20 things to do in Bradenton on July Fourth weekend: Grand Prix, food truck fest, more
Independence Day weekend is here, and there’s plenty of local fun at hand for the Fourth of July holiday.
Still need plans? We’ve got you covered.
Here’s a hand-picked guide to good times around Bradenton and Sarasota this weekend, July 1-4, 2022.
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix
The 37th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival will make waves off of Lido Beach this weekend as powerboat and Jet Ski competitors race through challenging technical courses in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Grand Prix weekend will open with a block party from 6-10 p.m. Friday at Gulfstream Avenue and Main Street in downtown Sarasota. Racing happens Saturday and Sunday at Lido Beach.
Racing schedule:
Saturday:
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday: AquaX (Jet Ski) racing
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: P1 (powerboat) offshore practice
3:45-5:15 p.m.: AquaX racing
Sunday:
8:45-10 a.m.: AquaX racing
9 a.m.-5 p.m.: P1 Fan Village and VIP Hospitality area open on Lido Beach
10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.: P1 offshore racing
Noon-1 p.m.: UIM Class 1 (powerboat) racing
The Grand Prix is now organized by Powerboat P1 and is separate from Suncoast Summer Fest, the annual Suncoast Charities for Children fundraiser.
Closures:
Several road closures will be in effect during the Grand Prix event this weekend.
▪ Van Wezel Way from East End to 10th Street and the Van Wezel Perfoming Arts Center parking lots will be closed from 11:59 p.m. Thursday to 10 p.m. Sunday.
▪ Cocoanut Avenue to McAnsh Square will be closed from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday.
▪ Centennial Park and its boat ramps will be closed from 11:59 p.m. Thursday to 10 p.m. Sunday, and New Pass will be closed to watercraft west of the New Pass bridge.
Details: Friday-Sunday. General viewing is free; VIP viewing area tickets available.
Info: p1offshore.com/Sarasota
Village of the Arts Art Walk
The creatives of the Village of the Arts in Bradenton will open their businesses this weekend for a display of crafts, goods, healing arts, food, live music and more.
Whether you fancy folk art or fine art, creative cuisine, antiques, furniture, records, quilting or a psychic reading, Village of the Arts has something to offer most any taste.
Details: 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Village of the Arts, downtown Bradenton
Info: villageofthearts.com
Food truck Festival
More than 50 food trucks and vendors will meet up and dish out a variety of cuisine this Saturday at “Suncoast’s Largest Food Truck Festival” in Sarasota.
The mega food affair will be held in the east lot of The Mall at University Town Center. It will also include a family fun zone with games, face painting and bounce houses. Parking and entry are free.
Sunday night’s fireworks at Nathan Benderson Park will be visible from the festival grounds.
Details: 2-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota.
Info: mallatutc.com
Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch
Music on Main brings family-friendly fun to the heart of Lakewood Ranch on the first Friday of every month.
Scarlet Drive, a band covering hits from the ’70s to now, will perform Friday.
Food vendors, beer trucks, booths and kids activities will line the street.
This month’s event will benefit Manatee Police Athletic League.
Guests are welcome to bring chairs and dogs on short leashes.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Friday. 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
Info: lakewoodranch.com
Summer Circus Spectacular
The Summer Circus Spectacular is a nine-week circus arts revue that brings together performers from around the world for a thrilling show at the Historic Asolo Theatre in Sarasota.
This year’s showcase includes aerial arts, balancing acts, comedy and contortion.
The circus is a production of Sarasota non-profit The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling.
Details: Performances run through August 13. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday. Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Adults: $18. Children 12 and under: $12.
Info: 941-360-7399. circusarts.org/performances/summer-circus-spectacular
Virtual wildlife summer camp
A free virtual summer camp program will give kids around Florida a chance to connect with wildlife and learn about conservation.
Catered to kids ages 6 to 9, the Wild About Wildlife Virtual Summer Camp program is a collaboration between wildlife facilities around the state, including Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota.
“The weekly virtual summer camp sessions will feature half-day morning schedules filled with animal observations, experiments, games, crafts and educational lessons hosted by educators from each organization,” a program description says. “Camp sessions will feature a mix of live, prerecorded and do-at-your-own-pace content.”
Th camp is broken into four week-long sessions; registration for each session is separate.
Details: June 27-July 29. Free for families and individuals; donations accepted.
Fourth of July fireworks, events
Fireworks on Anna Maria Island are back in 2022, and Sandbar Seafood & Spirits promises the biggest display they’ve ever hosted this Saturday. The show will be visible all along Anna Maria’s public beaches and is free to enjoy.
