4th of July fireworks, parades and more things to do in Fort Myers, Naples

How do you want to celebrate Independence Day? That depends on what you’re in the mood for this Fourth of July weekend in Southwest Florida.

You run a 5K. Or watch a parade. Or dance around at a country concert. Or even try to win a hot-dog-eating contest.

Fireworks light up the skies over Fort Myers Beach, Florida on Sunday, July 4, 2021.
Fireworks light up the skies over Fort Myers Beach, Florida on Sunday, July 4, 2021.

Then, of course, there are the fireworks.

Lots and lots of fireworks.

Here’s our guide to all the biggest Independence Day events happening in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and the rest of Southwest Florida. We’ll update as more events and details are announced.

More things to do: Classic rockers Foreigner will play Fort Myers' Mann Hall this November

AND: Top 5 things to do in SWFL this weekend: 'Awkward Family Photos,' Shell Factory carnival

Lee County’s COVID-19 community level is currently ranked as high, according to the CDC. Masks are recommended indoors and on public transportation, plus staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

CAPE CORAL

Monday, July 4

Red, White & Boom: Country duo Locash headlines the annual Independence Day celebration, which also features opening act Jaid Johnson, a deejay, fireworks at 9:30 p.m., food, vendors and more. 5-10 p.m. Monday, July 4. Free. VIP tickets are also available. The outdoor event takes place in downtown Cape Coral near the Cape Coral Bridge. The bridge and the north end of Cape Coral Parkway will be closed from 3 a.m. Monday to 3 a.m. Sunday. 573-3128 or capeboom.com

Country duo Locash headlines the 2022 Red, White & Boom
Country duo Locash headlines the 2022 Red, White & Boom

Freedom 5K: Participants run or walk across the Cape Coral Bridge in this annual event. The 5K takes place 7-10 a.m. Monday, July 4. Registration starts at 6 a.m. and costs $30-$40, $10 for the Kids Fun Run (ages 11 and younger). Race starts at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge, 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral. freedom5kcc.com

American Legion celebration: American Legion Post 90’s event features an 11 a.m. flag-retirement ceremony, a blood drive starting at noon, a raffle, live music and free hot dogs and hamburgers. For the flag-retirement ceremony, people can bring their old, unserviceable flags so the Post honor guard can properly dispose of them. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 4. Hot dogs and burgers will be served at 1 p.m. Free (including lunch), but donations are accepted. American Legion Post 90, 1401 S.E. 47th Street, Cape Coral. post90swf.org

FORT MYERS

Friday through Sunday, July 1-3

Fireworks all weekend: The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels end each baseball game with spectacular fireworks this weekend. They're describing the Sunday show as the biggest fireworks display in Hammond Stadium history. 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 1-3. $11-$13. Hammond Stadium in the Lee County Sports Complex, 14100 6 Mile Cypress Par, Fort Myers. 768-4210 or milb.com/fort-myers

Saturday, July 2

Independence Day Backyard Picnic Street Festival: Beat the throngs of Fourth of July partiers and celebrate with this more relaxed event, two days before the actual holiday. The block party features live music, a pig roast, six food trucks (including barbecue and vegan), free bounce houses, ax throwing, archery, special red and blue beers, and more. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 2. Free. Millennial Brewing Co., 1811 Royal Palm Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 271-2255 or facebook.com/MillennialBrewing

Freedom Fest: Celebrate the holiday with this new family festival featuring 4th of July-themed arts and crafts (including making your own fireworks), a bald eagle talk, planetarium shows and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 2. $10-$15 for adults, $5 for children. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. 275-3435 or calusanature.org

Monday, July 4

Rock act The Thunder Beach Band once again headlines the annual Freedom Fest in downtown Fort Myers.
Rock act The Thunder Beach Band once again headlines the annual Freedom Fest in downtown Fort Myers.

Freedom Fest: The annual block party includes fireworks, food trucks, vendors and rock act The Thunder Beach Band. The fireworks will be launched off of Lofton Island in the Caloosahatchee River. 6-10 p.m. Monday, July 4. Fireworks start at about 9 p.m. Free. Edwards Drive between Jackson and Hendry streets, Downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/RiverDistrictAlliance

Rooftop Celebration: Watch downtown Fort Myers’ fireworks show from the Davis Art Center’s rooftop sculpture garden. Plus a barbecue buffet from Dave’s Bangin’ BBQ, draft beer and wine, and live music from reggae-soul band The Freecoasters. 7-11 p.m. Monday, July 4. $99 in advance, $125 on event day. $1000 for a VIP table of four. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers.  333-1933 or sbdac.com

 July 4th Fireworks Dinner Cruise: Cruise the Caloosahatchee River for three hours on the paddle-wheel boat The Capt. JP. Includes dinner, dancing and a view of the fireworks in downtown Fort Myers from the open third deck. 7:30-10 p.m. Monday, July 4. $85. JC Cruises, 1300 Hendry St., downtown Fort Myers. 334-7474 or jccruises.com

