Stars & Stripes Celebration at AJ’s on the Bayou
Join AJ’s on the Bayou, 200 Eglin Parkway NE, Fort Walton Beach, Sunday, July 3, for the Stars & Stripes celebration. Enjoy bounce houses, stilt walkers, face painting and live music with Black Eyed Blonde, 6-10 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
Fort Walton Beach
The Fort Walton Beach 4th of July Fireworks show will take place on Tuesday, July 4, 8:45 p.m. Fireworks are set off from a barge over the Santa Rosa Sound. You can see them from anywhere along the water downtown. The best place to watch them from is the Landing Park downtown where other July 4 festivities will take place earlier in the day.
The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island
Fireworks continue at The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island each Wednesday at 9 p.m., and over the Destin Harbor directly behind HarborWalk Village every Thursday throughout the summer at 9 p.m.
Boggy Bayou Fireworks
The Boggy Bayou Fireworks show brings locals and visitors together to delight in the beauty that our community offers, making lasting memories and celebrating America’s freedom on the 4th of July with spectacular pyrotechnics at dusk. The show typically begins at dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.) on July 4th. Fireworks are launched from a custom-made platform in the middle of Boggy Bayou and are visible from the shores of Niceville and Valparaiso. For the approximately 20-minute display, watchers gather at some of the most popular vantage points for public viewing at Lincoln Park, Lions Park, Kiwanis Park, Niceville Landing and Shipyard Point Park. But be sure to get there early as many folks set up earlier in the day to save their spots! A large boat with loudspeakers anchors in the bayou and plays patriotic music beginning at roughly 6 p.m. which can be heard throughout the bayou and much of the surrounding community. (The map represents some of the best public vantage points.)
Red, White & Baytowne
Celebrate Independence Day at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, July 4, 7-9:15 p.m. After a day of fun in the sun, come out for an evening that lights up the sky. Join Baytowne Village merchants for a spectacular free 4th of July Red, White and Baytowne 2023 celebration with live music on the Events Plaza Stage from 7-9:15 p.m., followed by a patriotic fireworks display at 9:15. The kids will love activities, including kids’ crafts, face painting and balloon sculpting, too.
City of Destin
Fireworks are set off from the West Jetties Beach and can be seen over the East Pass beginning at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Tune in to Z96 (96.5 FM) for the simulcast music. In case of inclement weather, the fireworks show will take place Wednesday, July 5, 9 p.m. Norriego Point is a great place to watch the fireworks if you want to be as close as possible to the launch spot or if you just prefer a more quiet beach spot. Parking is limited to a small lot or street parking on Gulf Shore Dr. though so get there early. You can also take Destin Water Taxi to Norriego Point from any restaurant, condo or house on the Destin Harbor.
4th of July Celebration at HarborWalk Village
HarborWalk Village’s Independence Day fireworks will be held over the Destin Harbor at 9:30 p.m.
Sandestin Hilton
The Sandestin Hilton July 4 fireworks are set off right on the beach directly in from of the hotel Tuesday at 9 p.m.
Destin Commons Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival & Fireworks Show
Celebrate Independence Day at the Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival on July 3rd. From 5 to 9:30 p.m., 25 food trucks will line the streets of Destin Commons where you can indulge in scrumptious Thai food, mouthwatering grilled cheese and everything in between. Enjoy live music from Duchess and Tobacco Road Band and top off the evening with the grandest fireworks display on the coast. Destin Commons, 4100 Legendary Drive, Destin. www.DestinCommons.com.
Grayton Beach 4th of July Parade
Come join in the fun for the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. Line up on Holtz Ave next to The Red Bar starts at 8 a.m. with the parade starting at 8:30 a.m. Decorate your cars, jeeps, boats, bikes, scooters, etc. No registration needed and everyone is welcome! Parking available at AJ’s. The Red Bar, 70 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach.
Seaside Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular
Tuesday, July 4, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Seaside’s Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular will take place Tuesday, July 4th in the Seaside Amphitheater. A favorite among locals and visitors alike – the day is filled with patriotic spirit, music, and fun! The Block Party begins at 9 a.m. featuring face painters, Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, caricaturists, balloon twisters, a juggler and ventriloquist. Enjoy live music by a roaming brass band throughout the day followed by a Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pops Concert at 6:30 p.m.. At 8:30 p.m., a spectacular fireworks show takes place over the Gulf.