You can also to compliment the show with food and drink. The Sandbar restaurant will be open for regular dining from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (there are no reservations, so stop by in person to put your name in early if you want a table). The restaurant’s VIP holiday event “Sparkling Good Time,” is already sold out.
Details: Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Saturday, July 2. Sandbar Seafood and Spirits, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria.
Info: sandbardining.com
The Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders baseball team will celebrate Independence Day on Sunday at LECOM Park.
The team will face off against the Tampa Tarpons. The first 1,500 guests will receive free T-shirts, and the team’s special edition patriotic jerseys will be auctioned off.
The game will be followed by a fireworks show over the stadium.
Sunday’s game is part of a will play a six-game series with the Tarpons, which starts Tuesday.
Details: Gates at 5:30 p.m.; game begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3. 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. $10-$14.
Info: 941-747-3031. milb.com/bradenton
Nathan Benderson Park will get the Independence Day fun started a day early with Fireworks on the Lake on Sunday, July 3. The event includes live music, a kids’ zone, food and drink, a run and other family fun. A fireworks display will top off the evening.
The event is free to attend, but there is a fee to park in nearby lots. WWSB ABC 7 will broadcast a recording of the fireworks show at 9 p.m. July 4.
Details: Sunday, July 3. Gates open at 5 p.m.; music starts at 5:30 p.m.; fireworks launch after 9 p.m. Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. Admission is free. Parking is $30 per car on Regatta Island and $20 in the park’s south lot ($50 for recreational vehicles).
Info: nathanbendersonpark.org
Palmetto Fourth Fest: Palmetto will welcome crowds to Sutton Park on Monday for its 11th annual Fourth Fest.
’90s country hitmaker Neal McCoy will headline. His career spans 15 studio records, including three platinum albums and one gold album.
1980s rock tribute band Lazy Bonez will open the show at 5 p.m.; McCoy is expected to take the stage around 7 p.m.
In addition to live music, local vendors will be set up at the event offering food and drink.
The festival is free to attend. There’s no reserved seating, so bring your lawn chairs or blanket and stake out a spot. This year, outside food and drink will not be allowed.
A fireworks show over the Manatee River sponsored by Palmetto, Bradenton and Manatee County will follow the concert.
Details: Fourth Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. July 4. Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Sutton Park, 1036 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Free.
Info: facebook.com/palmettocra
Manatee River fireworks show: Palmetto and Bradenton share the love on the Fourth of July with a fireworks display that is visible on both sides of the Manatee River. So grab a spot on the Bradenton Riverwalk, Riverside Drive, a waterfront restaurant or a friend’s boat deck to enjoy the show.
Details: Fireworks are set to begin around 9:30 p.m. July 4 over the Manatee River.
“Red, White & Boom” at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is another way to enjoy this year’s Manatee River fireworks show. The event includes food, kids activities and a guaranteed good view of the pyrotechnics in the museum’s Riverside Plaza. Bring a chair or blanket and get comfy. Boxed barbecue meals provided by Nancy’s Bar-B-Q from Lakewood Ranch will be available for an extra charge.
Details: Doors open 6 p.m. July 4. Food served at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Single admission without food: $20. Single admission with food: $40. Kids 4 and under: Free.
Info: bishopscience.org.
Siesta Key fireworks: If you want a front-row seat to fireworks near the beach, Siesta Key’s annual fireworks show may be the one for you. The show launches around dusk from near Siesta Key Public Beach and is free to the public.
Details: Fireworks set to launch around 8 p.m. on Monday, July 4 at Siesta Key Public Beach.
Info: my.siestakeychamber.com
The Sarasota Bayfront fireworks show will light up downtown Sarasota and Sarasota Bay.
The fireworks show is sponsored by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with the Marina Jack restaurant; award-winning fireworks company Pyrotecnico will light the night.
The “Celebration in the Park” Fourth of July concert and festival at J.D. Hamel Park has been canceled this year.
Closures during the fireworks show:
▪ Bayfront Drive (U.S. 41) will be closed from Orange Avenue to Gulfstream Avenue from 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
▪ The parking lot at Bayfront Park and Island Park will be closed when it reaches maximum capacity. No parking is permitted on the grassy area on the south end of Bayfront Park.
Details: Fireworks to launch around 9 p.m. Monday, July 4 from near Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota.
