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
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 NEW fireworks show from two parks:
- Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky Fireworks Show at the Magic Kingdom
- Harmonious Show at EPCOT Theme Park
ORDER NOW to secure your Orlando theme park ticket reservation in the parks! GET MY TICKETS.
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.
4th of July at SeaWorld Orlando
July 4th
Visitors of SeaWorld will see the night sky light up during the patriotic-inspired show.
Electric Ocean 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 5, 2022. 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, Kumba, and Montu over the holiday weekend.
The NEW “Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular” has been coined by Busch Gardens as the the biggest, brightest show ever! You’ll 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.
4th of July at Universal Studios Orlando
The 2022 Independence Day events have just been announced by Universal Orlando Resort.
According to Universal, you’ll enjoy a high-energy band, live DJ, meet & greets with Universal’s most popular characters, and patriotic-themed performers and stilt walkers.
You’ll also be able to enjoy some nighttime shows at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios for the holiday such as:
- Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration special show at Universal Studios at 9 p.m.
- The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle in Islands of Adventure
Don’t forget to enjoy the exciting Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, a cinematic adventure with cutting-edge projection technology, lasers and pyrotechnics that will close out the park as mentioned above.
There will also be an array of food just for the summer season such as carnitas arepa, picadillo arepas and more.
The 4th of July festivities at Universal Studios will take place on Monday, July 4 at 5 p.m. and run through park closing at the Music Plaza.
ORDER NOW to secure your Universal Studios theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.
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 🙂
4. Celebrating the 4th of July in Rockledge, Florida: 34th 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 2022
- Where: Downtown Orlando
- Date & Time: July 4th from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Activities: Exciting activities around Lake Eola for everyone. Fireworks to start at 9:15 p.m.
8. Freedom on the Waterfront in Mount Dora, Florida Independence Day Event
- Where: Mount Dora’s Elizabeth Evans Park
- Date & Time: July 3rd at 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Activities: Live music and food trucks with Fireworks at sundown on the 3rd with parade on the 4th of July.
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 Monday July 4, 2022 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
Recommended: 27 Unique and FUN Things to Do in Orlando for Couples
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, 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 12 p.m.
- Activities: Carnival games and an inflatable slide, train rides, live patriotic music.
Recommended: What’s the Best Brunch Spot in Winter Park? Here are 10 Locations to Help You Decide
13. Independence Day Celebration in Oviedo, Florida
- Where: Oviedo Mall
- Date & Time: July 2nd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Activities: Fireworks, carnival rides, games, inflatables, and a cash bar.
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 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Activities: Independence Day Parade, food, games, pool activities and more for Celebration, Florida residents
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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!
16. City of Leesburg’s 4th of July Celebration
- Where: Leesburg’s Venetian Park
- Date & Time: July 4th festivities starting at 6 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m.
- Activities: Fireworks, tailgating, live performances, food and more!
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17. The Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach, Florida
- Where: Daytona International Speedway
- Date & Time: Postponed to August 27, 2022 at 7 p.m.
- Activities: Experience the traditional fast action fun, followed by a firework show
Hipster Power Tip: Although the Coke Zero 400 will be happening in August, you’ll be able to enjoy the DAYTONA Soccer Fest on 4th of July weekend from July 2nd through July 3rd.
18. Red, White and Brew – Rock the Block Street Party and Pub Crawl July 4th in Daytona Beach, Florida
- Where: Main Street in Daytona Beach
- Date and Time: July 3rd from 7 p.m. until midnight
- Activities: You can enjoy live music, drink specials, food trucks, followed by fireworks over the ocean (at the Boardwalk)
Things to Do in Daytona Beach For the 4th of July
In addition to the Red, White, Brew festival, you can enjoy other Independence Day events happening around the community such as:
- 4th of July Spectacular in Port Orange, Florida
- Independence Day Celebration in Ormond Beach, Florida
- July 4th Veterans Parade on Main Street in Daytona Beach, Florida
- Independence Day Bash in Port Orange, Florida
- The Independence Day Block Party at Tanger Outlets in Daytona Beach, Florida
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 all day
- Activities: Water Ski Show, 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 10 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 Sunday, July 4th, 2021 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 Monday night at 9:30 p.m.
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23. Fun Spot America
- Where: Fun Spot Orlando and Fun Spot Kissimmee
- Date & Time: Independence Day Weekend (July 2nd through July 4th)
- Activities: Live entertainment, food, fun and fireworks!
- Tickets: Get your discounted tickets on Groupon!
24. Great American Celebration 4th of July Fireworks in Viera
- Where: 6092 Stadium Pkwy, Melbourne, Florida
- Date & Time: July 4th at 9 p.m.
- Activities: Spectacular fireworks display!
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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.
- Mount Dora 4th of July Parade: Will start along Donnelly Street from Seventh Avenue to Charles Street (downtown) July 4th at 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Tavares 4th of July Parade: Will begin at 5:00 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 2022, 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
Final Thoughts
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 themeparkhipster@gmail.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 4th of 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 23, 2022)