With the Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year, and the State of Florida offering many workers an extra day off on July 3, Tallahassee and the Forgotten Coast are gearing up for an extended weekend of patriotic festivities, fireworks, music, and family fun. Here’s a roundup of the biggest Independence Day events happening in and around the capital city:
Celebrate America at Tom Brown Park
- When: July 4, 6-10 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:50 p.m.)
- Where: Tom Brown Park, Tallahassee
- Price: Free
- Details: Live music from the School of Arts & Sciences rock band, Eleven O Five, and The Funky Taters with Lili Forbes. Food trucks, children’s activities, and a fireworks display presented by the City of Tallahassee Utilities. Free shuttle service from Governor’s Square available.
SouthWood 4th of July Celebration
- When: July 4, starting at 5:30 p.m. (Fireworks at 9 p.m.)
- Where: SouthWood Community Park, Tallahassee
- Price: Free, wristbands for games/activities required ($10 for non-residents)
- Details: Resident Parade, flag-raising ceremony, live music by The Rockitz, food trucks, games, and fireworks over Central Park Lake.
42nd Annual Firecracker 5K and 1-Mile Sparkler Run
- When: July 4, 7 a.m. (1-Mile Run at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 8 a.m.)
- Where: Cascades Park, Tallahassee
- Price: $35 with shirt, $30 without shirt, discounted children’s rates
- Details: All-ages race followed by awards, free kids activities, and family fun.
Eastpoint Freedom Festival
- When: July 1, at dark
- Where: Eastpoint Waterfront
- Price: Free
- Details: Fireworks over the bay as part of the Forgotten Coast’s Independence Day festivities.
Apalachicola Waterfront Celebration
- When: July 3, from noon (Fireworks at dark)
- Where: Riverfront Park, Apalachicola
- Price: Free
- Details: Food vendors, live music, and fireworks over the river.
Shell Point Beach Fireworks
- When: July 4, at dark
- Where: Shell Point Beach
- Price: Free
- Details: Fireworks over the water at this scenic Wakulla County spot.
St. George Island 4th of July Celebration
- When: July 4, at dark
- Where: Beach behind the Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café
- Price: Free
- Details: Beach festivities and fireworks along the Gulf of Mexico.
Carrabelle Fireworks Extravaganza
- When: July 5, at dark
- Where: Carrabelle Waterfront
- Price: Free
- Details: Food, entertainment, and fireworks over the Carrabelle River.
51st Annual Sopchoppy 4th of July Celebration
- When: July 4, parade at 10 a.m., festivities all day, fireworks at dark
- Where: Sopchoppy, Wakulla County
- Price: Free
- Details: Small-town parade, live music all day at Myron B. Hodge Park, and evening fireworks.
St. Marks 4th of July Fireworks Show
- When: July 4, 4-10 p.m. (Fireworks at dusk)
- Where: Downtown St. Marks
- Price: Free
- Details: Food trucks, vendors, live music, and a riverside fireworks display.
Thomasville, Georgia Independence Day Celebration
- When: July 4, patriotic music at 8 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Remington Park, Thomasville, GA
- Price: Free
- Details: Fireworks show sponsored by CNSNext, with music at the park or available on 106.7 FM. Pets, sparklers, and golf carts restricted during the event.
Locals and visitors are encouraged to arrive early for parking and prime viewing spots.