The All-American Cookout at Selby Botanical Gardens is another fun way to enjoy the Fourth of July. The celebration includes access to the gardens, family-friendly games and activities and cookout favorites available for purchase. Guests get a scenic view of the fireworks display over Sarasota Bay.
An “all-inclusive” upgrade includes valet parking, a buffet and an open bar.
Details: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, July 4. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. Ages 13 and up: $35 (member price is $25). Kids 4-12: $10. Kids 3 and under: Free. All-inclusive tickets are $200 for ages 13 and up and $50 for kids 4-12; kids 3 and under are free.
Info: selby.org
The Anna Maria Island Privateers will hold their annual Independence Day parade on Monday, July 4. On top of the patriotic fun, the parade offers a cool down from the summer heat with a “water fight” between floats full of pirates and spectators. Organizers ask guests to bring “safe water toys” only — water balloons, high-powered water devices and spray nozzles are not allowed. A no-splash zone will be designated near the end of the parade route for spectators who don’t want to get wet.
The parade will depart from the north entrance of Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach at 10 a.m. and make its way north to City Pier Park in Anna Maria, ending around 1 p.m.
Details: 10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Gulf Drive, Anna Maria Island.
‘Beyond Van Gogh’ at University Town Center
“Beyond Van Gogh” is a unique traveling art display that fully immerses visitors in the fantastic impressionist mind and work of famed 19th century painter Vincent Van Gogh.
High-resolution projections bring more than 300 of Van Gogh’s works to life at mind-boggling scale, and a score of original music adds to the atmosphere.
The walk-through experience lasts about an hour, and entry is timed. Tickets must be purchased in advance online; note that prices are higher Friday-Sunday.
Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through August 5. Starry Night Pavilion at University Town Center, 195 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota. Ages 5-15: $23.99-$28.99. Ages 16 and up: $39.99-$49.99. Flex, group rates and VIP tickets available.
Info: vangoghsarasota.com
Performing arts and shows
“Athena” at Urbanite Theatre: “Mary Wallace and Athena are brave young fencers training for Nationals. They practice together, they compete against each other, they spend their lives together. They just wish they were friends,” a show preview says.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Extended through May 8. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street, Sarasota. Ages 40 and up: $36. Under 40: $20. Students: $5.
Info: urbanitetheatre.com
“Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” at Florida Studio Theatre: “With a cast of performers playing their own instruments, ‘Ring of Fire’ takes audiences on a rousing adventure of love, faith, and struggle—told with the strength, humor, and authenticity that made Cash a music legend,” a show preview says.
Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Through July 2. Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $29-$46.
Ken Miller at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre: Comic Ken Miller is a two-time winner of the Florida’s Funniest Comedy Competition, and he also took top prize in the Steve Harvey Standup Spotlight Comedy Competition in 2019.
Details: 7 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 and and 8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday. McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $25.
Info: mccurdyscomedy.com
Farmers’ markets
The Beach Market at Coquina Beach offers fresh produce, arts and crafts, jewelry and apparel, health and beauty items, music and more on Anna Maria Island. The market will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays April through July.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday. Coquina Beach, 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach. Free.
The Farmers’ Market at Lakewood Ranch welcomes more than 90 regional vendors to Waterside Place each Sunday. Offerings include produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods and breads, crafts, jewelry, plants and pet treats. Live music from a rotation of local musicians and yoga sessions are another regular feature at the market.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch. Free.
Oneco Farmers Market is open seven days a week. The permanent market boasts more than 100 vendors in one location, including meats and seafood, fresh produce, sweets and treats. There are also restaurants and arts and crafts vendors to check out, and the market frequently hosts free community events.
Details: Open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Oneco Farmers Market, 5108 15th St. E., Bradenton.
Info: onecofarmersmarket.com
Sarasota Farmers Market brings vendors selling arts and crafts, goods and services, produce, food, plants and more to downtown Sarasota. There’s also live music to enjoy.
Details: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Lemon Avenue and Main Street, downtown Sarasota.
Newtown Sarasota Farmers Market offers local produce, fresh-baked goods and other items twice a week in the Newtown neighborhood. The market also hosts community gatherings including events for kids and food festivals.
Details: 10 a.m.-5p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave., Sarasota.
Meadows Farmers Market: Started in Oct. 2021, the Meadows Farmers Market promises organic fruits and vegetables straight from local farmers. Other attractions include artisans, food vendors and live music. Events at the market include yoga, tai chi, wellness talks and holiday celebrations.
Details: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Held in the parking lot of 5041 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota.
