Fourth of July weekend is approaching fast, and Central Floridians can find a number of extravagant fireworks displays and special events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
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Independence Day returns for a special anniversary this year as people gather for cookouts, live music, parties and community events. From Altamonte Springs’ popular event, Red Hot & Boom, to Sanford and Kissimmee, there are plenty of festivities in the Orlando area for July Fourth.
Here are ideas for enjoying the holiday weekend.
July 3
Winter Park’s Annual Fourth of July Celebration: The city marks America’s 250th birthday with music from the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble, carnival games, bounce slides, face painters, Kona Ice and more in Central Park (11 S. Park Ave. in Winter Park) from 6-9 p.m. July 3. The Morse Museum will be open with free admission during open hours July 3-5. More information: cityofwinterpark.org
Mount Dora’s Freedom on the Waterfront: The city hosts live music from Cat Ridgeway and Tonic, food vendors, family activities and fireworks on the shores of Lake Dora. A drone show and fireworks display will dazzle the crowd at 9:10 and 9:20 p.m., respectively, on July 3, the eve of the holiday itself. Blankets and chairs are encouraged. Find the festivities beginning 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 larger-than-life fireworks display to Cranes Roost Park for its 29th year. In addition to the display at 9:30 p.m., guests can enjoy live music, food and family-friendly activities. The music lineup includes Blue Stone Circle, Wish Radio and Chris Lane. Drones, large coolers or coolers on wheels, glass containers, alcohol, grilling and pets are prohibited. There is a beer garden at the event with included food, one drink and a dedicated viewing area for $45 per person. The free event begins at 5 p.m. July 3 at 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. in Altamonte Springs. More information: altamonte.org
July 4
Apopka’s July Fourth Celebration: Visit the Apopka Amphitheater for a family-friendly concert from Private Stock Band and a fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. The event includes food, children’s activities and festivities for all ages beginning at 6 p.m. July 4 at 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway in Apopka. More information: apopka.net
Avalon Park’s Fourth of July Celebration: Festivities include an apple pie baking contest, a bike parade, a bounce park, a 5K run (at 8 a.m.), vendors, community performances and music for the public. In addition, there will be a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Enjoy festivities 5-9 p.m. July 4 in downtown Avalon Park. More information: avalonparkorlando.com
Celebration’s Star Spangled Spectacular: Celebration Town Center hosts its annual Independence Day Parade at 8 a.m. July 4. Later in the day, Celebration’s Independence Day Spectacular, beginning at 5 p.m., features a DJ and live music followed by a fireworks spectacular at 9:20 p.m. July 4 over Celebration Town Center. More information: celebration.fl.us
Clermont’s Red, White & Boom: This Fourth of July celebration with food trucks, family activities and a fireworks spectacular above Lake Minneola for guests gathered at Waterfront Park. Enjoy festivities 5-9:30 p.m. July 4 at 100 3rd St. in Clermont. More information: clermontfl.gov
DeBary’s Freedom Fest: Gather for a celebration at Gemini Springs Park with family-friendly activities, live entertainment by Sugar Vibe and Ace, vendors, food and a fireworks display, drones and laser light show at 9 p.m. Find the free event 5-10:30 p.m. July 4 at 37 Dirksen Drive in DeBary. More information: debary.org
Fun Spot: Celebrate the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday with thrilling rides and classic American treats, plus 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
The Geneva Independence Day Parade and Festival: Celebrate the holiday weekend with family activities, food, vendors, vintage plane flyovers and a parade beginning at 10 a.m. July 4. Enjoy the community festivities from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4 at 101 E. Main St. in Geneva. More information: eventbrite.com
Kissimmee’s Monumental Fourth of July: Experience live music, activities for all ages, food trucks and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. for friends and family to enjoy at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The free event starts at 7 p.m. July 4 at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. More information: kissimmee.gov
Leesburg’s Star Spangled Spectacular: Hear live music from Groove Infusion during the event that includes free carnival rides and games, food, drinks, a baseball game (Leesburg Lightning vs. DeLand Suns) and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. with great viewing from all around Venetian Cove. The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. July 4 at 201 E. Dixie Ave. in Leesburg. More information: leesburgpartnership.com