Hot Dogs For Heroes: City Tavern hosts the third annual chili-dog-eating competition to benefit American Legion Post 38. This block party also includes a deejay, food, drinks and a view of downtown Fort Myers’ fireworks. 4-10 p.m. Monday, July 4. Free. The chili dog contest starts at 6 p.m. City Tavern, 2206 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 226-1133 or mycitytavern.com

A scene from the 2019 Fourth of July parade in downtown Naples
A scene from the 2019 Fourth of July parade in downtown Naples

NAPLES

Monday, July 4

Fourth of July Parade: The annual parade travels along Broad Avenue South to Third Street South, Fifth Avenue South, Eighth Street South and Eighth Avenue South. 10 a.m. to noon Monday, July 4. Fifth Avenue South will be closed off to traffic between Third Street and Eighth Street South. Downtown Naples. fifthavenuesouth.com/event-calendar/4th-of-july-parade

Fireworks at Naples Pier: Bring chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks launch Monday, July 4, from a barge north of Naples Pier. The fireworks can be seen from all along the Naples beach. Personal use of fireworks and sparklers is prohibited. Parking is limited, so visitors are urged to plan ahead and find parking on the street or in downtown parking garages; or to walk, take bicycles or use a ride service. Fireworks launch at about 9 p.m. Free. The pier will be closed from 6-11 p.m. Naples City Pier, 12th Avenue South, Naples. naplesgov.com/parksrec/page/city-naples-4th-july-events

4th of July Fireworks Celebration: Collier County Parks & Recreation hosts this annual Fourth of July event with bounce houses, live entertainment, food trucks and fireworks. 3-10 p.m. Monday, July 4. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Parking is limited. Overflow traffic can go to nearby East Naples Community Park. Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. 252-4000

Fireworks cruise: Get a "front-row seat" from the water for the Naples Pier fireworks. The sunset cruise travels along Collier County’s coastal waterways before stopping for the fireworks show. 7:15 p.m. Monday, July 4. $145 includes dinner. The M/V Double Sunshine departs from Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. 263-4949 or purefl.com

BONITA SPRINGS

Monday, July 4

Star Spangled Bonita: The annual Fourth of July festival features fireworks, a laser-light show, food and live country music by the Ben Allen Band. 6-9 p.m. Monday, July 4. Free. Old 41 Road will be closed from 5:30 p.m. to about 10 p.m. from Wilson Street to Childers Street. Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. 949-6262 or cityofbonitasprings.org/july4th

Thousands of people packed Riverside Park in Bonita Springs for the 2021 Star Spangled Bonita festival.
Thousands of people packed Riverside Park in Bonita Springs for the 2021 Star Spangled Bonita festival.

Bonita Springs Fourth of July parade: Bonita Springs Professional Firefighters Local 3444 hosts the annual parade on Old 41 Road. It includes bands, fife-and-drum corps, floats, military units and more. 9 a.m. Monday, July 4. Free. Old 41 Road will be closed along the parade route from 8:30 a.m. until after the parade. The parade travels along Old 41 Road from Kentucky Street to Rosemary Drive in downtown Bonita Springs. 298-4706 or bonitaspringsparade.com

LEHIGH ACRES

Monday, July 4

4th of July Firework Show: Lehigh Acres celebrates the holiday with vendors, food contests, activities, live music and 9 p.m.fireworks. 5-10 p.m. Monday, July 4. Free. The second-annual event is organized by Victory Church and the SWFL Business Alliance. Victory Town Center, 1201 Taylor Lane Extension, Lehigh Acres. swflbusinessalliance.com/2nd-annual-4th-of-july-freedom-fest

PUNTA GORDA

Sunday, July 3

Freedom-Fest: The annual event includes fireworks, live music, a kids fun zone, vendors, displays, festival food, beer and Water-Mania (a collection of 12 giant water slides). 1-10 p.m. Sunday, July 3. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. over the Peace River. $5 admission. Wristbands for unlimited use of the water slides are $10. Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit Road, Punta Gorda. puntagordafireworks.com

Sunday and Monday, July 3-4

Independence Holiday Celebration at Fishermen’s Village: Two days of patriotic events, including live music, food and fireworks. Festivities start at noon Sunday and Monday, July 3-4. Free. The weekend includes fireworks at 9 p.m. Monday. Fisherman’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 941-639-8721 or fishville.com

Fireworks light up the skies over Fort Myers Beach on July 4, 2021.
Fireworks light up the skies over Fort Myers Beach on July 4, 2021.

