Bradenton Area River Regatta Two Weeks Away; Early Notice Issued for Feb. 20–21 Events and Road Closures
The Bradenton Area River Regatta is just two weeks away, and officials are providing an early heads-up to help residents and visitors plan ahead for event activities and traffic impacts on Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21.
Festivities begin Friday evening with fireworks and a lighted drone show along the Riverwalk. No road closures are planned for Friday night, and spectators are encouraged to arrive early and use available public parking.
More significant traffic impacts will occur on Saturday, Feb. 21. Road closures will begin as early as 4 a.m. and will remain in place until the boat races conclude and post-event cleanup is complete, typically between 8:30 and 9 p.m.
On Saturday, the following traffic changes will be in effect:
The Green Bridge will be closed to vehicles, bicycles, and scooters and open to pedestrians only. Free trolley service will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9th Street West will be closed between Manatee Avenue and the Green Bridge.
12th Street West (Old Main Street) will be closed between Manatee Avenue and 1st Avenue West/Barcarrota Boulevard.
3rd Avenue West will operate eastbound only between 9th Street West and 1st Street/US-41.
Officials encourage drivers to share this information widely to help reduce congestion and avoid surprises on event day. A full schedule of events, parking details, and transportation information is available through the Bradenton Police Department at bradentonpd.com/newsreleases/2026regattaweekendinfo.
Additional reminders and updates will be issued as the Regatta weekend approaches.
