Celebrating the 4th of July on the Emerald Coast: Sun, Sand, and Spectacular Fireworks
The Emerald Coast, with its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, is the perfect backdrop for a memorable 4th of July celebration. This beloved holiday is a time for family, friends, and fun in the sun, culminating in breathtaking fireworks displays that light up the sky. Here’s a guide to making the most of your Independence Day on the Emerald Coast.
Beach Fun and Festivities
Start your day early by staking out a prime spot on one of the Emerald Coast’s beautiful beaches. Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Panama City Beach are all popular choices, each offering their unique charm and festivities. Bring a beach umbrella, plenty of sunscreen, and your favorite beach games. Many families enjoy beach volleyball, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the water with a good book.
Celebrating the 4th of July on Crab Island
Crab Island in Destin is a popular and unique spot for 4th of July celebrations. This submerged sandbar is a vibrant hub where locals and visitors alike gather for a day of fun in the sun. Accessible only by boat, Crab Island offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its waist-deep, clear waters, making it perfect for floating, swimming, and enjoying water activities. The festive atmosphere is amplified on Independence Day, with boats adorned in patriotic decorations, live music from floating stages, and a sense of community that epitomizes the holiday spirit. Spending the 4th of July at Crab Island is a quintessential Emerald Coast experience, blending natural beauty with lively festivities.
4th of July Event Highlights
The Emerald Coast hosts an array of exciting events throughout the day, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
4th of July Parade – Grayton Beach
– Time: 8:30am
– Details: Join the fun at the annual July 4th parade in Grayton Beach! Decorate your cars, jeeps, boats, bikes, or scooters and be part of the celebration—no registration needed, and everyone is welcome.
Donut Eating Contest – Alys Beach
– Time: 9:00am
– Details: Head to the Alys Beach Amphitheatre for a sweet start to your 4th of July with a good, old-fashioned donut eating contest! Sponsored by Charlie’s Delights, this event promises to be a delightful kick-off to the holiday festivities.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular – Seaside
– Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Schedule:
– 9AM – 12PM: Block Party (Central Square)
– 9AM: Performance by The REP (In Front of Sundog Books)
– 10AM: Huck & Lilly Kids Music Concert (Amphitheater Stage)
– 10:45AM: Bike Decorating Contest
– 11:30AM: Wild Bill’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (Amphitheater Stage)
– 7PM: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pop Concert (Amphitheater Stage)
– 8:30PM: Fireworks On The Gulf
Rosemary Beach July 4th Celebration
– Schedule:
– 7:30am, North Barrett Square: Breakfast & Bike Decorating Contest
– 8:30am, North Barrett Square & Western Green: Bike Parade & Block Party
– 5pm, St. Augustine Green: Face Painting
– 8pm, Eastern Green: Movie: National Treasure
4th of July Dinner Cruise on the Solaris – Sandestin Marina
– Time: 5:15pm – 9:00pm
– Details: Don’t miss the boat on the ultimate 4th of July celebration in Destin as you cruise into the sunset, enjoy coastal cuisine, dance to live music, and end the night with a bubbly toast as you enjoy a spectacular fireworks show. The 125’ SOLARIS yacht features three decks including the open-air Sky Deck. This 3.5-hour cruise includes a three-course meal, live entertainment, a champagne toast, and an incredible Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort fireworks show. Reservations are now available online or by calling 850-650-2519. A 72-hour cancellation policy applies to all holiday cruises. This cruise will sell out quickly. We recommend making reservations early.
4th of July Parade, Concert, & Fireworks Show – Freeport Regional Sports Complex
– Time: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
– Details: Celebrate Independence Day at the Freeport 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Show! The fun starts at 4 PM with a parade from Freeport Middle School to the Regional Sports Complex. Then at 5:30 head over to Props Brewery to enjoy live music by the Typo’s 🎶 Enjoy live music, bounce houses, and food vendors after the parade, and don’t miss the fireworks at 8:30 PM.
Red, White & Baytowne 4th of July Event: Fireworks – Sandestin Resort
– Time: 7:00pm
– Details: Get ready for a star-spangled celebration this 4th of July at Red, White, and Baytowne! Join us from 7:00 pm to 9:15 pm for a FREE concert by Below Alabama on the Events Plaza Stage, followed by a breathtaking fireworks display lighting up the night sky at 9:15 pm. The Village of Baytowne Wharf has something for everyone with kids’ activities, including crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting. Gather your family and friends for a festive evening of music, fireworks, and fun!
4th of July Concert & Celebration – Harborwalk – Destin
– Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
– Details: Join us for our annual Fourth of July Concert & Celebration! but AMPED! Reid Soria with Autism Sings LLC | 6:00 PM Vintage Fly Over I 6:00 PM* Manly Hero Band | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM FIREWORKS & Fire Spinning by Autumn Lyfe I 9:00 PM
Celebrate the spirit of Independence Day on the Emerald Coast, where sun, sand, and spectacular fireworks combine to create an unforgettable holiday experience.
