Your guide to Manatee County’s biggest free waterfront festival — Formula 1 powerboats on the Manatee River, the Friday Night Flash drone show and fireworks, live music, and everything you need to park, watch and enjoy the weekend.
until Opening Night · Friday, Feb 19, 2027
Organizers have confirmed the Feb 19–20, 2027 dates. Hours, the band lineup and race times for 2027 haven’t been announced yet — times below are from 2026 so you can plan, and we’ll update this guide as soon as the official schedule posts.
The 2027 timetable hasn’t been released. Here’s how the weekend ran in 2026 — the format has been consistent year to year, so it’s a reliable planning guide.
Source: 2026 official schedule, bradentonarearegatta.com/schedule. Full 2026 race timetable on our Races & Results page.
Firkins will be at the 2027 Regatta — stop by the booth on race day to say hi and see what’s new. Shopping before then? Browse inventory, check your trade-in value or get pre-qualified from your phone.
Offers and inventory are set by Firkins Automotive and change often — see firkins.com or the dealership for current details.
Parking is the #1 Regatta question. Downtown fills early on both days — arrive early, pick a backup lot, and consider the free trolley.
Organizers say there are plenty of lots and garages around the event perimeter and downtown Bradenton. Fees vary by lot owner, so bring a card and a little cash.
In 2026 a free trolley ran all day Saturday between the Bradenton and Palmetto sides of the river — the easiest way to see both stages without moving your car.
2027 trolley route and times will be confirmed by organizers.
Rideshare is the stress-free choice for Friday Night Flash, when everyone leaves at once after the fireworks.
The Green Bridge between Bradenton and Palmetto closes for the 5K and powerboat racing on Saturday, and several downtown streets close around the event footprint.
The U.S. Coast Guard sets river restrictions. Boaters must stay outside the “Spectator Anchoring Area” no-cross perimeter marked by red buoys during racing and the drone show, and law enforcement patrols the river.
Source: official Regatta FAQ.
Trailering in? The City of Palmetto’s Riverside Park ramp sits right by the Palmetto stage, but it fills early on busy days. Lanes, trailer spots and hours for every public ramp are in BradentonNow’s Manatee County boat ramp guide.
The official pick for Friday’s show: the splash park / kids playground area in front of Rossi Park, between light poles 14 and 15. The Tower and Palmetto’s Riverside Park main stage are good alternates.
Organizers call it perhaps the best place to watch the racing and all water activities — you look straight down the course.
The Palmetto side’s main spectator area, with its own concert main stage — often a little less crowded than the Riverwalk.
Highlights from the 2026 Regatta, which drew crowds of 100,000+. The 2027 lineup will be announced by organizers.
The Florida Formula 1 Championships — tunnel boats that go 0–100 mph in under four seconds and top 120+ mph on the straights. Plus Formula Lights and Tri-Hull classes. Boat classes & results
Friday Night Flash pairs a lighted drone show with a fireworks finale over the river, plus live tribute bands on the Rossi Park stage.
Kids Zones on the Riverwalk’s Great Lawn (light poles 2–5) and at the Palmetto Pier, a free Lil’ Anglers Fishing Derby for ages 5–12, stunt-dog shows and flyboard performances in 2026.
Regatta weekend is one of the busiest in Bradenton. Our sister guides cover the rest of it.
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The 2027 Regatta is Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20, 2027, according to the event organizers. Friday is Opening Night (Friday Night Flash) and Saturday is the full race day.
Organizers haven’t announced 2027 hours yet. In 2026 the event ran Friday 5:00–8:30 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, and we’ll update this guide when the 2027 schedule is posted.
Yes. Admission is free and there are no tickets — all events are free to attend.
On both sides of the Manatee River: Rossi Park and the Bradenton Riverwalk (444 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205) and the Palmetto riverfront at Riverside Park and the Palmetto Pier.
In 2026 the Friday Night Flash drone light show and fireworks began at 7:00 PM on Friday. The 2027 show time will be confirmed on the official schedule.
The official FAQ recommends the Bradenton Riverwalk splash park / kids playground area in front of Rossi Park (between light poles 14 and 15). The Tower and Palmetto’s Riverside Park main stage also have good views.
Organizers call the Green Bridge perhaps the best place to watch the races. The Bradenton Riverwalk and the Palmetto Pier / Riverside Drive are the other main spectator areas.
There are lots and garages around the event perimeter and throughout downtown Bradenton; fees vary by lot owner. Arrive early, check the official parking map before the event, and watch the Bradenton Police Department for parking updates.
In 2026 a free trolley ran all day Saturday between Bradenton and Palmetto. Organizers will confirm 2027 trolley service closer to the event.
Yes — the Green Bridge closes to traffic for the Saturday 5K and powerboat racing, and nearby downtown streets close around the festival. Use the DeSoto Bridge (US-41) to cross the river by car.
Yes. Coolers are allowed but may be checked by law enforcement, and you can bring your own food. Outside alcohol is not allowed inside the event footprint; beer is sold in designated areas.
The official FAQ says pets are welcome but must stay leashed at all times. Racing and fireworks are loud, so consider whether your dog will be comfortable.
Yes. Organizers say the viewing areas are handicap accessible, and portable restrooms are provided at all three main venues.
Kids Zones on the Riverwalk’s Great Lawn (light poles 2–5) and at the Palmetto Pier, plus family attractions. In 2026 that included a free Lil’ Anglers Fishing Derby for ages 5–12. Bring ear protection for little ones.
Yes, from the designated Spectator Anchoring Area. The U.S. Coast Guard sets river restrictions, and boaters must stay outside the no-cross perimeter marked by red buoys during racing and the drone show.
Yes. The LECOM 5K runs over the Green Bridge on Saturday morning of Regatta weekend. 2027 registration hasn’t opened yet — see our Regatta 5K page for details.
Yes. Firkins Automotive, the sponsor of this guide, will have a booth at the 2027 Regatta. The booth location will be posted here closer to race weekend.
Weather and river conditions can delay racing or shows. Check the official Regatta website and social channels on the day for updates.
For last-minute changes, weather delays and the final schedule, always check the organizers.
Last updated . Sources: official Regatta website and FAQ; attendance per FOX 13.
Get the Regatta Guide appParking, schedule & maps on your home screen — works with weak signal.