Bradenton Area River Regatta Returns with Full Weekend of Racing, Entertainment and Downtown Road Closures
The Bradenton Area River Regatta returns Saturday, Feb. 21, bringing high-speed powerboat racing, live entertainment and a full slate of family activities to downtown Bradenton and the Riverwalk. Organizers are encouraging attendees to plan ahead for parking and road closures expected throughout the weekend.
Free parking will be available in City of Bradenton garages and surface lots, except for the Rossi Park lot, which will be reserved for VIP access beginning early Friday.
Two paid parking options will be offered on Saturday only. The LECOM Park lot, located at 1611 Ninth St. W., will open at 9:30 a.m. at a cost of $15 per vehicle, card payments only. Parking will not be permitted after 4 p.m. A shuttle service will transport attendees to and from the Regatta, with drop-off near Twin Dolphin Marina. The first shuttle departs at 10 a.m., and the final return shuttle leaves the Regatta pickup location at 7 p.m. All vehicles must exit the lot by 9 p.m.
A second paid lot at 600 15th St. W. will also open at 9:30 a.m. for $20 per vehicle, card only. No shuttle service will be provided; attendees should expect a half-mile walk to the Riverwalk. A portion of the proceeds from this lot will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast. Vehicles must exit by 9 p.m., and parking will close at 4 p.m.
Road closures throughout downtown Bradenton will begin early Saturday morning, including vehicle restrictions on the Green Bridge and limited access in areas surrounding the Riverwalk. A free trolley service will operate between Palmetto and Bradenton from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to help ease congestion.
Weekend events begin Friday, Feb. 20, with Opening Night festivities featuring a drone and fireworks show at 7:00 p.m. along the Riverwalk. On Saturday, the LECOM 5K kicks off at 8:30 a.m., followed by a full day of racing and entertainment.
The Regatta lineup includes Formula 1, Formula Lights and Tri-Hull racing, along with live music throughout the day, stunt dog and Frisbee dog shows, a Family Fun Zone, Tampa Bay Lightning Rolling Thunder, jet ski performances and vintage powerboats. Festivities will span both sides of the Manatee River, connecting Bradenton and Palmetto for a daylong waterfront celebration.
Attendees are advised to allow extra travel time, review detailed traffic information in advance and consider parking once to explore the event area on foot or by trolley. Full parking and traffic details are available at bradentonarearegatta.com.
