When visiting on the Fourth of July, there are plenty of things to do on Anna Maria Island to celebrate! Of course, the island is the perfect place for any celebration, but holidays are the best times to visit.
Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile stretch of gorgeous white, sandy beaches located near the Gulf of Mexico just off the central peninsula of Florida. With plenty of shops, attractions, restaurants, outdoor activities, and excellent Anna Maria Island accommodations to choose from during your visit, this fantastic vacation spot has something for everyone.
Check out these fun events, from parades to fireworks, for an unforgettable vacation on Anna Maria Island for Independence Day!
Privateers Parade
For visitors to the island, the Privateers Fourth of July Parade is something you don’t want to miss! Starting in the morning into the early afternoon, the parade begins in Coquina Beach and travels through City Pier in Anna Maria.
Known as one of the biggest events on Anna Maria Island, the Privateers Parade is free and family-friendly. Get ready to catch plenty of colorful beads and candy, but look out for water guns shot by people on the floats!
Kids will love the decorated floats and people dressed as pirates, as well as exploring the vendor area with lots of treasures. Grab lunch at one of the many available food trucks with a variety of delicious food. Then, check out the upbeat live music performances carrying on the fun!
Longboat Key Freedom Fest
The Longboat Key’s Freedom Fest celebration begins in the morning with a short parade with activities in the park afterward. Families will enjoy games, crafts, and a butterfly release before digging into waffles with toppings from whipped cream to strawberries.
Kids will love getting back to activities like riding ponies and watching the famous “Hot Diggity Dog” contest. With prizes awarded to the dog costumes, including the most patriotic, creative, and best owner and dog combination, the whole family will have fun looking at all the cute dog costumes in the parade!
Kids who want to join in on the fun can decorate their bikes, wagons, and themselves for the parade.
Bradenton Marauders Independence Celebration
Spend the Fourth of July with the Bradenton Marauders baseball game for their Independence Celebration at LECOM park. Located right outside Downtown Bradenton, this family-friendly sporting event has giveaways, theme nights, and fireworks after the game!
Before the game, check out the Bradenton farmer’s market on Anna Maria Island. Even the kids will enjoy exploring the market with upbeat music and free activities! Pick up anything you need to bring back to the fully equipped kitchens at our Anna Maria Island rentals, like fresh produce and other local food.
On the third Saturday of every month, the Anna Maria Island farmer’s market hosts “Mainly Art,” where local artists and craftsmen display their work to sell. So, pick up a new art piece to bring home that brings a piece of your vacation back with you!
Fireworks Displays
It wouldn’t be Independence Day without fireworks! So, be sure to find the ideal location to view the show from two of our recommended locations. To get the best view of the fireworks, consider arriving early and finding a spot on the beach.
You may also want to bring chairs, blankets, and snacks for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Keep in mind that parking can be difficult during busy events, so it’s recommended to carpool or use public transportation if possible.
Sandbar Fireworks Show
For an unforgettable show, get a table at the Sandbar Restaurant at the island’s north end. The Sandbar Annual Fireworks Spectacular offers prime seating for the fireworks that begin after the sunset under the restaurant’s wedding pavilion.
The fireworks can be viewed from anywhere on Anna Maria Island, but the Sandbar Restaurant is an ideal spot to catch the show! To get the best view possible, reserve the exclusive VIP package that includes a private area to watch the fireworks, catered food by the culinary team, an open bar, party favors, and valet parking.
Plan Your Anna Maria Island Vacation
Contact the team at Mello on the Beach to book your next vacation to paradise. Browse our full Anna Maria Island rental catalog to find the perfect place to spend your beach getaway.
Beach House Restaurant’s Fireworks
Another great location to catch the amazing views of the fireworks show is the Beach House Restaurant. You’ll find a picturesque view and fantastic food, specifically fresh seafood caught locally.
Located on Bradenton Beach, it has fantastic beach dining with the world’s best oysters, shrimp, and fish. Even if seafood isn’t your favorite, they have other delicious options, like their famous New York Strip, to satisfy your taste buds.
The party begins on the evening of July 3rd, so you get to kick off Independence Day early with the Beach House! The restaurant offers VIP packages, so call ahead to reserve the best seating to catch the fireworks show with included food and other fun perks.
Stay at Mello on the Beach
With the best of Anna Maria Island accommodations, call today to book your stay with Mello on the Beach. You’ll find our one, two, and three-bedroom options for our rentals that give off the perfect eclectic beach vibes. When you stay with us, you’ll find your rental with inviting bright colors, colorful kitchenettes, private patios, and terrace access. You’ll have the chance to explore the island without having to go far from Mello. So, enjoy a walk to several different attractions or stay in for a cozy day indoors.
Our kitchenettes include a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, dishes, blender, coffee maker, and toaster. The rooms are adaptable and have a terrazzo dining table that doubles as a storage space. Other furniture includes moveable ottomans and a sleeper sofa in the living room. There’s no need to worry about laundry because a washer and dryer are available for use, so you can take care of your favorite beachwear while on vacation. You’ll have full dressers with in-drawer safes to keep your valuables secure while you’re away for a day on the beach.
Our other amenities include air conditioning, heat, satellite and cable, high-speed internet, a TV, coolers for the beach, and parking. Of course, our rental location is right on the free Anna Maria Island trolley route, so you don’t always have to take the car everywhere. With several restaurants and attractions within 0.75 miles, you can go out for local delicacies and take a leisurely stroll to nearby beaches.
Located on beautiful Holmes Beach, Mello on the Beach has been a popular refuge for decades. Beachgoers, from couples to families, enjoy our location, vacation rentals, and all sorts of things to do in the area. Feel right at home in our rental getaways with a spacious lawn perfect for fun yard games, direct Anna Maria Island beach access, bike rentals, and more. You can also lounge on the sunny front terrace or check out the private back patio to get your tan on!
Our rentals give you and your family the best places to stay on Anna Maria Island. With additional settings like a lounge pool, BBQ grill, fire pit, and Adirondack chairs, you’ll be prepared for the best vacation we can give!
