This year hits different, DUUUVAL. July 4, 2026, marks America's 250th birthday — and the 904 is going all out, from the largest fireworks show in Jacksonville history to free festivals, riverfront concerts, watch parties, and beach blowouts up and down the First Coast.
We rounded up everything worth your time this Fourth of July weekend, sorted so you can plan your whole holiday. Grab your lawn chairs, your sunscreen, and your reddest, whitest, and bluest fit — here's where to celebrate.
FREE FIREWORKS SHOWS ACROSS NORTHEAST FLORIDA
All displays are on Saturday, July 4. Arrive early, claim your spot, and expect heavy traffic and bridge closures downtown.
Downtown Jacksonville Riverfront
Saturday, July 4 | Fireworks at 9 PM | Riverfront Plaza, 2 W. Independent Dr.
The big one. The City is calling it the largest Fourth of July fireworks show in Jacksonville history, launching from two sites — the Acosta Bridge and just east of the Main Street Bridge — so the whole riverfront lights up at once.
- Best viewing: Riverfront Plaza, Friendship Fountain, and both the Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks
- Free meter parking downtown on weekends — arrive before 6 PM
- Acosta & Main Street bridges close during the show
Jacksonville Beach Pier
Saturday, July 4 | Fireworks at 9 PM | Jacksonville Beach Pier, 504 1st St. N.
There's something special about fireworks over the Atlantic. Thousands gather along the sand near the pier every year — bring a blanket and post up early. A test shot usually goes off around 8:45 PM so you know you're in position.
St. Augustine — Fireworks Over the Matanzas
Saturday, July 4 | Concert at 6 PM, Fireworks at 9 PM | Plaza de la Constitución, 1 S. Castillo Dr.
The Nation's Oldest City throws one of the best shows on the East Coast. A free All-Star Orchestra concert (big band, swing, and patriotic favorites) kicks off at 6 PM in the Plaza, then a 20-minute aerial display bursts over Matanzas Bay — visible from the Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and Vilano Beach.
Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach
Saturday, July 4 | Festivities at 6 PM, Fireworks at 9 PM | Downtown Fernandina Beach
The Light Up Amelia hometown celebration brings live music, a DJ, food trucks, a kids' zone, and patriotic contests to downtown Fernandina starting at 6 PM, capped by a 9 PM display over the Amelia River.
Orange Park — American Pride 4th of July at Moosehaven
Saturday, July 4 | Starts 5 PM, Fireworks ~9:15 PM | Moosehaven, Orange Park
Free and famously roomy. This riverside celebration has live music, food trucks, and a big display over the St. Johns — with way more space to spread out than downtown or the beaches. Great pick for families with little ones.
Northeast Florida Fairgrounds
Saturday, July 4 | Fireworks at dusk | Northeast Florida Fairgrounds (Callahan)
The Towns of Hilliard and Callahan and Nassau County team up for a fireworks display out at the fairgrounds, going off once it's dark.
FESTIVALS & FAMILY CELEBRATIONS
Red, White & Deep Blue Celebration at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Saturday, July 4 | 6 – 9:30 PM | The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy. | Ticketed
The upscale way to do the Fourth. The Ritz-Carlton's oceanfront lawn party serves up a lavish barbecue buffet (classic BBQ, local fish and shellfish, kids' favorites, and a red-white-and-blue dessert spread), plus lawn and carnival-style games and front-row seats to an oceanfront fireworks show at 9:15 PM. This one is ticketed and sells out — reserve ahead through the resort.
Tunes & Blooms: Red, White & Boots at the Jacksonville Zoo
Friday, July 3 | 5 – 9:30 PM | Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy.
Stroll the Zoo as the sun sets and the evening cools, with curated live music performances throughout the grounds. A laid-back, golden-hour way to kick off the holiday weekend.
The Grove's 4th of July Celebration — Open to All
Saturday, July 4 | 5:30 – 9:30 PM | The Grove & Terrace, 2525 Country Club Blvd., Orange Park
The Grove opens its terrace to everyone for a July 4th celebration in Orange Park. Open to all — RSVP at letsgrove.com.
