Bradenton Prepares for Historic Fourth of July Celebration and Largest Fireworks Show in City History
The City of Bradenton is gearing up for a major Independence Day celebration as the nation marks its 250th anniversary, with city officials planning the largest fireworks display in Bradenton's history on July 4.
Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. along the Bradenton Riverwalk and Old Main Street, featuring live music, food trucks, vendors, family activities and entertainment throughout the evening. The celebration will culminate with a fireworks show launching at approximately 9 p.m. from the Green Bridge Fishing Pier.
To accommodate the fireworks display and ensure public safety, the Green Bridge will close to vehicle traffic around 8 p.m. Officials said the closure is necessary because the fireworks will be launched from the fishing pier adjacent to the bridge. The bridge will reopen after the show once crews have cleared debris and removed barricades. The De Soto Bridge will remain open throughout the event.
Boaters should also be aware of restrictions on the Manatee River near the launch site. A safety zone will be established around the fireworks area before the display begins, and vessel traffic will be restricted within the designated zone.
Free parking will be available in downtown Bradenton garages and public lots. However, the Rossi Park parking lot will be closed to accommodate vendors, a car show and other event activities associated with the celebration.
City officials are encouraging attendees to arrive early and plan ahead, as thousands of visitors are expected downtown for the holiday festivities. Rossi Park and the surrounding Riverwalk area are expected to offer some of the best views of the fireworks display.
The event is part of nationwide celebrations recognizing America’s 250th birthday and is expected to be one of the largest Fourth of July gatherings ever held in downtown Bradenton.