Red Barn Flea Market combines the best of a farmers market, a flea market and a food court in one stop. At Red Barn, you’ll find permanent storefronts, vendor booths, fresh produce, local food offerings, live entertainment and more.
Details: Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 1707 First St. E., Bradenton.
Info: redbarnfleamarket.com.
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See a movie
Whether you’re interested in Hollywood blockbusters, independent film or an old-timey drive-in movie experience, there’s a theater nearby that can satisfy. Here are your local movie options:
Ruskin Family Drive-In: In operation since 1952, this drive-in plays classic flicks, family favorites and new movies with showings Wed.-Sun.
There are two options for audio: bring a portable radio or leave your car radio turned on during the film. You can also bring folding chairs to set up outside of the vehicle (bug repellent is recommended if you go this route).
▪ “Lightyear” (PG): 8:30 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
▪ “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” (PG-13): 10:10 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
Details: 5011 U.S. 41 N., Ruskin. Ages 9 and up: $6. Ages 5-8: $1. Cash only. $5 fee for bringing your own food. Alcohol not permitted.
Info: ruskinfamilydrivein.com
Sarasota Film Society: Sarasota Film Society’s Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota theaters are a great place to catch a weekend flick. Screenings include independent and art films as well as blockbusters. Check the society’s website for the current lineup of movies.
Some of the society’s movie offerings can be streamed virtually from home.
Details: Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Drive 8, Sarasota and Burns Court Cinemas, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota. Online streaming available any time.
Info: filmsociety.org or 941-955-3456
Other Bradenton area movie theaters:
AMC Bradenton 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. amctheatres.com. 941-752-3796
AMC Sarasota 12, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. amctheatres.com. 941-922-4900
CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail #1100, Sarasota. cmxcinemas.com. 941-361-2456
Regal Oakmont, 4801 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342
Regal Hollywood, 1993 Main St., Sarasota. regmovies.com. 844-462-7342
Fun at the museum
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: Explore the past, present and future of the natural world with interactive displays and exhibits, stellar shows in the famed Planetarium, an indoor manatee habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe for kids and more at The Bishop in downtown Bradenton.
Details: Open Tue.-Sat. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. Ages 18-64: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. College students with ID: $19. Ages 5-17: $16. Ages 4 and under: Free with paying adult.
Info: bishopscience.org or 941-746-4131
Florida Maritime Museum: Florida Maritime Museum documents the age-old relationship between Floridians and the water. Visitors will find marine life displays, historical photos and documents, revolving exhibits and a gift shop.
On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the museum hosts a “Music on the Porch” outdoor jam session. From 2-4 p.m., local pickers and players come together to share tunes and singalongs with the crowd.
Masks are currently required inside museum buildings.
Details: Open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Florida Maritime Museum, 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. Free.
Info: floridamaritimemuseum.org or 941-708-6120
Manatee County Agricultural Museum: Explore Manatee County’s rich agricultural past and present at the Manatee County County Agricultural Museum. Permanent exhibits include displays of authentic farm tools and equipment and highlights of various crops and industries that have taken root in Manatee County over the decades. There’s also a revolving lineup of special exhibits to check out.
Details: Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on the first and third Saturday of each month. Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 1015 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. Free. Donations accepted.
Info: manateecountyagmuseum.com or 941-721-2034
Sarasota Art Museum: Operated by Ringling College of Art and Design, the Sarasota Art Museum displays revolving exhibits of contemporary artwork.
The museum is housed in the former Sarasota High School building and offers 15,000 square feet of gallery space to showcase paint, sculpture, photography, furniture making, experimental art and more.
Events at the museum include curator and artist talks, live jazz every second Thursday of the month and free entry and family fun on the second Sunday of each month.
Visitors can also enjoy a gift shop and a bistro.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 South Tamiami Trail,
Sarasota. Ages 17 and up: $15. Ages 0-16: Free with paying adult. Veterans and active military: Free with ID.
Info: sarasotaartmuseum.org
The Ringling in Sarasota offers a treasure trove of fine art and architecture. See collections of European works from the Baroque period and modern and contemporary art; witness the colorful history of the big top in the Circus Museum; take a tour of the Ca’ d’Zan, a Mediterranean revival mansion; and stroll The Ringling’s 68 acres of waterfront grounds and gardens.
Details: Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Ages 6-17: $5. Ages 18 and up: $25. Ages 65 and up: $23. Ca’ d’Zan entry $10 extra. Admission to the Museum of Art and grounds is always free on Mondays.
Info: ringling.org or 941-359-5700
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