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

Suncoast and Sarasota Events
July 4, 2022

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, 2022: Sarasota: TBA for 2023. Nathan Benderson Park’s annual July 3 tradition, NBP Fireworks On The Lake returns. Enjoy live music, family fun and, of course, a stunning fireworks display. Classic American fare and drinks available for purchase.  Admission is free with paid parking.Enjoy a mix of covers from Motown to country to rock from the region’s top bands. Also returning for this year is the Kids Zone, a fun, safe, controlled environment for children to play games and enjoy activities. Runners and walkers alike will enjoy the annual Fireworks 4-Miler On The Lake. The race course winds around the park’s Cooper Creek Lake. The Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. July 3 at the park and WWSB ABC 7, will televise the fireworks as the finale of its Independence Day special at 9 p.m. Monday, July 4. Admission free with paid parking. Parking: $30 per car on Regatta Island, and in the park’s south lot, tickets are $15 per car and $40 for recreational vehicles (i.e. RVs).  Pre-purchase parking or purchase on-site. Limited availability. Gates open at 5 p.m. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota FL. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 3, 2022: Punta Gorda: TBA for 2023. It's a Freedom Fest 2022 in Laishley Park. 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 water slides 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. Vendors, displays, and unique shopping opportunities await as the park will be filled with booths just waiting for attendees to visit. There will also be plenty of fun festival food, cold beer, and beverages with live music throughout the day. The most spectacular fireworks display in the event’s history is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. lighting up the sky over the Peace River. Gates open for Freedom Fest at 1:00 p.m. on July 3rd. Admission is $5 per person with proceeds helping to offset the expense of the fireworks, which are entirely funded by donations and sponsorships. Wristbands for unlimited use of the waterslides during the event will be available for purchase for only $10. 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 3 - 4, 2022: Punta Gorda: TBA for 2023. The quaint waterside Fisherman's Village is hosting a two day Independence Weekend Celebration, "An American Holiday - Stars, Stripes & Fireworks!  It's a two-day family friendly celebration featuring live music, kids activities, face painting, Mermaid meet & greet, vendors, shopping/dining and a gigantic Fireworks Display on Monday, July 4th at 9 pm! (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 & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

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: 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. 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, 2022: Venice: TBA for 2023. 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 followed by a BBQ lunch featuring hamburgers, bratwurst, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob and an ice ceam sundae bar! Beer & Wine available. $15. Register by July 1 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: 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

More Sun Coast Area Fourth of July Events

July 4, 2022: Sarasota: TBA for 2023. 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, family-friendly games and activities, and a spectacular view of the fireworks show over Sarasota Bay. Special all-inclusive tickets provide on-site valet parking, buffet dinner and open bar, access to the air-conditioned Event Center, and prime fireworks viewing location. NOTE: On-site parking is limited due to construction, but several satellite lots are available within a short walk for general admission guests. General admission (parking in off-site lots only): Selby Gardens members $25 / non-members $35 / children 12 and younger $10 / children 3 and under FREE. All-inclusive (limited capacity; includes on-site parking): $200 / children 12 and younger $50 / children 3 and under FREE. No coolers. Blankets and chairs welcome. Selby Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL. 941-366-5731. 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, 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

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.

Other Sun Coast Area & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

July 4, 2022: Longboat Key: TBA for 2023. 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 annual "Hot Diggity Dog" Parade and Contest with Prizes! Cannon's Marina is offering a $500  cash  prize to the most patriotic business entry in the parade (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. Registration fee is $25  for business floats and there is no charge for non-profit floats. Parade starts promptly at 9 a.m. Check out the Kid Games & Butterfly Release. 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. You can walk or decorate your bikes, your cars, your scooters, your wagons, your 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

July 4, 2022: Venice: TBA for 2023. Check out the annual Myakka River Kayak Festival with kayaking, live music and craft beers. Kayak and canoe rentals will be available from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or bring your own. There is no cover charge for entrance. Kayak Fest will have the band Old Glory playing from 1 p.m - 4 p.m. Restaurant hours will be 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Kayak, Canoe, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the music, food and drinks! The 4th of July Kayak Festival and live entertainment are weather-permitting. With indoor and outdoor dining, Snook Haven features a backwoods smokehouse menu featuring ribs, chicken and pulled pork, in addition to shrimp and fresh and smoked fish. Guests can also enjoy over 30 craft and domestic beers, many of which are from local Sarasota breweries. Snook Haven, 5000 E. Venice Ave, Venice, FL. Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2022: Palmetto: TBA for 2023. The Palmetto Fourth of July Festival returns in 2022. Their annual “Fourth Festival” will feature headliner and award winning country music singer Neal McCoy. DJ James Thomas will start the evening providing pre-recorded music. There will be an opening band and then Neal McCoy will perform starting at approximately 7:00 p.m. until after 9:00 p.m. 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. No outside coolers will be permitted. The July 4th celebration begins at approximately 5:00 p.m. in historic Sutton Park at 1036  6th  Street West in downtown Palmetto, FL. Fireworks over the Manatee River, sponsored by the County, City of Bradenton and the City of Palmetto, will follow the musical event.  Sarasota Fourth of July Events on Escape-to-Sarasota.com

July 4, 2022: Port Charlotte: TBA for 2023. Although this year is the Freedom Swim's 31st anniversary, it actually will be the 32nd 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 9 a.m. starting time. Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL.

Other Sun Coast Area & Sarasota
Fourth of July Events

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, 2022:  TBA for 2023. Bradenton: 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.

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