There is nothing quite like spending the Fourth of July here on the Suncoast! You can find so many things to do from food, fireworks, and tons of fun. We’ve put a list together of some of our must-dos! This is how you can spend Independence Day just like an ORIGINAL!

Fourth of July on the Suncoast

Manatee County Celebrations

The Sandbar Seafood and Spirits on Anna Maria Island will kick off the Independence Day Weekend early on Saturday, July 2 at 9PM with the largest fireworks display they have ever had!

The fireworks will be visible all along the Anna Maria beach and watching them is free! The Sanbar restaurant will be open normal hours, 11AM to 10PM and remember – they don’t take reservations so be sure to stop by and put your name in early. 

For those wanting an elevated experience, Sandbar is hosting a Sparkling Good Time, a ticketed VIP event, July 2nd from 6-10PM in the Grand Pavilion, adjacent to the restaurant. This event includes reserved dinner seating with a delectable selection of fresh food, an open bar, a champagne toast, special beach seating for the fireworks, a gift bag and valet parking. 

Tickets are available at SandbarDining.com/events for adults at $175 and $75 for those under 21. The Sandbar is located at 100 Spring Avenue in Anna Maria and is open from 11AM-10PM every day.

ON JULY 4th, starting at 10AM, the Anna Maria Privateers are hosting their annual Independence Day Parade! The parade will start on Anna Maria Island from Coquina Beach (North Entrance) to City Pier Park in Anna Maria.  Bring the whole family to this one.

Details can be found on their website HERE.

After the parade, head over to Mean Dean’s Local Kitchen located in Bayshore Gardens for an incredible 4th of July BBQ Platter. You’ll get a Half Rack of Bourbon Mango Baby Back Ribs, Pulled Pork, Baked Beans, Southern Potato Salad and Sweet Slaw for $15.90.

As the sun begins to set you’ll want to find a spot to enjoy the show! Here are a few we recommend.

The Manatee County Fireworks will be launched over the Manatee River and can be viewed over the Green Bridge and Bradenton Riverwalk.  The show begins at approximately 9PM a few Originals restaurants are located in prime viewing landscape! 

Pier 22 sits right on the Manatee River and is throwing a celebration on their waterfront terrace. The party start July 4th, at 7PM and will end with an explosive fireworks finale by Zambelli International around 9:30PM. The best part? Your party will keep your reserved table for the entire evening.

Check-in will be at 6:30PM. The Independence Day Buffet runs from 7 - 10PM and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks may be purchased separately.

Adults: $100 plus tax and gratuity
Children Under 10: $39.99 plus tax and gratuity
Learn More & Purchase Tickets HERE

Looking for more spots in Manatee County? Watch from The Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant!

Another local favorite with firework views is Mattison's Riverwalk Grille. They have a delicious Summer Prefix menu available.

Summer Savor Prefix Menus include a 2-course lunch for $20, and a 3-course dinner at $35. Dinner is served all day.

Celebrate in Sarasota County

Prepare for your at-home celebrations with Michael’s Wine Cellar! Enjoy 15% off EVERYTHING from June 28th to July 2nd. 

The Sarasota Bay Fireworks Show will start around 9pm. Viewing is free from anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park. 

Watch from Overture's beautiful rooftop bar at Art Ovation!

Enjoy a Fourth of July All-American Cookout at Selby Gardens in Downtown Sarasota. With general admission, food will be available for purchase from Michael's on East Grill. There will also be a variety of family-friendly activities, games, and of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks show over Sarasota Bay! The event goes from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm.

TICKETS FOR GENERAL ADMISSION HERE

ALL-INCLUSIVE TICKETS AVAILABLE  HERE

All-inclusive tickets include on-site valet parking, buffet dinner and open bar, access to the air-conditioned Event Center, and prime viewing of the fireworks show.

The City of Venice Fireworks will be shot from the South Jetty on Monday, July 4, shortly after 9PM. 

The free show will last an estimated 30 minutes.  The fireworks show may be viewed from area beaches, from Caspersen to Nokomis as well as other locations around Venice. 

And the Siesta Key Community Fireworks are blasted off just north of the volleyball courts, so viewing is good from anywhere south and along Crescent Beach (south of Siesta Public Beach), out on the Gulf, or from the Intracoastal waterway. - approximately 9PM.

Celebrate July 4th at Miguel's Restaurant with a great dinner and then walk across the street to view the Fireworks! 

There are so many memories to be made this holiday. No matter what you choose to do, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

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