FORT MYERS BEACH

Monday, July 4

Fort Myers Beach Fireworks and parade: The annual Fourth of July festivities start at 10 a.m. Monday, July 4, with a parade on Estero Boulevard. Colorful floats and other parade participants travel from Bay Oaks Recreation Center to Times Square. Matanzas Pass Bridge will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon for the parade. Later that night, fireworks will be launched at Times Square at 9 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to bring beach chairs. Times Square and Fort Myers Beach Pier, 1000 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. fortmyersbeach.org

SANIBEL ISLAND

Monday, July 4

Sanibel Island Independence Day Celebration: The all-day Fourth of July celebration starts with a 9:30 a.m. parade that travels Periwinkle Way from Tarpon Bay Road to Casa Ybel Road. Then the fun continues with an after-parade celebration at Jerry’s Shopping Center from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including water slides, hot dogs, karaoke, snow cones, a dunk tank and a bounce house. The celebration is a fundraiser for Boy Scout Troops 193 and 316. That’s followed by the 42nd-annual Sanibel Island Road Rally (formerly the San-Cap Optimist’s Club Road Rally), a team-vehicle scavenger hunt that starts at noon at The Timbers Restaurant. Finally, the day ends at dusk with fireworks launched from the beach end of Bailey Road. All events are free except for the rally. Registration for that are $50 per car. Bailey Road will be closed to traffic all day. For parade info, call Trish Phillips at 246-2981. For after-parade celebration info, call Jack Elias at 472-6776. For rally info, contact Randy Carson at 699-8739 or rcarsonsan@gmail.com.

MARCO ISLAND

Saturday, July 2

Ira Dean performs during the SIP Hope 4 Hope Town Hurricane Dorian Relief Concert at the Ryman Auditorium  Monday, Sept. 16, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
Ira Dean performs during the SIP Hope 4 Hope Town Hurricane Dorian Relief Concert at the Ryman Auditorium Monday, Sept. 16, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.

Alfie Oakes’ Fourth of July American Celebration: The owner of Oakes Farms and Seed to Table hosts an Independence Day party on Little Marco Island, including food, beer and live music by The Joel Fry Band and singer Ira Dean (best known as half of former country duo Trick Pony). 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 2. $45 for transportation to the island ($25 for ages 17 and younger), $35 for food and drinks ($20 for ages 17 and younger). Shuttle service starts at 8 a.m. at Naples Outlet Collection, 6060 Collier Blvd., Naples, or you can show up at the island using your own boat. freedom-friday.ticketleap.com/alfie-oakes-2nd-annual-fourth-of-july-american-celebration

Monday, July 4

Marco Island fireworks: Fireworks will launch off the coast of Residents’ Beach at about 9 p.m. Monday, July 4. The fireworks can be seen from along Collier Boulevard and Marco’s beach front. No personal fireworks permitted on the beach. Public parking is located at the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Swallow Avenue. Metered parking is $8 per car. Parking on the streets or swales in the South Beach area is prohibited. cityofmarcoisland.com

ESTERO

Monday, July 4

USA Independence Day 5K: Annual Independence Day morning run/walk at Hertz Arena. Starts at 7 a.m. Monday, July 4, and ends with an awards ceremony. Participants each get a T-shirt and free finish photos and video. Medals will be awarded to the winners. $45-$48. There’s also a virtual. “remote race” version of the annual event. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. runeliteevents.com/usa-independence-day-5k.html

SAN CARLOS PARK

Monday, July 4

San Carlos Park 4th of July parade: The annual parade returns for the first time since the start of the pandemic. It begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 4, at Sunshine Ace Hardware plaza at the corner of Sanibel Boulevard and U.S. 41. Then it travels along Sanibel Boulevard to Lee Road, San Carlos Boulevard East and Three Oaks Boulevard before ending at Three Oaks Park. Parade participants can enter “anything that walks or rolls,” including decorated floats, cars, trucks, bicycles and motorcycles. Candy will be thrown to children along the parade route. Organized by Lindsay Collins and the San Carlos Park Fire Department. No registration fee. To register or for more info, call Collins at 265-4412.

EVERGLADES CITY

Saturday, July 2

Independence Day Celebration: Annual event kicks off July Fourth celebrations in Collier County. The day begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 2, with opening ceremony. Parade follows and attendees encouraged to deck out in patriotic garb, with contests, food, shopping and more through the morning and afternoon. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Handicapped parking available at Everglades Community Church, 101 S. Copeland Ave. visitevergladescity.com

LABELLE

Monday, July 4

City of LaBelle fireworks: The annual fireworks display starts after dark on Monday, July 4. If it’s postponed due to rain, the event will be moved to July 8. Free. Barron Park, 1559 De Soto Ave., LaBelle. 863-675-2872

Connect with this reporter: Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. Email him at crunnells@gannett.com or connect on Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), Twitter (@charlesrunnells) and Instagram (@crunnells1).

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Fourth of July 2022: Fireworks, parades in Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita