Central Florida has quite a few primo 4th of July celebrations… get your Merica’ on at one of them.
By Patrick Jude
People love The Fourth. With no major holidays in June, and none to look forward to in August, people get HYPED. Luckily, we Central Floridians live in an area where the parties are a-plenty, and the fun is spread far and wide.
Before we delve into that fun, however, Liberal Larry here has a few words for you. Fireworks are LOUD. More dogs go missing each year on The Fourth than on any other day of the year. Also, many vets, you know, the ones who served, suffer from flashbacks. SO!
To keep our pups safe, and to make sure our vets can enjoy a day which should be their day, please keep the fireworks in safe areas and keep your pups safely indoors!!
Symphony Under The Stars
Cocoa Riverfront Park
8 P.M. – 11 P.M.
I can say with almost total certainty that this will be better than any Fourth of July rager. Brevard Symphony will be hosting an evening of free music featuring elegant arrangements of patriotic standards. Let their strings tug on your Merica lovin’ hearts.
Jazz In The Courtyard
Deland’s Café DaVinci
7 P.M. – 9 P.M.
Café DaVinci has the perfect set up for The Fourth, two great stages and an open roof so the night’s sky is in full view. In addition, multiple outdoors bars ensure quick brews, and DeLand’s best taco truck is always right out front as well. Above all else, you can never go wrong with some free live music, especially Jazz.
Red, Hot and Boom
Crane’s Roost Park
4 P.M. – 11 P.M. (July 3rd)
The most loved local radio station, XL 106.7, is a monument for Central Florida’s Fourth festivities with their annual Red Hot & Boom. Austin Mahone, who gained massive popularity with his hit “Lady”, featuring Pitbull, is set to headline the event. Also along for the ride are James Arthur, Hey Violet and Indie Pop Trio AJR. Always free, always a great time; and indisputably the best pre-party around.
The Groove Orient
Tanqueray’s
10:30 P.M. – 2 A.M.
Downtown will undoubtedly be slammin’ after the fireworks display at Lake Eola, and local favorites The Groove Orient will be dishin’ up some tasty tunes all night long in Orlando’s most underground bar. Tanqueray’s, which was actually a bank vault way back in the days, is one of the longest running and most dedicated places for live music in The O. Definitely count on stopping in if you’re strolling around later in the evening. Strong drinks. No cover. Great music.
Avalon Park Fireworks
Downtown Avalon Park
4 P.M. – 9 P.M.
Central Florida Post started in Avalon, so you know we’ve gotta show them some love. Easily the biggest firework display in East Orlando, this event gets bigger each year. Downtown Avalon truly comes to life around this time each year. Super family friendly, food trucks, rides, all around good and wholesome fun.
Born and raised in Orlando, Patrick Jude graduated from The University Of Central Florida in 2015. He currently holds a B.A. in English Literature, as well as an A.A. in Jazz Performance from Valencia College. Jude is heavily tattooed, abstains from alcohol and is an avid Packers fan.