Big Boom! Cranes Roost Park hosts Red, Hot, & Boom! every July 3rd.
Photo by Courtney Kiefer

Fourth of July Happenings

ORLANDO BIG BAND PATRIOTIC SALUTE
July 1: Wear your red, white and blue and sing along to patriotic and inspiring music from throughout America’s history and celebrate our nation’s independence with Orlando Big Band. 7:30 p.m. The Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford. 407-321-8111. orlandobigband.com. ritztheatersanford.com

RED, WHITE & BOOM
July 2-4: Help build LEGOLAND Florida’s American flag during the day and look up for fireworks of exploding 3-D LEGO bricks at night. Independence Day celebrations are included with park admission. LEGOLAND Florida Resort, One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven. 888-690-5346. legoland.com

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS RED HOT & BOOM
July 3: The city of Altamonte Springs hosts its Independence Day celebrations at Cranes Roost Park and invites residents and visitors to the party with free admission to its huge lakeside fireworks show. The fun is from 4 to 11 p.m., with the fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. 274 Cranes Roost Blvd. 407-571-8177. altamonte.org

AVALON PARK 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
July 4: Celebrate America’s birthday with an apple pie bake-off, bike parade, bounce park, food and beverage vendors, community performances, music and more. Start the day with the Firecracker 5K Run, starting at 8 a.m. in Town Park.  Downtown Avalon Park, 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd., Orlando. 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. 407-658-6565. avalonparkorlando.com

CLERMONT’S RED, WHITE & BOOM
July 4: Join the celebration at Waterfront Park and vie for first place in the pie-eating and most-patriotic dressed contests. Enjoy live music and culinary specialties from food trucks. End the evening with fireworks over Lake Minneola. 6-9 p.m. 100 3rd St. 352-708-5975. clermontfl.gov

DAYTONA BEACH VETERANS PARADE
July 4: Join the city of Daytona Beach for the third annual Fourth of July Veteran’s Parade, featuring local military organizations and combat veterans as well as the Daytona Beach police and fire departments. A special July 4th Veterans Ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. at the clock tower. Parade 10 a.m. Main Street at Atlantic Avenue. 386-255-0415.  daytonabeach.com

FIREWORKS AT THE FOUNTAIN
July 4: With the skyline as a backdrop, Orlandoans and visitors are invited to gather around Lake Eola for family fun that includes live music, kids’ activities and food and beverage vendors from 4-10 p.m. Enjoy fireworks set to patriotic music from the Orlando Concert Band at 9:15 p.m. WKMG News 6 will broadcast and livestream the celebration, starting at 8 p.m. Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St. orlando.gov

HAINES CITY THUNDER ON THE RIDGE
July 4: Artists take to the stage each year for a full day of music, followed by the largest fireworks display in Polk County. Stroll the arts and crafts and food vendors, stop by the beer garden and immerse the kids in family-fun activities. 3 p.m. Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave. 863-421-3700. hainescity.com

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN CELEBRATION
July 4: A whole day of celebration, beginning with the Independence Day Parade at 9 a.m., followed by the Independence Day Spectacular with DJ City Beat, live music from Velvet Vanguard, fun and food at Celebration Town Center from 5-9:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:20 p.m. 407-566-1200. celebration.fl.us

LEESBURG’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
July 4: Lake County’s largest fireworks show takes place lakefront at Venetian Gardens. Enjoy a full day of family fun with a water ski show, kids’ play zone, festive foods, a concert by a Tom Petty tribute band, a Leesburg Lightning vs. Sanford River Rats baseball game and more. 6 p.m., with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. 201 E. Dixie Ave. 352-728-9786. leesburgflorida.gov

MELBOOM 2023 FIREWORKS IN MELBOURNE
July 4: This city east of Orlando hosts an Independence Day celebration at Claude Edge Front Street Park that can be viewed from the beach about 2 miles away and boats on the Indian River as well as from the riverfront park.
9 p.m. 2205 Front St., Melbourne. 321-608-7420. melbourneflorida.org

MOUNT DORA FREEDOM ON THE WATERFRONT
July 3-4: Come to Mount Dora for family festivities and a community get together on Monday, culminating in a fireworks display over Lake Dora. Then keep that fiery spirit alive for the Independence Day Parade, starting at the corner of Donnelly Street and Seventh Avenue at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Fireworks begin when the sun goes down. 5-9 p.m. Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly St. 352-735-7183. mountdora.com

