OCALA, FL (352today.com) – When the red, white, and blue cupcakes hit the bakery and the ribs and burgers go on sale at Publix, it can only mean one thing: it’s a holiday weekend in Florida. From live music to summer treats – and, of course, fireworks – check out our top picks for the best ways to spend your 4th of July weekend.
Keep in mind that North Central Florida is expecting a soggy holiday weekend. Be sure to check out the event websites for potential weather delays or cancellations.
Williston Pre-4th Extravaganza Independence Day Celebration (July 3)
- What: The City of Williston will kick off its Independence Day Celebration with a parade at 5 p.m. After the parade, festivities continue at 7 p.m. at Horseman’s Park, where guests can enjoy live music, food vendors, and local crafts, capped off with a fireworks show at sundown.
- When: Thursday at 5 PM
- Where: Horsemens Park, 803 SW 19th Ave., Williston
- Cost: Free
Mount Dora’s Freedom on the Waterfront (July 3)
- What: Enjoy a kids’ fun zone, food trucks, live music, and local vendors. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
- When: Thursday 5-10 PM
- Where: Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N Donnelly St, Mt Dora
- Cost: Free
Fanfares & Fireworks (July 3)
- What: WUFT will host an evening of live music featuring Now Leaving Space, Sooza Brass Band, The Savants, and more. Enjoy food trucks, bring a chair or blanket, and catch fireworks around 9:30 p.m. No dogs, alcohol, sparklers, or drones allowed.
- When: Thursday at 6 PM
- Where: UF Bandshell at Flavet Field, 605 Woodlawn Dr., Gainesville
- Cost: Free
Happy Birthday, America (July 3)
- What: Live music, vendors, kids’ zone, giveaways, cash bar, and a professional fireworks show.
- When: Thursday at 6-10 PM
- Where: 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood
- Cost: Free
Trenton 4th of July Celebration (July 3)
- What: This free community event will include live music, games, food, and a fireworks show.
- When: Thursday at 7:30 PM
- Where: Tri-County Nursing Home, 7280 SW State Road 26, Trenton
- Cost: Free
Patriotic Skies (July 4)
- What: Celebrate Independence Day with an unforgettable night of live music, family activities, and local favorite food trucks, all capped off by a spectacular fireworks display over Tuscawilla Park.
- When: Friday from 6 to 10 PM
- Where: Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Avenue, Ocala
- Cost: Free
Patriotic Celebration (July 4)
- What: Join Circle Square Commons and light up Independence Day with live music, dancing, food trucks and beverage kiosks, and fireworks at The Town Square.
- When: Friday from 4:30 to 9:30 PM
- Where: Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th Street, Ocala
- Cost: The event is free, parking is $20
Clermont’s Red, White & Boom (July 4)
- What: Celebrate the 4th at Clermont’s free Red, White & Boom at Waterfront Park with live music, food trucks, bounce houses, and fireworks over Lake Minneola.
- When: Friday from 5-9:30 PM
- Where: Waterfront Park, 330 3rd Street, Clermont
- Cost: Free
Leesburg’s Star-Spangled Spectacular 4th of July (July 4)
- What: Celebrate the 4th at Leesburg’s Red, White & BOOM at Ski Beach Park with live music, food trucks, vendors, and fireworks over Lake Harris at 9 p.m.
- When: Friday from 4-9 PM
- Where: Venetian Gardens Park, 201 E Dixie Avenue, Leesburg
- Cost: Free
City of Eustis Hometown Celebration (July 4)
- What: The free Hometown Celebration returns Friday, July 4 from 5–10 p.m. at Ferran Park with fun for the whole family.
- When: Friday from 5-10 PM
- Where: Ferran Park, 250 Ferran Park Drive, Eustis
- Cost: Free
All American Celebration (July 4)
- What: Get ready to enjoy great food, live music, and community spirit at this patriotic celebration. Sample local flavors from Brownwood restaurants offering bites right outside their storefronts, compete in the cornhole tournament, and sip “Freedom Punch” while you stroll the square.
- When: Friday from 4 to 9 PM
- Where: 2705 W Torch Lake Drive, Wildwood
- Cost: Free
Cedar Key Fireworks Show (July 4)
- What: The golf cart parade begins at 10:45 a.m., and fireworks will light up the sky at 9:15 p.m.
- When: Friday at 11 AM
- Where: 434 2nd St., Cedar Key
- Cost: Free
Tavares 4th of July Celebration (July 4)
- What: Fireworks will light up the sky over Lake Dora at 9 PM
- When: Friday at 6-9 PM
- Where: Wooton Park, 100 E Ruby St, Tavares
- Cost: Free
McIntosh Independence Day Celebration (July 4)
- What: The McIntosh Lions Club hosts a 4th of July celebration with games, food, and fun. Activities start at 10 a.m. with a kids’ bike parade; judging begins at 9 a.m.
- When: Friday at 9 AM
- Where: McIntosh
- Cost: Free
Town of Micanopy Independence Day Parade & Fireworks (July 4)
- What: The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Cholokka Blvd. Fun at the ballpark starts at 5:30 p.m. with music, food trucks, and an obstacle course. Fireworks begin around 8:45 p.m.
- When: Friday at 11 AM
- Where: Micanopy Historic District, NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy
- Cost: Free
Alachua Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
- What: Alachua’s free event starts at 5 p.m. with live music, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- When: Friday at 5 PM
- Where: Legacy Park, 5400 Peggy Rd., Alachua
- Cost: Free
Crystal River Fourth of July Celebration (July 4)
- What: Celebrate the 4th in downtown Crystal River with live music, food, vendors, and fireworks over Kings Bay at 9 p.m. Best viewing is at Kings Bay Park. Rain or shine; fireworks timing may vary with weather.
- When: Friday at 4-9 PM
- Where: Kings Bay Park, 268 NW 3rd Street, Crystal River
- Cost: Free
Free First Saturday at the Appleton Museum (July 5)
- What: Slow down after a busy holiday and escape the rain by exploring the Appleton’s permanent collection, special exhibitions, and enjoy artmaking activities. The Southern Express Big Band will also be performing, and food trucks will be on site for an afternoon bite.
- When: Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Where: 4333 E Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala
- Cost: Free
Discover more things to do in North Central Florida by browsing the 352today events page.