Gulf Coast Raptors Formation Flight Team. 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.  6 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, 2025:   Bradenton/Palmetto: Honor America's birthday with fireworks over the Manatee River. Fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9:00 p.m. with the  pyrotechnics show lasting approximately 25 minutes launching from the Green Bridge Fishing Pier. Best of all, you can enjoy the show from both the Palmetto and Bradenton sides of the river. People usually mass along both sides of the Manatee River Riverwalk waterfront in downtown Bradenton and Palmetto. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2024: Englewood: Traditionally the Light up Lemon Bay Fireworks Display launches from Middle Beach (Blind Pass Beach) over Lemon Bay on Manasota Key. However, due to hurricane season last year, there is a new launch location in 2025, the former Buchan's Landing site which is near the end of Dearborn Street. Viewing is free from anywhere along the Lemon Bay Intracoastal Waterway, from the Tom Adams Bridge to Englewood Isles and along Manasota Key. So you can still see the fireworks in the sky from the beach, the water and even better from Dearborn Street. Weather permitting, fireworks shoot off at 9:05 p.m.

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