Thinking about what to do besides theme parks for the 4th of July in Orlando?
Let me help you navigate through the top Independence Day celebrations throughout the Orlando area.
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Local Things to Do for the Fourth of July in Orlando 2024
Walt Disney World Resort: Independence Day
Annually, Disney hosts many events around the resort to celebrate this patriotic holiday.
Disney parks will have special entertainment and character meet-and-greets throughout the parks to celebrate Independence Day.
Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky Fireworks Show at the Magic Kingdom will run on both July 3rd and 4th. This 15-minute 360-degree firework spectacular is one of the premiere firework displays in the nation.
Epcot will also be showing off its patriotic pride on the American Gardens Theatre stage. You can listen to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert, with an expanded cast performing a patriotic salute including the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney Characters.
The night ends with a patriot-inspired version of Epcot’s Fireworks Show at 9 p.m.
Don’t forget that the out-of-this-world presentation of Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios runs nightly at 9:15 p.m..
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4th of July at LEGOLAND Florida: Red, Brick and Boom
July 4th
You will be able to help build LEGOLAND’s American Flag during the day with fireworks of exploding LEGO® brick at night.
Red, White and Boom is included in park admission and park hours will be extended to 9 p.m.
LEGOLAND Independence Day celebrations will occur on July 4th with fireworks. Just be sure to pick up your special 3D viewing glasses for the fireworks that they provide.
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4th of July at SeaWorld Orlando
July 4th
Visitors of SeaWorld will see the night sky light up during the patriotic-inspired show.
Summer Spectacular Celebration is SeaWorld’s nighttime event where you can see glowing sea creatures during an aquatic-themed party, complete with a fireworks specular called Ignite.
If you can’t make it on the 4th of July, then don’t worry.
This event takes place all summer long on select dates until September 2nd. While the party may start earlier in the evening, fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
Fireworks are included with park admission and with the best view from Bayside Stadium. Entry into the stadium will start 30 minutes before the grand celebration of fireworks.
5 Best Fireworks Viewing Locations at SeaWorld
- The Waterfront: Located in between Seafire Grill and Voyager’s Smokehouse
- Spice Mill Patio: Located next to Spice Mill restaurant
- Orca Encounter Pathway: Located along the east shore of SeaWorld Lake
- Bayside Pathway: Located along the west shore of SeaWorld Lake
- The Bayside Stadium: Located next to Wild Arctic
4th of July at Busch Gardens Tampa
July 4th
Take the wild trek over to Busch Gardens to enjoy the top-notch roller coasters such as SheiKra, Iron Gwazi, and Montu on Independence Day in Florida.
The incredible Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular has been coined by Busch Gardens as the the biggest, brightest show ever!
You’ll also enjoy a high-energy evening filled with DJs, food, fun, and coasters!
The night will end with a special Independence Day presentation at 9:15 p.m. from the Festival Field at Busch Gardens.
In addition, Busch Gardens proudly offers military promotions to U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservists, or National Guardsman. They are honored with one complimentary entrance per year and up to three direct family members for free.
You can find more information and qualify yourself for this promotion on their military discount page here.
Busch Gardens Red White and Brews also runs through the Independence Day holiday in Florida up until July 7th.
Recommended: 25 Fun and Free Things to Do in Tampa, Florida TODAY!
4th of July at Universal Studios Orlando
4th of July celebrations are like no other at Universal Studios Florida!
This year is lined up to be just as incredible as last year’s with a high-energy band, live DJ, meet and greets with Universal’s most popular characters, and patriotic-themed performers and stilt walkers.
The 4th of July festivities at Universal Studios take place on July 4 around 5 p.m. and run through to park closing at the Music Plaza.
You’ll still be able to enjoy some nighttime shows at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for the holiday such as:
- Live Entertainment and DJ in Universal Studios Florida
- Watch Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular 9 p.m.
- Be Captivated by Hogwarts Always Castle Projection Show (at Islands of Adventure only)
- Enjoy the Universal Mega Movie Parade
- Fireworks show at 10 p.m.
- Head over to Islands of Adventure to cool off on the Water Rides
- Check out the NEW Dreamworks Land
There will also be an array of food just for the summer season in Thunder Falls at Islands of Adventure such as:
- Signature Key Lime Cheesecake or a Brookie ( chocolate chip cookie-filled brownie)
- Prehistoric Raptor Wings (chargrilled chicken wings marinated with olive and spices then tossed in a sweet chili sauce and served with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and a plantain chip)
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25 Things to Do Besides Theme Parks for the 4th of July in Orlando
The Orlando theme parks are not the only places celebrating the patriotic holiday. Check out the local events happening all over central Florida!
