If you’re in Orlando on July 4th, you won’t want to miss the many exciting patriotic events taking place in the area.

Americans usually commemorate their nation’s independence with colourful parades, tasty BBQs, loud concerts, and booming fireworks. It’s a day of big celebration all over the USA.

From the theme parks to the towns, Orlando is buzzing with excitement on this jubilant day. Below, we’ve recommended some of the best places to visit.

Independence Day in Orlando’s theme parks

Orlando theme parks certainly know how to celebrate the holidays with special events. Most of the main parks have a patriotic theme throughout the day and light up the sky at night with a multitude of holiday-inspired firework shows.

Walt Disney World - The Magic Kingdom show is usually the most spectacular, with a special Independence Day-themed firework display. Epcot and Hollywood Studios will also add some patriotism to their evening fireworks.

Find out more about Independence Day at Disney World >

SeaWorld - The Ignite show at SeaWorld will light up the sky with fireworks, lasers and pyrotechnics! The Bayside Stadium is the best place to view the fireworks.

LEGOLAND Florida - The Red, White & Boom! event is coming to LEGOLAND Florida this year with a DJ dance party, a patriotic competition build, and the chance to help build an enormous LEGO US flag. The night ends with a 3D fireworks display!

These Independence Day events are included with regular park admission.

TIP - This day is one of the busiest of the year. It’s best to arrive early and stay for the remainder of the day. The parks are known to reach capacity and guests will no longer be able to enter once this occurs.

ICON Orlando 360 (4th July)

ICON Orlando 360 are celebrating this holiday with a patriotic lighting show on the 400ft tall observation wheel, where more than 64,000 LEDs will be lit up in the colours of the American flag.

Coke Zero Sugar 400 - Daytona International Speedway (7th July)

The 4th of July weekend at Daytona has been an Independence Day tradition for many decades. This is a great time to visit this famous racetrack, which is home to NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race; the Daytona 500. After the chequered flag falls on the Coke Zero Sugar 400 event, the sky will light up with the largest fireworks show in the southeast.

Find out more about Coke Zero Sugar 400 >

Local Orlando Independence Day events

Many of the towns in the Orlando area celebrate July 4th with daytime festivals, parades and live music. Almost all local firework displays are free of charge and open to the public.

Fireworks at the Fountain - Lake Eola (4th July - 4-10pm)

Celebrate Independence Day around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, which is one of the most popular 4th of July firework displays in the area. Activities for children, live music, a beer garden, kids play area and lots of food and drink will be on sale. The night will end with a fireworks and laser show.

A Sci-Fi 4th of July - Celebration town centre (4th July - 9am-10pm)

Bring your family to Celebration town centre on 4th July for a day bursting with entertainment and sci-fi themed activities including a fancy dress competition. Dress up as your favourite superhero character for a chance to win big prizes! A parade will journey through the town at 9am, followed by live music in the afternoon, lots of activities for the kids, and ending with a sparkling fireworks display.

Music & Fireworks at Kissimmee Lakefront Park (4th July)

Each year Kissimmee has an annual fireworks show at Lakefront Park. It’s a popular event with live music, food trucks and a spectacular fireworks display which will take place around 9:30pm.

July 4th Lakefront Celebration - St. Cloud (4th July)

A little further drive than the Kissimmee fireworks show, is the city of St Cloud. They will be celebrating Independence Day with local bands, contests, patriotic singing, arts and crafts, food, fun and more. It’s a beautiful place to enjoy the festivities and finish the day watching the fireworks.

Thunder on the Ridge - Lake Eva Park Haines City (4th July)

For those staying in the Davenport area, this event isn’t too far. Lake Eva Park brings you Thunder on the Ridge with live music all day and a patriotic firework display over the lake.

Independence Day Bash - Baldwin Park (3rd July - 6pm-11pm)

Baldwin Park will be hosting their Independence Day celebrations the night before. The village centre will come alive with food trucks, a beer garden, face painting, balloon art, interactive activities, and more. View a spectacular choreographed fireworks show over Lake Baldwin at the end of the day.

Photo Credits

• Independence Day Mickey - Disney Character Guide