Palmetto’s popular Fourth Fest is making a big change this July. Here’s what to know
Palmetto is making a big change to its popular Fourth of July celebration in 2024.
The 13th annual Fourth Fest will relocate festivities from their traditional spot at Sutton Park.
Instead, crowds will be welcomed to Riverside Park along the Manatee River for a night of live music, food, drinks and family fun on Thursday, July 4.
Bradenton is also joining the party this year with its own downtown Fourth of July celebration on the Bradenton Riverwalk.
As usual, the two cities will share in a fireworks display over the Manatee River to top off the evening.
Here’s what to know about the new options for Independence Day fun.
Palmetto Fourth Fest
Palmetto’s 13th annual Fourth Fest will bring a night of live music to Riverside Park.
Performing this year are One Night Rodeo (country) Scarlet Drive (Pop, rock and dance) and Beatdown Band (R&B).
Guests can also peruse food trucks, a beer garden and local vendors. A kid’s zone will feature rides and games. Other fun for young ones will include face painting, a book bus and “bubbles galore.”
The festival is free to attend.
Know before you go:
There’s no reserved seating, so bring lawn chairs or a blanket and stake out a spot.
No coolers, tents or outside alcohol are allowed.
Mayors’ Feed the Hungry will collect non-perishable food items (pull-top cans only; no bulk-sized items).
Details: Fourth Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Riverside Park, 801 Riverside Drive, Palmetto. Free.
Info: Facebook.com/PalmettoCRA
Bradenton Alive Independence Day Celebration
This year, Bradenton will have its own downtown party on the Fourth of July.
Bradenton Alive’s Independence Day Celebration will bring live music, food vendors, merchants and a Jeep meet to the Bradenton Riverwalk.
Live music performances by Emmit Stevens Jr. (country) and 22N (rock and pop) will be staged at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion.
Details: 3 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion, 452 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. Free.
Manatee River fireworks show
Palmetto and Bradenton share the love on the Fourth of July with a fireworks display that is visible on both sides of the Manatee River. So grab a spot on the Bradenton Riverwalk, Riverside Drive, a waterfront restaurant or a boat deck to enjoy the show.
Zambelli Fireworks will light the night around 9 p.m. with a pyrotechnics show lasting approximately 25 minutes.
Details: Fireworks are set to begin around 9 p.m. July 4 over the Manatee River, launching from the Green Bridge Fishing Pier.
