This Fourth of July marks the 250th anniversary—or semiquincentennial—of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, PA, in which America's original 13 colonies separated from British rule and outlined the "unalienable rights" that would govern the newly sovereign states, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Anniversary celebrations are taking place throughout the country, both independently and as part of a nationwide America250 initiative. Many are happening right here in Sarasota-Manatee, with options ranging from waterfront fireworks shows to parades, barbecues, apple-pie eating contests, laser light shows and even a $176,000 luxury resort package.  

However you want to celebrate, here's how to do it. 

Where to Watch the Fireworks

FRIDAY, July 3, 2026

Fireworks on the Lake at Nathan Benderson Park

Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, 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. This year’s event will feature live music from Sugar Vibe from 5-8 p.m., a Kids Zone presented by MOTE Marine, food trucks, family-friendly activities, a community mural-painting opportunity, an  "America 250" time capsule and, of course, fireworks show starting at about 9 p.m. There will also be an apple pie-eating contest—because what's more American than apple pie?—and the fastest of 10 contestants to eat a giant apple pie will win a family stay at the Carlisle Inn with complimentary dinner and breakfast for four people.  The Pops Orchestra will perform a 90 minute patriotic concert on a separate stage, beginning at 8 p.m. and running through the 18 minute fireworks show that will be set from the mid-point of the lake. Gates open at 5 p.m. and music starts at 5:30 p.m. General admission is free; parking on Regatta Island is $35; parking in the South Lot is $25 for cars and $55 for RVs; and parking in the special event lot next to Homewood Suites is $25.  A ticketed VIP viewing experience is $105 per adult and $65 per child (ages 6-12). For more information, click here.

SATURDAY, July 4, 2026

Downtown Sarasota

9 p.m., 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota's annual fireworks display over Sarasota Bay takes place on July 4 at 9 p.m. at Bayfront Park. Click here for more info.

Siesta Key Community Fireworks

Dusk, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, Sarasota

The 35th annual Siesta Key Community Fireworks take place between 8:30-9 p.m. on Siesta Beach. Click here for more information.

Venice Fireworks

9 p.m., 2000 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice

Head to South County for the City of Venice's annual Fourth of July fireworks display. The show happens at north Brohard Beach, but there's excellent viewing at other beaches up to a mile away, including the Venice Fishing Pier, Caspersen Beach, Nokomis Beach. Please note: Humprhis Park and the South Jetty are still closed to the public due to damage from the 2024 hurricanes, and even though Brohard Beach is typically dog-friendly, pets should be remain at home on the Fourth. Click here for more info.

City of Palmetto Fourth Fest and Fireworks Over the Manatee River 

Starting at 5 p.m., 801 Riverside Drive, Palmetto

Bradenton Marauders Independence Day Celebration

Gates open at 5 p.m., LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton

The Bradenton Marauders host the Daytona Tortugas, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and the game starting at 6:30 p.m. The first 1,500 fans receive a free Marauders T-shirt, and fireworks will follow the game. Click here for tickets and more info. 

Spirit of 76: America's 250th Celebration

Starting at 7 p.m., Selby Five Points Park, 1 Central Ave., Sarasota

Sarasota County celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a "Spirit of 76" party from 7-10 p.m. at Selby Five Points Park in downtown Sarasota. Expect live music, local vendors, tie-dye, face painting, yard games and an interactive virtual fireworks display. Admission is free. For more info, click here.

July 4, 2026

Longboat Key's Freedom Fest and Hot Diggity Dog Parade

Starting at 9 a.m., Bicentennial Park, 500 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key

Prefer to celebrate the Fourth of July in the morning? Longboat Key's popular parade returns at 9 a.m. on Saturday, followed by festivities at Bicentennial Park that include a butterfly release, face painting, sand art, a dunk tank, entertainment by Chucko the Clown, music, a petting zoo and a "Hot Diggity Dog!" costume competition with prizes for the most patriotic and most creative dog costumes, respectively, and a prize for best owner-dog combination. Admission is free, and kids are welcome to wear costumes, decorate their bikes and wagons and march in the parade. For more information, click here. 

City of Venice Fourth of July Parade

9:30 a.m., downtown Venice beginning at West Venice Avenue

Combining of the city's centennial and America's 250th anniversary, this celebratory parade will march through historic downtown Venice and end near West Blalock Park along Pensacola Road. Viewers can watch from Nassau Street, the westbound lane of West Venice Avenue and West Blalock Park. Parking and admission are free. To learn more, click here. 

AMI Privateers Fourth of July Parade

Starting at 10 a.m., Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach

The Anna Maria Island Privateers host a free parade and water fight starting at Coquina Beach and wrapping up ending at Anna Maria's Bayfront Park with a celebratory picnic. For more information, click here. 

All-American Cookout at Selby Gardens

Starting at 5:30 p.m., Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota

Selby Gardens' annual Fourth of July celebration returns from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the gardens' downtown Sarasota campus, with barbecue and dessert available for purchase, plus kid-friendly activities, a bubble show and games prior to the downtown Sarasota fireworks show. Parking is $20, and general admission is $25 for members, $35 for nonmembers, $15 for members ages 4-12, $10 for nonmembers ages 4-12 and free for kids 3 and younger. (An all-inclusive VIP package is currently sold out.) For more information, click here. 

Star Spangled Spectacular in Lakewood Ranch

Starting at 6 p.m., Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch's second Star-Spangled Spectacular returns from 6-9 p.m., with festivities including a 7 p.m. performance from variety artist Noah Royak, an 8 p.m. show by Circus Arts Conservatory and a 9 p.m. drone show in lieu of fireworks. There will also be carnival games, a variety of vendors, food and more. Admission and parking are free, and a trolley will be available between Waterside Place and parking lots at Grace Community Church throughout the night, from 5:30-10 p.m. For more information, click here.

Red, White and Boom at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Starting at 7 p.m., Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton

Guests can nosh on snacks and sip on drinks from local food trucks and vendors, plus watch a 30-minute laser light show prior to heading outside to view the fireworks from Riverside Plaza. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, and the laser light show is $5. For more information, click here.

Fourth of July at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

Get fancy with the St. Regis' Independence Day offerings. Options include barbecue on the Great Lawn with live entertainment and family-friendly activities; a buzzy Fourth of July party on the rooftop at Oshen, the resort's waterfront restaurant; a prix fixe Fourth of July menu at CW Prime; cocktails inspired by the country's founding fathers at The St. Regis Bar; and fireworks over the Gulf at 9:30 p.m., with private cabanas available for premium viewing. Reservations are required for all events. Tickets for the barbecue on the Great Lawn range from $100-$300; tickets for the Oshen party start at $196.87.

Want to get even fancier? The resort is offering a $177,600 (get it?) "Gilded Gulf" package that includes a five-night stay; a custom "Astor Heirloom" handbag from Sarasota's BSWANKY; Fourth of July-inspired fashion picks from The Met Fashion House; a four-hour spa package including red light therapy, white quartz massage and a blue algae body wrap; a luxury diving excursion; a one-of-a-kind dining experience at CW Prime; an evening swim in the resort's saltwater lagoon with its resident marine life; and a premium view of the fireworks, where you'll see your name written in the sky. To reserve, call (941) 231-1000.