Anna Maria Island is a happening place, with lots of sunshine, great restaurants and shops, live music, and countless beach activities.
But add a statutory holiday like the Fourth of July and the island is humming with a buzz of people, festivities, and, of course an incredible fireworks show on Anna Maria Island.
If you’re lucky enough to be there for this national celebration, you’ll have your pick of many great Fourth of July events on AMI and in Bradenton and Sarasota. Here’s a look at a few fun things to do on and near Anna Maria Island this Fourth of July.
Fourth of July Fireworks
While setting off your own fireworks on the island is prohibited, there is a fantastic fireworks show on Anna Maria Island that will satisfy that Fourth of July requirement.
Watch a fusion of colors explode in the sky while you sink your toes into pristine, white sand at The Sandbar Restaurant (100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, FL), which has hosted the show for more than 30 years. The event takes place at their outdoor wedding pavilion at dusk. The restaurant offers a party package for the night that includes VIP seating for the show.
Since Anna Maria Island is just off the coast, you can watch fireworks going off on the mainland over Sarasota Bay. Pick a spot on the beach on Anna Maria Island or mainland Sarasota and watch the free public fireworks display.
For morning fun on Anna Maria Island, join in or watch local group The Privateers’ annual Fourth of July parade. The parade beings at 10 a.m. and runs more than five miles from Coquina Beach to the City Pier. This is a great family-friendly event for families with young children.
Baseball & Fireworks in Bradenton
You can’t get more American than baseball, so what better way to usher in Independence Day than with a baseball game?
Watch minor-league team the Bradenton Marauders take on the Jupiter Hammerheads for their Independence Day Celebration game on July 3 – a perfect opportunity for some patriotic fun a day before the 4th. Finish off this all-American event with the ultimate Fourth of July tribute, which is supposed to be one of the best shows in the area.
LECOM Park is just east of Anna Maria Island – a short drive from Florida beach vacation rentals. The stadium is located at 1611 9th St. W., Bradenton, FL, and the game begins at 6:30 p.m.
July 4th Concert at the Sarasota Opera House
Join the Sarasota Concert Band for music celebrating America’s independence. Performing, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,” from 4 – 7 p.m. on July 4, the opera house is located in downtown Sarasota just a few minutes drive from your Anna Maria vacation rental.
Get your tickets at http://www.choralartistssarasota.org.
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival
An annual event, the week-long Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival offers a schedule chock-full of events, including a fishing tournament, fireworks on July 4, and a kickoff party in addition to the powerboat races.
The event starts on June 29 and ends on July 7 with the final races. This event draws thousands to Sarasota Bay, so be sure to book your stay early.
Pier 22 Restaurant
This waterfront restaurant located in Bradenton is the perfect place to eat and enjoy the show. Pier 22 is offering a special pig roast and buffet culminating in a spectacular display of fireworks.
Even if you don’t stay for the July 4 event and just want to try this restaurant out on your vacation, you can get amazing seafood and sushi on the riverside deck. Head over to 1200 1st Ave W in Bradenton, FL.
From week-long festivals to baseball to evening fireworks, you’ll find more than enough going on to make your Fourth of July on Anna Maria Island a memorable, super-patriotic holiday – a great way to kick off the summer season.