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Legoland Florida: The Red, White and Boom Star-Spangled Celebration features activities including a DJ dance party, themed snacks and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Find the festivities during park opening hours, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4 at 1 Legoland Way in Winter Haven. More information: legoland.com
Mount Dora’s Independence Day Parade: The festive patriotic tribute to America features local floats and community members. The parade begins at 10 a.m. July 4 at the corner of Donnelly and 7th Avenue and runs to Charles Avenue. More information: mountdora.com
Ocoee’s Fourth of July and America 250 Celebration: The celebration features entertainment, history and hometown pride through live music by The Gerry Williams Band, games, rides, food trucks and family activities at Bill Breeze Park. The evening will also feature Paul Revere riding horseback along Lakeshore Drive, announcing, “The British are coming!” and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. The event is from 5-9 p.m. July 4 at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: ocoee.org
Old Town Kissimmee: The “Red, White & Horsepower Fourth of July Fest” with an all-American car show, live music entertainment and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 4. The festivities start at 3 p.m. July 4 at 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. More information: myoldtownusa.com
Orlando’s annual Fireworks at the Fountain: The City of Orlando invites the community for a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and a vibrant fireworks display right above the Lake Eola Fountain. Family and friends can gather for a patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band synchronized with the fireworks show at 9:10 p.m. Outside alcohol and fireworks are not allowed. Coolers, umbrellas, chairs, picnic blankets and well-behaved pets are allowed. Find the free festivities from 4-10 p.m. July 4 at 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando. More information: orlando.gov
Promenade at Sunset Walk: Celebrate America 250 with a family-friendly party featuring live music starring DFALC on the “Red, White & YOU” Tour, DJs, street performers, a laser light show and fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 4. Find the festivities from 4-11:30 p.m. July 4 at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee. Earlier in the day, visit for a Kids’ Fourth of July Celebration from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. More information: sunsetwalk.com
Star Spangled Sanford: The event brings music, food, street performers, a kids zone and drinks to the RiverWalk and Fort Mellon Park with a fireworks show over Lake Monroe at 9:15 p.m. Personal fireworks, alcohol, glass containers, pets and golf carts are prohibited within the event. Find the celebration 7-10 p.m. July 4 at 600 E. 1st St. in Sanford. More information: sanfordfl.gov
St. Cloud’s annual Fourth of July Celebration: Commemorate America’s 250th birthday with live music from Modern Ties, an all-American car show, a food court, games and a kids bike parade, plus a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. July 4 at 1104 Lakeshore Blvd. in St. Cloud. More information: stcloudfl.gov
The City of Tavares July Fourth Celebration: Enjoy a parade, fireworks, live music, vendors, food trucks, games and more. The parade begins at 5 p.m. on Main Street. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. July 4 on Lake Dora. More information: tavares.org
The AdventHealth July Fourth Watermelon 5K: Celebrate the day with a family-friendly morning celebration featuring “ice cold watermelon” and American pride. After the 5K run, there is a watermelon-eating contest and a free kids’ run. Registration is $45 before race day or $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
Winter Garden’s America 250: Festivities begin with an all-American kids parade kicking off at 10 a.m. and a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. July 4. The route makes its way around downtown’s West Plant Street. A Party in the Park (Newton Park) begins at 6 p.m. July 4 with music from Dead Radio, followed by fireworks over Lake Apopka at 9:15 p.m. visible from 29 W. Garden Ave. in Winter Garden. More information: cwgdn.com
Winter Springs Celebration of Freedom: The community event brings together the community for live entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly activities and a fireworks display in Central Winds Park. Sparklers, pets, alcohol and glass bottles are among the items prohibited in the park for this celebration. Explore offerings from 5-9:30 p.m. July 4 at 1000 Central Winds Drive in Winter Springs. More information: winterspringsfl.org
Know of other Fourth of July events in Central Florida? Find me @PConnPie onInstagram or send me an email: [email protected].
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