Your July guide to fun in Bradenton and the Gulf Islands, Florida
Red, White, and Bradenton for July fun! America’s birthday celebration in Bradenton and the Gulf Islands is so big it cannot be contained in just one day! The fun, food and fireworks begin on July 3, making Bradenton and the islands an exceptional place to be over the holiday weekend. The Bradenton Marauders baseball team hosts Charlotte on July 3 at McKechnie Stadium at 6:30 p.m. The Marauders will wear camouflage jerseys for the holiday. Happy Hour Friday kicks off game night. Enjoy great ballpark food like hotdogs and peanuts but also try pulled pork barbeque and an Orange Swirl from nearby Mixon Fruit Farms. Fireworks boom over the stadium at the end of the game. Stroll Artwalks at Village of the Arts on the evening of July 3rd or from 11 am – 4 pm on July 4th. This community of artists that live and work together fill the streets with affordable fine art, jewelry, ceramics, small furniture, books, clothing and collectibles. You can also enjoy some amazing food at locally owned cafes, bakeries and distinctive restaurants. To end the evening, hop on the trolley to Anna Maria Island to oooh and ahhhh over the fireworks at The Beach House Restaurant. Visitors and locals will line the beach to watch the 22nd Annual Fireworks Extravaganza. The next morning the Anna Maria Island Privateers hold their annual 4th of July Parade. Stay on the Island to shop, eat fresh seafood or just enjoy the beach. You can also take the trolley to Palmetto for the Fourth Festival. That afternoon great music, delicious food and kid’s rides get underway at Sutton Park on Old Main Street. Country music stars Craig Campbell and Rodney Atkins will rock the night away at a free concert.
Pier 22 opens its doors for its Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration and Pig Roast with VIP seating for the Manatee River fireworks and a huge buffet featuring a pig roast, prime rib, shrimp, hot dogs, micro-burgers, salads, vegetables and desserts. The restaurant is located on the Manatee River in historic downtown Bradenton. After the sun goes down, all eyes turn skyward for the fireworks display over the Manatee River. Or head for the 29th Annual Sandbar Restaurant Fireworks Spectacular on the north end of Anna Maria Island. No matter which celebration you choose, there is something special about seeing the reflection of fireworks over water. It’s like double the color, and the fun.
Plan a trip back to Bradenton to celebrate Snooty’s 67th birthday on July 18th at the Birthday Bash, Arts and Wildlife Awareness Festival. The event is held in the Spanish Plaza in front of the South Florida Museum from 10 am – 2 pm. Snooty, the world’s oldest living manatee will commemorate his day with a cake made of fruits and vegetables. But his guests are the ones that receive gifts! Admission to the Museum, Planetarium and Aquarium is reduced all day. In addition, there are children’s games, art activities, free cookies and drinks for children, a birthday card display and much more. Content Editor: Liz Doyle and vacations2discover.com Credit: Shared with Bradenton CVB