Updated for 2025

The 10th Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta

Captivating, crowd-pleasing, and daringly entertaining, the 10th Annual Bradenton Area River Regatta boasts your family-friendly festive attractions such as delightful music, delicious food, and other fun and cool things to do, all centered around the Powerboat Superleague Formula-2. Rally the entire family, or go on your lonesome, it doesn’t matter! The sky’s the limit with your excitement and imagination at the Bradenton Area River Regatta! And did we mention that the event is absolutely FREE? So go ahead and take a journey with us through this article provided for by the event’s major sponsor, Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM. Read on to know the ins and outs of the event so you never skip a beat when you’re at the Bradenton Area River Regatta.

The Regatta at the Manatee

For those unfamiliar with Bradenton Area’s regatta culture, the Powerboat Superleague Formula-2 is the largest tunnel boat race on tour composed of the fastest inland boats, capable of reaching speeds at over 120/mph. What’s even more exciting is the fact that this year’s edition of the speedy race features a second powerboat class, the SST-45, otherwise known as “Formula Lights”. This new class is smaller, faster, and boasts razor-sharp accuracy and precision as they glide through the surf and coast, offering an even more exhilarating and edge-of-your-seat racing experience. Awaken the speedy adrenaline junkie in you and watch in awe as powerboats zip across the Manatee River, with jet-engine speeds that have the capacity to reach speeds of over 125+ miles per hour – that equates to approximately 4 G’s or 4 times the force of gravity on straightaways! And if you’re the type to appreciate a great view as these powerboats zip by, you’re in for a treat: Bradenton-Palmetto provides the perfect backdrop for a race as incredible as this, as the powerboats circle the Manatee River in one heart-pounding, catch-me-if-you-can chase to the finish. After the race, you also have the opportunity to engage with famous drivers from all over the country, including Jeff Reno, Bradenton’s own prodigy! What an absolute pleasure!

 

FORMULA-2 and SST-45 “Powerboat” Racing Schedule:

• Test Runs (Manatee River) – 10:30 am to NOON approx.
• Qualifying Heats (Manatee River) – 1pm for the FORMULA-2 Qualifying, 2pm for the F-2 Qualifying
• Championship Races (Manatee River) – 4pm for the SST-45 Finals, 4:45pm for the F-2 Finals

Interested to see some world champions in action? Get to know 2 of the world’s champions in the modern watersports scene at the Bradenton Area River Regatta, Manatee River Bradenton Side.  Kristen “The Destroyer” Smoyer and Chris Anyzeski will both be at the event, exhibiting their legendary talents for the entire audience. Kristen “The Destroyer” Smoyer is a Flyboarding world champion, performing stunning shows and raising the bar for females around the world who are interested in taking part in the awesome sport of flyboarding. Don’t miss the adrenaline-pumping action when world-class JetSki rider Chris Anyzeski takes the stage! Hailing from Jupiter, FL, Chris has performed across the globe, earning titles like 2018 USA Champion and Pro World runner-up. Currently ranked third in the world, he’s bringing his electrifying freestyle skills to the Manatee River—get ready for a show you won’t forget!

 

• Kristen “The Destroyer” Smoyer’s Flyboarding Show is scheduled from Noon to 4:30 PM, happening between boat races.

“Paws” in Disbelief

At the Manatee Riverwalk Great Lawn, you’ll get your fair share of animal love. But these dogs aren’t here just to look cute and cuddly, they’re here to steal the show! Impressively technical Frisbee catches, gravity-defying agility vaults,  jump rope tricks, hula-hooping, dancing and darting through obstacle courses, all performed by expert-level performance dogs! Team Zoom and the DareDevil Stunt Dogs are here to captivate the audience with their outstanding performances and insanely unique tricks, all expertly choreographed to the beats and sounds of the event. From photo opportunities, doggy meet-and-greets, and more, people of all ages can’t help but fall in love with these amazing performance dogs.

 

• Dog Frisbee Shows are scheduled at the Bradenton Riverwalk Great Lawn for Noon, 2pm, 4pm, and a Meet and Greet at 6pm.
• Stunt Dog Shows are scheduled at the Bradenton Riverwalk Amphitheater for 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5:30pm.
• The Moogician Variety Show is scheduled at the Bradenton Riverwalk Amphitheater for 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, 4:30pm and 6pm.

