Compiled by Wes Goldberg
Featured Event
July 21-22: MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair, Pine Island. Celebration of mangoes and other tropical fruit grown on the island, including lychee, carambola, longan, papaya, and "chocolate pudding fruit." Fruit, exotic fruit trees, and fruit-related products are available for purchase. The festival also offers live music, kids' activities and rides, contests, and other diversions. Times are 10-7 Saturday and 10-5 Sunday. Admission is $6 adults, free for children 9 and younger. At German-American Social Club. 239-283-0888. www.mangomaniafl.com
Central Florida
Covering the I-4 corridor from Daytona to Tampa plus Sarasota and Brevard County
July 1: Red, White and Zoo, Sanford. Celebrate Independence Day with live music, games, food, children's crafts, face painting, waterslide, zoo-animal encounters, and a watermelon-eating contest with Maude and Mary. Free with regular paid zoo admission. 407-323-4450. www.centralfloridazoo.org
July 3: Red Hot and Boom, Altamonte Springs. Popular festival that includes live music from nationally and internationally known entertainers, as well as an awesome fireworks display and food-beverage booths. Sponsored by the City of Altamonte Springs and XL 106.7 FM, it is Central Florida's largest Independence Day celebration. At Cranes Roost Park. Free admission. 407-571-8857. www.orlando-florida.net/events/july/red-hot-and-boom.htm
July 4: Old-Fashioned July Fourth Celebration, Winter Park. Beautiful Central Park downtown is the site of this lively festival featuring patriotic music, a parade, hot-dog-eating contest and other activities for the whole family. Admission is free. 407-623-3363. www.orlando-florida.net/events/july/winter-parks-oldfashionedjuly4thcelebration.htm
July 4: Mount Dora 4th of July Celebration, Mount Dora. Independence Day celebration with a parade, live music and fireworks at dusk. Sponsored by the Rotary Club. Free. 352-383-2165. www.mountdora.com/events.php
July 4: Celebration of Freedom, Winter Springs. Gather the family and spend an all-American day of live music, great food, kids' games, contests, activities and an awesome fireworks display over Lake Jesup. At Central Winds Park. Free. 407-327-6593. www.orlando-florida.net/events/july/celebration-of-freedom.htm
July 4: Fourth of July Lakefest Celebration, St. Cloud. A community get-together on Lakeshore Boulevard with day-long activities, entertainment, arts and crafts and fireworks. Festivities start at 10 a.m. Free admission. http://goflorida.about.com/od/eventsfestivals/ss/fourthofjuly_2.htm
July 4: July Fourth Celebration, Cocoa. Independence Day celebration featuring the Brevard Symphony Orchestra playing along with a beautiful fireworks display. From 8 to 9:30 p.m. At Riverfront Park in downtown Cocoa Village. Free admission. 321-242-2024. www.cocoafl.org/CurrentEvents.asp
July 4: July Fourth Celebration, Kissimmee. One of the most popular annual events in Osceola County, this holiday celebration attracts more than 45,000 people and features live entertainment, karaoke, arts and crafts, bingo, a food festival, water-ski show and a spectacular fireworks display. At Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Free admission. 407-933-8368. www.orlando-florida.net/events/july/city-of-kissimmee-4th-of-july-celebration.htm
July 4: Fourth of July Celebration, Sanford. A family-oriented holiday extravaganza with live entertainment, games, family activities and concessions, this event culminates with one of the largest fireworks shows in Central Florida. Festivities take place along the city's brand-new RiverWalk downtown, overlooking Lake Monroe. Admission is free. 407-302-2520. www.orlando-florida.net/events/july/sanford-fourth-of-july-celebration.htm
July 4: Fourth of July Celebration, St. Cloud. Celebrate Independence Day along the laid-back St. Cloud Lakefront with live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo, classic car show, model stock car racing, an arts and crafts show, food and fireworks display. Admission is free. 407-892-3671. www.orlando-florida.net/events/july/stclouds-4th-of-july-celebration.htm
July 4: Fireworks at the Fountain, Orlando. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon around beautiful Lake Eola in downtown Orlando with games, activities, live entertainment and delicious food, followed by a fabulous 30-minute fireworks display at night. Admission is free. 407-246-3720. www.cityoforlando.net/calendar.htm
