Palmetto and Bradenton to Host Historic Waterfront Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary

Building on the tradition of municipal and county collaboration, the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto, Manatee County and the Tourist Development Council will host a once-in-a-lifetime Independence Day celebration marking the United States Semiquincentennial on Saturday, July 4.

As the nation commemorates 250 years of American freedom, the two cities will again host a waterfront celebration on both sides of the Green Bridge.

From downtown Bradenton’s Rossi Park, Riverwalk, and Old Main Street to Palmetto’s Riverside Park, residents and visitors will experience a premier lineup of family fun, culminating in a spectacular, synchronized fireworks finale over the Manatee River—made possible through the annual partnership of both municipalities, Manatee County and the TDC

PALMETTO FOURTH FEST AT RIVERSIDE PARK

Palmetto Fourth Fest, set for Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Palmetto Riverside Park, will become north county’s headquarters for the America 250 milestone.

The free, family-friendly landmark celebration will feature a patriotic headline performance by the Soul Circus Cowboys, an expanded lineup of local food trucks, artisan vendors, family focused games and activities, concluding with the grand fireworks show over the river starting around 9 p.m. The community celebration is hosted by the City of Palmetto. We would like to thank our additional sponsors, Veolia, Blalock Walters and Waste Management.

“It’s going to be an incredible evening,” says Palmetto Mayor Dan West. “We’ve been looking forward to this celebration, preparing the city and inviting people to our Fourth Fest celebration for the past year. We’re so excited to host this event and to show the world how Palmetto Salutes America250.”

Mayor West asked city residents and business owners to fly U.S. flags, or place red, white and blue bunting and other patriotic symbols on display for one month, from Flag Day, June 14 to July 14 as part of Palmetto Salutes America250.

Trolley Service & Parking in Palmetto:

Two free trolleys will circulate throughout Historic Palmetto from 4:30 – 10:30 p.m. delivering riders to and from the celebration.
Free public parking will be available at First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, city lots, and along designated spots on public streets.

Bridge & Road Closures:

Riverside Park and the parking areas – with the exception of the Boat Ramp – will close at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 3 to allow for event set-up. Riverside Park and the Riverside Park parking areas will re-open by noon Sunday, July 5.

In an effort to accommodate boaters over the holiday weekend, the Riverside Boat Ramp will close one day later on Saturday, July 4, at 12:01 am. The boat ramp will remain closed until Sunday, July 5, at noon.

Riverside Drive from 8th Avenue West to 10th Avenue West will close July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., or as soon as possible following the fireworks display.

9th Avenue West from 4th Street West to Riverside Drive will close July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., or as soon as possible following fireworks.

8th Avenue West and the Green Bridge will close July 4 at 8:30 p.m. and will reopen at 10 p.m. or as soon as possible following fireworks.

Because of the large crowds expected for the festival and fireworks, expect traffic delays in Palmetto south of 7th Street West and on the DeSoto Bridge on Saturday afternoon and evening.

Accessibility: Handicap parking will be available behind It Works at 908 Riverside Dr, Palmetto, FL 34221, with access from 9th Ave West and 4th Street West. A valid handicap parking tag is required for entry.

Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Night of Unity, Patriotism and Celebration!

Community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and their festive pride to secure a spot along the riverfront for an unforgettable celebration. No outside food or beverages — including coolers — are permitted.

Follow the City of Palmetto, City of Bradenton, Bradenton Alive, and Palmetto Fourth Fest on social media for real-time schedule updates, transit maps, and event announcements.

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BRADENTON ALIVE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION ALONG THE RIVERWALK & OLD MAIN STREET

Bradenton Alive and the City of Bradenton will host an expanded Fourth of July Celebration at Rossi Park, along the Riverwalk, and on Old Main Street.

Festivities begin at Rossi Park and along the Riverwalk from 5 to 9:30 p.m. with live music, food trucks, vendors, a children’s play area, and a VIP experience featuring a private bar and food selections. Guests can enjoy performances by Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio at Rossi Park throughout the evening.

The celebration continues on Old Main Street from 7 to 11 p.m., where Luna and the Warriors will take the stage. Additional vendors, dining options, and entertainment will be available throughout the evening.

As part of the America250 celebration, the first 350 attendees will receive a commemorative T shirt while supplies last.

“This year’s celebration means a lot. Bradenton celebrated its 123rd anniversary recently, and our nation turns 250. We’re grateful for the community partners who make an event like this possible. This will be one of the largest fireworks displays our area has ever seen, and we hope it’s a night our community remembers for years to come,” said Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown.

Bradenton Parking and Road Closures

Free public parking in downtown parking garages and Riverwalk area lots.
The following closures will be in effect from 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, through 1 a.m. Sunday, July 5:
12th Street West (Old Main Street) between Manatee Avenue West and 3rd Avenue West.
4th Avenue West between 10th Street West and 13th Street West.
Rossi Park, including the parking lot and Forever Lawn.
The Green Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic at 8:30 p.m. on July 4 and reopen following the fireworks display and completion of post-event cleanup and safety operations.
New this year, a designated pedestrian viewing area on the Bradenton side of the Green Bridge will be available for fireworks viewing after the bridge closes to vehicle traffic. Spectators are welcome to bring chairs and enjoy the display from this unique vantage point.

Accessibility: Handicap parking will be available in the parking lot across the street from the Manatee Performing Arts Center located at 502 3rd Ave. W. A valid handicap parking tag is required for entry.