July Fourth 2023: Your city-to-city guide to fireworks, festivals (with Flo Rida!) & parades in South Florida

Are you ready for the Fourth? South Florida cities are preparing to light up the night sky with fireworks displays — explosive grand finales to Independence Day celebrations filled with music, food trucks, games, crafts, pool parties and parades.

Rapper Flo Rida will bring a “Good Feeling” to the city of Fort Lauderdale’s 4th of July Spectacular! when he takes the beach stage at 7:30 p.m., before the 23-minute fireworks display shoots off high above the shoreline. Fresh off his pre-game performance during the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Finals run, the Carol City native was chosen as the headliner because of his South Florida connection and wide appeal, Fort Lauderdale City Manager Greg Chavarria said.

“Flo Rida and his creative talent certainly represents the vibrancy and international appeal that Fort Lauderdale has, and we are excited to have him entertain our neighbors and visitors,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said.

Over at Las Olas Oceanside Park (the LOOP), local bands Gypsy Lane, Relentless and Higher Ground will entertain the crowd throughout the afternoon. Kids can splash down inflatable water slides and play beach games, among other activities.

“Stars and Stripes in Paradise” is the theme for the 35th edition of 4th on Flagler, the city of West Palm Beach’s event with 50,000 people expected to attend the festivities from 6 to 9 p.m. along the Intracoastal Waterway downtown.

“As soon as you arrive at the event, you will feel the festive and patriotic energy,” Mary Pinak, the city’s community events manager, said in a statement. “Our Fourth of July celebration features a ton of family-friendly entertainment, delicious food and drinks for purchase, activities for the kids, a meaningful patriotic ceremony, and, of course, one of the best fireworks shows in South Florida. It is truly the best event of the summer.”

During 4th on Flagler, the Bill Bone 5K to benefit the North Palm Beach-based Wounded Veterans Relief Fund will start at 7 p.m., following a course along the waterfront in West Palm Beach. Register at billbone.com/bill-bone-5k.

For those celebrating at home, WBPF-Ch. 25 will have a live television broadcast of the 4th on Flagler fireworks from 9 to 9:30 p.m.

Broward County parks: If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, Broward County is waiving the $1.50 per person holiday entrance fee at regional parks on July 4. Parking fees at North Beach Park and the A1A pocket parks in Hollywood will still be enforced. Visit broward.org/Parks/Pages/FreeGateEntranceDays.aspx.

Parking: Worried about busy parking lots and traffic jams? Several cities are offering shuttle and water taxi services along with garage parking options. Check each event’s website for shuttle schedules, parking tips and costs, as well as road and bridge closures.

Below, see where you can celebrate the holiday in Broward and Palm Beach counties and start making your plans.

Broward County

COCONUT CREEK

Hot Rods & Hot Dogs Car Show — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 1 at the Coconut Creek Community Center, 1100 Lyons Road. In addition to the car show, there will be food trucks and entertainment. The first 250 kids to stop by the Coconut Creek police tent get a free toy car. Free admission. Visit coconutcreek.net/events/hot-rods-hot-dogs-car-show.

FORT LAUDERDALE

4th of July Spectacular — noon-9:15 p.m. July 4 at Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd. A Kids Zone with a DJ, games and water slides will be set up from noon-5 p.m. on the beach south of Las Olas Boulevard with bands performing at the park. Flo Rida is expected to take the Fort Lauderdale Beach Stage at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks following at 8:45 p.m. Free. Visit parks.fortlauderdale.gov/july4.

WESTON

Hometown Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration — 6-9 p.m. July 3 at Weston Regional Park, 20200 Saddle Club Road. Entertainment includes the band NoFilter as well as music from a DJ. An interactive fun zone will have inflatable games, balloon twisters, a craft activity and interactive photo stations. A refillable water station will be available in the Cool Zone, and food concessions will be for sale. Free admission. The fireworks display will be at 9 p.m. Visit westonfl.org.

Weston July 4th Hometown Celebration 5K Run/Walk — 7:15 a.m. July 4 at the Bell Tower in Weston Town Center, 1675 Market St. Put on your patriotic gear to run or walk in the annual event sponsored by the YMCA of South Florida, the Weston YMCA Family Center and the city of Weston. All participants receive a finisher medal and race T-shirt. Registration is $30 through June 30, $35 from July 1-3, and $40 on race day. Visit splitsecondtiming.com.