July 4: Independence Day Celebration, Ormond Beach. Holiday celebration featuring food, music, games, arts and crafts, inflatables and, of course, fireworks. 6-10 p.m. At City Hall Plaza-Fortunato Park-Rockefeller Gardens. Free. 386-676-3241. www.ormondbeach.org/
July 4: Walt Disney World July Fourth Celebrations, Lake Buena Vista. A variety of special events for Fourth of July are scheduled at all four major theme parks, Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, and Disney's Hollywood Studios™, such as patriotic parades, live music and spectacular fireworks shows. A street party with live entertainment and fireworks is also planned for Downtown Disney. All Fourth of July celebrations are included in the regular admission price. 407-934-7639. www.orlando-florida.net/events/july/walt-disney-world-fourthofjulycelebrations.htm
July 5: Music on the Beach Concert, Tarpon Springs. The Relics (Classic Rock) perform at Sunset Beach. No pets, no alcoholic beverages. Hot dogs, popcorn, sodas and water available for purchase. Free admission, but donations are appreciated. 727-937-3102. www.tarponspringsmusic.com
July 7: First Saturday Jam and Community Cookout, Barberville. Every first Saturday of the month visit the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts for entertainment and fun for the entire family. There will be informal music jams, free workshops, and food, and at 3 p.m., there will be a barn-style dance. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org
July 7, 14, 21, 28: Summer Music Series, Clermont. Live music every Saturday from 1-4p.m. in front of the vineyards at Lakeridge Winery. Food, complimentary tours and wine tasting. Free. 352-394-8627. http://www.lakeridgewinery.com/
July 7: Daytona Coke Zero 400, Daytona Beach. Celebrating Independence Day by watching NASCAR's elite compete at Daytona International Speedway is a family tradition among die-hard racing fans. It's nighttime racing at its best, followed by a spectacular fireworks extravaganza. Admission prices vary. 800-748-7467. www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
July 9-30: ESPNHS Games at Disney's Wide World of Sports, Lake Buena Vista. This event will be anchored by three invitation-only, elite high-school sporting events. It will continue to feature the premier high-school talent in the country in basketball, football, lacrosse and soccer, while youth athletes aspire to their level of greatness in baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse and track & field. At Wide World of Sports Complex. www.espnrisegames.com
July 19-21: Celebrity Mascot Games, Orlando. Watch more than 30 mascots from the NFL, NHL, NBA, NCAA and MLB compete in wild and crazy games such as Mascot Joust, Inflatable Obstacle Course and Dodge Ball. 19th annual. At Stetson University and Amway Center. 407-648-4900. www.mascotgames.org/
July 25: Hyde Park Village Live Music Series, Tampa. Now in its 23nd year, this series of musical evenings offers great fun on the last Wednesday of the month. With a free concert, all beverage sales will benefit Quantum Leap Farm. At Old Hyde Park Village. 813-251-3500. http://hydeparkvillage.net/
July 26-29: Summer Sidewalk Sale and "Survivor" Reunion, Celebration. Have a chance to meet previous winners and cast members of the TV reality show "Survivor" at this summer sidewalk sale at Celebration's Town Center. Free. 407-566-2200. www.celebrationtowncenter.com
July 28: Art Walk on Flagler, New Smyrna Beach. Make the fourth Saturday of each month a special day at the beach. Join resident and guest artists, view their works on porches and in studios as you stroll from river to ocean down historic Flagler Avenue. This month's theme is Christmas in July. Free. 386-428-1770. www.nsbfla.com/calendar.cfm
South Florida
Covering the Keys, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, the Treasure Coast and Southwest Florida including Naples, Fort Meyers and Punta Gorda
July 3, 4: Independence Day Celebration, Sanibel Island. Old-fashioned parade down Periwinkle Way starts at 9:30 a.m. and paraders treat the crowd to free gifts, candy and cool-down water spraying. Free. 699-8739, 292-4631. www.sanibel-captiva.org
July 4: Old Fashioned Fourth at Flamingo Gardens, Davie. Celebrate Independence Day 1930s style. Barbeque and picnic lunches at the Flamingo cafe, jazz and swing music, vintage model A cars. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Half-price admission. 954-473-2955. www.flamingogardens.org/events.htm