Family-Friendly Fun

If you’re going to the event with your family, there are a ton of attractions well suited for the perfect day! The kids can have so much fun at the Regatta’s Family Fun Zones in Bradenton and Palmetto, giving you and your family an all-day docket chock-full of giveaways and old-fashioned traditional fun-filled activities designed to dazzle children, teens, and parents alike! Play games, hop on to the many inflatables around the area, have an interactive experience with the Tampa Bay Lightning Street team, check out the US Army and National Guard Expo, enter the FREE Hernando DeSoto Historical Society’s “Lil Anglers” Fishing Tourney with your kids, see authentic Raveau powerboats, or take sky high thrills to the limits by riding on a helicopter with your entire gang, nothing’s stopping you from experiencing a fun and exciting day that you all deserve as a family.

 

• DeSoto Historical Society “Lil’ Anglers” Fishing Tourney (FREE) opens its doors by 8:00am at the Palmetto Pier.
• The Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders Family Fun Zone and Area Food Festival is open from 10am to 6pm at the Bradenton Riverwalk Main Lawn.
• Viewing of vintage powerboats is held at the Riverside West Park from 10am to 6pm.
• The Palmetto “Family Fun Zone” United States Army and U.S. National Guard (PLUS Regatta Kids Rides) is open from 10am to 6pm at the Riverside West Park.

Have Yourself “The Time Of Your Life”

Get ready to rock the river at the Bradenton Area River Regatta’s 10th-anniversary celebration! Kicking off on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Rossi Park Stage along the Bradenton Riverwalk, the evening begins at 5:15 PM with a sensational performance by ABBA Nova, the national ABBA tribute band. Following at 6:15 PM, enjoy the soulful sounds of Bella Garland. Then, at 7:15 PM, North America’s premier Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Sweet Fleet, will captivate the audience with their authentic renditions.

The musical excitement continues on Saturday, February 22, with a diverse lineup on two main stages. In Bradenton at the Rossi Park Stage, the day starts at 11:30 AM with House of Harmony, followed by the Trevor Bystrom Band at 1:00 PM, Max Demote at 2:45 PM, and American Idol finalist Sam Woolf at 3:45 PM. Bella Garland returns to the stage at 4:15 PM, and at 4:45 PM, she teams up with Sam Woolf for a special duet performance. The evening wraps up with the high-energy band 22N at 5:15 PM.

Over in Palmetto at the Riverside Park Stage, Saturday’s performances begin at 11:30 AM with John Rinell’s “Taste of Sinatra.” Sweet Fleet takes the stage again at 1:00 PM, followed by Peonies at 2:45 PM, White Mesa Band at 3:45 PM, Euphoria at 4:15 PM, and concluding with House of Harmony at 5:15 PM. With such an incredible lineup, the Bradenton Area River Regatta promises two days of unforgettable music and entertainment for all.

• At the Bradenton Riverwalk Rossi Park Stage:

• Friday

• • Abba Nova at 5:15pm – National ABBA Tribute
  • Bella Garland Band at 6:15pm
  • Sweet Fleet at 7:30pm – National Fleetwood Mac Tribute

• Saturday

• • House of Harmony starts at 11:30am 
  • Trevor Bystrom Band at 1pm
  • Max Demote at 2:45pm
  • Sam Woolf at 3:45pm
  • Bella Garland at 4:15pm
  • Performing Together: Bella and Sam at 4:45pm
  • 22N at 5:15pm

• At the Palmetto-Riverside Park Stage:
  • John Rinell starts at 11:30am – “Taste of Sinatra”
  • Sweet Fleet at 1pm – “North America’s Premier Tribute to Fleetwood Mac”
  • Peonies at 2:45pm
  • White Mesa Band at 3:45pm
  • Euphoria at 4:15pm
  • House of Harmony at 5:15pm

Views From Above

There are few things more exhilarating than taking an aerial tour in a helicopter tour provided by Heli Aviation.  Experience the beauty of Bradenton, its surrounding areas, and an up close view of the Regatta.  Enjoy a totally unique perspective while your helicopter pilot takes you through the air for the ride of your life.  The tour will be departing at the Rossi Waterfront Park, and since rides are limited, we highly recommend you register early.  Visit http://heliaf.com/events/ to sign up.

