Fireworks and Much More Return to Palmetto and Bradenton for Independence Day Celebration

 BRADENTON — This year marks a special milestone as the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto join forces to promote their Independence Day celebrations, featuring exciting, family-friendly festivities on both sides of the Green Bridge.

From downtown Bradenton’s scenic Rossi Park on the Riverwalk to historic Palmetto’s picturesque Riverside Park, the entire waterfront will come alive with patriotic spirit, live music, local flavors and plenty of fun for all ages.

Palmetto

Hosted by The Big Idea Events and the City of Palmetto, festivities kick off at 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park with:

• Live music from DJ James Thomas, Music Royale & The Eric Von Band

• Little Firecrackers Kids Zone with face painters, bounce houses, and DIY arts and crafts

• Freedom Bites Court with food trucks and local eats

• Red, White & Brews Garden with shaded seating

• Independence Market featuring local artisans and community partners

• Fireworks timed to music throughout Riverside Park and down to the Green Bridge Pier

• Fireworks Finale around 9 p.m. from the Green Bridge Pier
  

“We’re thrilled to bring people together in the heart of Palmetto to celebrate our nation’s independence,” said Palmetto Mayor Dan West. “Palmetto Fourth Fest reflects the spirit of our city—welcoming, festive, and rooted in American pride—and we’re proud to celebrate alongside our neighbors in Bradenton in a show of unity and community across the river.”

Free public parking: Palmetto: First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, city lots, and street parking in the Historic District

Trolley Service in Palmetto: Two free trolleys will run throughout historic Palmetto from 5–10 p.m., with pick-up and drop-off at Riverside Drive and 10th Avenue West.

Bradenton

Hosted by Bradenton Alive and the City of Bradenton, festivities kick off at 5 p.m. at Rossi Park with:

• Live music by Phoenix 5 and 22N

• VIP shaded area with private bar and food selections

• Food trucks and multiple local merchants

• Open seating for live music on the Forever Lawn

• Splash Park and playground open late

• Kids Play Zone with face painters, bounce houses, and games

• Fireworks timed to music throughout Rossi Park and down the Riverwalk to the Green Bridge

• Fireworks Finale around 9 p.m. from the Green Bridge Pier

“Bradenton is proud to team up with Palmetto and celebrate this Fourth of July as one community,” said Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown. “Events like this show what’s possible when we come together. It’s a meaningful reflection of our shared values, local pride, and the strong community spirit that connects both sides of the river.”

Free public parking: Bradenton: including downtown parking garages and Riverwalk area lots, the parking lot across from Manatee Players Theatre, and streets surrounding Rossi Park.

Bring your lawn chairs, your family, and your festive spirit for an Independence Day celebration you won’t want to miss—on both sides of the Green Bridge.