If you’re looking for some excitement on your trip to Anna Maria Island, next weekend there will be just that. Bradenton is in Manatee County too and is only a short drive from Anna Maria Island. Next weekend Manatee County’s largest spectator event is coming back! The Bradenton Area River Regatta is back on the Manatee River on Saturday, February 4th. This event has everything, and best of all, it’s a free FAMILY friendly event!

This year the fun has been expanded on both sides of the river. There will be many events in both Bradenton and Palmetto.

The day kicks off with a 5k and then, the DeSoto Historical Society will have a kids’ fishing tournament off the Palmetto Pier. The first 100 anglers are given a free rod and reel. The activities will be in full swing by 10 a.m. on both sides of the river. Family Fun Zones in both Bradenton and Palmetto are taking place from 10 am to 6:45 pm. It will be so much fun that you‘ll probably end up staying until the fireworks spectacular at night.

On the river, events begin at 10 am also with the Formula 2 Powerboat Qualifying races. There will be BMX events, and concerts taking place throughout the day.