*Updated on July 4 to remove events that have already occurred.
North Central Florida (352today.com) – Fire up the grill. Mix up the lemonade. Slather on the sunscreen. And get ready for a great holiday weekend.
North Central Florida knows how to celebrate Independence Day. There is no shortage of events surrounding the 4th of July, so if you’re not sure what’s happening in your area or where to start, we’ve gathered a list of all the different places and ways that you can celebrate.
Many of these events are free, family-friendly, and will feature 4th of July staples like fantastic fireworks and patriotic parades.
Town of Micanopy 4th of July Celebration: Join in on American small-town fun on Thursday, July 4, starting at 11 a.m. Activities of the day will include a parade, music, food trucks, and activities, and will end with a spectacular fireworks display. This FREE event is happening at the Carson Roberts Sports Complex, located at 702 NW 3rd St. in Micanopy.
Sounds of Freedom Independence Day Celebration: This Keystone Heights event will feature fun for the whole family on Thursday, July 4, starting with a 5K at 8 a.m. and ending with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. In between, enjoy a parade, food trucks, live music, and more. The day’s FREE festivities will take place at Keystone City Hall, located at 555 S Lawrence Blvd. The concert and fireworks at night will be at Keystone Beach. Entry to the beach for the night will be $2 at the gate.
City of Tavares 4th of July Parade and Fireworks: This FREE event will kick off with a street party on Main Street, Tavares, at 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. The parade begins at 5 p.m. After that you can enjoy live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more until the fireworks show at 9 p.m. Free parking is available at 200 N Sinclair Ave.
Patriotic Skies – A Fourth of July Drone Show Experience: Witness a stunning drone light show led by Sky Elements (recently seen on NBC’s America’s Got Talent) set against the beautiful backdrop of Tuscawilla Park, at 829 NE Sanchez Ave. in Ocala. The FREE event starts on Thursday, July 4, at 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy food trucks, a kids’ zone, and live music until the drone show at 9:30 p.m.
|TRENDING: Drone show to dazzle Marion County residents and visitors during 4th of July spectacular
City of Alachua Fourth of July Celebration: Nicknamed the “largest small-town fireworks display in America,” this annual celebration isn’t one to miss. Enjoy live music, a kids’ corner, and food trucks starting at 4 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. This FREE celebration is located at 15400 Peggy Rd. in Alachua.