Not sure what to do for the 4th of July in Florida?
Well, you don’t need to look far because America knows how to throw a birthday party!
It’s a long weekend of freedom and fireworks this Florida Independence Day.
The sunshine state is booming with things to do from classic car shows, patriotic parades, free admission to attractions, and entertainment to indepen-dance the night away.
I’m sharing 15 fun things to do for the upcoming 4th of July in Florida so you can party like a patriot.
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Best Things to Do for 4th of July in Florida at a Glance:
- It’s going to be a Yankee Doodle Dandy of a day at The Villages with stilt walkers, twirlers, cheerleaders, drummers, performances, and cars on display
- If you want classic, small-town Independence Day vibes then Tavares is the place to be with an incredible parade and fireworks over Lake Dora, live music, food trucks, and a great family fun zone
- Disney’s fireworks are always epic and Magic Kingdom will have the skies lit up in patriotic love on both July 3rd and July 4th
- It’s a family-oriented celebration at the Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest with a watermelon eating contest, waterslide, food trucks, live music, and lots more
Keep reading for a full guide to the best things to do for Independence Day in Florida.
1. All American Bar-B-Q & 4th of July Party in Pensacola, Florida
Put on your red, white, and blue, and sparkle so hard you could be a firework. It’s Flora-Bama’s Freedom Run on Saturday, July 6th!
Deck yourself out in ribbons and bows and show your patriotic pride for the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk.
They also have a 4 Mile Run/Walk course if you want to get your sweat on. Registration not only includes patriotic swag and a race shirt but food and drink at the post-race party too.
Why We Love Pensacola for the 4th of July in Florida
Flora-Bama is putting on a flipping good time at their All-American 4th of July party on July 4th. So come chill out with your grill out!
Or head to Seville Square from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for face painting, a bouncy house and inflatables, and a whole lot of family fun.
The annual fireworks show for Independence Day in Florida will have awesome displays so don’t go home too early!
Make your way to Pensacola Beach, downtown Pensacola, or Perdido Key.
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2. Real. Fun. Fourth in Panama City Beach, Florida
4th of July events in Florida are all about flip-flops, fireworks, and freedom. And Panama City Beach is bringing it with a bang!
It’s a spectacular event as the night skies light up in pride.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
It’s 3 nights of fireworks in Panama City Beach all with a little twist:
- Light Up the Bay Fireworks: July 2nd in Papa Joe’s Bayside
- The Light Up the Gulf Fireworks Show: July 3rd in Boardwalk Beach Resort Hotel & Convention Center at 8:30 p.m.
- Freedom Rocks! Fireworks Show: July 3rd in Grand Lagoon Coalition at 8:45 p.m.
- Star Spangled Spectacular: July 4th in M.B. Miller County Pier at 9 p.m.
When you tune into one of the 4 Magic Broadcasting stations (Wild Willie 100.1, NewsTalk 101FM, Island 106, or 97X), you can watch as the choreographed music simulcast brings the fireworks to life.
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3. Celebrate America in Tallahassee, Florida
Not sure what to do for fourth of July in Florida? Well, if you’re near Tally then head to Tom Brown Park.
Tallahassee’s Celebrate America is back with a bang for another 4th of July in Florida starting at 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
America’s birthday celebrations will have tasty food trucks, live music, and lots of activities for the little ones.
Or pack a picnic and relax until the skies snap, crackle, and pop in our proud patriotic colors.
Celebrate America is also running a free shuttle service throughout the event with StarMetro to help with the limited parking available.
And remember to leave your pets at home for this 4th of July event in Florida as they are not permitted. Leave them to rest peacefully and safely at home away from the startling and loud fireworks that will be dazzling the skies above.
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4. Fireworks and Red White and Views in Jacksonville, Florida
4th of July events in Florida aren’t only about parades and sparklers. The long weekend brings riverfront views and dining with a cause.
Red, White, and Riverfront Views will be serving up panoramic views and incredible cocktails from July 1st until the 10th at Shor and Tavern at Hyatt Jax.
Proceeds from the purchase of select items will be going back in support of the Jacksonville Naval Museum. Sink your teeth into their Orleck Burger topped with mouthwatering bacon jam, provolone cheese, and onion rings. Pair it with The Sour Goose cocktail and drink and eat to a wonderful cause!