Fourth of July Celebration — America 250 at Riverfront Plaza
Saturday, July 4 | 4 – 9:30 PM | Riverfront Plaza, 2 W. Independent Dr. | FREE
The main event downtown — a free riverfront concert leading right into the historic fireworks finale.
- 4:30 PM Sal Gonzalez
- 5:15 PM Tobacco Rd Band
- 7:10 PM Bold City Classics
- 8:55 PM National Anthem by Lane Pittman
- 9:00 PM Fireworks
- Plus face painting, balloon animals, the River City Readers Bookmobile, and a JAMS student art exhibition
Southbank Celebration at Friendship Fountain
Saturday, July 4 | 3 – 9:30 PM | Friendship Fountain, 1015 Museum Cir. | FREE
The party crosses the river on the Fourth, too. Live music from Scott Halls and Caribe Groove, a hot dog eating contest, and a cornhole tournament, with food and drinks for purchase.
RiversEdge Park
Saturday, July 4 | 6 – 9 PM | RiversEdge Park, 1915 RiversEdge Blvd.
A newer riverfront spot joining the Fourth of July lineup with live music, entertainment, a fireworks display, and food and beverages available for purchase.
Freedom Fest at Friendship Fountain
Friday, July 3 | 5:30 – 10 PM | Friendship Fountain, 1015 Museum Cir. | FREE
The City's Southbank kickoff. Live music from Bold City Brass, Navy Pride, Sal Gonzalez, Emily Mikus, and Big Engine, plus a patriotic light-and-music show on the fountain and food trucks.
- Free apple pie to the first 1,000 guests (courtesy of the City's Military & Veterans Affairs Dept.)
Fourth of July Weekend Silent Disco at Lynch's Irish Pub
Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4 | Lynch's Irish Pub, 514 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach
Grab a pair of glowing headphones and dance two nights straight at the Beaches' go-to silent disco, back for Fourth of July weekend. 21+
Riverside Arts Market — July Fourth Celebration
Saturday, July 4 | 9 AM – 9 PM | Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave. (under the Fuller Warren Bridge)
RAM extends its hours way into the night for the holiday — shop local makers, grab food, and hang riverside all day long beneath the bridge.
Historic Springfield Throwback Baseball Game
Saturday, July 4 | 10 AM | Klutho Park, Historic Springfield | FREE & family-friendly
Presented by M&M Homes and back for its 19th year, this old-school throwback baseball game is a Springfield Fourth of July tradition. Make plans to spend some "extra innings" at the neighborhood's local spots — 1748 Bakehouse, Crispy's 2.0, Juice Wine Bar, Artessence, Good Sandwich, Othello, The Cove Social Club, Icecapade, and Stumpy's Hatchet House.
St. Johns Town Center Ice Cream Party
Friday, July 3 | 2 – 4 PM | St. Johns Town Center | FREE
Games, patriotic displays, and free ice cream from Alsie's Ice Cream Truck while it lasts. An easy, free afternoon stop with the kids.
4th of July 250th Celebration aboard the USS Orleck
Saturday, July 4 | 6:30 – 10 PM | USS Orleck Naval Museum, 610 E. Bay St. | Ticketed
Celebrate America's 250th aboard a piece of history. Live music from DJ Rantz, food trucks, drinks, and fireworks with downtown waterfront views.
America Turns 250 at the Cummer Museum
Friday, July 3 | 11 AM – 4 PM | Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave. | FREE
A full day of music, art, and community on the river — and admission is free. The Committee Band plays 11 AM–3 PM, with a special set from the Sandalwood High School Marching Band at 1 PM.
- Free access to the galleries all day
- Drop-in artmaking, scavenger hunts, and lawn games in the Gardens
- Make your own cyanotype print with artist Amanda Rosenblatt
BEFORE YOU GO
- Parking: On-street meter parking downtown is free on weekends. Arrive before 6 PM for the big shows.
- Road closures: The Acosta and Main Street bridges close during the downtown fireworks (roughly 8:45–10:30 PM).
- Pack smart: Lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen, and water. It's a Florida July — hydrate.
- Going to the beach or St. Augustine? Leave early and plan for a slow ride home after the show.
Wherever you land this Fourth, soak it up — it's a once-in-a-generation birthday for the country and a whole lot of pride for the 904.
Happy 250th, DUUUVAL.
