Cities of Palmetto, Bradenton unite for unforgettable Independence Day celebration on both sides of Green Bridge
PALMETTO and BRADENTON, FL (June 16, 2025) – This year marks a special milestone as the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto come together to promote their Independence Day celebrations—highlighting exciting, family-friendly festivities on both sides of the Green Bridge.
From downtown Bradenton’s scenic Rossi Park on the Riverwalk to historic Palmetto’s picturesque Riverside Park, the entire waterfront will come alive with patriotic spirit, live music, local flavors and plenty of fun for all ages.
This unified promotional effort reflects the strong sense of community shared by both cities and celebrates the vibrant traditions that make each side of the Manatee River unique, brought together by a spectacular fireworks finale made possible through collaboration with Manatee County.
BRADENTON ALIVE 4th OF JULY CELEBRATION AT ROSSI PARK ON THE RIVERWALK
Hosted by Bradenton Alive and the City of Bradenton, festivities kick off at 5 p.m. at Rossi Park with:
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Live music by Phoenix 5 and 22N
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VIP shaded area with private bar and food selections (purchase VIP tickets here)
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Food trucks and multiple local merchants
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Open seating for live music on the Forever Lawn
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Splash Park and playground open late
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Kids Play Zone with face painters and games
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Fireworks timed to music throughout Rossi Park and down the Riverwalk to the Green Bridge
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Fireworks Finale around 9 p.m. from the Green Bridge Pier
“Bradenton is proud to team up with Palmetto and celebrate this Fourth of July as one community,” said Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown. “Events like this show what’s possible when we come together. It’s a meaningful reflection of our shared values, local pride, and the strong community spirit that connects both sides of the river.”
Bradenton Parking and Road Closures
Free public parking:
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Bradenton: Downtown parking garages and Riverwalk area lots
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Parking lot across from Manatee Players Theatre
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Streets surrounding Rossi Park
Bridge & Road Closures:
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Green Bridge will close to traffic at 8 p.m. on July 4 and reopen two and a half hours later at 10:30 p.m., following the fireworks finale.
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Parking lot adjacent to Rossi Park with Splash Park and Forever Lawn will be closed
9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 4
Accessibility: Handicap parking will be available in the parking lot across the street from Manatee Performing Arts Center located at 502 3rd Ave West. A valid handicap parking tag is required for entry.
PALMETTO FOURTH FEST AT RIVERSIDE PARK
“We’re thrilled to bring people together in the heart of Palmetto to celebrate our nation’s independence,” said Palmetto Mayor Dan West. “Palmetto Fourth Fest reflects the spirit of our city—welcoming, festive, and rooted in American pride—and we’re proud to celebrate alongside our neighbors in Bradenton in a show of unity and community across the river.”
Hosted by The Big Idea Events and the City of Palmetto, festivities kick off at 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park with:
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Live music from DJ James Thomas, Music Royale & The Eric Von Band
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Little Firecrackers Kids Zone with face painters, bounce houses and DIY arts and crafts
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Freedom Bites Court with food trucks and local eats
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Red, White & Brews Garden with shaded seating
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Independence Market featuring local artisans and community partners
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Fireworks timed to music throughout Riverside Park and down to the Green Bridge Pier
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Fireworks Finale around 9 p.m. from the Green Bridge Pier
“We’re thrilled to bring people together in the heart of Palmetto to celebrate our nation’s independence,” said Palmetto Mayor Dan West. “Palmetto Fourth Fest reflects the spirit of our city—welcoming, festive, and rooted in American pride—and we’re proud to celebrate alongside our neighbors in Bradenton in a show of unity and community across the river.”
Palmetto Parking Trolley, and Road Closures
Free public parking:
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Palmetto: First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, city lots, and street parking in the Historic District
Trolley Service in Palmetto:
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Two free trolleys will run throughout historic Palmetto from 5–10 p.m., with pick-up and drop-off at Riverside Drive and 10th Avenue West.
Bridge & Road Closures:
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Riverside Park Boat Ramp and Riverside Park West will be closed from midnight on Friday, July 4 to midnight on Saturday, July 5.
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Riverside Drive (U.S. 41 to 10th Ave W) will be closed from 8 a.m. on Friday, July 4 to 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 5.
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Green Bridge will close to traffic at 8 p.m. on July 4 and reopen two and a half hours later at 10:30 p.m., following the fireworks finale.
Accessibility: Handicap parking will be available behind It Works located at 908 Riverside Drive, with access from the intersection of 9th Ave West and 4th Street West. A valid handicap parking tag is required for entry.
Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Night of Unity, Patriotism and Celebration!
Bring your lawn chairs, your family, and your festive spirit for an Independence Day celebration you won’t want to miss—on both sides of the Green Bridge.
Follow the City of Bradenton, City of Palmetto, Bradenton Alive and Palmetto Fourth Fest on social media for updates, schedules and more information.
MEDIA CONTACTS
— City of Bradenton Public Information Manager Tiffany Shadik, (941) 932-9478, Tiffany.Shadik@BradentonFL.gov
— Nick Azzara/Azzara Communications, representing City of Palmetto, (941) 281-5067, nicholas@azzara.agency