If you’re planning on spending the Fourth of July in Siesta Key, what better way to spend it than by checking out some of the local events going on in the immediate Siesta Key and nearby Sarasota area.
Watch the sky light up at the Siesta Key 4th of July Fireworks
This free fireworks show will take place July 4 from 9 to 9:45 p.m. at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road. Or, there are tons of other great places to watch the night sky light up with explosions of color, like Crescent Beach, the Public Beach, or from the waters of the Gulf or Intracostal Waterway. This annual event, which has been going on for 29 years, is popular, with crowds known to get as large as 20,000 to 30,000 people. For more info, call (941) 349-3800.
Feast among the floral beauty at the All-American Cookout at Selby Gardens
A popular tourist attraction all year long, Selby Gardens really comes alive on July 4th during the All-American Cookout. From 9 to 9 p.m., you can experience games and activities for the whole family, eat delicious food, listen to great music and finish off the night with an incredible fireworks show. Selby Gardens is located at 900 S. Palm Avenue in nearby Sarasota. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for kids under 12.
Spend the fourth on the water at the Snook Haven Myakka River Kayak Festival
Located just 30 minutes away from Siesta Key in nearby Venice at 5000 E. Venice Avenue, the 5th Annual Kayak Festival at Snook Haven is a free event that runs from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on July 4. There will be a wide selection of craft beer and plenty to choose from on the smokehouse menu. In the afternoon, there will be live music performed by local favorite Steve Avery.
Celebrate as the pioneers did at A Pioneer Fourth
Held at the Historic Spanish Point, A Pioneer Fourth recreates the way historic local figure John Webb and his family celebrated the national holiday. There will be a special reading of the Declaration of Independence in Mary’s Chapel, a sing-a-long of patriotic songs from the pioneer days, and a BYOB picnic lunch on Magnolia Lawn. The event is on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $15, free for museum members and included in standard museum admission. Historic Spanish Point is located at 337 Tamiami Tr., in Osprey, just 15 minutes from Siesta Key. For more info and to RSVP, go to the event’s page.
Celebrate with Music at the Sounds of Independence
The Choral Artists of Sarasota presents Sounds of Independence, which celebrates America with rousing songs and perennial favorites in a patriotic concert. This July 4 show starts at 4 p.m. and will be held at the Sarasota Opera House at 61 N. Pineapple St. in Sarasota. Tickets range from $5 to $45. This annual event usually sells out so get your tickets soon!
Watch the Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay
Part of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival, you can watch this awesome show for free anywhere in downtown Sarasota including Bayfront Park and Island Park. Or, watch it from a boat in Sarasota Bay. The show starts at dusk or around 9 p.m. Make sure you bring an umbrella in case of rain!
Need a place to stay? Book one of Global Vacation Homes’ luxurious units at The Anchorage on Siesta Key. Just visit our website to reserve one now.
