Manatee’s 4th Annual Taco Fest
Join thousands of taco enthusiasts for a day filled with over 100 taco and food vendors from the Tri-State Area. Specialty cocktails, margaritas, and craft beers. Live entertainment, including Mariachi bands. Family-friendly activities: free petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting, and free children’s books provided by the Manatee Early Learning Coalition. Games like Sombrero Ring Toss with prizes. Note: Vendors operate on a cash basis.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available.
Admission:
General Admission: $10
Seniors (65+): $5
Veterans & Children under 13: FREE
Skip-the-line tickets: $15
Tickets available via Eventbrite or at the door.
Event is rain or shine.
No refunds after purchase.
Suncoast Boat Show 2025
Celebrate the 43rd annual Suncoast Boat Show at Sarasota’s Marina Jack, featuring over 65,000 sq. ft. of dock space filled with a diverse selection of in-water and on-land vessels. Explore motor yachts, sportfishers, center consoles, inflatables, and more. The event also offers tents filled with marine electronics, accessories, clothing, jewelry, and art. Family-friendly activities include the “Hook the Future” Kids Fishing Clinics hosted by Captain Don Dingman on Saturday and Sunday, where each child receives a free rod and reel combo. The show supports Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, with optional donations available during ticket purchase.
Tickets:
Adults (16+): $20
Children (15 & under): Free
Veterans & Active-Duty Military: Free with valid ID
Tickets must be purchased in advance online at suncoastboatshow.com
Parking: Three public parking garages are located within two blocks of the show:
Main Street Parking Garage: 1390 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236
Palm Avenue Parking Garage: 1289 N Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
State Street Parking Garage: 1538 State St., Sarasota, FL 34236
A complimentary shuttle will run every 5–10 minutes between the parking garages and the Ringling Circle, starting 30 minutes before the show opens and continuing 30 minutes after it closes.
Bayfront Fireworks Over Sarasota Bay
Celebrate Independence Day with one of Sarasota’s most dazzling and iconic traditions — the Bayfront Fireworks Over Sarasota Bay! This free public event lights up the night sky with a spectacular fireworks display launched over the bay, offering perfect views from Island Park, Bayfront Park, downtown Sarasota rooftops, or even the Ringling Bridge. Arrive early to grab your favorite spot on the lawn, bring a picnic or purchase food and drinks from nearby vendors and restaurants, and enjoy the festive atmosphere as locals and visitors gather to celebrate America’s birthday.
Event Title: Bayfront Fireworks Over Sarasota Bay
Start Date: July 4, 2025
End Date: July 4, 2025
Start Time: 9:00 PM
End Time: 9:30 PM
Location: Sarasota Bayfront Park, Island Park, 1 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
The fireworks begin promptly at 9:00 PM and typically last around 30 minutes, choreographed to patriotic music echoing across the waterfront. Come by car, bike, or boat — and don’t forget a blanket or chair!
Pro Tips:
Parking downtown fills up quickly; consider arriving by 7:30 PM
The event is weather dependent; updates will be posted on local media channels
Best views are from Island Park or along Bayfront Drive
Siesta Key Independence Day Fireworks
Celebrate the 4th of July with your toes in the sand and a stunning fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico at the annual Siesta Key Independence Day Fireworks Show. This beloved community tradition takes place on Thursday, July 4, 2025, just north of the Siesta Key Public Beach Pavilion, one of the nation’s most popular beach destinations known for its powdery white quartz sand.
The fireworks display typically begins around 9:00 PM, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good spot. Beachgoers start gathering by late afternoon to enjoy the festive atmosphere, which includes live music, food vendors, and patriotic spirit as the sun sets over the Gulf. Many locals and visitors alike bring chairs and picnic setups, turning the evening into a full celebration.
The event is free to attend, though donations to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce help fund the fireworks and ensure its continuation each year. Paid parking is available nearby, but it fills up quickly, so shuttle options and ride-sharing are recommended.
This is one of Sarasota’s signature summer events and a must-attend for anyone looking to enjoy Independence Day island-style.
Siesta Key Independence Day Fireworks – Sarasota, FL
First Friday Venice: July Celebration
Downtown Venice kicks off July with its monthly First Friday celebration featuring extended shopping hours, live music, and refreshments at participating merchants.
Downtown Sarasota 4th of July Parade
🎉 Celebrate Independence Day in classic patriotic style at the annual Downtown Sarasota 4th of July Parade! This family-friendly event brings the community together to honor America’s birthday with marching bands, festive floats, community groups, dancers, vintage cars, and more. The parade marches down Main Street from Orange Avenue to Bayfront Drive, ending near Island Park and Marina Jack.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets and grab a spot early along the route—especially near the bayfront for the best views. The atmosphere is festive, with many nearby restaurants offering sidewalk seating and specials.
Immediately following the parade, many head to Bayfront Park to catch the Sarasota Bay Fireworks Spectacular, which launches around 9:45 PM.
🇺🇸 Tip: Parking fills up quickly downtown, so consider arriving early or using rideshare options.
Downtown Sarasota 4th of July Parade
📍 Location: Main Street, Downtown Sarasota, FL
📅 Date: Thursday, July 4, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Free Music Friday Night Concert
Enjoy live local music under the stars during Venice’s Free Music Friday Night Concert series. Bring a lawn chair and kick off the weekend with music in the park.
Lakewood Ranch Fireworks on the Green
Celebrate Independence Day early at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch with family activities, live music, food trucks, and a grand fireworks display over Kingfisher Lake.
Suncoast Scots Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Celebrate Celtic heritage with live music, food, vendors, and highland games at this family-friendly fest. This annual event celebrates Scottish and Celtic heritage with activities such as bagpiping competitions, Highland athletic events, Scottish dancing, live Celtic music, and various food and merchandise vendors.
Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237
Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show
Experience the thrill of Sarasota’s nationally ranked Ski-A-Rees team performing daring jumps and aquatic stunts.