July 4: Fourth on Flagler, West Palm Beach. The city celebrates in spectacular style with the region's largest Independence Day celebration. Features food, concerts, fireworks and more along the city's waterfront. Free. 561-822-2222. www.westpalmbeach.com/calendarofevents
July 4: America's Birthday Bash, Miami. Largest Independence Day celebration in South Florida. Enjoy live music, food and drink, children's activities and a fireworks display over Biscayne Bay. Free. At Bayfront Park. 305-358-7550. www.miamiandbeaches.com/fourth_of_july_celebration.asp
July 4: Fourth of July Celebration, Miami Beach. Whether you're looking for a patriotic ceremony or a July Fourth party at the beach, this City of Miami Beach celebration is sure to fit the bill. Festivities include concerts and a grand finale of fireworks that'll make you wish the Fourth of July would never end. Free. 305-673-7400. www.miamiandbeaches.com/fourth_of_july_celebration.asp
July 4: Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim, Punta Gorda. Always held on July 4, this is an event or happening with no one in charge, nothing structured, no sign-up and no rules or requirements except courtesy and common sense. It is a simply a swim starting at the north end of the southbound US 41 bridge and finishing at Fishermen's Village. Flotation and propulsion aids are used by some. People who are trained distance swimmers have finished the 1.5-mile course in 30 to 40 minutes; other entrants take an hour or two; some have taken as long as four hours. Free. 941-661-5622. www.charlotteharbortravel.com/cms/index.php?id=276
July 4: July Fourth Celebration, Delray Beach. Family-friendly celebration featuring the annual Sand Sculpting Competition, a Patriotic Bicycle and Scooter Parade, plenty of children's activities, live entertainment on the beach, food, and a fireworks display. Free admission. 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 561-279-1380. http://downtowndelraybeach.com/
July 4: Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Picnic at The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove. Enjoy the Fourth at an old-fashioned picnic on the grounds of this 19th century pioneer home site. Hosted by The Barnacle Society, it features lawn games, kite-making, knot-tying demonstrations and more. House and grounds are decorated in traditional July 4th bunting, as when Commodore Munroe's family lived here. The public is invited to join the staff and volunteers in wearing a period costume. Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and enjoy the day's celebration. Admission $5 adults, $3 ages 6-11. 305-442-6866. www.floridastateparks.org/EventsDistAll.cfm?Dist=5
July 4: Red, White and Boom Celebration, Cape Coral. The Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway shut down between the bridge and Del Prado Boulevard beginning at 4 p.m., when music on two stages sparks a street party that more than 50,000 people attend. Four bands play, a kids' carnival keeps the little ones happy, and vendors sell food and beer. At dusk, watch the spangled fireworks over the river from land or boat. 239-549-6900. www.eventscapecoral.com/agents/69999/index.asp
July 4: Fort Myers Beach Fireworks, Fort Myers Beach. Spectacular fireworks show begins at dusk, accompanied by music and activity in the Times Square area. Free. 239-454-7500. www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/FortMyersBeachAreaFL/eventCalendar
July 6: Center for the Arts Campus Open House, Bonita Springs. Visit the 10-acre Center for the Arts Campus for a one-night-only Campus Open House. View artworks from artists around the U.S. in a new traveling exhibition, 'Hot, Hot, Hot.' Visit artists' studios and observe demonstrations in painting, clay, sculpture, glass, photography, collage and more. Artists' displays and demonstrations ongoing throught the evening. Light refreshments available. Free. 239-495-8989. http://www.artcenterbonita.org/
July 6, 11, 20, 25: Jupiter Lighthouse Sunset Tour, Jupiter. Take in the spectacular sunset views and witness the Jupiter Light turning on to illuminate the night sky. Visitors get an inside look at the nuts and bolts of a working lighthouse watch-room. www.jupiterlighthouse.org/calendarJuly.html
