Independence Day is just around the corner, and nothing quite says Fourth of July like fireworks. See the biggest and brightest with our list of the best fireworks shows in North Central Florida!
Gainesville
At the University of Florida Bandshell at Flavet Field on July, 3 from 7-10 p.m., WUFT-TV, WUFT-FM, and WUFT Classic host live music such as Bears and Lions, Wax Wings, Billy Buchanon & His Rock 'n Soul Revue, and the Gainesville Community Band plus a fireworks show.
There will be drinks, and food options will include PDQ, Twisted Okie, Loagies, Hyppo Ice Pops, and Cilantro Tacos. Fireworks will start around 9:40 p.m., and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will also be there collecting blood donations.
The City of Alachua hosts its 20th Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Hal Brady Recreation Complex from 3-10 p.m., and fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. The City of Alachua has dubbed this celebration "The Largest Small Town FIreworks Display in America."
There are tons of kids' activities including bounce houses, rock wall climbing, bungee jumping, and water slides. There's also a spray park and skateboard park onsite. For the adults, there will be several unique vendors, bingo contests, dancing groups, live music entertainment, and more.
Ocala
JCI Ocala Jaycees hosts the 50th Annual God and Country Day Festival at Golden Ocala Property on July 4. Activities begin around 2 p.m. with old-fashioned kids' games, train rides, an inflatable water slide, bounce houses, and more. There will also be entertainment as well as an arts and crafts expo and various food vendors.
Stick around until nightfall and see a large fireworks display put on by Skylighters of Florida. Admission is free, but there's a parking fee of $5 at the entrance.
Crystal River
The City of Crystal River hosts is annual Independence Day celebration at Kings Bay Park. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and will go until 10 p.m. Fireworks will begin at sunset. In addition to fireworks, the celebration includes food, beer and wine, live entertainment, and games as well as the Red, White, and Blue Parade.
Inverness
The City of Inverness will light up the sky on July 3 with its annual fireworks display at 9 p.m. The city's waterfront parks (Wallace Books, Liberty, and Liberty Trail) are closed due to construction, but the city recommends watching the fireworks over Lake Henderson from another comfortable spot. They suggest setting up folding chairs at Cooter Pond Park and Dampier Street. Click here for more info on parking and viewing locations.
Orlando
Join Orlando's Mayor Buddy Dyer for the 42nd Annual Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola Park starting at 4 p.m. on July 4. There will be a kids' play area and live music as well as food and drink available for purchase. Portions of the event including the fireworks finale will be broadcast on WKMG News Channel 6.
Disney Parks
Alternatively, if you want to take your family to one of the Disney World Parks, America's Birthday will be a magical night.
Magic Kingdom: At 9:15 p.m. on July 3 and 4, there will be "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky," and each evening will also have dj parties hosted at Fontierland and Tomorrowland with great views of the fireworks.
Disney's Hollywood Studios: Celebrate the Fourth with "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular." This show begins at 10 p.m. on July 4; in addition to fireworks, it includes lasers, projections, and more special effects.
Epcot: On July 4 during the day, you can meet Mickey and the gang in patriot outfits outside of The American Adventure. That evening, there will be concerts featuring great American songs performed by Voices of Liberty at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the American Gardens Theatre. Then at 9 p.m. "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" begins, and there will be a heart-pounding finale.
The City of Altamonte and XL 106.7 host Red Hot and Boom from 4-11 p.m. on July 4. This will be an evening great entertainment, food, and synchronized fireworks. This event is free and will go on rain or shine. Fireworks will begin, weather permitting, at 9:30 p.m.
Find even more Fourth of July events in North Central Florida by registering on 352area, your free guide to the region.
Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay
