Independence Day weekend is fast approaching, and Central Floridians are hosting a number of extravagant fireworks displays and special events to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Independence Day returns as a special occasion this year. People gather for cookouts, live music, parties, and community events. From Red Hot & Boom, a popular event in Altamonte Springs, to Sanford and Kissimmee, there are plenty of 4th of July festivities happening in the Orlando area.
Here are some ideas to enjoy your weekend holiday.
July 3rd
Winter Park’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration: The city will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with music from the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble, carnival games, bounce slides, face painting, Kona Ice, and more on July 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Central Park (11 S. Park Ave., Winter Park). The Morse Museum will be open during regular hours July 3-5 with free admission. More information: cityofWinterpark.org
Waterfront Freedom at Mount Dora: The city features live music from Cat Ridgway and Tonic, food vendors, family activities, fireworks on the shores of Lake Dora, and more. On July 3rd, the eve of the holiday, a drone show and fireworks display will be held at 9:10pm and 9:20pm respectively to attract spectators. We recommend using blankets and chairs. Look for the festivities to begin at 4 p.m. July 3 at 100 N. Donnelly St. in Mount Dora. More information: mountdora.gov
Red Hot & Boom: Altamonte Springs brings the city’s life-size fireworks display to Crain’s Roost Park for its 29th year. In addition to exhibits starting at 9:30 p.m., there will be live music, food, and family-friendly activities. The music lineup includes Blue Stone Circle, Wish Radio, and Chris Lane. Drones, large or wheeled coolers, glass containers, alcohol, grills, and pets are prohibited. The event includes a beer garden, food, one drink and a private viewing area for $45 per person. The free event begins July 3 at 5 p.m. at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. At Altamonte Springs. More information: altamonte.org
July 4th
Apopka’s Fourth of July Celebration: Visit the Apopka Amphitheater for a family-friendly concert by a private stock band and a fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. The event begins July 4 at 6 p.m. at 3710 Jason Dewelly Parkway in Apopka and includes food, children’s activities and festivities for all ages. More information: apopka.net
Independence Day at Avalon Park: Apple pie baking contest, bike parade, bounce park, 5K run (8 a.m.), vendor vendors, community performances, music for the public, and more. Additionally, there will be a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Enjoy the festivities in downtown Avalon Park on July 4th from 5pm to 9pm. More information: avalonparkorlando.com
Celebration’s Star-Studded Spectacular: Celebration Town Center will host its annual Fourth of July Parade beginning at 8 a.m. on July 4th. Later in the day, Celebration’s Fourth of July Spectacular will feature a DJ and live music starting at 5 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at Celebration Town Center on July 4 at 9:20 p.m. More information: Celebration.fl.us
Red, White and Boom in Clermont: This Fourth of July celebration features food trucks, family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Mineola for guests gathered at Waterfront Park. Enjoy the festivities on July 4th from 5pm to 9:30pm at 100 3rd St. in Clermont. More information: clermontfl.gov
DeBary’s Freedom Fest: Gather for a celebration at Gemini Springs Park featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment by Sugar Vibe and Ace, vendors, food and fireworks, and a drone and laser light show starting at 9 p.m. Find the free event on July 4th from 5pm to 10:30pm at 37 Dirksen Drive in DeBary. More information: debary.org
Fun spot: Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary with thrill rides, traditional American treats, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The park opens at 10 a.m. on July 4 at 5700 Fun Spot Way in Orlando. More information: fun-spot.com
Geneva Independence Day Parade and Festival: Celebrate the holiday weekend with family-friendly activities, food, vendors, vintage airplane high-flying, and a parade beginning at 10 a.m. on July 4th. Enjoy a community festival at 101 E. Main Street in Geneva on July 4th from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information: eventbrite.com
Kissimmee’s Monumental Independence Day: Experience live music, activities for all ages, food trucks, and a 9 p.m. fireworks show for friends and family to enjoy at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The free event begins July 4 at 7 p.m. at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. More information: kissimmee.gov
