31+ Epic Things to Do in Orlando for 4th of July in 2022

Fourth of July Weekend is always the perfect time to enjoy food, fireworks, and fun with friends. With year-round fireworks in Orlando, it is no surprise this city goes all out for Independence Day. In addition to fireworks, I have compiled over thirty epic things to do in Orlando for 4th of July!

This list breaks down all the free firework shows, paid theme park events, concerts, celebrations, and more happening on the first weekend of July. Most of them are patriotic-themed to celebrate America’s independence, but some are just generally summer-fun-themed. Whether you want a celebratory night or a relaxing day, this guide will help you figure out the best things to do in Orlando for 4th of July.

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The Best Free Orlando 4th of July Fireworks Shows

It would not be the Fourth of July without fireworks displays and luckily you can find them all over Orlando. Most towns in Florida host their own event, but these are what I think are the best 4th of July fireworks in Orlando.

1. Red Hot & Boom Musical Fireworks at Altamonte Springs

One of my top favorite things to do in Orlando for 4th of July is go to Red, Hot & Boom in Altamonte Springs. This is the best firework show in Orlando and it’s totally free! For 2022, this musical firework show is on July 3rd, with fireworks starting at 9:30 PM. It gets very crowded, so make sure to get there early, park at the Altamonte Mall and enjoy the pre-fireworks festivities.

2. Entertainment and Fireworks at the Fountain in Lake Eola

On July 4th, another huge Orlando 4th of July fireworks display takes place at Lake Eola Park. The city hosts Fireworks at the Fountain complete with a live performance during the fireworks at 9:15 PM. This event starts in the afternoon with all sorts of fun entertainment and food vendors celebrating around the lake.

3. Weekend Long Red, White & Blue Americana Fest in Winter Garden

With a main street that looks straight out of a movie, Winter Garden is the quintessential place to celebrate 4th of July in Orlando. Starting on Friday there’s a concert on Plant Street, followed by a parade, games, and barbecue specials on Saturday and Sunday. The weekend ends with the grand finale fireworks lighting up the night sky on July 4th, as well as some patriotic movies at the Garden Theatre.

4. Fireworks and Kids Zone Monumental 4th of July in Kissimmee

If you are looking for kid-friendly things to do in Orlando for 4th of July, the Monumental celebration in Kissimmee is an annual favorite. At Lakefront Park, the celebration starts at 6 PM with live music and the Kids Fun Zone with bounce houses and inflatables. The event ends with a fireworks display at 9 PM, but there is plenty of fun and food to be had before bedtime.

5. Independence Day Bash at Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park goes all out the day before the 4th of July every year with a bash at the Village Center on Lake Baldwin. This is a community gathering with all sorts of vendors, live music, a beer garden, and a kid’s zone. Fireworks start at 9:15 PM and it’s the perfect place to see fireworks the day before the actual holiday.

6. Red, White & Boom at Clermont Waterfront Park

For a traditional Orlando 4th of July celebration, head to Clermont for a day of festivities. Starting at 7 PM, the park hosts multiple events, including a pie-eating contest and a most patriotic costume contest! Tons of local food trucks will be there and then the fireworks top off the holiday at 9:15 PM.

Theme Park Fireworks Shows in Orlando for 4th of July

With four major theme park complexes, the options for things to do in Orlando for 4th of July are endless! These theme parks usually have excellent fireworks, but they celebrate extra for Independence Day. Though there are always big crowds at all the theme parks over the holiday weekend, it can be worth the hassle for the best Fourth of July celebration imaginable!

7. Fourth of July at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Resort continually ranks as one of the best places in the county for 4th of July fireworks. However, you can see them with park admission at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot on July 3rd and 4th. If you want a good view, plan to save your seat at least two hours before!

There are not many special events besides fireworks at Disney for the Fourth of July. You can see often see characters in patriotic outfits and the American Adventure at Epcot might have a special performance. If you want to see fireworks without getting a park ticket, you can dine at a resort restaurant or book a fireworks cruise!

8. Music and Fireworks at Universal Orlando

Not to be outdone, Universal Orlando usually does their own fireworks celebration as well. Dates have not been announced yet, but you can expect music and fireworks throughout the weekend in Universal Studios Florida.

9. Patriotic Fireworks at SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando celebrates the fourth of July all weekend with a special fireworks and laser show! Though also crowded, this park tends to be more manageable on the fourth of July and everyone can see the fireworks from the lake.

10. Red White and Boom at LegoLand Florida

LegoLand Florida will have its own unique fireworks show over Lake Eloise all weekend. Best of all, admission includes viewing glasses that turn the fireworks into LEGO bricks! For some family fun during the day, guests of all ages can participate in making a giant American flag out of LEGOs.

