A Floridian Fourth: Celebrate Independence Day with arts, bike parade, 5K
It’s Fourth of July weekend, bringing myriad celebrations, fireworks displays and patriotic merriment to Central Florida.
From Mount Dora to Kissimmee, there are a plethora of extravagant events to honor American Independence Day. Some celebrations have a unique Floridian twist, like the annual Watermelon 5K or a performance from the Bach Festival Choir.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World and other theme parks are bringing locals and visitors alike jubilant fireworks displays sure to dazzle. Here are ideas for unique Central Florida ways to celebrate the Fourth of July.
AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5K
Celebrate Independence Day by rising early and lacing up running shoes to participate in an annual tradition, the July 4th Watermelon 5K. Sponsored by AdventHealth and run by Track Shack, the Winter Park event promises a morning celebration with “ice cold watermelon” and American pride. Runners can participate in a watermelon-eating contest following the race, which kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Registration, which costs $38 in advance or $43 on race day, is still open but is more than three-quarters full.
More information: trackshack.com
Winter Park free arts
Indoors and outside, Winter Park has artistic offerings for all ages to celebrate the Fourth of July. In the Central Park West Meadow, hear a performance from the Bach Festival Choir and brass ensemble and explore a kid zone with carnival games, a balloon artist and bounce slides. A bike parade will commence at 10:45 a.m. July 4. The Morse Museum of American Art is open with free admission from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 4, an Independence Day tradition that dates back to 1995.
More information: events.cityofwinterpark.org or morsemuseum.org
Theme park fireworks
Walt Disney World commemorates Independence Day with “Celebrate America! — A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” on July 3-4, plus “The Heartbeat of Freedom” on July 4 at Epcot. SeaWorld Orlando has a fireworks celebration July 1-4. Legoland Florida’s “Red, White and Boom!” brings families special treats, activities and fireworks July 2-4.
More information: disneyworld.disney.go.com, seaworld.com and legoland.com
Fourth of July in Orlando: Fireworks, events for Independence Day around Central Florida
Avalon Park’s Firecracker 5K Run, Apple Pie Bake-off and bike parade
In the name of Americana, Avalon Park is bringing the community a full slate of activities. July 4 kicks off with an 8 a.m. Firecracker 5K race, followed by a bike parade later in the day at 5:30 p.m. The 2023 apple pie bake-off will help decide whose homemade pie is the best. The judging begins at 6 p.m. at All Star Dance and $100 is on the line for the first-place winner. The night ends with a fireworks display over Avalon Lake at 9 p.m.
More information: avalonparkorlando.com
SHOTS Orlando Fourth of July Weekend Party
For revelers of drinking age, kick off the Fourth of July weekend by heading downtown to Shots Orlando. Find extended happy hour specials, a DJ and specialty “Captain America” and “Wonder Woman” shots. The festivities go on through July 2.
More information: facebook.com/SHOTSorlando
