It seems that just about everyone is ready to let loose and have fun for this summer. And smack dab in the middle of the summer arrives America’s biggest and brightest holiday we are excited to celebrate locally, the Fourth of July Sarasota.

We take a deep dive into all the summer action of Siesta Key, including the festivities around the Fourth of July fireworks, the numerous summer-themed Sarasota events, and how you can ring in a celebratory summer when you book your Siesta Key gulf view rental.

Fourth of July Celebrations 

Bright lights! Smokey barbeque! The definitive summer holiday is Independence Day. There are at least four major Fourth of July fireworks and events in Sarasota for you to attend.

Siesta Key Community Fireworks

The main attraction is the big Siesta Key Fireworks. You can see the fireworks from virtually any spot along the Siesta key coastline. The main spot for visitors is Siesta Key Beach proper, address 948 Beach Rd. There is parking and facilities here, including restrooms and showers. Parking here will fill up fast. There are two main beach areas; you can see the fireworks above and below. The first is north at Sarasota beach. The public beach access point here is at 180 Beach Rd. The second is south at Crescent Beach; the easiest beach access point is point 13 at 6900 Point of Rocks Rd. 

Regardless of where you see the fireworks, we suggest both getting in early and trying to walk or use local transportation. The trolley is an accommodating service available free for all visitors and locals. The event is slated to begin on July 4 at 9:15 p.m. This year marks the 30th annual fireworks celebration, and it is free for all to attend.

Sarasota Fireworks/Bayfront Parade

It’s not just Siesta Key getting all the fun. Visit Sarasota downtown for an epic Fireworks and Parade double-bill. It begins with a parade along the Sarasota Bayfront. And don’t worry, as long as you can see the water, you can see a series of boats decorated in Independence garb celebrating first responders, essential workers, veterans, and medical professionals. The parade is expected to begin July 4 around 8 p.m. at Mound St, and end around an hour later at Bayfront Drive by the J.D. Hamel Park. We suggest getting to Sarasota early to find parking. 

The parade will be followed by a big bang- fireworks over the Bayfront around 9:15 p.m. The event is free for all. The core of the excitement is at Bayfront Park, address 5 Bayfront Dr, but you are bound to see the fireworks from anywhere along the coast of Sarasota. There will also be food trucks, yard games, and live music, including a live performance of American Idol local star Alana Sherman for the National Anthem.

Venice Fireworks

Venice Beach isn’t missing out on any of the fun. For a comparatively quieter fireworks celebration, we suggest visiting Venice Beach at 101 The Esplanade S. It is about 40 minutes south of Sarasota and an ideal option if you want to escape the major Fourth of July crowds. There are volleyball courts and park trails right along the beach. The fireworks are slated for around 9 p.m.

Nathan Benderson Park 

Nathan Benderson Park hosts the pre-fourth fun. Come out on July 3 at 5 p.m. for fireworks, games, and live music at this iconic Sarasota park, located at 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir.

Guests can enjoy live music from a rotation of top local talent, like the fresh country swings of the Derek Lersch Band or the 60s soul-funk of the Black Honkeys. There will also be a dedicated kids zone featuring an assortment of safe yard games for ages 2-12. A race erupts around 6 p.m., a roughly 4-mile run alongside the park’s Cooper Creek Lake. Finally, the fireworks launch around 9 p.m. right in the car and are expected to end around 9:30 p.m. 

Admittance is $20 per vehicle and $40 for recreational vehicles. Food will be available from many esteemed local vendors.

Selby Gardens All American Cookout

Visit the famous Marie Selby Gardens on July 4, and get an amazing view of the Sarasota fireworks as you enjoy a top-quality All-American barbeque buffet. Admittance of $200 gets you access to valet parking, dinner, and an open bar in one a gorgeous spot in Sarasota. It is located at 1534 Mound Street. Registration is required. 

Siesta Key events include all the summer fun you expect when visiting Florida’s gulf coast. 

American Fan Fare

For more things to do in Siesta Key, check out American Far Fare. Listen to epic patriotic songs performed by several esteemed local musicians, including the Choral Artists of Sarasota and the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble.

Enjoy All-American staples like Hands Across the Sea, On the Mall, and Bennett’s Triumphal March. The show is at the Sarasota Opera House at 61 Pineapple Avenue in Sarasota. The concert begins at 4:30 p.m. on July 4. Tickets are around $25 per person. 

Other July Events

And that isn’t even everything! Review all the best Siesta Key events near the holiday, and celebrate the summer we have all been waiting way too long for. 

Embracing Our Differences Exhibit

Make some time out of your July trip to experience the Embracing Our Differences Exhibit. This outdoor art exhibit showcases the best hand-selected artwork from 15,912 entries from 128 countries and 48 states. The program this year is specifically focused on promoting diverse voices. Awards are also given out with cash prizes. It’s an inspiring and beautiful event celebrating the eclectic voices of our country.

Suncoast Summer Fest

A little barbeque. A little jamming. A full bar. Yes, it’s the Suncoast Summer Fest at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr. Come July 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a fun summer event.

These things to do in Siesta Key only scratch the surface of the summer season. Make the absolute most of any seasonal trip by checking out all the local events. There are local feel-good events, like the 7th Annual Liberty Litter Cleanup and the Free Music Friday Night Concert July 9 in Centennial Park.

And don’t miss out on dragon boat paddling- a qualifying run July 9 to July 11 for the 2022 International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships! Summer is the time to shine in Sarasota!