STAR-SPANGLED SANFORD
July 4: The city of Sanford hosts Seminole County’s largest Independence Day celebration, with food and beverage vendors, entertainment, live music and, of course, a spectacular fireworks show with patriotic music over Lake Monroe. The party is from 7-10 p.m., with fireworks set for 9:15 p.m. Sanford Civic Center, 401 E. Seminole Blvd. 407-688-5120. sanfordfl.gov

SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS IN COCOA
July 4: Gather along the Indian River Lagoon for Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s annual free Fourth of July pops concert and city of Cocoa fireworks show. Bring a blanket or chairs. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with food and drinks for purchase. Concert 8 p.m., fireworks 9:15 p.m. Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa. 321-345-5052. brevardsymphony.com

TAVARES 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
July 4: America’s Seaplane City celebrates Independence Day at Wooton Park on Lake Dora with a parade, fireworks, food trucks, a family fun zone, live entertainment and more. 4:45-9:30 p.m. Wooton Park,100 E. Ruby St. 352-742-6319. tavares.org

WINTER GARDEN RED, WHITE & BLUE AMERICANA
July 1-4: The celebration starts at the Farmers Market on Saturday and goes through Tuesday with a breakfast and kids’ parade and ends with the Party in the Park Fireworks Display. The party begins at 6 p.m. and wraps with the pyrotechnic display over Lake Apopka beginning at 9:15 p.m. Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Ave. 407-656-4111. wgfl.gov

WINTER PARK 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
July 4: The city’s 28th annual 4th of July Celebration features the sights, sounds and flavors of summer with patriotic music by the Bach Festival Brass Ensemble and Choir along with free cookies, shaved ice and apple pie—while they last. There’s a free kids’ zone with carnival games, bounce slide, face painting and crafts at the Community Playground. 9-11 a.m. Central Park West Meadow, 150 W. Morse Blvd. 407-599-3342. cityofwinterpark.org 

Isabela Madrigal comes to life during EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo Courtesy Walt Disney World

Special Events

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL
Through July 5: Take in enchanting topiaries and gather gardening tips while sampling seasonal foods from the outdoor kitchens found throughout the theme park. Enjoy live music while picking up outdoor-living advice you can use at home. Epcot World Showcase, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com 

DINOSAURS AT LEU GARDENS
Through July 9: Dinosaurs have invaded Leu’s 50-acre gardens. More than 20 life-size animals, ranging from the 14-inch-long Sordes to the 33-foot Daspletosaurus, are just waiting to be discovered. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., last admission at 4 p.m. Included with regular admission. Harry P. Leu Gardens, 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org

BUSCH GARDENS SUMMER NIGHTS
Through Aug. 6: Themed party zones with exclusive summer food and drink menus take the theme park experience to the next level. Join in the dance parties and cool off at the Turn It Up! Ice Show. Fireworks Spectacular on select nights. Included with admission. Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa. 813-884-4386. buschgardens.com

SEAWORLD SUMMER SPECTACULAR
Through Sept. 4: When the sun goes down, the night lights up with electrifying dance music, colorful lights and a fireworks extravaganza. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive. 407-545-5550. seaworld.com

NOW AND NOT YET
July 9: Join Arts Fellowship Orlando and First Presbyterian Church of Orlando for an exhibit of unconventional expressions of faith. This second annual showcase presents the diverse performance and visual artists’ journeys through the intersection of art and faith over the course of their fellowship. 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org

LCO’S 2ND ANNUAL VAUDEVILLE SPECTACULAR
July 14: Swing to the beat of old-school jazz, Broadway, pop and Latin sounds as the LCO pops orchestra and big band heats up the night with guest singers Shelley Keelor and Michael Scott Ross, magician Dan Stapleton, aerialist Teddy Fournier and drag vocalist Ms. BJ Stephens. 7:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org 

ATENCIÓN ATENCIÓN YUPI YEI TOUR
July 15: This beloved Puerto Rican children’s show has been using play, music and dance since 1999 to instill strong values into preschoolers and is now bringing its message to cities across the United States. 5 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. 844-513-2014. drphillipscenter.org 

BROADWAY RAVE
July 27: It’s musical theater! It’s a dance party! If you have trouble staying in your seat for your favorite musicals, give this a try, where you’re invited and encouraged to dance the night away while celebrating the best of Broadway.
8 p.m. The Beacham, 46 N. Orange Ave., Orlando. 407-648-8363. foundation-presents.com

EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
July 27-Nov.18: Explore the world of culinary treasures on a leisurely tour of marketplaces featuring authentic global foods and beverages while enjoying the sights and sounds at entertainment spots throughout the World Showcase. Dance and dine at the Eat to the Beat concert series. Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista. disneyworld.disney.go.com