1. MelBOOM! 4th of July Fireworks Celebration in Melbourne, Florida
- Where: Front Street Park – 2205 Front St, Melbourne, FL 32901
- Date and Time: July 4th at 9 p.m.
- Activities: Enjoy a fantastic Fourth of July celebration with food trucks, fun, and fireworks display at Front Street Park
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
2. Red Hot & Boom in Altamonte, Florida
- Where: Uptown Altamonte
- Date & Time: July 3rd from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
- Activities: Live music and fireworks.
3. Independence Day Parade in Mount Dora
- Where: Downtown Mount Dora
- Date & Time: July 4th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Activities: This patriotic tribute parade begins at the corner of Donnelly and Seventh and the route runs to Charles Avenue
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4. Celebrating the 4th of July in Rockledge, Florida: 37th Annual Independence Day Picnic
- Where: McLarty Park – 790 Barton Boulevard, Rockledge FL 32955
- Date and Time: July 4th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Activities: Enjoy your choice of a hamburger or hot dog, chips, and a drink for just $1.00 along with games, music, and more!
5. The 4th of July BBQ & Symphony Under the Stars Cocoa Beach, Florida
- Where: Cocoa Civic Center/Cocoa Riverfront Park
- Date and Time: July 4th from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.)
- Cost: General Admission is $75 and Chamber Members $60
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6. Monumental 4th of July Celebration in Kissimmee, Florida
- Where: Kissimmee Lakefront Park
- Date & Time: July 4th from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- Activities: Live music on stage, beer garden, food trucks, and Kids’ zone.
7. July 4th Fireworks at the Fountain in Orlando Lake Eola 2024
- Where: Downtown Orlando
- Date & Time: July 4th from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Activities: Exciting activities around Lake Eola for everyone. Fireworks to start at 9:10 p.m.
8. Rock, Freedom & Fireworks in Longwood, Florida Independence Day Event
- Where: Reiter Park in Longwood, Florida
- Date & Time: June 29th at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Activities: live music, food trucks, a full bar, vendors, and the best fireworks show in town!
9. Red, White & Blue Americana 4th of July Celebration in Winter Garden, Florida
- Where: Winter Garden
- Date & Time: July 4th at 6 pm
- Activities: This free event will have something for all ages with live music, Ranahan band, family activities and games, kids crafts, food, and more with fireworks over Lake Apopka at 9:15 p.m.
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10. Celebration of Freedom in Winter Springs, Florida for the 4th of July
- Where: Central Winds Park in Winter Springs
- Date & Time: July 4th, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Activities: Live music, games, a kid’s zone, vendors, food trucks and fireworks
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11. Star Spangled July 4th Celebration in Sanford, Florida
- Where: Riverwalk in Sanford at Ft. Mellon Park
- Date & Time: July 4th from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.
- Activities: Entertainment, kids play zone, food trucks, and fireworks over Lake Monroe (fireworks choreographed to patriotic music will start at 9:15 p.m.)
12. The 29th Annual 4th of July Celebration in Winter Park, Florida
- Where: Downtown Winter Park
- Date & Time: July 4th from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
- Activities: Carnival games and an inflatable slide, train rides, and live patriotic music. There is also free admission to Morse Museum of American Art from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
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13. Independence Day Fireworks Celebration in Oviedo, Florida
- Where: Oviedo Mall
- Date & Time: July 6th from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Activities: Fireworks ONLY this year
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14. Star Spangled Spectacular in Celebration, Florida 4th of July
- Where: Celebration Town Center
- Date & Time: July 4th with a 9 a.m. parade and holiday festivities continuing from 5 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Activities: Independence Day Parade, food, games, pool activities, and more for Celebration, Florida residents, and a fireworks extravaganza!
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15. The 4th of July Celebration in Avalon Park, Florida
- Where: Avalon Park in Orlando
- Date & Time: July 4th with a 5k run starting at 8 a.m. and Independence Day festivities from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
- Activities: Celebrate with apple pie bake-offs, a hot dog eating contest, a bike parade, and more!
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16. City of Leesburg’s 4th of July Celebration
- Where: Leesburg’s Venetian Park
- Date & Time: July 4th festivities start at 4 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m.
- Activities: Music, delicious food, lots of fun, fireworks over Lake Harris, and more!
