One magical spectacle that enthralls the imaginations of all.
The eleventh annual Bradenton Area River Regatta oozes over–the–top exhilaration coupled with all the traditional festival favorites—music, food, fun things to do—in one awe-gasping extravaganza that will fascinate spectators of all ages long after the day is done.
Fueled by the fastest inland boats on water and the largest tunnel boat race on tour—Formula-1 Powerboat racing—energizing the surf at speeds over 120/mph. And, to make sure you get all the speed you need, two additional powerboat classisfications—SST-45’s, often called “Formula Lights” and the immensely popular Tri-Hull’s—will rumble on the river…small, fast and darting with razor-sharp precision on the surf.
With music that will make your feet move and body groove all day long…on two main stage venues…STARRING IN BRADENTON—Sam Woolf, Bella Garland, House of Harmony, along with the Trevor Bystrom Band…and in Palmetto?…Mark Wright, Sweet Fleet, Peonies, Euphoria and White Mesa.
Watch as world fly-boarding Champion Kristen Smoyer skies 80 feet into the air on an elevator of water in one somersaulting sequence of acrobatic moves. Then marvel at all the fun four-legs can conjure up in the Frisbee® flying, canine trick antics of Team Zoom and Daredevil Dogs. Plus cool kids zones on both shores of the river and enough food and drinks to satisfy appetites large and small.
And, the after-dark delights are spectacular, too, as we illuminate the skies with a dual drone and fireworks light show—on Opening Night Friday, Feb. 20—from the premier light show companies in the business “Sky Elements”...your eyes won’t believe the artistry, beauty and wizardry they deliver!
The all FREE, eleventh annual Bradenton Area River Regatta. Opening this year on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 starting at 5:15 PM with great music from ABBA Nova and Bella Garland..followed by the Sky Elements Drone Light and Fireworks show and Sweet Fleet concert…continuing with an all day slate of powerboat racing and world class entertainment, Saturday, February 21. Save the dates, savor the excitement! See you there!