Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
Spectators gather along the riverfront to watch a fleet of decorated vessels tour the Manatee River. Participating boats compete for cash prizes based on theme creativity, music, and crowd reaction. Visitors can take in the sights from public viewpoints or waterfront viewing parties.
What to Expect
Fleet of decorated vessels competing along the Manatee River.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade
Food & Drink
Parade participants can attend a post-parade after-party with complimentary food and a cash bar; the captains’ meeting also offers complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of festive waterfront spectacles
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Boat registration is free to enter.
- Parking: For the captain's meeting at Twin Dolphin Marina, use the free parking garage on 10th Street.
Tips & Advice
- Watch from the Green Bridge or the Palmetto Pier if you're not going to a VIP viewing party, since those are the public viewing spots.
- Allow some extra time at your viewing spot, because the timeline for boats reaching each point is only an estimate and can't be guaranteed.
- Register your boat early, because entries close once 35 boats sign up and only the first 25 entries get captain's bags.
- Bring cash if your crew goes to the after party, since extra tickets beyond the captain's four free ones are sold at the door for cash only.
- Business owners entering a boat should email their logo after signing up, so it gets printed in the programs handed out at the Riverhouse, Pier 22 and the Bradenton Yacht Club.
Special Events & Promotions
- VIP viewing parties at the Riverhouse and Pier 22.
- Captain's meeting for boat crews at Twin Dolphin Marina, by the pool, with free appetizers and a cash bar.
- After party at the Bradenton Yacht Club for parade participants, with winners announced, raffle prizes, food and music; extra tickets are sold at the door, cash only.
- Captain's bags go to the first 25 boat entries only.
- Boaters can get their business name and logo printed in the parade programs handed out at the viewing parties.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the parade?
The public viewing spots are the Green Bridge and the Palmetto Pier. VIP viewing parties are held at the Riverhouse and Pier 22.
In what order do the boats pass the viewing spots?
Boats line up at Desoto Point on Snead Island and pass the Bradenton Yacht Club first. Then they pass the Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant, and after that Pier 22 and Twin Dolphin. The viewing timeline is only an estimate and can't be guaranteed.
How do I enter my boat?
Entering a boat is free. Read the parade rules and fill out the online boater form. Entries close at the deadline or once 35 boats sign up, whichever comes first. One crew member has to go to the mandatory captain's meeting at Twin Dolphin Marina to get the boat number and line-up and go over the rules.
How are boats judged?
Boats are judged on theme creativity, music and crowd reaction. Cash prizes go to first, second and third place in each of the two size classes.
Is there an after party?
Yes. After the parade, the Bradenton Yacht Club hosts an after party for parade participants. Winners are announced, raffle prizes are given out, and there's free food, a cash bar and music. Each captain gets four free tickets, and extra tickets are sold at the door for cash only.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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