Fourth of July Weekend Activities

Here are some are Fourth of July Weekend Activities for you and your family.

Saturday, July 3

Nathan Benderson Park Fireworks & Fun

Nathan Benderson Park will again be home to families, fireworks, and fun at its annual fireworks show. The family-focused event will have its own Fireworks 4-Miler race around the park’s lake at 7 p.m., just before sundown. The race will provide a race shirt, a finisher’s medal, and glow gear for all participants. Fireworks explode over the water later in the night. Event admission is free. Race registration is $35 for in-person and $40 for a virtual race; visit RaceRoster.com.

Manatee County 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, and ends at Bayfront Park, 316 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. Free. Visit AMIPrivateers.org.

Sunday, July 4

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. Opening the evening at 5 p.m. is the band His Country. Country singer Wynonna Judd headlines the festival with her band, The Big Noise, beginning at 7 p.m and leading into the fireworks. The event is free.

Longboat Key Annual Freedom Fest and Hot Diggity Dog Parade

Longboat Key’s perennial patriotic party kicks off at 7 a.m. at Bicentennial Park for festivities through noon. The 15-minute parade along Bay Isles Road begins at 9 a.m. Attendees of all ages will throw on their most vibrant red, white and blue attire for a day of games, patriotism, and celebration. Longboat Key Fire Chief Paul Dezzi will serve as one of three Freedom Fest grand marshals in a celebration honoring local heroes. Free.

Manatee County Fireworks

The Manatee County fireworks will be launched over the Manatee River and can be viewed over the Green Bridge, with the show beginning when darkness falls. Please leave your pets at home. Fireworks are very scary to our furry family members.

Have fun at these Fourth of July weekend activities.