Celebrating the 4th in sunny Sarasota?
It’s the 4th of July, yet again, and Sarasota is gearing up for some fantastic festivities! Whether you are a local or just merely visiting, there are some amazing local events that you shouldn’t miss out on. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here at Beneva we’ve done our homework and compiled a 4th of July hit list of events that are a must see!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Longboat Key “Boom Boom on the Bay” – The 4th Annual “Boom Boom on the Bay” happens at The Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant at 760 Broadway St. Longboat Key. Mar Vista Restaurant is on the Northern Tip of Longboat Key (just south of the Anna Maria Island southern tip bridge). Fireworks begin after dark on Sarasota Bay.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Baseball and Fireworks – Enjoy Marauder’s Baseball and Fireworks after the game at McKechnie Field. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. as the Marauders take on the Blue Jays with game time at 6:30 p.m. and a post-game fireworks show. Tickets: $6 – $8. 1611 9th Street West, Bradenton.
Anna Maria Island 19th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza – See the fireworks explode over the Gulf of Mexico right from the beach at the Beachhouse Restaurant during their 19th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza along with a special VIP dinner and a fabulous party. Fireworks go up after dark. 200 Gulf Drive N, Bradenton Beach.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012:
Siesta Key 4th of July Fireworks Display – 22nd Annual 4th of July Fireworks Display and Party. Fireworks over Siesta Key are blasted off just north of the volleyball courts, so viewing is good from anywhere south and along Crescent Beach (south of Siesta Public Beach), out on the Gulf, or from the Intracoastal waterway. Good weather brings estimates of 20,000 to 30,000 to the fireworks on Siesta Key, which starts about 9:15 p.m. For more information: FireWorks
Sarasota Bay Fireworks Spectacular – Part of the Suncoast Offshore Festival, viewing is free from anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park. The display is an awesome sight from a boat anchored on Sarasota Bay. Make sure you bring an umbrella just in case of rain. The Sarasota show starts at dusk or around 9:00 p.m. and is privately funded and charity focused; The Selby Preschool and Community Haven will gratefully accept donations of cash, books, toys, diapers and wipes for newborns through eight years of age. The donation drop points are located at Marina Jack.
Selby Botanical Gardens Fireworks Display – Watch Sarasota fireworks along the shore of Sarasota Bay from beautiful Selby Gardens. Live reggae music from Impulse. Variety of food to purchase, including barbecue. Drinks including beer and wine. Face painting, kids activities. Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Contact: (941) 366-5731 or email. Read more about this event: click here.
Siesta Key Oyster Bar Hosts Backyard Grill Out to Support Overseas Troops – On July 4th, in honor of the sacrifices made for us by members of the military, Siesta Key Oyster Bar at 5238 Ocean Blvd., will be holding a traditional backyard grill out. It is because of those in the military that Americans are able to celebrate Independence Day in freedom and safety. 1/4 pound hot dogs, BBQ chicken drumsticks, and Italian sausages will be grilled up for guests and a percentage of the proceeds will go to providing goody packages to the troops. Please come out and help us support our freedom and the members of our military and stay for the awesome SK fireworks! For more info: SKOB
Anna Maria Island 4th of July Parade – The Anna Maria Island Privateers hold their annual 4th of July Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Coquina Beach and travels the entire length of Anna Maria Island to Bay Front Park. There’s an after Parade gathering at the Cafe on the Beach from noon – 4 p.m. with live music, food and drinks.
Pier 22’s Annual Fourth Of July Fireworks Celebration & Pig Roast – Pier 22 announces its Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration and Pig Roast on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 from 6pm in Bradenton, FL. Bring the entire family for the best 4th of July party in town, featuring live music by Shotgun Justice from 6-10pm, A Pig Roast and the best seat in town. Enjoy exclusive seating along the Manatee River under the fireworks, in our dining room, on The Patio, or along the Waterfront Terrace. Event Website.
Palmetto 4th of July Celebration with Three Dog Night – From 5:00pm to 10:30pm, the Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency hosts a free concert with Three Dog Night on the 4th of July at Sutton Park, Palmetto Fl. We invite everyone to visit Palmetto on the north banks of the Manatee River and experience our redeveloped parks, streetscapes and beautiful “hometown” charm. Event Website.
North Port Freedom Festival – From 6:00p to 10:00p at North Port High School in North Port, FL. Bring your folding chairs or blankets and come to the North Port Freedom Festival on the 4th of July at the North Port High School located on 6400 W Price Blvd. There will be games, entertainment, food & fireworks. Gates open at 6:00pm; Opening ceremony 7:00pm; Fireworks 9:00pm. For more information phone 429-PARK (7275). Event Website.
Friday, July 6, 2012:
Music on Main – Lakewood Ranch presents Music on Main the first Friday of each month from 6-9 p.m! Beer, wine and food sales will benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. Always a fun Escape to Sarasota Calendar event, check out the fountain area for a balloon twister, face painting, and Aggie Originals’ caricature art. Bring your chairs, but leave coolers at home. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a short leash. Overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Lakewood Ranch is off University Parkway east of I-75.
ArtWalk in Bradenton – From 6:00p to 9:00p at Village of the Arts in Bradenton, FL. Come to Florida’s largest artists’ colony in Bradenton for the July ArtWalk from 6 to 9 p.m. July 6 and 11 a.m. for 4 p.m. July 7. Support and meet local artists, while strolling the streets adorned with colorful 1920s bungalows that house the galleries. Shop, make new friends, dine, stroll. There’s something for everyone in the Village: paintings, stained glass, mosaics, crafts, sculpture, collage and much more. Event Website.
Sunday, July 8, 2012:
Pig Roast at Blu Que Island Grill – Pig Roast at BLU QUE ISLAND GRILL 149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, July 1, 2012 12:00PM – 5:00PM $5 Pulled Pork Sandwiches and live music. Every Sunday! For more information: BluQue
Siesta Key Farmers Market – The Siesta Key Farmers Market offers delicious spring greens, herbs and a variety of produce. Shoppers can also find a vast assortment of local, organic products and a Taste Of The Village with area restaurants serving farm fresh items from their menus. 5124 Ocean Blvd. 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.
THROWING A 4TH OF JULY PARTY?
WE’VE GOT YOUR CHECKLIST RIGHT HERE!
DECORATE!
The first part of throwing any party is decorations, why should the 4th of July be any different? For cost-efficient decorating, hit your local dollar store or general store for accessorizing your festive shindig.
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- Festive Wall Decor
- Festive Tablecloths and Utensils
FOOD!
Festive foods are the perfect way to transform any get-together into a party!
DRINKS!
We all know that the holidays are most often celebrated with a refreshing drink (or two!). But what should you serve? Here’s a list that always hits the spot!
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
From Your Beneva Team