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
But don’t worry, Jax hasn’t forgotten about the traditions of Independence Day in Florida. Jacksonville’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration is still taking place on July 4th.
Riverfront Plaza in downtown Jacksonville will be busy with a family fun zone, food trucks, a concert, and booming fireworks.
5. Fireworks over the Matanzas Festivities in St. Augustine
Florida Independence Day is back with a bang in St. Augustine with their annual 4th of July celebrations on Thursday.
The night blasts off at 6 p.m. with the Fireworks over the Matanzas event.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
Bring a chair or blanket for The All-Star Orchestra free concert in the heart of the Historic District.
Then at 9:30 p.m., the skies explode into a dazzling performance reaching as high as 2,000 feet.
The best viewing spots are the Bayfront, the Bridge of Lions, and the local’s favorite beach, Vilano Beach.
Free park and ride shuttles will be available starting at 6 p.m. and running late into the night until midnight. Old Town Trolley Tours will be providing this great service from parking locations along Anastasia Blvd and will be dropped off at the east end of the Bridge of Lions.
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6. WUFT’s Fanfares and Fireworks in Gainesville, Florida
Independence Day in Florida comes early to Gainesville.
The University of Florida Flavet’s Field commemorates the day on July 3rd from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
WUFT’s Fanfares and Fireworks 2024 will have live music, food trucks, and a sky bursting with reds, whites, and booms.
Remember to keep your pets and alcohol at home for this event. But you can bring your cooler filled with other goodies for the night.
The Gainesville 4th of July fireworks show will start at 9:40 p.m.
7. All American Brews & Cruise in The Villages
The Villages always knows how to have a good time so this 4th of July in Florida is no different.
All American Brews & Cruise free event is taking place on Florida Independence Day from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Lake Sumter Landing.
It’s a chance to come out and try some delicious and unique craft brew from some of the best breweries throughout the Central Florida region. It’s a brewiful way to cool down on a 4th of July hot sunny day in Florida.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
Stilt walkers, twirlers, cheerleaders, drummers, and performance groups keeps the entertainment going.
Then stroll through all the market vendors and fill up on the food trucks while live music plays out.
All American cars will also be out on display to enjoy. It’s set to be one Yankee Doodle Dandy of a day!
8. Fireworks at the Fountain in Orlando, Florida
Lake Eola Park is a perfect place to go if you are looking for budget-friendly things to do in Orlando because it’s FREE!
This 4th of July celebration in Florida is massive and has become a beloved tradition of spectacular fireworks. Choreographed to music alongside the Orlando Concert Band the patriotic spirit of O’Town will be pumping at 9:10 p.m.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
The 47th annual Fireworks at the Fountain in Orlando celebration is open to the public. It starts at 4 p.m. on July 4th and has lots of family-friendly activities.
Fill up the cooler (minus the alcohol), pack up your chairs and picnic blankets, and come enjoy the live entertainment.
There will also be vendors to buy lots of yummy food and drinks too.
Orlando Concert Band ends the night with a grand finale of fireworks. And if you can’t make it, get comfy on your couch and watch it live on News 6 WKMG.
Read Next: 23+ Fun Things to Do for the 4th of July in Orlando
9. Family Fun in Zephyrhills
It’s watermelon and waterslides in Zephyr Park for this Independence Day in Florida.
Zephyrhills will be home to the 9th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest family-oriented celebration.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
The event has made sure that there will be lots of family-filled activities to spend this Florida Fourth of July with those you love.
From watermelon eating contests, bounce houses, and waterslides, to kiddie dance-offs and DJ entertainment.
And of course, a slew of tasty foods and food trucks to keep your tastebuds entertained too. Live entertainment will begin at 5:30 featuring two rising Tampa country artists until sunset when the entertainment moves to the sky with a 30-minute firework show over Zephyr Lake.
This family-friendly Independence Day event in Florida takes place on June 29 beginning at noon with the fun lasting until 9 p.m.
10. Celebration at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida
Busch Gardens is topping the list of 4th of July events in Florida to feel young, wild, and free!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Independence Day, so you’ll have lots of time for some patriotic fun.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
July 4th has you screaming U.S. of Yay on the thrill rides and roller coasters throughout the day.
