Independence Day Celebrations and Fireworks in Gainesville and Alachua County, 2025

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Happy Independence Day from Visit Gainesville, Alachua County!

Making plans for Independence Day 2025 just got easier with top fireworks displays, parades, live music and festive events. Celebrate the Fourth on the third with WUFT’s Fanfares & Fireworks on Thursday. On Friday, July 4, local celebrations include “The Largest Small-town Fireworks Display in America” in Alachua, the festive parade and fireworks display in Micanopy and the annual boat parade on Lake Santa Fe.

For the latest updates, stay tuned to the individual event organizers on social media.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

crowd at fanfares and fireworks

WUFT’s Fanfares & Fireworks 2025
Thursday, July 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | University of Florida Bandshell at Flavet Field
605 Woodlawn Dr., Gainesville, FL 32603
WUFT presents a night of music and fireworks at the University of Florida. Music performances include Now Leaving Space, Sooza Brass Band, The Savants, Gainesville Community Band and the Gainesville Pops. Bring a chair or spread out a blanket and enjoy food from multiple food trucks on site. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Friday, July 4, 2025

fireworks decorations at the micanopy ball park on independence day

Micanopy Independence Day Parade and Ballpark Fun and Fireworks
Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. | Micanopy Main Street
Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy, FL 32667

Grab a spot along Cholokka Blvd. for the annual Independence Day Parade beginning at 11 a.m. Ballpark fun and fireworks follow in the evening starting at 5:30 p.m. at Carson Roberts Sports Complex. Enjoy music, food trucks and an inflatable obstacle course. Fireworks begin at dusk, 8:45 p.m.

Legacy Park Amphitheatre with large crowd for the annual independence day celebration

City of Alachua Annual Fourth of July Celebration
Friday, July 4, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Legacy Park
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
The annual celebration dubbed the “Largest Small-Town Fireworks Display in America” draws a festive crowd to Legacy Park Amphitheatre to celebrate the Fourth. Enjoy live music, kids corner, food trucks and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

boat on a lake with a flag of the united states

Melrose 4th of July Boat Parade on Lake Santa Fe at Melrose Bay Park
Friday, July 4, 11 a.m. | Melrose Bay Park
25500 Devonia St., Melrose, FL 32666

View a procession of boats decorated with stars and stripes. The annual parade on Lake Santa Fe begins at 11 a.m. for spectators. Participants with boats are encouraged to launch at the Alachua County boat ramp at Santa Fe Lake Park at 10 a.m. After a circular procession at Melrose Bay, the parade travels along the shores of the lake.

More Festive Local Events

Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run at Albert Ray “Massey” Park
Friday, July 4, 8 a.m.

The Melon Run is an Independence Day holiday tradition celebrating its 47th year. Enjoy a three-mile course, half-mile run for the kids and a watermelon eating contest.

U-Pick Blueberries at Deep Spring Farm
Friday, July 4, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Share the relaxing activity of blueberry picking on scenic, organic farm. Reservations are required, view Deep Spring Farm’s blueberry picking guide and reserve your spot online.

Carson Springs Wildlife Independence Day Walk or Ride Tour
Friday, July 4, 10 a.m.
Meet Desmond the giraffe and all the animals of Carson Springs. View big cat feedings and learn about animals on a guided tour with professional zoologists.

Red, White and Brew at Blackadder Brewing Company
Friday, July 4, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy $4 select beer and the signature “‘Murica “Cocktail.” Strega Nona’s Pizza will be onsite.

Red, White and Blue parkrun at Depot Park
Saturday, July 4, 7:30 a.m.
Dress up in festive red, white and blue colors and join the Stars & Strides edition of parkrun, the free timed 5K at Depot Park.

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