Explore July Fourth festivities!

July Fourth celebrations kick off this Thursday and run through Friday evening, featuring parades, fireworks, music and delicious food. Read on to explore upcoming events you and your loved ones can enjoy.

Not in Gainesville? Explore July Fourth celebrations near you!

• Enjoy an evening of live music, food trucks and spectacular fireworks at Fanfares & Fireworks on July 3 at 6 p.m. The fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
• Don’t miss the City of Williston Independence Day Celebration! The parade kicks off on July 3 at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at dark.
• Experience a July Fourth Gainesville tradition by registering for the 47th annual Jack Gamble Melon Run. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Albert “Ray” Massey Westside Park.
• Sign up for the 2025 Freedom 5K at Keystone Heights. The race kicks off on July 4 at 8 a.m.
• The Town of Micanopy’s July Fourth Celebration includes music, food trucks, a blow-up obstacle course and more. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and the fireworks at 8:45 p.m.
• Dubbed “the largest small-town fireworks display in America,” the City of Alachua’s July Fourth celebration starts at 5 p.m. and offers live music, food and an incredible display of fireworks.
• Ocala’s Patriotic Skies celebration kicks off July 4 at 6 p.m., and will have live music, food trucks, a fun-filled kids zone and much more.

Before you head out to enjoy the festivities, be sure to read this UF/IFAS article for tips to help you have a blast, safely. And check out this article if you’re hosting a cookout.