15 Things To Do In Orlando For The 4th of July (2024)

Heading to Orlando for summer break? Then you may just find yourself looking for something special to do over the 4th of July.

Thankfully, being the theme park capital of the United States and visited by millions of tourists annually, the region has lots of incredible things for solo travellers, couples and families to choose from to ensure that you can make this independence day one to remember!

This post has been updated for the 4th of July 2024

1. Watch The Fireworks At The Fountain At Lake Eola Park

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer invites you to the 46th annual Fireworks at the Fountain on Tuesday, July 4 at Lake Eola Park. The event runs from 4pm until 10pm, with the fireworks illuminating the sky at 9.15pm, set to a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band.

The event is free, and guests are welcome to claim a spot in the park with beach chairs or a picnic blanket. You can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, additional food and drink options are available from a variety of vendors. Before the fireworks begin, enjoy entertainment from the live bands and street performers.

For more information: Orlando.gov

2. Fireworks Show At SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando will once again be putting on a fireworks spectacular on SeaWorld’s large central lake with inspiring music synced to beautiful fireworks in celebration of America.

These fireworks will take place at 9pm every night from the 1st to the 4th of July (weather permitting) and are included with your admission into the SeaWorld theme park. Although reserved seating can be purchased from the SeaWorld website for an additional $14.99 per person (plus tax).

Viewing these fireworks come at a significantly higher cost than some other presentations in the area (many of which are free). As a result, we’d only recommend this for those already planning to visit SeaWorld during a trip to Orlando.

Thankfully, SeaWorld has a lot to offer visitors this summer with the opening of the world’s first Surf Coaster, Pipeline. Which sees you reach speeds of 60mph and race up to heights of 110 feet.

Given the popularity of Orlando’s theme parks over the summer (and especially over the 4th of July) it’s highly recommended that you purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.

3. Red Hot & Boom At Altamonte Springs

Red Hot & Boom at Altamonte Springs is back again this year, celebrating 26 years of legendary live music, food, family, friends and firework-filled fun. The event will take place on Monday, July 3rd between 4pm and 11pm with the fireworks set to take place at 9.30pm (weather permitting)

This annual event always draws a large crowd because of its great entertainment lineup which this year includes;

• Olivia Lunny
• No Lonely Hearts
• Benson Boone
• Mckenna Grace
• JP Saxe
• 408

Admission to Red Hot & Boom is free, with concession stands available onsite throughout the venue. You’re also permitted to bring your own food, non-alcoholic beverages, pop-up tent or canopy, beach chairs, or picnic blanket to stake out a spot to spend the day with your friends and family.

More information including parking details and safety information is available on the Altamonte gov website.

4. Red, White & Boom At Waterfront Park

Clermonts Red, White & Boom festivities return to Waterfront Park this 4th of July from 7pm until 10pm. This event is free and fun for the whole family, however, sadly the festivities don’t last as long as some other events in the area – as such if you’re looking for more of an afternoon into evening celebration then some of the other listings may be more suitable.

The event also features local food trucks and fun activities and finishes with an incredible fireworks performance over Lake Minneola which is sure to be the perfect ending to a memorable Fourth of July.

For more information: Clermont.gov

5. Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom plays host to the Happily Ever After fireworks show every night (weather permitting). However, on the 3rd and 4th of July this year, a special performance “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will once again replace the standard show (again, weather permitting).

To see this magical performance, guests will need theme park tickets to Walt Disney World and to have park reservations for Magic Kingdom (which are still available at the time of writing – 24th June).

The performance starts at 9:20pm on both evenings and features DJ parties throughout the park. However, much like Happily Ever After, expect guests to begin finding their spot for the fireworks displays 2 – 3 hours in advance.

Be sure to enhance your celebration of America at Magic Kingdom with an all-American hot dog for lunch at Casey’s Corner, before strolling over to Liberty Square and catching a show inside the Hall of Presidents – this 25-minute show inside an air-conditioned theatre is one of the best ways to beat the July heat.

Of course, being both the height of summer and a long weekend, expect crowds at Magic Kingdom and across the Walt Disney World Resort to be higher than usual.

6. Ceberate At Avalon Park

Head to the 1,860-acre neighbourhood located in southeast Orange County, Avalon Park for the annual Fourth of July Celebrations which include;

• An apple pie bake-off
• Bike parade
• Bounce park
• Food trucks
• Community performances
• Vendors
• Live music

Entry into the celebrations is free, with the event starting at 5pm and closing at 9pm with an incredible fireworks celebration.

For more information: Park Ave Magazine

7. Red, White & BOOM At Legoland

Legoland Florida is once again hosting their annual Red, White & BOOM celebrations in 2023. Unlike some other events, this celebration runs from July 2nd through to July 4th and features;

• LEGO Flag Build 
• MINILAND Scavenger Hunt 
• DJ Dance Party 
• Fireworks Pre-show 
• Fireworks

The fireworks show, is, of course, the highlight and with the special 3D glasses you’ll be able to see the fireworks transform into Lego bricks right before your eyes. Again, the fireworks are subject to weather conditions.