Hometown Fourth of July Celebration Parade — 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. July 4 at Weston Town Center, 1675 Market St. The parade starts at the corner of Town Center Boulevard and Three Village Road, then heads east on Three Village Road to Bonaventure Boulevard, winding through Weston Town Center along Bell Tower Lane to Main Street. Participants will include performing and community groups, fire trucks, police vehicles and businesses. Visit westonfl.org.

MARGATE

Fourth of July Extravaganza — 9 a.m., 1-4 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. July 4. The city of Margate is planning three events to honor the holiday: The Independence Day Parade will step off at 9 a.m. at Margate Boulevard and travel from 76th Avenue to City Hall, 5790 Margate Blvd. Then, cool off at the Pool Party from 1-4 p.m. at Calypso Cove, 6200 Royal Palm Blvd. (Pool party admission is $6 for residents and $12 for nonresidents, age 5 and older; $2 for residents and $5 for nonresidents age 2-4; and free for younger than 2.) Food trucks and obstacle courses will be set up at the northwest corner of Margate Boulevard and State Road 7 from 5-9 p.m. The VAM Band is scheduled to take the stage at 6 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. Free. Visit margatefl.com/Calendar.

PLANTATION

Independence Day Celebration — 9 a.m. and 6-9 p.m. July 4. Presented by the city of Plantation and the Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood, this celebration will include two events: A parade steps off at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Broward Boulevard and Northwest 46th Avenue and ends at City Hall, 400 NW 73rd Ave. A Kid’s Zone opens at 6 p.m., a concert by Havoc 305 starts at 7 p.m., and a Zambelli fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. at Plantation Central Park, 9151 NW Second St. Food will be available for purchase; guests may bring lawn chair or blankets and their own food. No personal fireworks, sparklers, drones, tents or pets are allowed. Free. Visit plantation.org.

SUNRISE

“Lights, Camera, Action!” Parade & Family Fun Day — 9 a.m.-noon July 4 at City Park, 6600 Sunset Strip, Sunrise. Movie-themed floats and marching units will travel west along Sunset Strip from Northwest 12th Street to City Park. Snow cones, playground and splash pad, and an inflatable water slide, obstacle course and rock wall will be available for kids. Free. Visit sunrisefl.gov.

Concert & Fireworks — 6-10 p.m. July 4 outdoors at FLA Live Arena, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise. Celebrate with a children’s fun zone, and food and beverage vendors. The entertainment lineup includes a DJ, Icon and Alexander Star & The Golden People. The fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Large bags and backpacks, coolers, glass bottles, alcohol, weapons, drones, fireworks, pets, and bicycles are not allowed in the event area. Bags will be searched. Free. Visit sunrisefl.gov.

LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA

Fourth of July Parade and Family Fun Day — 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 9 p.m. July 4 at El Prado Park, 4500 El Mar Drive, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher will serve as grand marshal as the town’s parade travels south on Bougainvilla Drive, east along Pine Avenue, then south on El Mar Drive to Hibiscus Avenue from 10-11 a.m. Family Fun Day will include activities such as a giant waterslide, a DJ and Volunteer Fire Department demos from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the park. Fireworks will be launched from the beach at 9 p.m. Free. Visit discoverlbts.com/events.

TAMARAC

Patriotic Splash Swim Party — noon-4 p.m. July 4 at Caporella Aquatic Center, 9300 NW 58th St., Tamarac. There will be music, games, and arts and crafts. Admission is $5. The concession stand will be open. Visit tamarac.org/231/Special-Events.

4th of July All-American Celebration — 6-9:30 p.m. July 4 at Tamarac Sports Complex, 9901 NW 77th St. The city will have a kids’ area with inflatables, face painting, arts and crafts, and food trucks. The Original Studio 54 Band will perform. The fireworks display launches at 9 p.m. Free. Visit tamarac.org/231/Special-Events.

CORAL SPRINGS

Fourth of July Celebration — 5-9 p.m. July 4 at Mullins Park, 10000 Ben Geiger Drive, Coral Springs. Along with music from the Remix Band, there will be family-friendly activities, cool zones, vendors, a beer garden and food trucks. Personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages and pets are not allowed in the park. The fireworks start at 8:45 p.m. Free. Visit coralsprings.gov/Events-directory.

