De Soto Grand Parade to Bring Major Road Closures Across Bradenton on April 26

Bradenton is gearing up for the 2025 Hernando De Soto Grand Parade, one of the region’s most cherished and historic events. Scheduled for Saturday, April 26, the parade will roll west down Manatee Avenue from 14th Street W to 39th Street W, bringing vibrant floats, festive crowds—and widespread road closures throughout the day.

The parade itself will run from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m., with full street reopening expected by 11:00 p.m., once pedestrian traffic, barricades, and debris are cleared.

Key Road Closures

Several major roads in downtown Bradenton and along the parade route will be closed in phases throughout the day:

• 12:00 p.m.:
  Manatee Avenue W will close from 1st Street W (US-41) to 14th Street W.

• 1:00 p.m.:
  Parade float staging begins downtown.

• 4:00 p.m.:
  Manatee Avenue W will close from 14th Street W to 44th Street W.

• 6:00 p.m.:
  9th Street W will close between Manatee Avenue and 3rd Avenue W.
  The southbound lanes of the Green Bridge (US-41) will close, while northbound traffic must enter from 3rd Avenue W.
  Note: The intersection of 9th St W and 3rd Ave W will remain open all day.

The parade begins at 14th Street W and ends at 39th Street W, with thousands of attendees expected to line the route. A full list of closures and updates can be found at bradentonpd.com/newsreleases/2025desotoparade.

About the De Soto Parade

The Hernando De Soto Grand Parade is a Bradenton tradition dating back to 1939. It celebrates the arrival of Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto to Florida’s shores. The parade is part of the broader De Soto Heritage Festival, which includes multiple events throughout April.

Organized by the De Soto Historical Society, the parade features colorful floats, marching bands, community groups, and members of the De Soto Crewe—volunteers dressed in historic Spanish regalia who act as goodwill ambassadors year-round.

The parade has grown to be one of the largest nighttime parades in the Southeastern United States, attracting tens of thousands of spectators yearly and fostering a strong sense of local pride.

Plan Ahead

Drivers are advised to avoid Manatee Avenue and surrounding areas on April 26. Detours will be marked, but traffic delays are expected throughout the day. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring chairs, and enjoy the block party atmosphere synonymous with parade day.

For full event details, closures, parking maps, and more, visit:
🔗 bradentonpd.com/newsreleases/2025desotoparade