June 27
Rags to Riches Regatta
Race begins at 7 a.m. | Grayton Beach | Spectators free
This long-running South Walton sailing tradition features teams racing 16-foot Hobie Cats from Grayton Beach to Seagrove. Proceeds benefit the South Walton Artificial Reef Association.
Info: www.ragstorichesregatta.com
JULY 1
Destin Family Independence Day Celebration & Bike Parade
4-7 p.m.; parade at 6 p.m. | Destin Elementary School Track, Destin | Free
Children 16 and younger are invited to decorate their bikes and join the annual parade. The celebration also includes food trucks, face painting, arts and crafts and a waterslide.
JULY 2
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Patriotic Revue
6-8 p.m. | Grand Park at Grand Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach | Free
Enjoy patriotic music and dance performances celebrating 250 years of American freedom.
Info: www.grandboulevard.com | (850) 837-3099
JULY 3
Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival
5-9:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. | Destin Commons | Free admission
More than 25 food trucks, live music, face painting, a photo booth and one of the Emerald Coast’s largest fireworks displays highlight this family-friendly celebration.
Info: www.destincommons.com | (850) 337-8700
JULY 3-4
Hotel Effie Rooftop Fourth of July Celebration
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Miramar Beach
Celebrate with rooftop DJs, festive cocktails and panoramic views culminating with Baytowne Wharf fireworks viewing.
Info: www.hoteleffie.com | (850) 351-3000
JULY 4
Grayton Beach Fourth of July Parade
Lineup at 8 a.m.; parade at 8:30 a.m. | The Red Bar, 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach | Free
Decorate your bike, golf cart, scooter or other wheels and join this beloved community parade through historic Grayton Beach. Watermelon and lemonade follow the parade.
Info: www.ajsgrayton.com | (850) 231-4102
Seaside Fourth of July Celebration
Beginning at 9 a.m.; fireworks at 8:30 p.m. | Central Square and Amphitheater, Seaside | Free
A full day of festivities includes a block party, farmers market, children’s patriotic bike parade, hot dog eating contest, live entertainment, a Sinfonia Gulf Coast Patriotic Pops Concert and fireworks over the Gulf.
Info: www.seasidefl.com | (850) 225-4436
Celebrate America’s 250th!
Beginning at 11 a.m. | Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso | Free
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a day of history, living-history demonstrations and the grand opening of the museum’s new America 250 exhibit.
Schedule:
11 a.m. — Student Poster and Essay Contest Awards Ceremony
Noon — History Sandwiched-In: Colonial Paper Currency presented by Tom McKnight
1 p.m. — Official Community Ribbon Cutting for the America 250 Exhibit
1:15 p.m. — Life, Liberty and Hard Rations presented by Travis Southr, including a Revolutionary War firearm demonstration
2 p.m. — Discussion on the Battles of Lexington and Concord with Karl Eschmann
Info: www.heritagemuseum.us | (850) 678-2615
Alys Beach Fourth of July Concert & Fireworks
7-9 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. | Alys Beach Amphitheatre | Free
Enjoy live music by Five Star Funk Lounge and fireworks over the Gulf. Food and beverages available for purchase. Bring blankets or low-back chairs.
Info: www.alysbeach.com | (850) 213-5500
Rosemary Beach Fourth of July Celebration
Barrett Square and Western Green | Free
The day includes a bike decorating contest, parade, family field day, live concert and Gulf-front fireworks at 9 p.m.
Info: www.rosemarybeach.com | (866) 348-8952
Sandestin’s Red, White & Baytowne
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach | Free
Enjoy live music, family activities and a fireworks finale over the lagoon as part of Sandestin’s annual Independence Day celebration.
Info: www.sandestin.com | (877) 496-2024
SunQuest Cruises Fourth of July Dinner Cruise
6-9:30 p.m. | Baytowne Marina, Miramar Beach | Ticketed event
Celebrate aboard the Solaris yacht with a chef-prepared dinner, live entertainment and fireworks viewing from the water. Reservations required.
Info: www.sunquestcruises.com | (850) 650-2519
Light Up the Bayou Fireworks Spectacular
Beginning at 3 p.m.; fireworks at approximately 8:45 p.m. | Lions Park, Niceville | Free
Niceville’s annual Independence Day celebration features food trucks, live music and a spectacular fireworks display launched from a floating barge in Boggy Bayou. Fireworks are visible from multiple waterfront locations throughout Niceville and Valparaiso.
Info: www.facebook.com/cityofniceville
Fort Walton Beach Fourth of July Celebration
5-9 p.m.; fireworks at approximately 8:45 p.m. | Fort Walton Beach Landing, 131 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach | Free
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with live music by Scratch 2020, food vendors and a fireworks display over Santa Rosa Sound.
Info: www.fwb.org | (850) 833-9500
Party in the Park
5 p.m.; fireworks at approximately 9 p.m. | Twin Hills Park, Crestview | Free
This family-friendly celebration includes food trucks, live music, a bicycle parade, games and a fireworks finale.
Info: www.cityofcrestview.org | (850) 682-3812
The Boardwalk Fourth of July Fireworks
Fireworks at 9 p.m. | The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island | Free
Enjoy a fireworks display over the Gulf from one of the Emerald Coast’s most popular beachfront destinations.
Info: www.theboardwalkoi.com | (850) 796-1782
DeFuniak Springs Fourth of July Celebration
Historic Lake DeFuniak | Free
Celebrate Independence Day with vendors, family activities and a fireworks display over Lake DeFuniak.
Info: www.defuniaksprings.net | (850) 830-1661
