Top Independence Day Activities 2021 – Fireworks and Celebrations for a Fun and Festive Fourth of July in Gainesville and Alachua County
The Fourth of July celebrates the birth of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. Add a spark to your Independence Day Weekend with fireworks, parades, live music and festive events throughout Alachua County.
Saturday, July 3
Fanfares & Fireworks 2021
Saturday, 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. Performances include Bears and Lions, Jason and Sarah Hedges, Savants of Soul, and the Gainesville Community Band and Gainesville POPS under the direction of Gary Langford. Bring a chair or spread out a blanket and enjoy food from multiple food trucks on site. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Town of Micanopy Independence Day Celebration with Parade and Fireworks
Saturday, July 3, 9:30 a.m. | Cholokka Blvd. in Micanopy
The Micanopy Historical Museum hosts its annual Fish Fry at 9:30 a.m. until sold out. The parade starts at 11 a.m. along Cholokka Blvd. The evening celebration includes music, food and free bounce house for the kids beginning at 5:30 p.m.. Fireworks launch at dusk.
See a Patriotic Procession at the Waldo Independence Day Weekend Parade
Saturday, July 3, 10 a.m. | Waldo City Square
14450 NE 148th Ave., Waldo, FL 32694
Watch golf carts, scooters and other decked-out vehicles parade through Waldo. Join the fun as the parade makes its way to Waldo City Park for an afternoon of hot dogs, a bounce house and music.
Get Face to Face with Rare Animals on a Fourth of July Weekend Safari Tour
Saturday, July 3 and Monday, July 5, 10 a.m. | Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation
8528 E County Rd. 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Carson Springs celebrates Independence Day weekend with walking and riding tours on Saturday and Monday. Located on 275 acres of lush Florida woods and farmland, wildlife tours let you see approximately 30 rare and endangered species and over 100 animals. Reserve your tour online.
Sunday, July 4
The City of Alachua Hosts the Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America
Sunday, July 4, 8 p.m. | Legacy Park
15400 Peggy Rd., Alachua, FL 32615
Parking opens up at 6 p.m. followed by live music. Crooked Counsel takes the amphitheater stage at 8 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
City of Archer Red White and Boom
Sunday, July 4, 2 p.m. | Wilson Robinson Park
13975 SW 174th St., Archer, FL 32618
Enjoy an afternoon with family-friendly activities, live music, food vendors and fireworks. Musical acts include Joey Holiday and VIBE. Fireworks begin after sundown. The official after-party continues at The Mustang with an encore performance by Joey Holiday.
Sail Away with the Independence Day Boat Parade on Lake Santa Fe
Sunday, July 4, 11 a.m. | Melrose Bay
25500 Devonia St., Melrose, FL 32666
The Fourth of July Boat Parade is a long-standing tradition in Melrose. Decorated boats gather at Melrose Bay located at the south end of Lake Santa Fe. The boat parade is open to all who would like to participate. Docks provide a great place for viewing.
Red, White and Blue Karaoke at The Queens Arms
Thursday, July 1, 5 p.m.
Independence Day Sip and Create with Baily Learning and Arts Collective at Rosa B Williams Center/352artspace
Friday, July 2, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Miles for Murica 5K at Blackadder Brewing Company
Saturday, July 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Red, White & Booze Brunch at World of Beer
Sunday, July 4 11 a.m.
Special for Veterans at Florida Museum of Natural History
Sunday, July 4, 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Museum offers free admission to veterans for the Fourth of July. On July 4, veterans receive free value admission to the Butterfly Rainforest and Survival of the Slowest exhibits.
Valid forms of identification for veterans include a military ID, DD Form 214, VA card or driver’s license with a blue “V” in the bottom right corner. Veterans receive a 10% discount on all ticket prices year-round.
May not be combined with other offers. Valid Sunday, July 4, from 1 to 4 :30 p.m.
Add to your holiday weekend with fun things to do for the whole family:
View our weekly What’s Good guide for a variety of events including guided nature walks at Sweetwater Wetlands Park and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, live music featuring R&B classics with Jimmy Young and Passion at the Free Fridays Concert Series, the live mainstage performance of It’s a Woman’s World at the Hippodrome Theatre and much more.
Splash into refreshing springs along the Santa Fe River.
North Florida is home to over 1,000 freshwater springs and the largest collection of First Magnitude freshwater springs in the United States.
Browse our collection of over 30 (AMAZING) free things to do.
Don’t break the bank with a free attractions including the Florida Museum of Natural History, UF Bat Houses, nature parks and trails, self-guided cell phone tours and more.