11. Star Spangled Celebration at Promenade at Sunset Walk

For those who are in the theme park area, but do not want to fight the crowds, a few resort areas have their own festivities! Over by The Embassy Suites and Margaritaville Residences, Sunset Walk has four days of July 4th celebration. Bands and DJs perform daily ending with Fireworks on July 4th. It is free and all are welcome, but chairs and coolers are not allowed.

12. 4th of July Spectacular at Grande Lakes Orlando

Alternatively, if you are lucky enough to be staying at the Ritz Carlton or JW Marriott in Orlando, they offer plenty of things to do on the Fourth of July in Orlando. All resort guests will be treated to a fireworks show on the Fourth of July, as well as festivities poolside and at the hotel restaurants.

4th of July Concerts and Parades in Orlando

This next section includes areas that have concerts or parades in addition to or instead of fireworks. This gives people an option to celebrate the holiday if they aren’t a fan of loud fireworks. I know many people with reactive pets prefer to be home to comfort them at night. If you are one of them, check out these events instead to celebrate.

13. 4th of July Celebration in Winter Park

Not far from Downtown Orlando, Winter Park likes to celebrate the 4th of July early in the day. Starting at 9 AM, they offer free cookies, pies, and watermelon Kona Ice to all. The Bach Festival Brass Ensemble and Choir will also be playing patriotic music to celebrate on Park Avenue.

14. Celebration Florida Independence Day Parade

Celebration is another adorable town ideal for spending the Fourth of July. They offer events like fireworks and festivals later in the day, but locals love the parade at 9 AM. Here you can salute the troops and enjoy some community performers.

15. Patriotic Swing: A Salute to America in Sanford

Up in Sanford, you can find one of the best musical things to do in Orlando for 4th of July. The Orlando Big Band will be playing classic and patriotic music on Saturday the 2nd. With tickets starting at $23, this event is always a hit.

16. Celebration of Freedom in Winter Springs

Winter Springs is a popular spot thanks to their Celebration of Freedom. Starting at 5 PM, Central Winds Park has live patriotic music and food trucks for everyone to enjoy. They also start fireworks at the end of the night, but you can enjoy the music beforehand.

17. Freedom on the Waterfront Mount Dora

One last cute town near Orlando with Fourth of July festivities is Mount Dora. They have fireworks and music, but the main event is the Parade at 10 AM on July 4th. This is one of the most patriotic tributes happening right in Downtown Mount Dora

Unique Things to Do in Orlando for 4th of July

If you are looking for ways to celebrate the 4th of July in Orlando that aren’t your typical fireworks, parades, or concerts, I have found half a dozen unique offerings. These include both active experiences and educational events. Of course, you can enjoy many other amazing Orlando attractions on this day, but here are some patriotic-themed events.

18. July 4th Watermelon 5K at Winter Park

I love to start the holiday off with a 5K and the best one in Orlando is the Watermelon 5K. This is a big race in Winter Park that ends with cold watermelon and even a watermelon eating contest! You can run or walk and get some exercise with this Fourth of July event.

19. 4th of July Bike Parade at Lake Avalon

Another one of the best things to do in Orlando for 4th of July with kids is the Avalon Park Bike Parade. The whole family can decorate their bikes, wagons, and strollers and parade around Avalon Lake. There are even prizes for the most patriotic décor!

20. Free Admission to the Morse Museum of American Art

Over in Winter Park, the Morse Museum offers a way to celebrate the Fourth of July indoors! Admission is free all day and visitors can appreciate some of the finest American art, including the glass works of Louis Comfort Tiffany, at this lovely museum.

21. ‘Merica Themed Trivia at Crooked Can

If you are still celebrating on July 5th, head to Crooked Can brewery for some American-themed trivia! This is one of the best breweries in Orlando with so many enticing beers to try. Trivia night kicks off at 7:30 PM and includes questions about all things the U.S.A.

22. Sunset and Fireworks Paddle on Lake Ivanhoe

One of the most unique ways to watch the fireworks in Orlando on the 4th of July is on a paddle board! Epic Paddle Adventures hosts a Fourth of July meetup where everyone can paddle around the lake for the sunset and then fireworks. They offer 4th of July goodies for the paddle but people can bring their own drinks to enjoy on the water as well!

23. Watch Orlando City Face-Off D.C. United

Another epic way to experience the 4th of July in Orlando is to go to an Orlando City Soccer Game! They are playing D.C. United that night at 7 PM and it is sure to be an exciting match. Even better, they will have fireworks and you can see the fireworks at Lake Eola after the game!

