Celebrate the 4th of July in One of Florida’s Small Towns

Spectacular fireworks shows, hot dog eating contests and flag-waving parades aren’t limited to Florida’s bigger metropolitan areas — small towns know how to throw a good party, too! So here’s a list of a few fun 4th of July celebrations:

Seaside

STARS & STRIPES AT SEASIDE: – Embrace your flag-waving, patriotic fervor and dress in red, white and blue for a day of “God Bless the USA” festivities beginning in the morning with the Annual July 4th parade along State Road 30A and concluding with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s concert and fireworks finale under the stars. It wouldn’t at all be surprising if you find a fiberglass flagpole or two proudly waving The Stars & Stripes no matter which direction you look in. After all, it is a day to celebrate the USA! The lawn fills up quickly so arrive early to get a prime location.
When: July 4
Where: State Road 30A and the Seaside Amphitheater, Seaside
Web: seasidefl.com

St. Augustine

PYROTECHNICS & PULLED PORK – Florida’s Historic Coast is celebrating the nation’s birthday with savory BBQ, an IMAX showing of Transformers 4 and one of the region’s largest firework displays – all at the World Golf Village. Then enjoy a free 2-hour performance from the All Star Orchestra in the Plaza de la Constitución, followed by a fireworks spectacular.
When: July 3-4
Where: St. Augustine
Web: floridashistoriccoast.com/listings/events

Winter Haven

RED, BRICK AND BOOM – LEGOLAND Florida turns ordinary fireworks into millions of exploding Lego bricks, thanks to special glasses and extended evening hours. Four days of Independence Day-themed games and displays end in a special light show finale.
When: July 4-7
Where: Winter Haven
Web: florida.legoland.com/en/Plan/Special-Events/Red-Brick-and-Boom/

Daytona Beach

COKE ZERO 400 – A favorite Independence Day weekend event for decades among NASCAR fans, this Sprint Cup Series stock car race always fulfills the adrenaline fiends while satisfying the family experience, with BBQ stations everywhere and a huge fireworks display after the race.
When: July 5
Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach
Web: daytonainternationalspeedway.com

 

Taveres

4TH OF JULY IN TAVERES – The small city of Tavares shuts down streets from 3 p.m until fireworks time, transforming into a massive celebration with an interactive splash park, a parade with colorful floats, a photo booth, a bungee ride, face-painting and food trucks.
When: July 4
Where: Tavares
Web: tavares.org/

Leesburg

LEESBURG’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION – Families can watch from their boats as Lake County’s biggest and best fireworks display, set to booming music, launches from a barge in Venetian Cove. Get there before the free ice cream runs out.
When: July 4
Where: Venetian Gardens, Leesburg
Web: 4thofjuly.leesburgpartnership.com/

 

Haines City

THUNDER ON THE RIDGE – National recording artist and jazz trumpeter Michael Ray headlines a lively concert lineup, followed by Polk County’s largest fireworks display. Hit the beer garden and food tents in between acts.
When: July 4
Where: Haines City
Web: thunderontheridge.com/

Sarasota

SARASOTA BOAT RACES AND OFFSHORE RACING FESTIVAL – A thrilling boat race at Lido Key Beach is preceded by a downtown boat parade, a block party, a bikini contest and fireworks.
When: July 3-6
Where: Sarasota
Web: suncoastoffshore.org/

 

Apalachicola

APALACHICOLA INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION – Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth in historic coastal Apalachicola with a red, white and blue-themed golf cart and bike parade, ice cream social and fireworks. And because it IS Florida, stuff yourself with fried shrimp and Low Country boil instead of the more traditional hot dogs and hamburgers.
When: July 3
Where: Lafayette Park, Apalachicola
Web: saltyflorida.com/events/apalachicola-independence-day-celebration/920/

Need a few more ideas? Our friends at Florida Travel + Life published a great list of 4th of July Celebrations in Florida.

This story originally published on VisitFlorida.com.