Celebrate America’s 249th birthday with a full lineup of family-friendly events, parades and fireworks happening across Niceville, Valparaiso, Freeport, Destin, Okaloosa Island and South Walton. Don’t miss a moment of the patriotic fun!
Niceville & Valparaiso – Boggy Bayou Fireworks
When: Friday, July 4 | 8:45 p.m.
Where: Lion’s Park, Niceville Landing, Kiwanis Park, Niceville
Hosted at Lion’s Park, this all-day celebration features live music, food trucks, family activities, and a fireworks finale over the bayou. Great viewing locations include Lion’s Park, Kiwanis Park, Niceville Landing, Shipyard Point Park, and Lincoln Park in Valparaiso. Arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy the festivities!
Freeport – Independence Day Parades & Fireworks
Hammock Bay Walk & Bike Parade
When: Friday, July 4 | 9:30 a.m.
Where: Hammock Bay Town Center, 74 Great Hammock Bend
Kids and families can decorate bikes, strollers, or walk in this festive morning parade. Spectators are welcome to line the central greenway. Prizes awarded for best decorations.
Freeport City Parade
When: Friday, July 4 | 4 p.m.
Where: Begins at Freeport Learning Center, 360 Kylea Laird Drive
The city’s annual parade features floats, classic cars, and community groups. State Road 20 closes at 3:45 p.m., so plan ahead to find a great spot along the route.
Fireworks Finale
When: Friday, July 4 | 8:30 p.m.
Where: Freeport Regional Sports Complex, 563 Hammock Trail East
Wrap up the evening with a fireworks show under the stars. Bring chairs or blankets and enjoy food vendors on-site for a relaxed family evening.
Okaloosa Island – The Boardwalk Independence Day Celebration
Luau Beach Party
When: Thursday, July 4 | 5–9 p.m.
Where: The Boardwalk, 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE
Celebrate with live music by Jody Lucas, fire dancing by Luminary Entertainment, beach games for kids, and festive décor. Free leis and beachside fun for the whole family.
Fireworks Over the Gulf
When: Thursday, July 4 | 9 p.m.
Where: View from The Boardwalk deck or beach
Enjoy a stunning fireworks show launched from the pier. Bring a beach chair or blanket and watch the night sky light up over the Gulf.
Destin Commons – Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival
When: Thursday, July 3 | 5–9:30 p.m.
Where: Destin Commons, 4100 Legendary Drive
Kick off the holiday early with more than 25 food trucks, live music, face painting, and entertainment for all ages. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. with great viewing throughout the open-air shopping center.
HarborWalk Village – Coastal Country 4th of July
When: Friday, July 4 | 6–9 p.m.
Where: HarborWalk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd, Destin
Enjoy live country music, complimentary beverage samples, and a festive coastal vibe. The night concludes with fireworks over the Destin Harbor at 9 p.m., followed by a fire-spinning performance by Autumn Lyfe. Best viewed along the waterfront promenade.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Red, White & Baytowne
When: Friday, July 4 | 7–9:15 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.)
Where: Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin
Celebrate with live music from the Tanner Gray Band on the Events Plaza Stage, plus family activities including face painting, crafts, and balloon sculpting. A fireworks show over the lagoon caps off the night.
Seaside – Independence Day Celebration
When: Friday, July 4 | Festivities begin at 9 a.m. | Fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Seaside Amphitheater
Start your day with a festive block party featuring family games, a REP Theatre performance, a musical by ECTC, bike decorating, and a hot dog eating contest. Return in the evening for a 7 p.m. pops concert by Sinfonia Gulf Coast, followed by fireworks over the Gulf at 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate safely, arrive early, and enjoy the red, white, and blue all around the Bay!
