2026 De Soto Grand Parade
The 2026 De Soto Grand Parade takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 6:30 PM in downtown Bradenton, Florida. As one of the Southeast’s largest and oldest nighttime parades, this signature event features more than 150 illuminated floats, marching bands, and plenty of beads, drawing over 100,000 spectators along Manatee Avenue each year.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 7:30 PM
- Location: Downtown Bradenton, along Manatee Avenue West
- Parade Route: Manatee Avenue between 1st Street West and 9th Street West
- Road Closures: The Green Bridge (US Bus 41) southbound from Palmetto to Bradenton will close from 6:00–9:00 PM, with additional nearby closures beginning earlier.
Pre‑Parade Festivities
Celebrate all day with a block party on Old Main Street, featuring live music and a Kids Zone beginning in the afternoon. The popular De Soto 5K Race kicks off at 5:00 PM, just ahead of the parade.
Additional Events:
- De Soto Children’s Parade & ELC Party in the Park: April 3, 2026, in Palmetto
- Veterans Convoy: A special military veterans convoy will take part in the parade