Take a break and cool off with their show on ice or chill out on some frozen drinks.
The biggest show of all takes place in Festival Field, with spectacular nights of fireworks!
Busch Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Tampa for the 4th of July!
Just know that the month of July is one of the busiest times at Busch Gardens Tampa. Red White and Brews runs through until July 7th as well as Busch Gardens Summer Nights until August 4th.
It is very common for Busch Gardens parks to reach full capacity on Independence Day, so, I recommend staying in the park all day.
If you leave for a break there’s a chance you may not be able to get back in, so be sure to map out your day before you go to Busch Gardens Tampa for the Independence Day holiday.
Get started on Your Tampa Bay Travel Plans here!
11. Suncoast Summerfest in Sarasota
The 4th of July in Florida brings out the summer lovin’ spirit in us all and across the Suncoast.
So, it’s suntastic that Sarasota’s Suncoast Summerfest runs into Florida Independence Day.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
Jumpstart your Independence Day in Florida weekend with the “Waves & Wheels” Kickoff Party on June 28th.
Then dazzle yourself up in your best disco outfit because it’s the “Disco & Dice” Party at the Sarasota Event Center.
They will have casino-style gaming, raffles, and music to get you in the festive mood.
Then June 29th brings the Fun Run starting at Marina Jack. But this one doesn’t require sneakers! You can participate by boat, personal watercraft, car, or motorcycle.
Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular puts on an explosive extravaganza across Sarasota’s Bayfront for Florida Fourth of July.
For more than 10 years this Florida Independence Day tradition has been bringing families and friends together. So come out and support the community and their fundraising efforts to help keep his spectacular tradition strong for years to come.
12. Free Naples Zoo Admission in Naples
Wondering what to do for the 4th of July in Florida that’s free?
Look no further we are roaring with excitement to find this Florida Independence Day freebie!
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
Naples Zoo is opening its doors at 9 am for free admission to Collier County residents on Saturday, July 6th. You can come by any time of the day up until 3:30 p.m.
There are so many incredible animals here and many that you may not have even had the chance to see before. From lions, tigers, and bears, so many different types of monkeys, macaws, and toucans to a giant anteater, and even Baird’s tapir.
If you can’t make it out then mark your calendars Naples Zoo is providing this incredibly generous opportunity on the first Saturday of every month as a token of their gratitude to the voters of Collier County.
Just remember to bring along your state-issued photo ID with a Collier County address
13. Key Lime Festival in Key West
America’s Favorite Citrus Celebration is one of the 4th of July events in Florida that will bring a little zest to your Florida Independence Day weekend.
It’s 5 days of love and limes for one of the best Florida 4th of July events around that is deliciously fun.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
The event celebrates a long lime of events from July 3rd until July 7th.
I suggest trying to squeeze in as many lime-lovin activities as you can in this 5-day event.
- Key Lime Pie Hop
- A Key Lime Pie Drop
- Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll
- Key Lime Pie Eating Championship
- Mini Pie Making
- Key Lime Tree Master Classes
- Scavenger Hunt
- Key Lime Brunch and Dinners
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14. Music, Fireworks, and Fun in Miami
Patriotic pride is exploding in Magic City for you and your crew to celebrate the red, white, and blue.
Key Biscayne will have its annual festivities along Crandon Boulevard on July 4th beginning at 11 a.m.
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Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
Known as the “Best Lil’ Hometown Parade in South Florida” this community event has been going strong since 1959.
Marching bands and floats bursting in color will be parading through the streets along with golf carts and every proud patriotic decoration you can imagine.
Along with flying jets passing above this is one spectacular Florida Independence Day event that you don’t want to miss.
But it doesn’t end there, gather up your favorite lawn chair or blanket for a picnic and popping fireworks over at The Village Green.
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15. The 4th of July Spectacular Fest & Fireworks in Fort Lauderdale
Get ready for thousands to fill up Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Oceanside Park so plan ahead.
Friends and family will be sipp’n on liber-tea and filling up on all the food trucks while dancing their patriotic hearts away into the night.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
The event brings DJs, live concerts and dances, beach games, and contests.
