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Best Fourth of July Celebrations in Florida

Here are the ideal spots to watch the fireworks in your city!
4th of july florida, fourth of july florida
It’ll be nice to enjoy an iconic community event once again. unsplash.com

Wondering what to do this Fourth of July? Look no further, because we’ve found a bunch of great places to enjoy the 2023 holiday weekend!

Northwest Region

Panama City Beach: Star Spangled Spectacular
Fireworks kick off on July 2 at Papa Joe’s Bayside and the fun continues nightly through July 4.

Celebrate: Fort Walton Beach
Emerald Coast events kick off on July 3.

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Pensacola: Fireworks at the Beach
Fireworks are on display along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. on July 4.

Apalachicola: Independence Eve Celebration
Enjoy live music and food, a parade, and an ice cream social before a spectacular fireworks display over the Apalachicola River on July 3rd.

Tallahassee: Celebrate America at Tom Brown Park
The event begins at 7:00 on July 4. Fireworks begin right after the National Anthem at 9:45.

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Southwest Region

Naples: Fourth of July
The celebration kicks off with a parade on July 4, followed by a fireworks show on July 4th beginning at 9 p.m.

Fort Myers: 4th of July Fireworks
The event runs all day with fireworks on July 4 beginning at 8:45 p.m. The Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9 to 11:30 p.m. to oncoming traffic, so you can get off the island but not on.

Tampa Bay Region

Sarasota: July 4 Fireworks
The action starts at 9 p.m. from a boat docked in Sarasota Bay. Grab a spot along the waterfront for best viewing.

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Sparkman Wharf
Sparkman Wharf in Tampa is celebrating Independence Day with its 5th annual Star Spangled Sparkman, a community event with entertainment for all ages. Guests will have a spectacular waterfront view of the fireworks show as one of Tampa Bay’s prime viewing locations. The festivities kick off on Tuesday, July 4 at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
The theme park’s fireworks show is getting even bigger for the 4th of July weekend. Look to the sky at 9:15 p.m. for “Summer Celebration Firework Spectacular,” followed by an extended patriotic encore each night from Friday, July 1 to Monday, July 4.

Tampa Bay Celebrations
The Tampa Bay metro area is full of events marking July 4.

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Central Region

Orlando: Walt Disney World
Disney World celebrates the Fourth of July at different locations in different parks. Check the link to see which one works out best for you. But beware: This holiday is traditionally one of the busiest days at the parks!

LegoLand Florida
LegoLand Florida’s annual Fourth of July party returns for three days and nights, July 2-4, kickstarting the resort’s Summer Block Party. Families will enjoy mind-blowing treats, activities, entertainment, and a “bricktastic” fireworks show – all included with general park admission and select annual passes.

Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort will feature live music, a DJ, meet-and-greets with Universal’s most popular characters, and patriotic-themed performers and stilt walkers. The festivities will kick off on Monday, July 4 at 5 p.m. at the Music Plaza. 

Altamonte Red Hot and Boom
July 3 for this area just north of Orlando.

Orlando: Fireworks at the Fountain
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will be on hand at Lake Eola Park on July 4 for the annual Fireworks at the Fountain. Events begin at 4 p.m. with activities for children, live entertainment, and food and drinks (for purchase). The fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

Gainesville: Fanfares and Fireworks
The University of Florida Bandshell is the host for live music and fireworks presented by WUFT-TV and WUFT-FM. The festivities will take place on July 3 from 6 p.m to 10 p.m.

Red, White & BLUES on the Plaza (Winter Garden)
Bring a chair or grab a swing on July 4. Free! Centennial Plaza, 101 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL.

Southeast Region

Fort Lauderdale: Fourth of July Spectacular
Event highlights for the night include family activities, DJ, and a live performance by Flo Rida. Festivities start at noon and fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m.

Miami Celebrates July 4
Miami has several Fourth of July fireworks displays, including shows in Doral, Hialeah and Miami Springs. 

Northeast Region

Jacksonville
If downtown is your preferred destination, there are a number of viewing areas to watch the fireworks. Gather in your favorite spot early and be ready for the action beginning at 5 p.m. and fireworks rounding out the night at 9:45.

St. Augustine
St. Augustine’s Fourth of July celebration at the Castillo de San Marcos includes live music and a spectacular fireworks display over the historic bayfront. 6 to 10 p.m.

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