Several events this weekend are expected to draw extra traffic to Downtown Bradenton and the Bradenton Riverwalk.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

The Rossi Park parking lot will be closed to the public at 5 a.m. for Bradenton River Regatta preparations and remain closed through Saturday. Only those with VIP parking permits may use the lot. Additionally, only residents may access the parking area between the Riverdance condominiums and Riversong apartments. Additional parking information (in Bradenton) is available here.
The Gulf Islands ferry service will not be available on Friday and Saturday.

Bradenton Area River Regatta Opening Night

Live music begins at Rossi Park at 5:15 p.m.

A drone and fireworks show begins at 7:15 p.m. and is expected to last approximately 18 minutes. The show will be visible on either side of the Manatee River. The recommended viewing area in Bradenton is along the Riverwalk, between Rossi Park and the observation tower.

No road closures are required.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Road closures for the Bradenton Area River Regatta begin at approximately 4 a.m. Roads will reopen after the races conclude, barricades are removed, and clean-up is completed.

The Green Bridge will be closed to vehicles, electric bikes, and scooters. Free trolley service will be accessible on either side of the bridge for travel between Palmetto and Bradenton from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The De Soto Bridge will remain open.

9th St. W. will be closed between Manatee Ave. and the Green Bridge.

12th St. W. (Old Main St.) will be closed between Manatee Ave. and 1st Ave. W./Barcarrota Blvd.

10th St W will be closed from the City Centre Parking Garage to the Riverwalk. The garage will be accessible.

3rd Ave. W. will be open only for eastbound traffic between 9th St. W. and 1st St./US-41.

Temporary road closures are required for the LECOM 5K (see below).

Free parking is available in parking garages and parking lots operated by the City of Bradenton - except for the parking lot between the City Centre garage and City Hall. The Rossi Park parking lot requires VIP passes.

LECOM 5K

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. All runners must be off of the Green Bridge by 9:30 a.m.

The race begins and ends at the intersection of 15th St. W. and 4th Ave. W. Runners will travel north to 1st Ave. W., east to 10th St. W., south to 3rd Ave. W., east to 9th St. W., and north across the Green Bridge. The turnaround point is on the Palmetto side of the bridge.

Race organizers recommend participants park in the Manatee County Public Parking Garage at the corner of Manatee Ave. W. & 10th St. W.

Bradenton Public Market

The market will operate as usual, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Vendors and the public should anticipate delays.

10th Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta

The 10th annual event begins at 10 a.m. and features Powerboat Super League and SST-45 Formula Lights racing, fly-board exhibitions, live music, vendors, family fun zones, and more. Events are planned in Bradenton and Palmetto. Racing is expected to conclude by 5 p.m. Trolley service ends at 6:15 p.m. A schedule and maps of vendor locations are available at bradentonarearegatta.com.

The Bradenton Police Department partners with other local law enforcement agencies, under the leadership of the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center, to ensure the safety of participants and spectators on land and the Manatee River.

The U.S. Coast Guard mandates Manatee River restrictions for the Regatta. Boaters must adhere to the no-cross perimeter defined by red buoys in effect during Saturday’s boat races and water activities, and Friday’s drone/fireworks show. Law enforcement will patrol the river to ensure compliance. The day dock will be closed on Friday and Saturday.