There’s something special about celebrating Independence Day on the Coast. From sparkling fireworks over the Gulf to small-town parades, live music, and waterfront festivals, the Fourth of July brings our coastal communities to life. Whether you’re planning a beach day along 30A, heading to Destin for harbor festivities, enjoying family fun in Bay County, or escaping to the relaxed charm of the Forgotten Coast, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. We’ve rounded up some of the best Independence Day events happening across the Coast to help you plan a memorable holiday weekend.
Events on 30A & Emerald Coast
July 4th Celebration: Sunrise to Starlight
July 4th
Western Green & Town Center | Rosemary Beach
Head over to Rosemary for an all-day affair. Donuts and bike decorating, a bike parade, family day, face paint, music, fireworks and more!
Kids Parade and Family Celebration
July 3rd
Cerulean Park | Watercolor
Open to everyone. Kids decorate bikes and wagons at Cerulean Park, then move on to Marina Park for a kids’ parade and family activities. It’s relaxed and pretty, the kind of thing kids talk about for the rest of the trip.
4th of July Donut Eating Contest
July 4th
Alys Beach Amphitheater | Alys Beach
Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday – with one of Alys Beach’s sweetest traditions: the Donut Eating Contest sponsored by Charlie’s Delights. Beginning at 9AM, guests are invited to gather in the Amphitheatre for a fun-filled morning of friendly competition, fresh handmade donuts, and festive energy as contestants race to see who can finish the most treats.
Contest categories are available for children, youth, and adults, making it a celebratory event for all ages to enjoy – whether participating or cheering from the sidelines. Register and view the rules: 2026 Donut Eating Contest
After a day of fun in the sun be sure to return for the Concert and Fireworks Show! The Five Star Funk Lounge concert begins at 7PM with fireworks to follow at 9PM. There will be food and drink available for purchase at the Merchants of Alys Beach located within Town Center. Bring blankets and low-back chairs. Presented by the Merchants of Alys, this beloved event is free and open to the public.
Annual 4th of July Parade
July 4th
Red Bar | Grayton Beach
Part neighborhood tradition, part organized chaos. And entirely wonderful. Golf carts, bikes, Jeeps, kids, dogs… they all get decorated. There’s no registration or float committee. Just show up, join the procession, and go. This is Grayton Beach at its finest: real, low-key, and a little weird.
Parking: Okay, just saying ‘arrive early’ seems obvious, but seriously: the streets are narrow and fill up fast, so arriving before 8 am helps secure a good spot. Parking at AJ’s or around the town center may be an option.
After Party: Grayton Beach has a few fun places, and they’re all in, including AJs. Enjoy a patriotic brunch and live music. But have a backup plan. Or grab something to go and head to the beach for a feet-in-the-sand picnic.
Red, White & Baytowne
July 4th
The Village of Baytowne Wharf | Miramar Beach
Happy 4th of July from The Village of Baytowne Wharf!
Celebrate at the annual Red, White, and Baytowne celebration as they honor America’s birthday with an evening of family fun, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Live music from Saltwater Revival, bringing high-energy favorites to the Events Plaza.
Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon sculpting, and patriotic crafts throughout the evening.
Then, cap off the night with our fireworks show over the lagoon at 9:15PM.
Be sure to stop by and snap a photo in front of the giant American flag overlooking the lagoon.
Independence Day Celebration: Morning Block Party
July 4th
Seaside Amphitheater | Seaside
Start your day with balloon animals and stilt walkers. The block party is on, with kids’ activities, live performers, and food vendors. High energy, family-friendly fun, even for adults, who claim to be there just for the coffee and the people-watching.
This is the main draw for all of 30A. An evening concert rolls into a fireworks show that lights up the Gulf, and draws the biggest crowd of any 30A event all year. It’s worth it, but parking is iffy, the green fills up early, and you will be shoulder-to-shoulder with people who had the same idea.
Expect people: Big crowds, high energy, all-day momentum. It’s the busiest scene on Seaside. Super fun, just not low-key.
Don’t miss this: Sunset hits right before the fireworks, don’t rush past it. It’s one of the best parts of the day here.
After party: Keep expectations realistic, most places are packed. A late beach walk or a relaxed bike ride (with fun lights) for the ride home.
Freeport Parade and Fireworks
July 4th
Freeport Regional Sports Complex | Freeport
The City of Freeport will be having their annual 4th of July Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026, beginning at 6:00pm at Freeport Learning Center. To see the entire route map, please select the Parade Route link below.
The parade begins promptly at 6:00pm. State Road 20 will be closed to all traffic in the parade route path at 5:45pm and will reopen after the parade.
Participating in our parade is free and a great way to show your patriotism. Businesses, clubs, organizations, churches, etc. are welcome to participate and advertise to all of our wonderful residents. This is a well-attended event.
A spectacular fireworks show will take place in the Freeport Regional Sports Complex. Visitors will be available to purchase food
Bayfront Boils & Beats
July 4th
North Beach Social
Kick off your Fourth with live soul-funk by the Boubou Groove Duo from 1 to 4 PM, then keep the rhythm rolling into the night with Salt Rock Revival from 6 to 9 PM, all at North Beach Social, where the beach meets the bay. Add in a Cajun seafood boil, hot dogs, patriotic cocktails (hello, Red, White & Blue Jell-O shots), and plenty of kid-friendly fun from glow gear to slap bracelets, and you’ve got a stars-and-stripes party that sizzles from sunrise to starry night.
