Where to Watch Fireworks This Fourth of July
After barbecues, boat parades and plenty of red, white and blue, there's no better way to end a Fourth of July celebration than watching fireworks. Here's where to catch the most spectacular displays. Get those lawn chairs ready.
Where to Watch the Fireworks
July 3, 2025
Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park
Starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
The Sarasota park will be hosting its annual fireworks display and family-friendly event the night before the Fourth of July. Gates open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 5:30 p.m., with fireworks just after 9 p.m. Parking is $35 per car on Regatta Island and $25 per car in the South Lot, with a VIP experience available for $120 per adult and $75 per child. There will also be live music, games, food and drink available for purchase and more. Click here for info.
July 4, 2025
Bayfront Park
9 p.m., Friday, July 4, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota
Celebrate the Fourth of July along the downtown Sarasota bayfront. The best viewing is at Marina Jack or along the waterfront at the park, so arrive early for prime spots.
Siesta Key Community Fireworks
Dusk, Friday, July 4, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, Sarasota
The 34th annual Siesta Key Community Fireworks take place at dusk on Siesta Beach.
South Jetty at Venice Beach
9 p.m. Thursday, July 4, 2000 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice
The City of Venice's annual Fourth of July fireworks display will be shot from north Brohard Beach. A test shot is fired between 8:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., and the main display begins between 9 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. The whole show will last about 25 minutes.
Manatee River
Starting at 9:30 p.m., Friday, July 4, various viewing spots along the river
Fireworks explode over the Manatee River starting at 9:30 p.m., and attendees can watch the show from both the Palmetto and Bradenton sides of the river.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Fourth of July Events
July 3, 2025
Fireworks Watch Party at Popstroke
195 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, popstroke.com
Catch Nathan Benderson Park's July 3 fireworks show from the rooftop of PopStroke. The event includes an all-day golf pass, select food, one drink or scoop of ice cream, a celebratory glass of prosecco or sparkling cider, and a great view of the fireworks display. Tickets are $55.20 for adults age 13 and up and $28.52 for kids age 3-12.
July 4, 2025
Star-Spangled Celebration at Selby Gardens
1534 Mound St., Sarasota, (941) 366-5731, selby.org
Celebrate Independence Day at Selby Gardens' Fourth of July All-American Cookout on Friday, July 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the gardens' downtown Sarasota campus. Attendees can enjoy food from the Michael’s on East Grill, Twisted Sugar Confectionary and Kona Ice, plus family-friendly activities and games, performances and prime viewing of the downtown Sarasota fireworks. Tickets are $25 for Selby Gardens members, $35 for non-members, $10 for children ages 5-17, and free for children age four and under.
Fourth of July Fireworks and Independence Day Buffet at Pier 22
Starting at 6:30 p.m., 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, (941) 748-8087, pier22.com
Watch fireworks explode over the Manatee River after a dinner buffet at Pier 22 in downtown Bradenton. Table reservations are held for the entire night, and tickets are required for access to the pier. Check-in is at 6:30 p.m.; the buffet is open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and includes all-you-can-eat salad, seafood, barbecue, side dishes, desserts and soft drinks (alcoholic drinks must be purchased separately).
Freedom Fest on Longboat Key
500 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, (941) 316-1999, longboatkeychamber.com
The 22nd annual Fourth of July celebration runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Bicentennial Park on Longboat Key. Festivities include the "Hot Diggity Dog" parade, face painting, sand art, a butterfly release, dunk tank and petting zoo. Cannons Marina will award a $500 prize to the most patriotic float or group in attendance.
AMI Privateers Fourth of July Parade and Picnic Celebration
103 N. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria Island
The Anna Maria Island Privateers Fourth of July Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Coquina Beach and includes floats and water guns, culminating in a picnic at City Pier Park with food and entertainment. The picnic starts at noon and is scheduled to run until 1:30 p.m.; the Privateers are a group of local "pirates" who provide support to local youth programs on Anna Maria Island and throughout Manatee County.
Star-Spangled Spectacular at Waterside Place
1560 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota, lakewoodranch.com
Head to Lakewood Ranch's Waterside Place neighborhood for performances by the Circus Arts Conservatory, classic carnival games, a kids' zone, local food and a drone show. Complimentary trolleys will run from Grace Community Church and and the Out-of-Door Academy to Waterside Place between 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