While the event itself is free. You will still need admission into the Legoland Florida theme park. Much like other theme parks in the sunshine state, Legoland is very busy over the long weekend, especially being summer. As such I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Be sure to check out the full Legoland Red, White & BOOM event guide for further information.

8. Celebration Of Freedom At Central Winds Park

Join the Winter Springs community celebrating independence day at Central Winds Park on the waterfront of Lake Jessup. Presented by Duke Energy, this annual Celebration of Freedom features; live entertainment from Rockit Fly and the Paradigm Party Band as well as a free kids area and some incredible food vendors which include;

• Wing King
• Glenn’s Italian Ice
• Caldonia’s Kitchen
• Nonnis Minis
• Mack Daddy Creams
• Latin Fusion
• Kona Ice
• Gran Arepa
• GP Pizza
• Grill Masters Sandy Dogs
• Heavenly Churros
• Jason’s BBQ

The free event starts at 5pm and finishes at 9.30pm with a world-class fireworks display (weather permitting) that is sure to leave you in awe.

9. Celebrate The USA At St. Cloud Lakefront

Just a few miles east of Kissimmee, the city of St. Cloud is celebrating the 4th of July at Lakefront Park from 5pm with a free event that includes;

• Live music
• Food trucks
• Car show
• Kids zone
• Games & prizes

However, nothing quite compares to the amazing fireworks display which begins promptly at 9pm on the lakefront. Based on our experience last year, we highly recommend heading down to the park early to get a parking spot, and a good viewing position.

10. Oviedo’s Independence Day Celebration

The city of Oviedo is once again hosting its annual Independence Day celebrations on Saturday, July 1st at 9pm. However, unlike previous years, the 2023 celebrations will be fireworks only (weather permitting).

There will be no kid’s zone, no live entertainment or food and beverage provided by the council and instead, this event will be a fireworks show only. More information about this year’s event is available on the City of Oviedo website.

11. See Spaceship Earth Light Up In Red, White & Blue At EPCOT

Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park is offering a number of Independence Day celebrations. Starting with a new limited-time patriotic ambient lighting design which will appear on the park’s iconic Spaceship Earth from sunset starting on the weekend and running through until July 4th.

Meanwhile, the Heartbeat of Freedom will return at the end of the “EPCOT Forever” performance at 9pm on the 4th of July and will take place on the lagoon and subsequently can be seen from around World Showcase.

Finally, the Voices of Liberty will sing songs from the American songbook beneath the rotunda in the American Adventure. Here you’ll also find Disney fur characters wearing special “Spirit of ’76” attire.

Of course, to experience everything EPCOT has to offer this Independence Day you’ll need theme park tickets and theme park reservations (which are still available at the time of writing – 24th June).

While EPCOT is a less popular park when compared to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, the theme park is still going to be more crowded when compared to other times of the year.

12. Kissimmee’s Monumental 4th Of July

The annual Monumental July 4th Celebration returns this year with a live concert on the Festival Lawn, KUA Kids Power Zone and activities on the Veterans Lawn. The event also plays host to a vast number of food trucks located along Lakeview Drive which are sure to keep you satisified throughout the day.

The event is estimated to start at 3pm and finish with the Monumental Fireworks display over Lake Tohopekaliga (weather permitting). Admission into the event is free and lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. More information is available on the events page.

13. July 4th Celebration At Boxi Park

Head to Lake Nona this Independence Day for a family-friendly 4th of July Celebration at Boxi Park. Taking place from 12pm midday through until 9pm in the evening, this free event features;

• Live music & entertainment
• Bounce houses
• Face painting
• Gourmet quick-service dining

However, it has not been confirmed whether this event will feature any fireworks at the time of writing (June 24th). More information about the event is available on the Facebook events page.

14. Star Spangled 4-Day Celebration At Promenade At Sunset Walk

From Friday, June 30th through until Tuesday, July 4 join the Promenade at Sunset Walk and celebrate Independence Day with a 4-day weekend celebration and party. With free entry, live performances, street acts, a car and truck show and fireworks. This multi-day celebration is sure to keep the whole family entertained.

For more information about this event including the full line up check out the Visit Orlando website.

15. 28th Annual 4th Of July Celebration In Winter Park

Just a 20 minutes drive north of Orlando’s main tourism districts you’ll find the charming city of Winter Park which is hosting its 28th annual 4th of July celebration on Tuesday, July 4th from 9am until 11am.

This free event features performances by the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble as well as a Kids Zone with carnival games, a balloon artist, a bounce slide, face painting, and a craft area. More information is available on the Winter Park government website.