OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As communities across the country celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, cities and towns throughout North Central Florida are planning fireworks displays, patriotic festivals and family-friendly activities for Independence Day 2026.
Alachua’s July 4th Celebration
The City of Alachua’s annual Independence Day celebration will feature live music, food vendors, family activities and an evening of patriotic entertainment before the fireworks finale.
The celebration will take place Saturday, July 4 at Legacy Park, 15400 Peggy Rd. in Alachua. Gates open at 5 p.m., live entertainment begins in the evening, and fireworks are scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Event organizers ask attendees to leave personal fireworks, pets, smoking devices and glass containers at home.
Belleview America250 Fireworks Celebration
Belleview will host its first-ever fireworks celebration as part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration. The event will feature food trucks, inflatable attractions, face painting and family-friendly entertainment before the fireworks display.
The celebration takes place Saturday, July 4, at the Belleview Sports Complex, located at 6501 SE 107th St. in Belleview. Gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks are expected to begin around 9 p.m. Admission and parking is free, with additional parking available at Lake Lillian and Belleview City Hall with complimentary shuttle service.
Boomtown Blast Independence Day Celebration
Dunnellon’s Boomtown Blast returns with a full day of Independence Day festivities, including live entertainment, food vendors, a foam pit, bounce houses, and a touch-a-truck event before ending with a fireworks show over the Rainbow River area.
The celebration will take place Saturday, July 4, at Dunnellon High School, located at 10055 SW 180th Avenue Rd. in Dunnellon. Event activities begin at 5 p.m., with fireworks scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Admission is free.
Crystal River Fourth of July Celebration
Crystal River’s Independence Day celebration combines hometown festivities in downtown Crystal River with a waterfront fireworks display over Kings Bay.
The celebration will take place Saturday, July 4, in Town Square, located at 559 N Citrus Ave. in Crystal River. Family activities and entertainment are planned starting at 4:30 p.m. Live entertainment by tribute band AC/DUCE/C will also begin at 4:30 p.m., with viewing areas located around Kings Bay waterfront and Kings Bay Park. Firework follow the concert at 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Eaton’s Beach Fourth of July Celebration
Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill will host a Fourth of July celebration on the shores of Lake Weir, offering guests a day of food, family activities and lakeside fun before ending the evening with fireworks over the water.
The celebration will take place Saturday, July 4, at Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill, 15790 SE 134th Ave. in Weirsdale. Activities begin throughout the day, and fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk. Wristbands are required after 5 p.m. and cost is $10 per person. Children 10 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult.
Newberry’s America 250 Independence Day Celebration
Newberry’s America 250 festivities begin Friday, July 3, with the city’s Independence Day Fireworks Show at CountryWay Town Square, 1739 SW 248th Dr. The community celebration will feature vendors, food, entertainment and family-friendly activities starting at 6 p.m. before concluding with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
The celebration continues Saturday, July 4, with a historic Independence Day Parade through downtown Newberry starting at 9 a.m. The parade will up to 100 floats featuring local organizations, businesses, community groups and residents celebrating American history and patriotic pride. The parade will run west to east on W Newberry Road to Seaboard Drive. Bleacher seating will be available in front of City Hall on a first-come-first serve basis.
Ocala-Marion County America 250 Patriotic Parade and Fireworks
The Ocala-Marion County Patriotic Parade and Fireworks will bring together residents for an evening of patriotic displays and community spirit. The parade will feature local organizations, businesses and community groups honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary before fireworks light up the sky.
The event takes place Saturday, July 4. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Marion Technical Institute, 1614 E Fort King St., and ends at Marion County McPherson Government Complex, located at 601 SE 25th Ave. The parade route runs north on SE 16th Avenue before turning east onto Silver Springs Blvd. until turning onto SE 25th Ave. Parade attendees should bring personal seating arrangements. Fireworks will follow the parade at 9 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.