Fireworks, flags, concerts, barbecues and a day off. Communities around the Panhandle are cooking up Independence Day festivities in honor of 1776. And with the Fourth of July landing on a Thursday, Gov. Ron DeSantis has given state workers an extra day off and a long weekend.
Tallahassee is celebrating its bicentennial year with fireworks at the Celebrate America event at Tom Brown Park.
If you're planning a beach weekend, check out one of the festivals along the Forgotten Coast from Sopchoppy to Apalachicola. There will be four days of freedom festivities featuring live music, parades, fireworks, and more.
Bring out your red, white and blue and stay hydrated, temperatures show no sign of cooling off.
Here's a look at some of the 4th of July celebrations around the Panhandle.
Summer musical:Stitching stories and creating costumes the 'Weller' way for Leon's summer musical
Tallahassee's Celebrate America on July 4th
Get in the patriotic spirit and head to Tom Brown Park this Fourth of July for the City of Tallahassee's Celebrate America event. Festivities run from 6-10 p.m. Thursday, with live music and a spectacular fireworks display.
Taking the stage from 6:30-7 p.m. will be cast members from Leon High School's Choral Department summer musical, "The Music Man." Just after 7 p.m., the Kenny Hill Band will take the stage, followed by Revival from 8:20-9:45 p.m.
The fireworks display, sponsored by the City's Natural Gas Utility, lights up the sky starting at 9:50 p.m.There will be food trucks and activities for children at the event. For more details about vendors at the event, visit Talgov.com/Parks.
Attendees are also welcome to pack a picnic. Beer will be available for sale to those 21 and older with a valid ID.
Since there is limited parking within the park, StarMetro, the City's public transportation department, will offer free shuttles to Tom Brown Park, picking riders up in the parking lot at the former Sears, 1500 Apalachee Parkway. Additional details about shuttle service will be provided at Talgov.com/Parks closer to the event. For handicap parking within the park, bring your placard and check with a parking attendant upon arrival at Tom Brown Park.
Basic rules for the Celebrate America event include:• All vehicular access to Tom Brown Park will be closed at 8:30 p.m. or earlier based on parking availability.• No personal fireworks (including sparklers) or grills are allowed.• No personal tents are permitted in the concert area.• No pets (except service animals) are permitted at the Celebrate America event.
In the event of inclement weather, an announcement with safety directions will be made over the main stage speakers. Bad weather could cause portions of the event to be delayed or cancelled. Day-of event information will be available at Twitter.com/COTParks and Facebook.com/COTParks.
Some amenities in Tom Brown Park will be impacted by the event. The dog park will be closed on July 4 and will reopen at 7 a.m. on July 5. The disc golf course will remain open for limited use on July 4, with some holes not playable due to event activities.
Firecracker 5K & 1 Mile Sparkler Run on July 4th
The annual Fourth of July race at Cascades Park is back! Support the Capital City Kiwanis Club and get your heart rate up in this patriotic athletic event on July 4. The day begins with on-site registration at 6:30 a.m. The 1-mile Fun Run starts at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K race starting at 8 a.m. Stick around for the awards ceremony at 9 a.m. Registration is available online, with prices $13 for kid runners and adults starting at $25. Visit raceroster.com.
Meet 'The Music Man' cast on July 4th
Fourth of July Extravaganza with Leon High School's cast of “The Music Man” for an Independence Day picnic from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4 for at the school, 550 E. Tennessee St. There will be a BBQ with food options to purchase. Picnic with friends and take part in kid-friendly games
Sopchoppy 50th Annual 4th of July Celebration
The City of Sopchoppy is celebrating its 50th annual 4th of July celebration this year in Myron B. Hodge City Park, 252 Park Ave., Sopchoppy.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. and the festival runs from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4. Catch the Independence Day Parade downtown then head over to Myron B. Hodge City Park for a festival starting at 11 a.m. There will be vendors, live music, food, and fireworks after dark.
Performers include The Frank Brown Band, DJ Butch and the headliner is talented singer and songwriter Luke Martin.
St. Marks 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate the 4th of July in beautiful downtown St. Marks at the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration from 7-10 p.m. at 815 Port Leon Drive. There will be local food trucks and vendors to enjoy before the fireworks show starts at dark, so bring the family down for an amazing evening in St. Marks. The fireworks show will take place near the public boat ramp and will start at dark, approximately around 9 p.m.
Shell Point fireworks, July 4th
Enjoy fireworks across the water on the July 4th celebration Thursday evening at Shell Point Beach, which is maintained by the Wakulla County Department ofParks and Recreation.
St. George Island 4th of July Freedom Fest
Everyone is welcome at St. George Island for an unforgettable July 4th celebration. Spend the day soaking up the sun on award-winning beaches and head to the center of the Island to join in the funWet & Wild WaterParadeat 11 a.m. As the evening approaches, gather on the beach behind the Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe for a firework show at dark-thirty.
Eastpoint Freedom Festival, July 1
Experience the 3rd annual Eastpoint Freedom Festival, hosted by the Eastpoint Civic Association, along Highway 98 on Monday, July 1. At dark thirty, there will be a fireworks display over the bay.
Independence Eve in Apalachicola, July 3
Apalachicola’s Waterfront July 3rd Celebration, presented by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, takes place at Apalachicola Riverfront Park on Wednesday, July 3. At 3 p.m., the opening ceremony will be highlighted by aflyover from Tyndall Airforce Base with F-35 Lightnings. Enjoy a parade (golf cart/scooter/bicycle), ice cream social, food vendors, live music, and the evening’s finale – beautiful fireworks display over the river.
Carrabelle Fireworks, July 5
Miss out on the 4th of July display? No worries, Carrabelle will host its annual fireworks extravaganza on Friday, July 5, along the Carrabelle Waterfront at dark-thirty. Start the day with a golf cart/scooter/bicycle parade, then head to the Carrabelle riverfront for food, and entertainment. Shops will be open late! Witness a breathtaking display of lights over the water at dark-thirty.
Live Oak Freedom Festival, July 4th
The City of Live Oak will be hosting Freedom Fest on the Fourth of July honoring its Florida National Guard 269th Engineering unit, which has been deployed twice. Entertainment starting at 6 p.m. July 4 in downtown Live Oak at Veterans Park, with fireworks at 9 p.m.
There will be free bounce houses and free face painting for the kids. Free outdoor games. Music by local band the River Rats starts at 6:30 pm. There will be local food trucks. Bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy the evening ending at dark with a spectacular fireworks display.
Did we miss your Fourth of July event? Send details to limelight@tallahassee.com.
