Find Your July 4th Fun!

June 26, 2015

I’ve got a handy list for you!

By Laura Knight

America’s birthday is coming up, how are you celebrating? I checked in with some
neighborhood experts in Central and SW Florida to find out where the best events are
happening, and as usual they delivered big time.

You may notice that the theme parks are not on my list. That was intentional. I think
we all know how magical the theme park holiday events are, but I want to shine the
spotlight on some smaller, but still amazing shindigs.

Let the sparks fly.

My favorites

Subway Firecracker 250 at Daytona International Speedway (July 4th)

The Speedway has a full day of action planned for the Fourth and is eager to show off their 

#DaytonaRising progress. Tickets for the whole day start at $35, kids age 12 or younger cost 

$10. Live music starts at 4:15 p.m. and the race starts at 7:30 p.m. Free parking. 100 laps, 

250 miles!

Baldwin Park Independence Day Bash (July 3rd) (Orlando)

Here’s what Baldwin Park is doing so right: FREE shuttles! They leave from Fashion Square 

(which has plenty of parking) and run until 10:45 p.m. Food trucks, artisans, a beer garden, 

live music and more. Fireworks over Lake Baldwin start at 9:15 p.m. Free admission.

Enzian – Independence Day Showing on the lawn (Maitland)

So maybe fireworks aren’t your thing … well, Enzian’s got you covered. For $20 you get beer, 

barbeque and a patriotic movie. This patriotic gathering is low key and just right. Bring your 

own lawn chairs and blankets.

Movies on the lawn at the Enzian. Photo courtesy of Enzian Theater.

Fireworks across the Bay (St. Petersburg)

A WalletHub Top 10 pick! Bring your own chair and beach blanket.

July 4 Fireworks Cruise (Tampa)

Tampa Water Taxi Co. offers fireworks cruises for $20. Bring your own food and drink (no glass, 

but alcohol is permitted). I suggest calling (813.900.3288) for complete details.

Red, White, and Bohemian 4th of July (Celebration)

Lakeside Bar & Grill at the Grand Bohemian is offering a Star Spangled buffet that foodies are 

sure to love. Your buffet ticket also gets you VIP access to the lakeside terrace for fireworks 

viewing. Tickets are $32.95 (ages 12 and under $15.95).

Lakeside terrace at the Grand Bohemian, Celebration. Photo courtesy of CelebrationHotel.com.

Charlotte Stone Crabs vs. Palm Beach Cardinals (Port Charlotte) Submitted by Tammy H.

Watch the Charlotte Stone Crabs play ball and then stay for the “best fireworks in Charlotte county”. 

Events recommended by local Realtors® (listed by county)

They never let us down. Here’s a great list of July 4th festivities from all over Central and 

Southwest Florida, with some excellent insider tips.

Charlotte County

Laishley Park 4th Fest (Punta Gorda) Bring your own chairs & blankets, arrive early for 

waterfront spots, and ladies BYOTP – the ladies restroom supply always runs out!” -Nancy W.

Englewood Firecracker Festival and Block Party - Presented by Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary, 

live music, 60 craft vendors. Definitely go to Dearborn Street for their live music and food. 

There are plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy. –Lynn B.

Lake County

www.VisitLakeFl.com has bundled up various community events for you.

Orange County

Avalon Park 4th of July - Apple pie bake-off and fireworks, woo hoo!

Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola (no SunRail service, but you can purchase a 

parking permit in advance).

Winter Garden Party in the Park at Newton Park- Live music, fireworks.

Osceola County

Sci-Fi 4th of July at Celebration Town Center - The event is free, park and ride service 

available from the 215 Celebration Place building, amazing fireworks and a special tribute to 

veterans. -Sheila P.

July 4th Celebration at St. Cloud Lakefront - Live music, air-boat rides, t-shirts.

Monumental 4th of July Celebration at Kissimmee Lakefront Park - Live music (Spin Doctors 

and Charlie Cruz), free parking.

Pinellas County

City of Largo 4th of July - Decorate your own t-shirt ($5), fireworks and more.

Polk County

Red, White & Kaboom - Fireworks, live music, food trucks at Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland.

Sarasota County

Siesta Key 4th of July Fireworks at Siesta Beach - This is the 25th annual fireworks show at 

Siesta Beach. There is a VIP option before the show, learn more on their Facebook page. You can 

get a commemorative Tervis Tumbler® — what can I say? I love Tervis!

Marina Jack PowerBoat Grand Prix Festival  (Downtown Sarasota) - This 9-day festival kicks 

off on June 27 and wraps up July 6. With 30 race teams competing on July 4 & 5.

Freedom Festival … psst there’s going to be a gladiator joust (North Port).

A full day in Venice Insider tips from Jim M. and Vickie H.

Start with the Venice Farmer’s Market.

Tour the Historic Venice Train Depot.

Grab some lunch at the Snook Haven Myakka River Kayak Festival.

Fireworks at the South Jetty at 9 p.m.

Seminole County

Star Spangled Sanford on the Riverwalk at Lake Monroe - Side street parking will be 

available, bring your own blanket & chair, there is a splash fountain for kids. -Krista T.

Gulfport’s July 4th Celebration at Gulfport Beach, trolley available. A good viewing 

spot is in the street by the Gulfport Casino, you can watch the fireworks just overhead. -Linda C.

City of Oviedo Independence Day Celebration at the Oviedo Mall - Fireworks, live music.

Volusia County

DeLand 

City of DeLand Firecracker Festival at the new & improved Earl Brown Park.

Lake Helen - Parade and special equestrian show, fireworks at 9 p.m.

Original Post: http://www.state27.com/blog/2015/6/26/find-your-july-4th-fun