A Dazzling Show to End the Day

Get ready for an electrifying night at the Bradenton River Regatta Fair with Friday Night Flash! Witness a breathtaking drone light show by Sky Elements, choreographed to music and capped off with a dazzling pyrotechnic finale from the legendary Zambelli Internationale. This jaw-dropping spectacle kicks off the Regatta on Friday, so catch the best views from the Bradenton Riverwalk splash park near Rossi Park. Don’t miss your chance to watch the sky come alive! Considered the country’s First Family of Fireworks, the fireworks flamboyance, spell-binding illumination, and wondrous choreography of a Zambelli Fireworks Display is truly a sight to behold and is not one you should miss.

The Zambelli International Fireworks Musically Choreographed Display is shot from Bradenton Riverwalk splash park near Rossi Park, starting Friday at 7:15pm.

Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, The Dealership You Can Rely On

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This article about the Bradenton Area River Regatta is brought to you exclusively by Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, one of the signature sponsors for the event, and we are one of the most reliable and trustworthy dealerships in Southwest Florida.

65 Years Worth Of Excellence

At Firkins Automotive, outstanding quality, loyalty, integrity, and value is core to their business practice. Family-owned and operated for over 65 years, the team at Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM works ethically and efficiently to deliver excellent customer service to anyone in Bradenton, FL who is looking for top-notch vehicles and/or automotive services. Whether you are in the market for a brand-new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or RAM vehicle, or if you’re searching for a place to safely secure your auto loans, Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM has everything you need and more. Spare parts? They have it in stock. Vehicle repair? Their staff is fully and professionally trained to handle any and all types of wear and tear, for a fraction of the price at other dealerships and repair centers.

New & Used Cars For Sale

Whether you’re looking for new or used cars, Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM has what you need! Quality vehicles such as the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler Unlimited, Ram 1500, Compass, Charger, Hornet, and Pacifica are all available in stock. Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM acts as your all in one Jeep Dealer, Chrysler Dealer, Dodge Dealer, and RAM Dealer in Bradenton, and they’ve been doing it for years. If they happen to not have it in stock on the day, they’ll be sure to have it ready and waiting for you to admire and purchase upon advanced request. Just don’t forget to shop our new vehicle selection for the latest information. As for used cars in the Florida area, never fear, Firkins Automotive has excellent quality, well-maintained, and affordable used cars up for sale. For the latest updates on our used cars inventory, you can alternately check out our used vehicle selection for the latest information too! Convenience at its finest, only at Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM.

A Seamless Experience

What’s incredible about Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM as a dealership is their attention to detail and sensitivity to their customers’ needs and preferences, so you’re definitely getting the bang for your buck with every visit and every transaction. Each staff member is well-trained to listen to your needs and isn’t there to just sell you anything that fits your minimum requirements. Everything is considered, from specifications to the vehicle, to general concerns, to your budget, and much more. Buying a vehicle or availing of vehicular services from Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM can be the most seamless experience for beginner and veteran drivers alike.

Giving Back To The Community

This level of dedication to excellent customer service is apparent from the way they not only treat their customers but their communities as well. Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM supports local business growth and has a long-standing commitment and tradition of supporting local organizations and promoting strong bonds within the community. In fact, they’ve done it for years – 65 years to be exact. The list of organizations that Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM supports include the Manatee Football Program, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Bradenton Kiwanis, the Wounded Warrior Project, Southeastern Guide Dogs, the Manatee Hurricanes, the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Manatee Children’s Services, The Salvation Army, and more! You may visit www.FirkinsCares.com  for the full rundown of all the causes, clubs, and organizations that they currently support on behalf of their community.

Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM Cares

Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM is not just in the business of helping you secure a brand new vehicle. They’re also in the business of caring simply because they do care, and the owners and employees all have a collective desire to help the community as much as they possibly can. In fact, that’s a foundation as to why Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM maintains its principal sponsorships towards events such as this one, the Bradenton Area River Regatta. Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM is committed to giving back to the community through these difficult times by providing opportunities for fun and relaxation for the whole family, and sponsoring events such as the Bradenton Area River Regatta, which is a once a year spectacular affair, is one of the ways to do so. Expect the same level of attention to detail and enjoyment at the Regatta as you would from each visit you have at Firkins Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM.

All your automotive needs in the Bradenton, Fl area, or even in nearby areas throughout Florida, are just waiting to be fulfilled by the best of the best, and you can find that at Firkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.