As the nation marks America’s 250th anniversary and the City of Venice celebrates its Centennial year, the community is invited to a full day of patriotic festivities on July 4, featuring a morning parade, community picnic, and evening fireworks display.

Parade Returns to Downtown
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Venice will host a special daytime Independence Day Parade as part of its Centennial celebration. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of W. Venice Avenue and Ave des Parques, traveling east along W. Venice Avenue, through historic downtown Venice, turning south onto Nassau Street, and concluding near West Blalock Park along Pensacola Road. ***See attached map

Spectators are encouraged to line the westbound lane of W. Venice Avenue, both sides of Nassau Street, and areas surrounding West Blalock Park.

“We invite the entire community to join us as we honor both our nation’s 250th birthday and Venice’s Centennial,” said City Manager James Clinch. “This celebration is a wonderful occasion for children, families, and residents of all ages to come together, share in our City’s rich history, and proudly celebrate the City and country we all call home.”

Parade Participation Information
To preserve the hometown feel of this special Centennial and Independence Day celebration, parade participation will be limited to City of Venice residents, businesses, nonprofits, and Venice MainStreet partners. Space is limited, and participation will be capped to maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday, June 5, or earlier if capacity is reached.
Apply at City of Venice 250th Independence Day Parade – Fill out form or by scanning the QR code below.

Community Picnic to Follow
Following the parade, the celebration continues at 11 a.m. with a community picnic at the Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., hosted in partnership with Venice MainStreet. Activities will take place indoors, outdoors, and at West Blalock Park, featuring hot dogs, music and dancing, face painting, a watermelon eating contest, and additional family-friendly activities.

Evening Fireworks Display
The celebration concludes with the annual Independence Day Fireworks Show, firing off at 9 p.m. from the South Jetty by Zambelli Fireworks. The display will be angled over the Gulf toward Venice Beach to maximize viewing opportunities along Venice Beach, Brohard Beach, and the Gulf.

Boaters should note the Venice Inlet will be closed during the fireworks and will reopen approximately 30 minutes after the finale. The 2026 fireworks show will be conducted by professional technicians from Zambelli Fireworks, with support from Venice Fire Rescue and the Venice Police Department.

Parking & Event Information
Public parking is available at the Venice Community Center, Centennial Park, City Hall (after the parade), Graser Park, Venice Beach, Legacy Park, and under the North/KMI and Venice Avenue bridges. The Venice Farmers Market will not be held on July 4.

For more information about the parade, visit venicegov.com/things-to-do/july-4th-parade-picnic.