Not sure what to do for 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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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 Tuesday, July 4!
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 Bar-B-Q & 4th of July party. 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 3 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!
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 7 pm.
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.
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4. Fireworks, Brews and Bingo in Jacksonville, Florida
4th of July events in Florida aren’t only about parades and sparklers. The long weekend brings the Tuesday Bingo!
This fun holiday event allows you to do something outside of the ordinary at Strings Sports Brewery. One of the best breweries in Jacksonville, Florida!
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
At the Tuesday Bingo, you will get to sip on some incredible beers, enjoy delicious treats and participate in the fun activities.
This will take place on July 4th from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
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 Monday.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
The night blasts off at 6 p.m. with the Fireworks over the Matanzas event.
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.
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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 9 p.m.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
WUFT’s Fanfares and Fireworks 2023 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.
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!
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
The 46th 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 Plant City
It’s pies, fries, and the Fourth of July in Plant City for Independence Day in Florida.
Plant City stadium will be home to the 17th annual July 4th 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 corn-hole, face painting, rock walls, to kiddie train rides.
And of course, a slew of tasty foods and a concession stand. Then the evening closes off with a military salute and fireworks.
Be sure to bring cash as this is one of the 4th of July events in Florida that does not accept debit or card and there is also no ATM on site.
10. 4-Day 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! It’s a whole weekend of patriotic fun.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
June 30th to 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 4 nights of fireworks!
Busch Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Tampa for the 4th of July!
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 30th.
They will have casino-style gaming, raffles, and music to get you in the festive mood.
Then July 1st 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.
12. Free Naples Botanical Garden Admission in Naples
Wondering what to do for 4th of July in Florida that’s free?
Look no further we are bursting at the roots to find this Florida Independence Day freebie!
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
Naples Botanical Garden is opening its doors at 8 am for early admission to those that are members.
Then from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., it is open for free admission to all into its 170-acre garden paradise.
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.
Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
The event celebrates a long lime of events from June 30th until July 4th.
I suggest trying to squeeze in as many lime-lovin activities as you can in this 5-day event.
- Key Lime Pie Hop
- Mile High Key Lime Pie Eatin’ Contest
- Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll
- A Key Lime Pie Drop
- Key Lime Sampling & Distillery Tour
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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.
South Miami will have its annual festivities in Palmer Park from 5 p.m until 9 p.m.
So, gather up your favorite lawn chair or blanket for live entertainment, fireworks and delish food trucks.
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Why We Love This 4th of July Event in Florida
There are kid’s activities too and it all starts at 5 followed by popping fireworks.
Miami Symphony Orchestra has a free performance this Florida Independence Day in Peacock Park.
However, if you plan on heading to the Coconut Grove event, there is limited seating so be sure to reserve your spot.
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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 9 o’clock rolls around, turn your eyes to the sky for almost 30 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 it is running from June 30 – July 4th.
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 6 p.m. until 9 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.
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 a DJ Dance Party with DJ Mike Whitty in the Events Plaza at 7:15 p.m. with the fireworks to start at 9:15 p.m.
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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 July 1st 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 along with live music, community vendors, food trucks, a family fun zone, and more!
You can catch this Independence Day experience on July 4th from 4:45 p.m. to 9:30 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!