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17. Bandshell Star Spangled Summer Concert Series & Fireworks – Alter Eagles: A Tribute to The Eagles
- Where: Daytona Beach Bandshell
- Date & Time: July 4, 2024 at 7:15 pm
- Activities: The concerts are free and include a free Daytona Beach fireworks show at 9:45 pm
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18. Independence Day Party in Daytona Beach, Florida
- Where: Streamline Hotel Sky Rooftop Bar
- Date and Time: July 4, 2024 from 4 pm to 12 am
- Activities: Party it up on the rooftop and see incredible views of the fireworks show along with Americana inspired food
19. Independence Day Ice Cream Social in Orlando, Florida
- Where: 1919 Delaney Ave., Orlando, FL, 32806 held in the gym and back parking lot
- Date & Time: Wednesday, July 3, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 pm
- Activities: Community celebration with yard games, hot dogs, marshmallows, ice cream and fireworks
20. Tavares, Florida 4th of July Celebration
- Where: Tavares’ Wooton Park
- Date & Time: July 4th, 4:45 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. (fireworks at 9 p.m.)
- Activities: Live Entertainment, street party, parade, kid’s activities and dance party, food trucks, seaplane flyover, and more!
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21. Red, White and Boom! July 4th in Clermont, Florida
- Where: Waterfront Park in Clermont
- Date & Time: July 4th, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Activities: Americana activities with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Minneola.
Hipster Power Tip: There will also be a Freedom 5K Run/Walk starting in downtown Clermont, Florida on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 at 7:30 a.m.
22. Fireworks and Fun in Orange City
- Where: Valentine Park
- Date & Time:: Saturday, June 29, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Activities: Annual community event with live entertainment, food, vendors fun, and fireworks!
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23. The Geneva 4th of July Parade & Festival
- Where: Rural Heritage Center 101 E. Main Street Geneva FL 32732
- Date & Time: Beginning at 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Activities: Vintage airplane flyovers, car show, food booth, parade, marching band, fun activities, and lots more
24. MetroWest MusicWORKS
- Where: MetroWest Golf Club
- Date & Time: July 3rd from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Activities: Spectacular fireworks display and world-class entertainment, food trucks and rides. Bring along your chairs or blankets!
25. Fun Spot America
- Where: Fun Spot America
- Date & Time: July 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. (fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.)
- Activities: Here you can enjoy all of the exciting roller coasters, Go Karts, thrill rides, and fun Midway and indoor games. Plus, admission is free!
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4th of July Parades in Orlando and Central Florida
Just in case you’re more of a parade type of person, I’ve listed the top ones happening all over central Florida.
- Tavares 4th of July Parade: Will begin at 4:45 p.m. with a route that runs along Main Street and Ruby Street
- Celebration, Florida 4th of July Parade: Will be at 9 a.m. Route begins at Town Hall heading up Celebration Ave. to Market Street, then ending on Front Street near Lakeside Park
- Winter Garden All American Kids Parade: Parade line-up will begin at 9:45 a.m. at the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge
These parades are the perfect 4th of July celebrations for Orlando in 2023, if you’re looking something to do for the holiday.
How to Survive Florida Heat
Before you get into the Orlando 4th of July events, you’ll want to be safe and stay cool during the torturous Florida summer day.
Top 10 Florida Summer Tips
- Stay hydrated
- Bring lots of water
- Have sunscreen
- Buy water mist fan prior to visit from a local store or from a place like Amazon
- Find splash zones and cool off
- Check the weather
- Take Frequent Breaks
- Bring UV Protective Sunglasses
- Bring a Small Fan
- Watch For Signs Of Heat-Related Illnesses
Recommended: Ultimate Florida Packing List: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!
My Final Thoughts on 4th of July in Orlando, Florida
As you can see, there are many options to choose from for the 4th of July in Orlando. I have tried my best to find the TOP things for you to do in Orlando besides the theme parks for Independence Day.
If I’m missing something from the list, then please feel to email me at info@themeparkhipster.com.
I want to know what you plan on doing for the special holiday. Leave your comments below!
If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:
- How to Beat the 4thof July Crowds at Disney World
- 15 Spooky Things to Do in Orlando for the Fall
- How to Find a Family Vacation Home Near Disney
- 15 Top Tips for Doing Walt Disney World on a Budget
- Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
- The Best Orlando Escape Rooms You Have to Do AT LEAST Once!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original article written in the summer of 2016/Updated by Editor on July 3, 2024)