DEERFIELD BEACH

July 4th Celebration — 5-9 p.m. July 4 at the Main Beach Parking Lot, 149 SE 21st Ave., Deerfield Beach. Sponsored by the Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, the event will include food, arts and crafts, the JM Family Kids’ Zone and entertainment. The fireworks show begins at 9:05 p.m. Free. Visit deerfield-beach.com.

HOLLYWOOD

4th of July Star-Spangled Spectacular Celebration — 5-10 p.m. July 4 at Hollywood Beach (access points at Carolina, Connecticut, Johnson, New York, Tyler, Harrison and Oregon streets, or between Iris and Magnolia terraces). Sponsored by the Hollywood Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts, this event features entertainment and offshore fireworks (9 p.m.). Visit hollywoodfl.org.

POMPANO BEACH

4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza — 5:30-9:30 p.m. July 4 at Fisher Family Pier, 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach. Put on by the Pompano Beach Parks and Recreation Department, the event will feature music from Rubixx Band and the Speaker Box Band on the beach, south of the pier. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Personal fireworks, glass containers, alcohol, drones and pets are prohibited. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Free. Visit pompanobeachfl.gov/events.

PEMBROKE PINES

Independence Day Celebration — 6-9 p.m. July 4 at Pines Recreation Center Festival Grounds, 7400 Pines Blvd. Expect rides, music, food trucks and a pie-eating contest. Bring blankets or lawn chairs. No pets, coolers or personal fireworks are permitted. The fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Free. Visit ppines.com.

DAVIE

Fun on the 4th — 6-9 p.m. July 4 at Bamford Sports Complex, 3801 S. Pine Island Road, Davie. Music, rides, kids’ activities and food trucks are on the schedule for the town’s Independence Day celebration. Advance registration is required with proof of Davie residency. Gates open at 5 p.m., with last entry into the park at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks finale is at 9 p.m. Personal fireworks, alcohol and walk-up attendees are not permitted. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free. Register at davie-fl.gov/1196/Fun-on-the-4th.

Palm Beach County

DELRAY BEACH

The Victory Dolls 4th of July Spectacular — 2 p.m. July 2 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St. The South Florida-based, Andrews Sisters-style singing group will perform a patriotic holiday show, with tickets going for $34-$49. A Lunch Box Matinee option is available to add on. Visit delraybeachplayhouse.com/tickets-and-events or call 561-272-1281.

4th of July Snorkel Tour — Free guided snorkel tours of the SS Inchulva, the “Delray Wreck,” will be offered from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Capacity: Five, 40-minute tours will be available for up to 10 people each. Check-in is at the southern end of Municipal Beach near the volleyball courts across from Anchor Park, 340 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach. Visit facebook.com/DelrayBeachParks.

4th of July Celebration — 5-9:30 p.m. July 4 on East Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Bridge to State Road A1A, Delray Beach. The city will raise a 60-foot flag with an honor guard and singing of the national anthem to kick off the event. Other activities include custard-eating and cheeseburger-eating contests, food trucks and vendors, children’s games, DJ Big Smile, DJ SoNyce, K-Luv & the United Funk Foundation. A Zambelli Fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. Free. Visit delraybeachfl.gov/our-city/things-to-do.

BOCA RATON

Fabulous Fourth Celebration — 5:30-9:30 p.m. July 4 at Countess de Hoernle Park/Spanish River Athletic Facility, 1000 NW Spanish River Blvd., Boca Raton. Hosted by the city’s Recreation Services Department, the event includes live music, rides, kids’ crafts, strolling entertainers, DJ music, games, food trucks and vendors. Matthew Sabatella and the Rambling String Band will play the main stage. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill up for free at the city’s mobile water unit. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Blankets and lawn chairs are permitted, but pets, coolers, sparklers, fireworks, drones and alcohol are not. Free. Visit myboca.us/1456/Fourth-of-July.

4th of July Star Spangled Tribute & Gourmet Picnic — 11:30 a.m. picnic and 2 p.m. show July 4 at The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Get cozy with a classic picnic prepared by chef William Walden before a patriotic show with songs featuring Bill Scott Sheets, Mallory Newbrough and the MDQ Band from the theater’s show, “Million Dollar Quartet.” The events must be booked separately. The picnic costs $55 with tickets available by calling 561-995-2333. Show tickets cost $75-$85. Visit thewick.org.

