Where to See Fireworks This 4th of July Weekend
While you might be surprised to see the month of June already at a close, there are some great upcoming events in Sarasota this weekend including a few amazing spots for fireworks viewing. No vacation to the city and its surrounding areas is complete without watching fireworks over the water or at one of Florida’s great parks, and residents also don’t want to miss out on seeing a spectacular show!
Check out this list of fireworks viewings and related events to enjoy this weekend in Sarasota no matter your plans. As always, consider safe social distancing and keep valuables locked away while enjoying the great outdoors, so nothing detracts from any of your fun and exciting weekend events in 2021!
Saturday, July 3rd: Nathan Benderson Park
Nathan Benderson Park is always a favorite spot for fireworks viewing as well as other exciting outdoor activities you’re sure to enjoy. This Saturday, the NBP Fireworks on the Lake event starts at 5 p.m., and you can enjoy much more than a view of the water while you wait for the show to begin!
The NBP Fireworks on the Lake includes lots of food and other exhibitors as well as live music from The Black Honkeys and the Derek Lesch Band. The KidsZone also returns, with fun and safe activities for kids of all ages. You can also join in on a 4-mile run, and local car dealerships will be showcasing a range of new vehicles you might browse and enjoy.
While the event is free, parking is ticketed. To find out more and get your parking ticket in advance, check out the Facebook events page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1468098533556365/
Saturday and Sunday, July 3rd-4th: JD Hamel Park: “Celebration in the Park”
Part music festival, part fireworks show, you won’t want to pass up a chance to visit JD Hamel Park by the bayfront this weekend! For two days, both Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy a full roster of live bands offering everything from classic calypso to bluegrass, classic rock, and much more.
On Sunday the 4th, starting at 8 p.m., there will also be a live parade marching down the city’s Main Street, with fireworks over the bay to follow. You can also enjoy plenty of food options and a full bar, to keep you happy and not hungry while enjoying the show! For more information, visit their Facebook events page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/183110957021397/
Sunday, July 4th: Bayfront Fireworks
If you want a premium, comfortable spot for fireworks viewing, check out the reservations-only Bayfront Fireworks event, hosted by Marina Jack. You can reserve your spot at any one of their three restaurants including the marina itself.
Because space is limited and spots fill up fast, it’s vital that you make your reservations ahead of time. For more information and to get a peak at the restaurant menus, check out their Facebook events page. However, if you’re looking for a free viewing spot, anywhere near the bayfront will do.
https://www.facebook.com/events/787612085276267/
https://www.suncoastsummerfest.org/events/full-event-schedule
Sunday, July 4th: Venice Fireworks on the Beach
Venice, Florida, is an excellent spot for beachgoers and offers an array of weekend events in 2021. This weekend is no different, as a Fourth of July fireworks show is planned at South Jetty starting at 9 p.m. The show should last around 30 minutes and promises a spectacular time for everyone!
There are many areas around the beach where you might park and enjoy the fireworks from the safety and comfort of your car, but it’s vital you secure your spot early. For more information and a list of sites to visit ahead of time in case of cancellation, visit:
https://www.venicegov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4564/20?curm=7&cury=2021
Sunday, July 4th: Fireworks on Siesta Key
Siesta Key beach is an excellent spot for fireworks viewing and this year’s show promises to be an amazing event you won’t forget. You can also purchase a sponsored seat for $500, which includes preferred seating, parking, free beverages, and snacks of the show.
The viewing area along the beach opens at 6 p.m. and the show is scheduled to start at dusk. The beach trolley also operates from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. so you can park elsewhere and enjoy a relaxing ride to the beachfront. For more information, visit:
https://my.siestakeychamber.com/events/details/siesta-key-community-fireworks-1594
Sunday, July 4th: Selby Gardens 4th of July Cookout
It’s just not the 4th of July without an All-American cookout, which you can enjoy this weekend at the Selby Gardens. If you’re looking for things to do in downtown Sarasota that include a great meal and an amazing view of the fireworks, this event is for you!
Tickets to the cookout include valet parking, a buffet, open bar, and prime seating for an unobstructed viewing of the show. Spots sell out quickly, so to get your tickets in advance and for other vital information, visit:
Sunday, July 4th: Longboat Key Freedom Fest
If you need things to do in Sarasota with kids this weekend, be sure to check out the Longboat Key Freedom Fest, Sunday the 4th starting at 9 a.m. The festival kicks off with a parade where all are welcome to join, including and especially the kids! Have your little ones decorate their wagons, bikes, and even themselves and join in the fun.
The parade route ends at a park where there will be games and crafts, waffles, pony rides, a costume contest, butterfly releases, and much more! For more information about this family-friendly event, visit the website.
Seeing the Fireworks From Surrounding Cities
That’s it for great spots for fireworks viewing this weekend in Sarasota, but if you can’t find a spot close to home or find that too many areas are sold out, remember that areas around the city also offer some stunning views of fireworks over the bay.
In Bradenton, you might check out the fireworks and a buffet at Pier 22, starting at 7 p.m. Visit their site at:
https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/events/2394/4th-of-july-fireworks-and-buffet-at-pier-22
In Osprey, The Point is hosting a 4th of July buffet with live music and drink specials. For more information, visit:
https://stayhappening.com/e/4th-of-july-at-the-point-E2ISTOK07TR
Woody’s River Roo Pub and Grill in Ellenton is also hosting a 4th of July event with live music and lots of menu specials, starting at 5 p.m. Visit their Facebook events page for more:
https://m.facebook.com/events/224590049495343
Hopefully you’ve found some great suggestions for July 4th weekend events in Sarasota and surrounding cities! If so, be sure to share this list with family and friends and on social media, and come back next week for even more exciting things to see and do in Sarasota on the weekend.
