- November 22, 2024
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Fireworks on the Lake
Take part in this fireworks show with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park. The fireworks will begin over the lake when the sun goes down, around 9 p.m. $20-$50 per carload. A VIP experience is available for $75 per person. Visit FireworksOnTheLake.com.
Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular
The fireworks display will kick off around 9 p.m. with seating around Island Park, the bayfront and downtown. Free. Visit SuncoastSummerfest.org.
Siesta Key Community Fireworks
The Siesta Key Community Fireworks show, now in its 31st year, has families and friends flocking to Siesta Key’s white-sand beaches for an evening of fun. The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce hosts the community event on Siesta Key Beach. Fireworks are 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. Viewing area opens at 6 p.m., and fireworks start at dusk. Visit SiestaKeyChamber.com.
Venice Fireworks
There are few better ideas than traveling down Tamiami Trail to catch the impressive fireworks show launch from the south jetty at Venice Beach around 9 p.m. The free 30-minute show can be checked out at several area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis. The south jetty and Jetty Jack’s Refreshment Deck will be closed to the public. Visit VeniceGov.com.
Palmetto Fourth of July Festival
The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency’s annual Fourth of July festival will again be a lively affair, with craft beer and food vendors at Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Live music and kids activities start at 5 p.m., and fireworks will begin at dusk. Event is free. Visit PalmettoFL.org.
North Port Freedom Festival
The city of North Port’s annual Fourth of July celebration will begin at 5 p.m. at CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Parkway, North Port. There will be local food and merchandise vendors, as well as kids activities and lawn games. The fireworks show will be approximately 9-9:30 p.m. Visit NorthPortFL.gov.
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix
The Powerboat and AquaX Pro Series jet ski and powerboat racing return for the weekend off Lido Beach. A block party Friday night kicks off the weekend. Race viewing is free. For more information, visit P1Offshore.com.
FST Improv: 'Freedom!'
Feeling patriotic but looking for a laugh? Florida Studio Theatre Improv promises "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter" in this one-night only performance that promises to reveal the secret history of the American Revolution. Begins at 7:30 p.m. at FST's Bowne's Lab, 1265 First St. Tickets $15. Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Food Truck Festival
From 2-7 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 3-9 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Drive, Sarasota, celebrate Independence Day at the Suncoast’s largest food truck festival. More than 75 food trucks will be on site, along with a family zone. Admission is $5. Monday night will end in fireworks. Visit MallAtUTC.com.
Bradenton Marauders Independence Day Celebration
Watch the Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders go toe-to-toe with the Threshers in a classic baseball competition. The gates open at 4:30 p.m. with the game starting at 6:30 p.m. at McKechnie Field at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. The first 1,500 fans will receive a specialty T-shirt, and fireworks will follow the game. Tickets are $10-$14. Visit MILB.com/bradenton.
Fireworks 5K on the Lake
The Fireworks 5K on the Lake race begins at 7 p.m. Race day registration and packet pick-up open at 5 p.m. The race will provide a race shirt and a glow-in-the-dark medal for all participants. Stay for a race after-party with food and drinks. Fireworks explode over the lake beginning at 9 p.m. Race registration is $30-$40. For the virtual race option, registration is $35. Visit FireworksOnTheLake.com.
Longboat Key’s Freedom Fest and Hot Diggity Dog Parade
Longboat Key’s annual 15-minute parade along Bay Isles Road begins at 9 a.m. at Bicentennial Park. Attendees of all ages will throw on their most vibrant red, white and blue attire for a day of games, patriotism and celebration. Free. Call 383-2466.
Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade
The Anna Maria Island Privateers will again bring swashbuckling fun to the Fourth of July with its annual public parade. The event is open to all interested parties, including local businesses, families and other salty sea dogs who are looking to live the pirate life. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach. Free. Visit AMIPrivateers.org.
‘American Fanfare’
Choral Artists of Sarasota is joined again by Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble for its annual Fourth of July concert celebration. The concert will be performed at 4:30 p.m. July 4 at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets are $5-$50. Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.
All-American Cookout
If you prefer a more natural venue for your July Fourth merriment, check out the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ All-American Cookout. The event will have all-American food for purchase and a number of activities and games before the fireworks. General admission is free for children 4 and under, $10 for children 5-17, $25 for members and $35 for general public. All-inclusive tickets are also available with valet parking, a buffet, an open bar and prime fireworks seating. Visit Selby.org.
Liberty Litter Cleanup
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 Lido Beach, Siesta Beach, North Jetty Park, Ted Sperling Park and a number of other locations. The cleanup starts at 7 a.m. sharp and usually wraps by 8:30 or 9 a.m. Registration is required and is available until June 28. Walk-up volunteers will not be accepted. Call 861-5000, or visit SCGov.net for the online sign-up form.
Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic
Breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m.; shotgun start 9 a.m. at The Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow, Sarasota
$800 per foursome, which includes breakfast, a tee sign and lunch
For more information and to register, visit SuncoastSummerFest.org.
“Friendliest Catch” Fishing Tournament
By invitation only
Waves & Wheels Kickoff Party
5-9 p.m. at Joyland, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
$100
For more information and to register, visit SuncoastSummerFest.org.
Fun Run
Registration is 10-11 a.m. at Marina Jack. Boats, cars and motorcycles are welcome.
$25; $125 for kickoff party, fun run entry and event shirt; $350 for VIP Captain’s Package
For more information and to register, visit SuncoastSummerFest.org.
