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 2023
Walt Disney World Resort: Independence Day
Annually, Disney hosts many events around the resort to celebrate this patriotic holiday.
Although I am still waiting for the updates on the Disney Independence Day events, you can now watch the Independence Day fireworks show from two parks:
- Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky Fireworks Show at the Magic Kingdom
- The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
- Patriot-inspired version of the Epcot’s Fireworks Show
- An out-of-this world presentation of Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios
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4th of July at LEGOLAND Florida: Red, Brick and Boom
July 3rd and 4th
You will be able 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 both July 2nd through July 4th with fireworks.
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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 4, 2023. 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.
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 over the holiday weekend.
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, any US active military with a valid ID will be able to bring themselves and three members of their immediate family in for free.
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4th of July at Universal Studios Orlando
I am still waiting for the final details for the 2023 Independence Day events at Universal Orlando Resort.
Last year we were able to enjoy a high-energy band, live DJ, meet & greets with Universal’s most popular characters, and patriotic-themed performers and stilt walkers.
So, hopefully all of that returns this year.
You’ll still be able to enjoy some nighttime shows at both Islands of Adventure for the holiday such as:
- The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure
Don’t forget to enjoy the exciting celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Jurassic Park film this summer.
Over the next couple of months you’ll be able to:
- Explore the new Jurassic Park Tribute Store
- Eat some amazing Jurassic-Themed food
- Purchase some of the most unique Jurassic Park inspired merchandise
There will also be an array of food just for the summer season in Thunder Falls at Islands of Adventure such as:
- Coconut Cajeta Churro (a caramel infused churro drizzled with coconut flakes and caramel sauce)
- 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)
The 4th of July festivities at Universal Studios usually take place on July 4 at 5 p.m. and run through park closing at the Music Plaza; however, then final details are pending.
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24 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 at 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 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 4 p.m until 11 p.m.
- Activities: Live music and fireworks.
3. The 4th of July Pancake Breakfast Windermere, Florida
- Where: Windermere Town Hall
- Date & Time: July 4th from 9 a.m until 11 a.m.
- Activities: Enjoy all the pancakes you can eat for free! Just bring your own toppings 🙂
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4. Celebrating the 4th of July in Rockledge, Florida: 36th 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 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Doors open at 6:15pm for BBQ. Concert begins at 8:00 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.)
- Cost: General Admission = $75 (Chamber Members = $60 – use code “BOOM” at checkout)
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6. Monumental 4th of July Celebration in Kissimmee, Florida
- Where: Kissimmee Lakefront Park
- Date & Time: July 4th from 5 – 9:30 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 2023
- 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 9:15 p.m.
8. Rock, Freedom & Fireworks in Longwood, Florida Independence Day Event
- Where: Reiter Park in Longwood, Florida
- Date & Time: July 1st at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Activities: live music from Papa Wheelee, 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 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th
- Activities: Lots of Independence Day inspired activities all weekend long ending with Fireworks over Lake Apopka on Tuesday July 4, 2023 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, 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 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
- Activities: Entertainment, food, drinks and fireworks over Lake Monroe (fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m.)
12. The 26th 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, live patriotic music.
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13. Independence Day Fireworks Celebration in Oviedo, Florida
- Where: Oviedo Mall
- Date & Time: July 1st 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 9 a.m. parade and holiday festivities continuing at 5 p.m. to 9:30 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 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-off’s, 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 starting at 3 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m.
- Activities: Fireworks, tailgating, live performances, food and more!
Read Next: Day Trips from Orlando: 34 Incredible Places to Visit Less than 3 Hours Away!
17. Independence Day at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse in Daytona Beach, Florida
- Where: Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
- Date & Time: July 1st 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
- Activities: Experience guided tours of the world famous lighthouse museum and family-oriented activities
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18. July 4th Veterans Parade on Main Street in Daytona Beach, Florida
- Where: Main Street at Atlantic Avenue to west on Main Street at the base of bridge
- Date and Time: July 4th 10 a.m.
- Activities: The parade’s lineup will feature local military organizations, as well as combat veterans, and the city’s police and fire departments.
19. The 4th of July Lakefront Celebration in St. Cloud, Florida
- Where: St. Cloud at Lakefront Park
- Date & Time: July 4th with event starting at 5 p.m. and fireworks starting at 10 p.m. (final time for fireworks pending)
- Activities: Live music, food, fun 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.
- Activities: Live Entertainment, giveaways, photo booth, face painting, food trucks 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 6 p.m. to 9 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. Star Spangled Weekend July 4th Celebration at Sunset Walk Kissimmee, Florida
- Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee
- Date & Time: July 1st through July 4th
- Activities: DJs and Live Bands Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, plus FIREWORKS on Independence Day at 9:45 p.m.
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23. Fun Spot America
- Where: Fun Spot Orlando and Fun Spot Kissimmee
- Date & Time: Independence Day Weekend (July 1st through July 4th final details pending)
- Activities: Live entertainment, food, fun and fireworks!
- Tickets: Get your discounted tickets on Groupon!
24. MetroWest Music WORKS
- Where: MetroWest Golf Club
- Date & Time: July 2nd 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Activities: Spectacular fireworks display and world-class entertainment!
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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 information still pending.
- 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!
NikkyJ
(Original article written in the summer of 2016/Updated June 2, 2023)