It’s July 4th in Orlando, and while family and friends gather, Central Florida offers a series of extravagant fireworks shows and other ways to celebrate the holiday.
Independence Day marks a special time of celebration when people gather for cookouts, live music, parties, and community events. From Altamonte Springs’ popular Red Hot & Boom event to Sanford and Kissimmee, there’s no shortage of festivities in Central Florida for the 4th of July.
Here are ideas to enjoy the holidays:
- Apopka’s 4th of July Celebration takes place at the Apopka Amphitheater with a family concert by the C’Nergy Band and a fireworks show starting at 9 p.m. The event includes food, children’s activities and festivities for all ages beginning at 6 p.m. 4 July at 3710 Jason Dwelley Parkway in Apopka. More information: apopka.net
- 4th of July Celebration in Avalon Park hosts an apple pie contest, bike parade, inflatable park, vendors, community performances, and live music for the public. In addition, there will be a fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. Enjoy the festivities from 5 to 9 pm July 4th in downtown Avalon Park. More information: avalonparkorlando.com
- Red, White & Boom en Clermont offers a 4th of July celebration with food trucks, a live band, a pie eating contest, a “most patriotic” dress contest, and a fireworks show over Lake Minneola at 9:15 p.m. for guests gathered in Waterfront Park. Enjoy the festivities from 7 to 10 pm July 4 at 300 3rd St. in Clermont. More information: www.clermontfl.gov.
- “Splash Bash” en Daytona Lagoon is an inaugural Volusia County attraction event to celebrate Independence Day. Discounted attractions are available at the park, including miniature golf, laser tag, and a special beach barbecue menu. Additionally, the family event features a red, white and blue beach ball drop at 4 p.m. The celebration is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 4 and is included with each water park admission. More information: daytonalagoon.com
- Freedom Fest in DeBary Bring the public together for a celebration at Gemini Springs Park with a kids zone, vendors, food, live entertainment and synchronized fireworks to cap off the night. Find the free event from 4 pm to 11 pm July 4 at 37 Dirksen Drive in DeBary. More information: debary.org
- Geneva Independence Day Parade and Festival will celebrate the holiday weekend with family activities, vendors, vintage aircraft fly-bys, and a parade beginning at 10 a.m. on July 4. Enjoy the community festivities from 8:30 am to 1 pm July 4 at 101 E. Main St. in Geneva. More information: facebook.com
- Kissimmee’s 4th of July Monument offers live music from Sister Hazel and Soul Switch, a kids zone, food vendors, and a fireworks show for friends and family to enjoy at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The free event begins at 5 p.m. July 4 at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. More information: facebook.com/CityofKissimmee
- Old Town Kissimmee help kick off the “red, white and blue weekend” with live entertainment and fireworks at 9 p.m. July 4. Live music begins July 4 at noon at 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. More information: myoldtownusa.com
- Orlando’s 45th Annual Fireworks Celebration at the Fountain will bring the community together for live entertainment 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 and see Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer before the fireworks show at 9:15 pm No alcoholic beverages or outdoor fireworks. Coolers, umbrellas, chairs and well behaved pets are allowed. Find the free festivities from 4 pm to 10 pm July 4 at 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando. More information: orlando.gov.
- Star Spangled Sanford brings music, food, a kids zone and drinks to RiverWalk and Fort Melon Park with a fireworks show over Lake Monroe. Personal fireworks, alcohol, glass containers, pets, and golf carts are prohibited inside the event. Find the celebration 7-10 pm July 4 at 600 E. 1st St. in Sanford. More information: www.sanfordfl.gov
- St. Cloud’s Annual 4th of July Celebration includes live music, food trucks, a beer garden and a kids’ zone, plus a fireworks display at 9 p.m. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. July 4 at 1104 Lakeshore Blvd. in San Nube. More information: eventbrite.com
- Annual 4th of July Celebration in Winter Park brings families free cookies, mini cakes and Kona Ice, plus a kids zone and a live musical performance by the Bach Festival Brass Ensemble and Choir. In addition, there will be a bicycle parade. Explore the festivities beginning at 9:00 a.m. on July 4 at 255 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park. More information: cityofwinterpark.org
- Winter Springs Freedom Celebration It brings together a variety of vendors along with live music and a “spectacular fireworks” display that kicks off in Central Winds Park. Sparklers, pets, alcohol, and glass items are among the items prohibited in the park for this celebration. Browse the deals from 5 to 9:30 pm July 4 at 1000 Central Winds Drive in Winter Springs. More information: winterspringsfl.org
This story was published in the Orlando Sentinel.