Here's your complete guide to Suncoast fireworks shows and the details on the fun of our Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix.
Wednesday, July 3rd
Nathan Benderson Park Fireworks on the Lake 4 Miler-
Kick off the festivities with a patriotic party. The event includes a four-mile race around the lake at Nathan Benderson Park, just before sunset and the annual fireworks display. Fireworks kick off at 9 p.m.
Click here for the official event website and complete schedule.
Thursday, July 4th
North Port’s 15 Annual Freedom Festival
A local summer tradition since 2004. North Port’s Freedom Festival is presented by American Irrigation. The event will feature food, lively entertainment, and fireworks. This year the event will be held at CoolToday Park (18800 South W Villages Pkwy, Venice). Gates will be open to the Public at 4:00 p.m.
Click here for the official event website and complete schedule.
Thursday, July 4th
Bradenton & Palmetto - Fireworks Over the Manatee River
The fireworks display is handled by the City of Palmetto. People usually watch from both sides of the Manatee River Riverwalk waterfront in downtown Bradenton and Palmetto. Fireworks are expected after dark around 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 4th
Siesta Key Community Fireworks
The Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for the 29th Annual Community 4th of July Fireworks. The viewing area opens at 6:00 pm and fireworks start at dusk.
Downtown Sarasota
Thursday, July 4
Celebrate July 4 at Island Park for a fireworks spectacular on the Fourth as Sarasota prepares to celebrate 35 years of powerboat racing history at the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix. There will be plenty of available seating all throughout Island park and along the bayfront. The fireworks light up the skies at 9 p.m. on July 4. Island Park is located at 5 Island Park Dr. in Sarasota.
Thursday, July 4th
Venice Fireworks
Venice’s annual Independence Day fireworks display will light up the night sky on Thursday, July 4. The fireworks will be shot from the South Jetty on July 4 shortly after 9 p.m. The free show will last an estimated 30 minutes. Although the Jetty and Jetty Jacks Refreshment Deck will be closed for safety, the fireworks display may be viewed on area beaches from Caspersen to Nokomis, as well as from other places around Venice. Another way to get a good view of the show is from the water. Boats should be at anchor by 8:30 p.m. on Independence Day; the Venice Inlet will be closed to boat traffic at 8:45 p.m. until about a half-hour after the display’s grand finale.
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix - 'Boats on the Block, Block Party
Friday, July 5th
This is a free event for the entire family to see the powerboats up close in Downtown Sarasota. The block party takes place on Orange Avenue to Gulfstream Avenue and S. Palm Avenue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix - Races
Sunday, July 7th
Race fans can expect to see more teams compete this year while taking advantage of an expanded viewing area along Lido Beach. The races take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 400 Benjamin Franklin Drive. The event is free all along Lido Beach. More than 50 race teams are expected to compete in Sarasota with racers from Italy, Canada, New Zealand, UAE – Dubai, Turkey, United Kingdom, Wales, Trinidad, Australia, and Norway.
With the increased number of boats expected, the race course has been expanded to 6.17 miles from last year's 4.9 miles, extending just North of New Pass down to the Sandcastle Resort. CBS will air its coverage on Sunday, August 4, at 3 p.m. eastern. Fox Sports has not yet announced an air date, but the show will air sometime in August.
Suncoast Charities for Children continues to be the driving force behind all the events associated with the festival and is the only race site run entirely by a local non-profit charity. Donations of any amount are welcome.
Get all the info on the races and the entire festival here...