It's Fourth of July! And our lovely country is celebrating 242 years of being an independent nation (the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776). To celebrate 'Merica throughout South Florida, here's where you can join in on all of these festivities:
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is hosting "America's Birthday Bash" on the 4th of July. The celebration will include a kids zone, beer garden, live music and fireworks. The Budweiser Beer Garden & Stage opens at 2 p.m. The kids zone opens at 3 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m.
COST: Kids zone and fireworks show are free
ADDRESS: 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Coconut Grove
Spend your Fourth of July at Regatta Park in Coconut Grove . The family-friendly festivities begin at 6 p.m. with live music, contests, games, face painting. The fun concludes with a 9 p.m. fireworks presentation, so don't forget to pack your blankets and chairs!
COST: Free
PARKING: Shuttle Service provided by Freebee; Paid parking; Free Bicycle Valet
ADDRESS: 2699 SW 27th Ave, Miami, FL
Doral
Doral's annual fireworks display and celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. and will have activities for families, a variety of food and beverages available, and live entertainment. The fireworks are scheduled to begin around 9:20 p.m.
COST: Free
PARKING: On-site $5.00
ADDRESS: 3000 NW 87th Avenue, Doral
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale's July 4th Spectacular includes live music and bands, a kids zone, beach games, contests (including a hot dog eating competition), and fireworks display. The event goes from noon to 9:30 p.m.
COST: Free
PARKING: Free bike valet at Las Olas Bridge; Water transportation; Sun Trolley Service; Flat rate parking at city garages
ADDRESS: Las Olas Boulevard and A1A, Fort Lauderdale
Hialeah
Beginning at 4 p.m., celebrate Independence Day at Ted Hendricks Stadium. The event will feature more than 10 food trucks, games for kids and will have a performance by Jacob Forever, followed by a laser light show and a fireworks display.
COST: Free
ADDRESS: 4800 Palm Ave., Hialeah
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is hosting a Fourth of July parade on Crandon Boulevard starting at 11 a.m. and featuring floats, marching bands and music. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Fireworks can be observed from the Village Green or any nearby spot with a view of the water.
COST: Free
ADDRESS: Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne
Miami
Black Point Park & Marina is set to host its annual Fourth of July Spectacular. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m., but before then, visitors can enjoy the park's bikeways, jogging trails and dine at the Ocean Grill Restaurant (or pack your own picnic -- your choice!). Both the park and marina are open 24 hours.
COST: Free
PARKING: Free, excluding the marina
ADDRESS: 24775 SW 87th Avenue, Miami
Miami Beach
Celebrate Independence Day at Miami Beach's "Fire on the Fourth" celebration. The party starts at 9 a.m. with free yoga on the beach, followed by food trucks, live music from D.J. Corey Chase, Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, Irma Thomas, and many others.
A firework show begins at 9 p.m.
COST: Free
PARKING: Free shuttle service available between 42 Street and North Beach Bandshell; Free citywide trolley service.
ADDRESS: 73rd Street and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Miami River
Join The Wharf Miami this Fourth of July for their first ever “Star-Spangeled Awesome” Independence day by the Miami River. The fun starts at noon. Enjoy the live DJ, food and free beer with the purchase of a whisky shot. Stick around for fireworks after sundown.
Cost: Free
Parking: Paid Parking
Address: 114 SW North River Drive
Miramar
Miramar will be kicking off their Independence Day Celebration at Miramar Regional Park starting at 4 p.m. with a live DJ, activities for kids and an assortment of food for sale. The fireworks presentation will be from 9 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.
COST: Free
PARKING: FREE
ADDRESS: 16801 Miramar Parkway, Miramar
Pembroke Pines
The city of Pembroke Pines will be celebrating Independence Day with music and food starting at 6 p.m. at the Pines Recreation Center. Family-friendly entertainment will also be available leading up to the 9 p.m. fireworks show.
COST: Free
PARKING: Free
ADDRESS: 7400 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines
Sunrise
Don't miss the Fourth of July festivities in Sunrise. A celebratory parade is set to kick off at 9 a.m. at City Park. Starting at 4:30 p.m. at the BB&T center, the Independence Day celebration will begin with games for kids, food and beverages and live performances. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m.
COST: Free
PARKING: Free
ADDRESS: Parade - 6700 Sunset Strip
Concert and fireworks - One Panther Parkway, Sunrise
West Palm Beach
Experience the Fourth of July along West Palm Beach Waterfront. The "Independence Day Extravaganza" will feature a Military Honor Ceremony, family-friendly activities, art installations, food, local craft beer, live music and a fireworks presentation at 9:00 p.m. over the Intracoastal Waterway.
COST: Free
PARKING: Free
ADDRESS: 101 S Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach