Where To Enjoy The Fourth of July Razzamatazz

Independence Day is a big deal for most Americans. Make that A Big Deal. It is the most American celebration of them all, a red, white and blue extravaganza of the highest order.

With fireworks. Lots of fireworks.

For visitors at this time of year, there is extra fun to be had by attending one (or more) of the events that spice up this public holiday, especially when – as this summer – it falls on a Monday, which allows the theme parks and other area commemorations to make it a three or four-day event.

Most big set-piece events are open to the general public, without any entry fee, and you should definitely factor one of these into your holiday plans if you’re here between July 1 and 4.

Walt Disney World

It stands to reason that if there’s a major event to salute or celebrate, the theme parks are going to be right there at the head of the queue with an occasion to remember.

Unsurprisingly, Walt Disney World leads the way with a couple of truly terrific large-scale presentations that really underline the occasion. At the Magic Kingdom on July 3 and 4, look out for the pyrotechnic spectacular that is Disney’s Celebrate America – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky, which replaces the usual Disney Enchantment fireworks show.

Over at Epcot, you can enjoy a special Fourth of July addition after the usual Harmonious show at 9pm. Called the Heartbeat of Freedom, it lights up the skies for an extra 10 minutes after the main performance.

The Other Theme Parks

Universal Orlando doesn’t stint on the fireworks for the anniversary, either. The festivities will actually begin on July 4 at 5pm in the Music Plaza at Universal Studios, which will be decked out in red, white and blue décor. There will be a live band, DJ and stilt walkers, concluding with the signature pyrotechnics at 9pm.

There are more fireworks on offer at SeaWorld, where they will be celebrating the occasion on all four days, Friday through Monday. Each night will feature the usual summer Ignite 360 special effects show, and that will be followed by a patriotic firework finale that should cap off the evening in exuberant style.

Then there’s LEGOLAND Florida, and another three-day firework fiesta to mark the occasion. Red, White and BOOM is the nightly finale from July 2-4, and it comes with the bonus of speciality viewing glasses that seemingly turn the exploding shells into LEGO bricks!

Around The City

Not to be outdone, the city of Orlando holds an annual mega-bash for the day around Lake Eola in downtown on July 4. Called Fireworks at the Fountain, it features live entertainment from 4pm, family-friendly fun, food and drinks, and the inevitable firework finale at 9.15pm set to a performance by the Orlando Concert Band. Best of all, it is free to enjoy.

Returning after a two-year pandemic-enforced hiatus, the northern suburb of Altamonte Springs is happy to present its eye-popping Red Hot & Boom show once again, in this instance on Sunday, July 3.

This is an event that usually draws a BIG crowd so make sure you arrive early at lovely Cranes Roost Park (4-11pm) for a chance to enjoy a true festival occasion that culminates in one of Central Florida’s biggest fireworks shows over the main lake. Like the Lake Eola event, it is also free to all-comers (and come, they do!).

Promenade at Sunset Walk

We featured all the many attractions of The Promenade at Sunset Walk in a recent blog, but it is also the host for another multi-day extravaganza of entertainment and pyrotechnics to salute Independence Day.

The Star-Spangled 4-Day Celebration does, indeed, take place from July 1-4, with all four evenings featuring Sunset Walk’s team of DJs, 15 live bands, street performers, Car & Truck show and Street Market (from 6pm on the Friday, 3pm the other three days).

July 4 itself concludes in another spectacular welter of fireworks at 9.30pm, and the outdoor event does, of course, also offer the opportunity sample any of The Promenade’s 21 shops and restaurants, including the lively Miami vibes of Estefan Kitchen, the pub style of Yeoman’s Cask & Lion, and the music-fest of Rock & Brews.

Like the other city events, it is free to attend, but you must register to stake a place for any of the four evenings on this link.

Kissimmee

Another local venue that stages a day of (free) fun and fireworks is the traditional Kissimmee attraction of Old Town (which we also featured recently).

For July the 4th itself, Old Town will present an all-day live music festival (noon to 10pm), with additional street performers and then, at 9pm in the South Entertainment area, the “big launch” of the pyrotechnic performance.

Food and drink will be available throughout, and it should make for another terrific family day out at very low cost (depending on what you spend in the restaurants and shops!).

Finally, the Disney-inspired town of Celebration, just off Kissimmee’s Highway 192, has its own Star Spangled Spectacular in the Town Center on July 4.

It all kicks off with the Independence Day Parade from 9-10am, and then goes into overdrive from 4pm, with another concoction of food, music, a DJ and fireworks, concluding with the big finale at 9.20pm, when they light the blue touch-paper. Entertainment will be provided by American Sirens and Rock The Yacht, and there is no charge to join in the fun (although parking can be a challenge, so arrive early if you think this is for you).

For more info, look up VisitOrlando.com, including more ideas for how to celebrate in best red, white and blue fashion.

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