Independence Day — not only is it Will Smith's finest film, it's also hands-down the best holiday of the year. When else can you skip work, grill meat and blow things up, all in the name of patriotism? Take note, other holidays; the Fourth of July has it goin' on. The only problem is deciding how to spend the day. Don't worry — we've got you covered. Here are our favorite ways to celebrate:
Thursday, July 3:
- Darwin Brewing Company / Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Pub Crawl: takes place from 1 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at varying bars. Darwin Brewing Company will distribute its beer to area bars for the first time since opening its doors last month. Beers on tap include Summadaze IPA, Pirata Pilsner, Circa 1926, Charapa and Ayawasca. Schedule is as follows: 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Siesta Key Oyster Bar; 3 to 4:30 p.m. — Mr. Beery's; 5 to 6:30 p.m. — Gecko's Hillview; 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Gator Club; 9 to 10:30 p.m. — World of Beer; 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. — Lost Kangaroo. Free.
- Bradenton Marauders Game and Fireworks Show — takes place at 6:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field. Baseball, followed by a live concert and fireworks? It doesn't get much more American than that. Tickets range from $6 to $8.
- 21st Annual Fireworks Extravaganza — takes place at sundown at Beachhouse Restaurant. Catch some pre-Fourth fireworks over the Gulf of Mexico in Bradenton. VIP dinner available. Fireworks show is free.
- Planned Parenthood Sexual Independence Bash — takes place from 8 to 11 p.m. at Growler's Pub. Planned Parenthood encourages you to declare your sexual independence at this holiday-themed party. Stop by and socialize, get educated and pick up some free contraceptives — you never know when you might be seeing fireworks ... so to speak. Free.
- Uncle Sam Slam — takes place at 9:30 p.m. at Beach Club, Siesta Key. Uncle Sam wants YOU at Beach Club to kick off the holiday with a night of dancing and customary Beach Club shenanigans. $5 Patriot Missiles, and live music from DJ Xtreme starting at 10 p.m.
Friday, July 4:
- Music on Main — takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Celebrate the holiday with live music from Smokey's Session, Kettle of Fish, Renegade, Goodbye Eddie, Ocean Road and Distractions. Free.
- Tropical Fourth of July — takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Selby Gardens. Enjoy food and drink in the gardens before watching the bayfront fireworks show from your blanket or lawn chair. $17 for members. $20 for nonmembers. Free for children ages 11 and younger.
- Bayfront Fireworks Display — takes place at 9 p.m. at the Sarasota Bayfront. Viewing is free anywhere downtown, including Bayfront and Island parks. This display, launched from an anchored boat in the bay, is a part of the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix.
- Siesta Key Fireworks Display — takes place at 9 p.m. on Siesta Key Beach. VIP party starts at 5:30 p.m. VIP packages are $150 and include onsite parking, a picnic dinner for two, beer, wine and soft drinks and live music. Fireworks display is free.