July 14: Underwater Music Festival, Big Pine Key. A quirky concert broadcast underwater for divers and snorkelers, emphasizing reef preservation and tips on how people can enjoy the ocean while minimizing the impact on the reef and overall marine environment. At Looe Key Reef, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 305-872-2411. www.lowerkeyschamber.com
July 14-15: International Mango Festival, Coral Gables. Come to the 20th annual International Mango Festival at Fairchild Tropical Garden to buy hand-selected mango trees and fruit, enjoy mango lectures and smoothies, view the world's largest display of mangos, take part in the world's only mango auction and buy mango merchandise and botanical art. There will also be mango culinary demonstrations, an International Fruit Market, fun activities for kids and much more. Admission $25 adults, $18 seniors, $12 children 6-17, free to Fairchild members and children 5 and under. 305-667-1651. www.fairchildgarden.org
July 17-22: Hemingway Days, Key West. The 31st annual celebration of the legendary author's work and lifestyle features literary readings, a short-story competition, fishing tournament, Sloppy Joe's Look-Alike Contest and more. A celebration will be held July 21 honoring Hemingway's 112th birthday. 305-296-2388 for look-alike events. 305-294-0320 for literary events. www.hemingwaydays.org
July 21-22: MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair, Pine Island. Celebration of mangoes and other tropical fruit grown on the island, including lychee, carambola, longan, papaya, and "chocolate pudding fruit." Fruit, exotic fruit trees, and fruit-related products are available for purchase. The festival also offers live music, kids' activities and rides, contests, and other diversions. Times are 10-7 Saturday and 10-5 Sunday. Admission is $6 adults, free for children 9 and younger. At German-American Social Club. 239-283-0888. www.mangomaniafl.com
July 27-Aug. 5: Key Largo Wine and Food Festival, Key Largo. Set on an island known for its bountiful tropical fruit, fresh snapper, tuna, mahi-mahi, shrimp and lobster, this ten-day festival incorporates gourmet wine dinners with cultural specialties, feasts and fiestas, palate-pleasing adventures and wines from around the world. 305-394-3736. www.KeyLargoFoodandWineFestival.com
North Florida & the Panhandle
Covering St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ocala, Tallahassee and the Panhandle
July 4: Fourth of July Celebration, Jacksonville. Downtown Jacksonville celebrates the red, white and blue throughout the week, leading up to an amazing fireworks show over the St. Johns River. Enjoy concerts, family activities and more.904-630-3690. www.makeascenedowntown.com/
July 4: Red, White and The Deep Blue Celebration, Amelia Island. Celebrate Independence Day with a lavish, All-American Barbecue on The Oceanfront Lawn at the Ritz-Carlton. Music by Whiskey Bent, country rock music. Fun and games for all ages. Oceanfront Fireworks Show at 9:00 p.m. Adults, $69, $25 per child (inclusive) 904-277-1028. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AmeliaIsland/Information/Calendar/Default.htm
July 4: Fourth of July Liberty Celebration, Jacksonville Beach. The Beaches light up with a spectacular fireworks show over the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier. 904-247-6100. www.jacksonvillebeach.org
July 4: Fourth of July Celebration, St. Augustine. You'll have a blast at one of the East Coast's largest fireworks shows as showy displays burst above the ancient Castillo de San Marcos Fort and reflect in the waters of Matanzas Bay. Come early to the 9:30 fireworks for the best vantage points located along the bayfront between the Castillo and the Bridge of Lions. Free. 904-825-1005. www.getaway4florida.com/events/calendar/moreinfo.php?Event_ID=24951
July 8: Summer Jazz Concert Series, Jacksonville Beach. The City of Jacksonville Beach presents this outdoor concert with great jazz musicians. Relax on the lawn as renowned jazz performers take the stage at Sea Walk Pavilion. 904-270-1658. www.jacksonvillebeach.org.
July 16-21: Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, Jacksonville. Two-day fishing tournament that also includes a free festival with live music, a boat show and food, plus a Junior Angler Tournament presented by Carolina Skiff 904-251-3011. www.kingfishtournament.com
July 27-28: Smokin' on the Suwannee BBQ Festival, Live Oak. At Spirit of the Suwannee River Music Park. Admission. 386-364-1683. www.musicliveshere.com