LAKE WORTH BEACH

4th of July Celebration – 10 a.m.-noon and 5-9 p.m. July 4 at Bryant Park, 100 S. Golfview Road, Lake Worth Beach. City of Lake Worth Beach festivities include craft vendors, a kids’ area, car show, food court and musical acts from 5-9 p.m. at Bryant Park. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with the Great American Raft Race Parade organized by the Neighborhood Association Presidents Council. It starts at J Street, heads east on Lake Avenue and ends at Bryant Park. Then, the Raft Race takes off at noon at Bryant Park’s boat docks with neighborhood organizations and groups’ homemade rafts with an “Intergalactic Invasion” theme this year. Free. Visit facebook.com/LakeWorthBeachPBC.

WELLINGTON

4th of July Celebration — First, a Patriotic Pool Party is set for noon-5 p.m. July 4 at the Wellington Aquatics Complex, 12072 Forest Hill Blvd., with activities and contests planned every hour. Admission is free for age 2 and younger, $3 for guests age 3 to 17, $5 for adults age 18 to 54, and $2 for seniors age 55 and older. Then, the party moves to Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road, from 6-9 p.m. with ax-throwing, bounce houses and inflatables, face painting and petting zoo, games and vendors. Performances on the schedule: The Original Whisky Six and Justified Loxahatchee Band. Fireworks are set for 9:15 p.m. Free. Visit wellingtonfl.gov/659/4th-of-July-Celebration.

ROYAL PALM BEACH

Star Spangled Spectacular — 1-10 p.m. July 4 at Commons Park, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach. Celebrate the day with arts and crafts, rides, bounce houses, water slide, petting zoo, rock wall and bungee trampoline. The Solid Gold Twirlers will perform at 2 p.m., and a cornhole tournament is set for 6 p.m. Musical acts include the Joey Calderaio Band, and tributes to Elton John (6 p.m.) and Earth Wind and Fire (8 p.m.). Patriotic events include a military branch tribute at 8:45 p.m., the national anthem at 8:55 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. Visit royalpalmbeachfl.gov/parksrec.

GREENACRES

Ignite the Night — 5:30-10 p.m. July 4 at Samuel J. Ferreri Community Park, 2905 Jog Road, Greenacres. The city’s family-friendly festivities will feature music by Solid Brass, arts and crafts, food and craft vendors, stilt walkers, contests, games and prizes, $10 wristbands for unlimited inflatable rides and $5 tickets for face painting and airbrush tattoos. No personal fireworks or sparklers are allowed. A Zambelli Fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. Free. Visit greenacresfl.gov.

WEST PALM BEACH

4th on Flagler — 6-10 p.m. July 4 along Flagler Drive, between Banyan Boulevard and Fern Street, West Palm Beach. The city will have three stages of music, a Military Honor Ceremony, kids’ entertainment zone with inflatable games, bounce houses, make-and-take crafts and activities, stilt walkers, jugglers and magicians, food and refreshments for purchase at this annual downtown event. Bring blankets and chairs. The 18-minute fireworks display by Pyrotecnico takes place over the Intracoastal Waterway at 9:09 p.m. Free. Visit wpb.org.

BOYNTON BEACH

Red, White, & Blue with a Waterfront View — 6:30-9:30 p.m. July 4 at Intracoastal Park, 2240 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Two water shows by Palm Beach Hydroflight (6:35 p.m. and 7:35 pm) will highlight this city event, as athletes jump on water-propelled jet boards flying up to 50 feet in the air. Musical acts include the Jay Valor Band, DJ Nacho with saxophonist John Boes. A variety of food trucks will serve up snacks, beverages and sweet treats for purchase. Children’s activities include a fishing game, giant Legos, arts and crafts, chalk walls and corn hole. Win prizes from city businesses through the Super Fan Selfie Contest. Write thank-you letters to be sent overseas to military personnel through Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. Veterans can pick up a free American flag pin and small flag at the information booth. A Zambelli Fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. Free. Visit boynton-beach.org/July4.

LANTANA

Independence Day Celebration — 6:30-9:30 p.m. July 4 at Bicentennial Park, 321 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana. Nikki Kidd & The Collective and AZ Youth Singers will perform. Activities include food and craft vendors, stilt walker, and contests. A fireworks display is set for 9:05 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets. Visit lantana.org/enjoy-lantana-events.