There’s no better place to spend Independence Day than in one of our Anna Maria Island rentals! With plenty of fun activities and patriotic events, it’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy the beaches and attractions with a red, white, and blue twist.
Check out these annual Anna Maria Island events for the Fourth of July, including parades, festivals, baseball, and fireworks!
Annual Independence Day Events
For visitors and locals of Anna Maria Island, celebrating the 4th of July is a time of fun festivities and plenty of fireworks! It’s a patriotic party with beach time, fresh seafood, and a variety of shopping opportunities that you don’t want to miss out on.
So, here are the Independence Day events you can catch on during your stay in one of our AMI rentals!
The annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival often coincides with the island’s 4th of July celebration, so you can catch both events during the week-long festival. Join in on the kickoff party, powerboat races, fishing tournament, and fireworks to close out the show!
Independence Day Parade
It wouldn’t be the 4th of July without a parade, so be sure to go to the annual parade held by the Anna Maria Island Privateers. The best part is the parade is free to attend, so get to Coquina Beach and follow along as it moves up to City Pier Park in Anna Maria. The Independence Day Parade ends early enough for you to check out other venues and participate in more activities. So, grab some candy and join the celebration afterward.
Fireworks Spectacular
You’ll never see anything else like Anna Maria Island fireworks on the beach! Because the buildings on Anna Maria Island cannot go over three stories, you’ll get the perfect view of the magnificent fireworks show all around. The “Fireworks Extravaganza” begins after dark on July 4th, with the fireworks getting set off from the Sandbar on Spring Avenue. To get the best view possible, find a good spot anywhere along the beach.
You can also have dinner at the Sandbar Restaurant while watching the fireworks and listening to the live music entertainment before and after the big show. However, reserve early because seating becomes limited on the Fourth of July. Or, get the VIP party package with an exclusive view of the show. If you prefer enjoying the fireworks indoors or have the family pet with you, many of our Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals are within close proximity to the show.
Other great locations to catch fireworks include anywhere down the coast to view the Sarasota Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay. If you’re downtown, you can attend the show for free! Or, you can charter a boat to get an unforgettable view from the bay. There are fireworks in Siesta Key and Venice, Florida, if you want to explore further but stay in the area of Anna Maria Island.
Freedom Fest
For a must-see patriotic event, check out Freedom Fest on Longboat Key on the morning of July 4th to celebrate freedom at Bicentennial Park. Get there early for “The Shortest Parade in America” on Bay Isles Road, followed by food and a butterfly release at the park. No wonder this is one of the most popular things to do on Anna Maria Island in the summer!
Freedom Fest has become one of the most popular events on Anna Maria Island and is considered a Longboat Key tradition! With attendees dressing in their full red, white, and blue clothing celebrating the stars and stripes, it’s a fun event you won’t want to miss!
Plan Your Visit
Plan your summer holiday with Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat for memories that will last a lifetime! Contact our team today or browse our full rental catalog to find the perfect property for your group.
Marauder’s Baseball Independence Day Celebration
To continue the Independence Day celebration, check out the Marauder’s Baseball game, where they play against the Charlotte Stone Crabs on July 4th. Because there’s nothing more American than baseball, you’ll get the whole red, white, and blue experience of the holiday!
After the game, there’s a fantastic fireworks display to watch, so it’s the perfect action-packed, family-friendly activity. The tickets are affordable, so everyone can join in on the fun without spending a fortune for a Fourth of July celebration. Experience this classic, all-American baseball game, and get ready for more celebrations throughout the day!
Can You Use Your Own Fireworks On AMI?
If you’re planning to spend the Fourth of July on Anna Maria Island, you might think about bringing fireworks to get in on the fun even more. However, the island has rules and regulations about fireworks that visitors must follow, or you could be fined.
Personal fireworks that are very loud, artillery-style, repeating, propelled, lift off the ground, or explode are absolutely prohibited on Anna Maria Island and in the state of Florida in general. So, definitely leave the Roman candles and any other fireworks at home while visiting the island. You don’t want to risk a hefty fine of up to $500 if your fireworks cause issues.
For approved fireworks, you’re allowed to bring simple ground fireworks like snakes, snappers, and handheld sparklers under Manatee County regulations. But, when you’re ready for the big booming fireworks, it’s much easier and safer for everyone to watch the prepared fireworks displays available on the island.
The Best Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals For Independence Day
To find our Anna Maria Island rentals with pools, look no further than our home rentals steps away from the Gulf beaches. Every one of our rentals offers fully-equipped kitchens, a heated pool, an outdoor shower, and a Weber grill. Check out your vacation home options and see which rental is best for you and your family!
Coral Cabana
Coral Cabana has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a private patio with beautiful tropical landscaping. Outside, you’ll find a heated pool and outdoor shower. Along with a grill and picnic table, the whole family can enjoy a poolside lunch or dinner utilizing the fully-equipped kitchen.
Aqua Oasis
Aqua Oasis is a four-bedroom and bathroom beach house with a private patio, pool, and a waterfall feature. You’ll also find an outdoor shower and a grill near the pool. This rental offers a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining table for eight people, and a spacious living room.
Coconut Hideaway
Coconut Hideaway has four bedrooms and bathrooms with an outdoor pool, shower, and grill. You’ll also find a beach wagon, chairs, and an umbrella to use on the beach. Enjoy the fully-equipped kitchen with a dining table for eight people and a spacious living room with sliding doors leading out to the porch.
Sand Castle
Sand Castle is a four-bedroom and three-and-a-half-bathroom home that happens to be one of the oldest rentals on the island. Built in 1924, it’s been fully restored with plenty of historical charm.
The master bathroom features a timeless claw foot tub, walk-in shower, and glamorous double vanity. Check out the back patio with a heated pool, outdoor shower, and grill. Relax in the cozy living room area with an electric fireplace and direct access to the screened-in porch.
Why Choose Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat
If you’re ready for a fantastic Independence Day, call Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat to book your stay at our beautiful vacation homes. From the gorgeous beaches to the picturesque views, you’ll love staying in our clean and comfortable rentals for the best Fourth of July celebration on Anna Maria Island!