Star-Spangled Banner Spectacular in Leesburg: Hear live music from Groove Infusion during events including free carnival rides, games, food, drinks, a baseball game (Leedsburg Lightning vs. DeLand Suns), and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. There are spectacular views from all around Venetian Cove. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. on July 4 at 201 E. Dixie Ave. in Leesburg. More information: leesburgpartnership.com
Legoland Florida: The Red, White and Boom Star Spangled Celebration will feature activities including a DJ dance party, themed refreshments and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Catch the festivities at 1 Legoland Way in Winter Haven during park hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. More information: Legoland.com
Mount Dora Independence Day Parade: A patriotic tribute to America, this festival features local floats and community members. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4th at the corner of Donnelly Street and 7th Avenue and continues to Charles Street. More information: mountdora.com
Ocoee’s Independence Day and America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration: This celebration will feature entertainment, history and hometown pride with live music by the Jerry Williams Band, games, rides, food trucks, family activities at Bill Brees Park and more. That night, Paul Revere will ride his horse along Lakeshore Drive and announce, “The Brits are coming!” The event will be held on July 4th from 5pm to 9pm at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: ocoee.org
Old Town Kissimmee: The Fourth of July Red, White and Horsepower Fest will feature an American car show, live music entertainment and fireworks on July 4th at 9:30 p.m. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. on July 4 at 5770 W. Arlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. More information: myoldtownusa.com
Orlando’s Annual Fountain Fireworks: The City of Orlando invites the community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a vibrant fireworks display directly above the Lake Eola Fountains. Family and friends can watch a patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band synchronized with the fireworks show at 9:10 p.m. Alcohol and fireworks are prohibited outdoors. Coolers, umbrellas, chairs, picnic blankets, and well-behaved pets are allowed. The free festival will be held at 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando on July 4th from 4pm to 10pm. More information: orlando.gov
Sunset Walk Promenade: Find festivities happening on July 4th from 4pm to 11:30pm and July 4th from 4pm to 11:30pm. In Kissimmee. Come join us for our Kids Independence Day Celebration earlier in the day from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More information: sunsetwalk.com
Star-Studded Sanford: This event brings music, food, buskers, a kids zone, drinks to the Riverwalk and Fort Mellon Park, and a fireworks show over Lake Monroe at 9:15 p.m. Personal fireworks, alcohol, glass containers, pets, and golf carts are not permitted inside the event. The celebration will be held on July 4th from 7pm to 10pm at 600 East 1st Street in Sanford. More information: sanfordfl.gov
St. Cloud’s annual Independence Day: Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with live music from Modern Tides, an All-American car show, food court, games, a kids’ bike parade, and a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. The festivities begin on July 4 at 4 p.m. at 1104 Lakeshore Blvd. At St. Cloud. More information: stcloudfl.gov
Tavares City’s 4th of July Celebration: Enjoy a parade, fireworks, live music, food vendors, food trucks, games, and more. The parade begins on Main Street at 5 p.m. Fireworks will be set off at Lake Dora on July 4th at 9pm. More information: tavares.org
AdventHealth July Fourth Watermelon 5K: Celebrate the day with a family-friendly morning celebration featuring “chilled watermelon” and American pride. After the 5K run, there will be a watermelon eating contest and a free kids run. Registration fees are $45 before race day and $50 on race day. The run begins at 7:30 a.m. July 4 at 251 S. Park Ave. in Winter Park. More information: trackshack.com
America 250 in the Winter Garden: The festivities begin with the All-American Kids Parade beginning at 10 a.m. on July 4th and a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The route loops around West Plant Street downtown. The party at the Park (Newton Park) will begin with music from Dead Radio on July 4 at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks over Lake Apopka at 9:15 p.m., visible from 29 W. Garden Avenue in Winter Garden. More information: cwgdn.com
Winter Springs Celebration of Freedom: Community event brings the community together for live entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly activities, a fireworks display at Central Winds Park, and more. Sparklers, pets, alcohol, and glass bottles are not allowed inside the park during this celebration. Check out the event on July 4th from 5pm to 9:30pm at 1000 Central Winds Drive in Winter Springs. More information: Winterspringsfl.org
Know of any Fourth of July events happening in Central Florida? Find @PConnPie on Instagram or email pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.
