Have a Blast at These Five 4th of July Events in Bradenton and Sarasota

From fireworks to barbecues, the 4th of July is an occasion to venture outside and celebrate! There are many great Independence Day events in the Bradenton and Sarasota area, but here's a look at some of the most exciting ones you may wish to attend.

1. All American Barbecue and Independence Day Celebration
Selby Gardens
900 South Palm Avenue
Sarasota

Join other visitors at Selby Botanical Gardens for a celebration that includes delicious barbecue, custom cocktails, and live music by the Lauren Mitchell Band. The event commences at 6 p.m. and should wrap up around 10 p.m. following the fireworks show over Sarasota Bay. Tickets are $25 for members of the botanical gardens and $35 for non-members.

2. Freedom Fest Parade
Longboat Key Town Hall
501 Bay Isles Road
Longboat Key

Start your celebration early with the Annual Freedom Fest Parade in the nearby town of Longboat Key. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and you're welcome to dress up in red, white and blue and join the parade with your bike or wagon if you wish. Following the parade, there will be food, drinks, and games for the kids in Bicentennial Park, located next to the town hall.

3. Sarasota Sailing Squadron's Liberty Day Regatta
1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy
City Island

Adults and children of all ages will enjoy watching the boats float down the river during this annual regatta. The event lasts from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. dinner that includes roasted pork, baked potatoes, and watermelon. Dinner wristbands are only $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages 12 and under, and there will be live music from local bands for your enjoyment.

4. Fireworks Display Over Manatee River
Bradenton Riverwalk
Bradenton

In one of the best fireworks displays in the area, fireworks are lit off the Green Bridge pier and can be enjoyed along the Bradenton Riverwalk. The event officially begins at 9 p.m., but you'll want to arrive early to secure a good spot. Bring a blanket or chair to sit in, along with your camera to capture some of the red, white, and blue explosions over the water.

5. Firecracker 5K Run
Morgan Family Community Center
6207 West Price Boulevard
North Port, FL

Start your day with a 5K race, and you won't have to feel guilty about enjoying those hamburgers and desserts later on! This annual race starts promptly at 7:30 a.m. on July 4th, with registration available the morning of the race. The 3.1-mile course is fast, flat, and well-marked with water stops along the way.

With all of these patriotic events in the Sarasota and Bradenton area, your 4th of July should be nothing short of awesome. If you've attended any of these events in the past, comment below to let us know what you thought!