The little ones will be busy too in the kid’s zone with inflatable waterslides, face painting, and tonnes of bouncy fun and games.
As the sun sets and 8:45 p.m rolls around, turn your eyes to the sky for almost 23 minutes of their spectacular pyrotechnic firework display!
Oh, and did I mention, it’s one of the biggest 4th of July events in Florida that is free?!
Read Next: 7 Ways to Survive Disney World 4th of July Crowds
6 Best Places to Watch the 4th of July Fireworks in Florida
Freedom will be rocking as the skies dance and glow this Independence Day in Florida.
1. Tampa Bay’s Busch Gardens Theme Park
Busch Gardens is putting on a booming Summer Celebration Firework Spectacular this 4th of July in Florida.
And for those that can’t come out for the patriotic show they are running fun events all summer long.
2. Clermont, Florida
The Lake County town of Clermont always puts on a dazzling show of fireworks over Lake Minneola.
Red, White, and Boom takes place at Waterfront Park from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and with patriotic fun for all ages.
Get more Orlando travel planning tips right here!
3. Fireworks at Walt Disney World
Disney’s fireworks are always epic! Magic Kingdom and Epcot will have the skies lit in patriotic love on July 3rd and 4th during “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.”
There’s no extra cost for this holiday celebration, it’s all included in your ticket admission.
Recommended: What to Wear to Disney World in July (Packing List Guide)
4. Destin, Florida
The Florida beach town of Destin will be going off with all their fireworks shows.
Destin Harbor sets off a bigger show for the 4th of July in Florida and is longer than their usual summer night display.
And Destin’s Baytown Wharf fireworks are saying Happy Birthday America in true patriotic style synching their show to music.
There will also be live music from Below Alabama over on the Events Plaza Stage beginning at 7 p.m. until 9:15pm. Next up is the dazzling display as the night sky lights up at 9:15 p.m. for the fireworks show.
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5. Fireworks at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando will have you singing oh say can you sea!
The tunes are synched to the fireworks as they light up SeaWorld’s big beautiful central lake.
6. Orange City, Florida
The beautiful Orange City kicks off Independence Day in Florida early.
The city starts celebrations on June 29th with Fireworks and Fun commemorating the day with bands, kids’ fun, tasty treats and food, and grand fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Best 4th of July Parades in Florida
Now it’s time to go over some of the best parades in Florida for the 4th of July.
1. Miami, Florida
The Miami’s Key Biscayne’s patriotic parade shows off America the beautiful with marching bands and flying jets.
It’s one of the oldest running parades celebrating Independence Day in Miami.
2. Winter Garden, Florida
Good old-fashioned fun comes to Winter Garden during their Red, White, and Blue Americana.
8 a.m. serves up a free kids pancake breakfast then The All-American Kids Parade marches on at 10 a.m.
The day delivers lots of entertainment and activities followed by a Party in The Park at 6 p.m.
3. Celebration, Florida
What better place to celebrate the 4th of July in Florida than in the town of Celebration? It’s all about bold stripes, bright stars, and brave hearts.
The Annual Independence Day Parade takes to the streets at 9 a.m.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Celebration’s Independence Day Spectacular has live entertainment, an extravaganza of food and fun, and fireworks.
4. Tavares, Florida
Now we’re to the town where I spent most of my childhood in, Tavares, Florida.
If you want a classic, small town Independence Day vibe, then this is the place you must visit.
During the fourth of July, you’ll be able to enjoy an incredible parade and fireworks over Lake Dora along with live music, community vendors, food trucks, a family fun zone, and more!
You can catch this Independence Day experience on July 4th starting at 5 p.m.
Tavares is a very special place for me because my dad and my mom would take us out early in the morning to enjoy the parade.
We would then head over to Wooten Park and set up a place to relax near the shore and wait for the fireworks.
It was an all-day event and it gave me so many wonderful memories of my family.
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My Final Thoughts on Celebrating 4th of July in Florida
Florida is bursting with outstanding fun things to do for Independence Day.
Whether you reconnect with nature, immerse yourself in culture, or spend some time relaxing, there’s something for everyone.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
(Original Article Date: June 3, 2023/Updated by Editor on April 28, 2024)