4th of July Things to Do Near Orlando

For those interested in taking a day trip or a weekend trip for the 4th of July, pretty much every town in Florida has some sort of celebration going on. These next options are the best Fourth of July celebrations within an hour and a half drive of Orlando. Most are near the beach, so you can experience a classic American beach and fireworks day!

24. Smoke on the Water and Fire in the Sky in Cocoa Beach

If you are looking for the closest beach to Orlando, Cocoa Beach is the best bet and it celebrates the Fourth of July all weekend! You can see fireworks at Port Canaveral on the 2nd, Cocoa Village on the 3rd, and finally over the ocean on July 4th. No matter what day you plan for the beach, it can end with a show!

25. MelBOOM in Melbourne, Florida

Also on the Space Coast is Melbourne, where each year a fireworks spectacular takes place on the 4th of July. Here you can see both a fireworks and skydiving show on the water! There are also food trucks and a free shuttle to make parking convenient.

things to do in Orlando for fourth of july

26. 4th of July Celebration in New Smyrna Beach

Another awesome beach near Orlando for the 4th of July celebrations is New Smyrna Beach, where festivities are hoses on Flagler Ave. Starting at 4 PM there are street performers and a hopping atmosphere. The day ends with fireworks over the water for a patriotic fireworks finale.

27. Star-Spangled Summer Concert at Daytona Beach

For a fitting rock Fourth of July concert, head to the Daytona Beach Bandshell to see an Eagles cover band perform! Admission is only $10 and you get to see both a concert and fireworks! It is standing room only, but guests are allowed to bring their own lawn chairs.

28. 4th of July Boat Parade at Tampa Bay

The best boat parade for the 4th of July in Central Florida is known to be in Tampa Bay! Right on the riverwalk, hundreds of boats parade the way from Armature Works to Sparkman Wharf. Anyone can register a vessel and compete for the most patriotic boat prize. Spectators can watch for free all along the riverwalk and even see a water-skiing show and a fireworks show!

29. The Fourth at St. Pete

To celebrate the 4th of July near Orlando on the water, the Pier in St. Pete has amazing views. All weekend the pier will host fun activities including a Pier Run, a silent disco, a craft beer garden, an apple pie eating contest, and more! The weekend ends with a July 4th fireworks show over the water and plenty of live music.

30. Clearwater Celebrates America at the Ballpark

I can’t think of a better way to spend the Fourth of July than taking part in America’s favorite pastime. Clearwater will have a minor league team playing at the BayCare Ballpark on the 4th and admission is only $5! There are plenty of patriotic concessions to indulge in and the game ends with choreographed fireworks.

31. Red White and KABOOM in Lakeland

Last, but not least, you can’t leave Lakeland off the map for the Fourth of July festivities. This city hosts the legendary Red, White, and KABOOM fireworks spectacle on Lake Mirror. The event is totally free and includes all sorts of entertainment for visitors.

Know Before You Go: Things to Do in Orlando for 4th of July

No matter what you are looking for, there are so many things to do in Orlando for 4th of July! This part of Florida is known for celebrating in a big way and that includes fireworks, concerts, parades, and more. Whether you are a local or visiting for the holiday, here are a few things to keep in mind when celebrating the Fourth in Orlando.

Expect crowds at every event during the Fourth of July weekend. Parking and traffic delays are expected and people will be gathering in large groups at every event.
Traffic will especially be bad around Lake Eola. I recommend going early and having a late lunch at one of these excellent Downtown Orlando restaurants to beat some of the traffic.
Accidents due to drinking are common on the Fourth of July weekend in Orlando. Always call an Uber or Lyft if you have been drinking, though keep in mind, that there will be surge pricing.
The average temperature of Orlando on the 4th of July is 92 degrees Fahrenheit! Make sure to stay hydrated and out of the sun when possible, to avoid heat stroke.
Make sure you wear sunscreen! My favorite is this Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free one!
Avoid bringing your dog to any of the fireworks events, unless you are sure they can handle loud noises and crowds.
Though many people launch fireworks during the weekend at their private residences, it can often be stressful to people with PTSD, babies, and pets. Please be respectful and stop launching fireworks by 10 PM.
Plan ahead for your vacation with my guide to visiting Florida in July!

What’s your favorite thing to do in Orlando on 4th of July? Personally, I like to grill and relax poolside! If you are looking for more ideas for more things to do in Orlando, check out my guide to Non-Theme Park attractions and my Central Florida Date Ideas guide.

Planning a trip to the theme parks for the Fourth of July? If you need help planning a trip to Orlando, I am partnered with Kelly’s Magical Vacations and highly recommend her services. Find out more here!