Miami’s Independence Day Celebrations

CocoWalk

CocoWalk's All-Day 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 12:30pm-9:30pm. An all-day 4th of July Celebration at CocoWalk! Live Caribbean music from 12:30pm-3:30pm by entertainer Peter Berbard. The kids will enjoy the balloon twisting, face painting and 4th of July freebies from 2pm-5pm. The annual Hot Dog Eating Competition takes place at 5pm in the Courtyard, followed by Beer Pong at 6pm. Watch the fireworks at 9pm from one of the great restaurants with a view! At CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-444-0777. www.cocowalk.net

Miami Beach 4th of July Celebration: Fire On The 4th

July 4, noon-9:30pm. The City of Miami Beach proudly presents its annual patriotic 4th of July celebration of music and fireworks. There will be a DJ performing throughout the day starting at noon, followed by live jazz from 6pm-9pm. The fireworks get started at 9pm, but many people show up early to snag a spot on the beach and set up beach towels and chairs. No coolers or bottles will be permitted on the beach. The event is free and open to the public. At 8 Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-673-7577. www.miamibeachfl.gov

The view from Bayfront Park

America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park 

July 4, 3pm-9:30pm. Bring the whole family to celebrate the birth of this great nation! Enjoy music, food and beverages, a free Kids’ Zone, and one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida. The park is open all day. Free Kids’ Zone from 3pm-7pm; fireworks at 9pm. Free admission. At Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., downtown Miami, 305-358-7550. www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

The Biscayne Lady

4th of July Dinner Cruise with Island Queen

July 4, 8pm-10pm. This special 4th of July dinner cruise aboard the Biscayne Lady includes an unlimited buffet and full open bar. There will be a professional DJ onboard playing dance music until the spectacular fireworks display over downtown Miami begins. Patriotic music will be played during the fireworks show. The Biscayne Lady features two ideal areas to view the fireworks, the sky deck and the front bow of the yacht. Please arrive one-hour prior to departure. The cruise departs from Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd., downtown Miami. Info at 305-379-5119, Ext. 2001. www.islandqueencruises.com

Jungle Island’s 4th of July Fireworks Bash

July 4, 10am-6:30pm. This 4th of July, join Jungle Island’s salute to America’s Armed Forces with a fireworks and BBQ bash! Escape the heat and watch the City of Miami’s fireworks spectacular from the terrace of Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom. You will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat mouthwatering BBQ buffet, family entertainment including music and dancing, and last but not least, interactive visits from some of Jungle Island’s animal friends! Ticket info can be found here. At Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, 305-400-7000. www.jungleisland.com

The Miami Children's Museum

Miami Children’s Museum 4th of July Celebration 

July 4, 11am-3pm. Celebrate the 4th of July in style at the Miami Children’s Museum! There will be art, food, water games and more. There will even be a signing of the Declaration of Independence with Ben Franklin. At the Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy., Miami, 305-373-5437. www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

The Key Biscayne Parade

Key Biscayne’s 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 11am-9:30pm. The parade will start at 11am with a flyover of jets, and proceed south on Crandon Boulevard from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive. There will be patriotic-themed floats and marching groups. A picnic at Village Green Park (450 Crandon Blvd.) will follow at noon with food and rides for the kids, culminating with fireworks at the beach at 9pm. All events are free of charge. At locations throughout Key Biscayne, 305-361-8557. www.kb4.org

4th of July in the Grove

July 4, 4pm-11pm. Don’t miss the annual July 4th celebration and fireworks display at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove! Plan on having a fabulous time filled with food, music and patriotic cheer. At Peacock Park 2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, 305-444-7270. www.coconutgrovechamber.com

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Old Fashioned July 4th Picnic 

July 4, 11am-4pm. Kids can participate in a historical scavenger hunt and make their own kites, toy boats and paper dolls in order to understand how different children’s lives were 100 years ago. Live music by singer/songwriter Joel Zoss from 11:30am-3pm. Pack a picnic or buy burgers, hot dogs and veggie dogs on-site. At The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Hwy., Miami, 305-442-6866. www.floridastateparks.org

Zoo Miami's $5 Days Return July 4-8

Look no further for affordable family fun for the Fourth of July. For the third year in a row, Zoo Miami is offering a sweet summer deal of $5 admission, backed up by Ford Motor Company.


"Zoo Miami is such a great community resource and we want as many families as possible to enjoy it," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company.  "In celebration of Independence Day, Ford is pleased to provide support so that the Zoo is accessible to more people during this holiday week."

Representatives from Ford will be setting up shop in the zoo on July 4, 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will receive giveaways when they register to win a new Ford Focus and will be able to view some of their latest car models.


Guests visiting Zoo Miami on these discounted days can enjoy a few other goodies in addition to visiting the lions, tigers and bears along with the normal attractions offered by the zoo.  On July 7, Blue Bell will be helping guests cool down by distributing free samples of ice cream to lucky zoo visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of Scoops for Conservation, a partnership between the Zoological Society of Florida and Blue Bell Ice Cream that encourages donations for wildlife conservation. Pepsi Next will also be distributing free samples to help keep visitors refreshed on July 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


“There is always so much to explore and take part in at the zoo, so for $5, it’s really a steal,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami Director. “Each visit is like a whole new experience.”


To help plan the perfect visit, Zoo Miami has launched a handy mobile application for iPhone and Android owners that equips users with a map, calendar, animal information and more. The application can be found by searching for Zoo Miami in the App Store or Android Marketplace. Free Wi-Fi is also offered in four large, convenient locations throughout the zoo.

For the whole Zoo Miami experience, guests should plan to explore the new Playworld Playground for some wet and wild fun for the kids. If visiting on a weekend, the Hippo Slide, the world’s largest inflatable water slide, is open to the public for a seriously slippery experience.


Along the way, the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station allows visitors to get up close and personal with a giraffe’s 14-inch tongue for a few bucks. