Bradenton Area River Regatta – Palmetto/Bradenton, FL
IHRA F1 Powerboat Series Comes to the Bradenton Area River Regatta
February 20–21, 2026 • Rossi Park & the Riverwalk • Bradenton, Florida
The Manatee River is about to become a full-throttle race course.
For the first time ever, the IHRA Formula One Powerboat Series roars into the Bradenton Area River Regatta, joining Formula Lights and Tri-Hull racing for a full day of high-speed competition. It all unfolds during the 11th annual Bradenton Area River Regatta, a completely free, two-day waterfront celebration packed with live music, aerial shows, family attractions, and a massive drone and fireworks spectacular.
Whether you come for the racing, the concerts, or the festival atmosphere, this is one of the most attended weekends on the powerboat circuit, and it happens right here on the river.
Opening Night — Friday, February 20
“Friday Night Flash” • 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Rossi Park & Riverwalk
Opening night launches the weekend with music, lights, and spectacle along the Riverwalk.
National ABBA tribute band ABBA NOVA headlines an evening of live performances alongside Bella Garland, followed by a jaw-dropping dual drone and fireworks show from Sky Elements and Zambelli. The riverfront lights up with synchronized aerial choreography and explosive color, a signature Regatta moment.
Roads remain open Friday evening, making arrival simple and convenient.
Race Day — Saturday, February 21
Racing + Festival • 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The river transforms into a speed arena as elite drivers battle for championships in Formula-1, Formula Lights, and Tri-Hull competition. Expect tight turns, towering rooster tails, and thunderous acceleration, with prime viewing from Rossi Park and the Green Bridge shoreline.
Between heats, the Regatta delivers nonstop entertainment on both sides of the river, creating a full-day waterfront festival atmosphere.
Live Music, Shows & Family Attractions
Live bands perform throughout the day in Bradenton and Palmetto, featuring regional favorites and touring acts including Francesca Tarantino, Trop Rock Junkies, Weeping Angels, Burnouts, Table for 2, Sunbleached, Killjoy, and Black Mariah.
Former world flyboarding champion Kristen Smoyer launches skyward in a gravity-defying water performance, while professional canine stunt teams Team Zoom and Daredevil Dogs thrill crowds with frisbee acrobatics. Kids zones, festival food, and waterfront vendors keep the energy high from morning through evening.
After dark, the skies come alive with the signature drone and fireworks spectacular presented by Sky Elements and Zambelli, a visual finale that closes opening night in unforgettable fashion.
Getting Around & Road Closures
Saturday includes early morning road closures beginning at 4:00 AM to support race operations. Roads reopen after racing and cleanup, typically between 8:30–9:00 PM.
Closures include:
- Green Bridge — closed to vehicles, bikes, and scooters
- 9th St. W. — between Manatee Ave & Green Bridge
- 12th St. W. (Old Main) — between Manatee Ave & 1st Ave W / Barcarrota Blvd
- 3rd Ave. W. — eastbound only between 9th St. W. & US-41
A free trolley runs continuously from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM across the Green Bridge, making it easy to explore both Bradenton and Palmetto. Ample parking is available in both cities.
Location & Event Hours
Rossi Park
444 3rd Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34205
Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Plan Your Weekend
For the full event schedule, attractions, parking maps, and visitor details, visit:
Bring the family. Bring your friends. Come experience Formula-1 powerboat racing exploding onto the Manatee River during one of Florida’s biggest waterfront celebrations.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Feb. 17
11:00 Press Conference, Pier 22
Friday, Feb. 20
6:30 Pit Set Up
8:00-10:00 Capsule Training, Marriott Palmetto Pool
12:00 Race Course Set up w/ Bradenton Fire Dept.
Saturday, Feb. 21
8:30 Drivers Meeting
10:00-11:30 Testing all classes
11-30-11:45 River Open
11:45-12:00 Opening Ceremonies
12:00-12:45 F-Lights- Qualifying, Heats 1 & 2
12:45-1:15 Tri Hull, Heats 1 & 2
1:15-2:00 F1 Qualifying, Heats 1 & 2
2:00-2:15 Tri Hull, Heat 3
2:15-2:45 F-Light Final
2:45-3:15 Tri Hull Final
3:15-4:15 F1 Final
5:00-9:00 Marriott Drivers Party (7:05 Awards)