Events in Bay County
Star-Spangled Spectacular
July 4th
Pier Park | Panama City Beach
It’s showtime! If big is what you’re after, Panama City Beach delivers, firing from two locations (Russell-Fields Pier and M.B. Miller Pier) simultaneously, making it one of the largest fireworks shows on the Gulf Coast.
Best viewing: The beach itself is your best bet. Stake out a spot between the two piers for the full dual-launch effect. Earlier is better, the beach fills up well before showtime.
July 4th at Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort
July 4th
Margaritaville | Panama City Beach
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a full lineup of festive fun from day to night. From beach ball drops and tie-dye to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As the sun sets, keep the celebration going with glow parties and movie nights under the stars.
2026 July 4th Salute to Freedom Festival
July 4th
Panama City Marina | Panama City
Destination Panama City is excited to celebrate America’s 250th year at the July 4th Salute to Freedom Festival! Join our community at the Panama City Marina for a day of patriotic festivities, family-friendly activities, and a breathtaking fireworks display.
The July 4th Salute to Freedom Festival promises to be a memorable experience for all ages, with a lineup of exciting activities and entertainment. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Real. Fun. Fourth
July 4th
Russell-Fields Pier | Panama City Beach
What better way to celebrate Independence Day than enjoying fireworks on the beach?
Panama City Beach celebrates the Fourth of July with the largest display on the Gulf Coast as fireworks are fired along the beach. Offering multiple nights of fireworks, Panama City Beach will present visitors with spectacular views to experience its magical displays from a variety of different locations- ranging from resorts to waterfront restaurants.
Events on the Forgotten Coast
Eastpoint Freedom Festival
July 1st
Patton Street Boat Ramp | Eastpoint
Celebrate Independence Day bayside at the Eastpoint Freedom Festival. Beginning around 6 p.m. at the Patton Street Boat Ramp, the festival features live music, local food trucks, family-friendly fun, and a laid-back community atmosphere along the waterfront. As the evening winds down, gather along the Bay for a fireworks display.
Carrabelle Fireworks & Golf Cart Parade
July 2nd
Carrabelle | Carrabelle, FL
Kick off the celebration in Carrabelle with the community’s annual Independence Day festivities and fireworks display along the beautiful Carrabelle River. Arrive early to browse the town’s unique shops, enjoy dinner at one of Carrabelle’s locally owned restaurants, and discover the charm of this historic fishing community before the evening’s festivities begin.
Don’t miss the beloved Golf Cart Parade. Bring your decorated golf cart, bicycle, wagon, skateboard, or simply walk along in your red, white, and blue. Parade participants should line up at 6:00 p.m. at Sands Park before making their way through downtown Carrabelle in a festive community procession.
After the parade, gather along the waterfront for an evening fireworks show over the Carrabelle River, a family-friendly tradition that lights up the night and celebrates Independence Day on Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Apalachicola Waterfront July 3rd Celebration
July 3
Apalachicola Riverfront | Apalachicola
Historic Apalachicola comes alive with patriotic spirit during its annual Waterfront July 3rd Celebration at Riverfront Park. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and family-friendly fun beginning at 5 p.m., then join the beloved Red, White & Blue Parade. Bring your decorated golf cart, bicycle, wagon, skateboard, or simply walk along in your red, white, and blue. Parade participants should line up at 6:00 p.m. at Lafayette Park, with the parade stepping off at 6:30 p.m. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the Apalachicola River.
4th of July 4 Some Special
July 3rd – 4th
St. James Bay Golf & Pickleball Resort | Carrablee
Celebrate Independence Day with an incredible golf deal at St. James Bay Golf & Pickleball Resort!
Gather your foursome and enjoy a day on the course with our exclusive holiday offer.
St. George Island Independence Day Festivities
July 4th
St. George Island
The legendary SGI Wet ‘N Wild Parade returns for one of the most unique Independence Day traditions on the coast. Decorate your golf cart, float, bike, vehicle, or walking group and prepare for a patriotic water fight unlike any other. Participants should line up at 10:30 a.m. at West Gorrie Drive and 7th Street, with the parade beginning at 11:00 a.m. Expect plenty of water, lots of laughter, and small-town Fourth of July fun before ending the day with fireworks over the Gulf.
Blast on the Beach Firework Show
July 4th
719 Highway 98 | Mexico Beach
Celebrate the 4th of July with an incredible firework show at Mexico Beach!
From the charming beach towns of 30A and the fireworks over Destin Harbor, to family-friendly celebrations in Bay County and the laid-back coastal traditions of the Coast, Independence Day on the Coast offers something for everyone. Whether you’re spending the holiday with your toes in the sand, watching fireworks over the water, or making memories with family and friends, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate freedom along our beautiful stretch of coastline. Wherever you choose to spend the Fourth, we hope your holiday is filled with sunshine, community, and unforgettable moments.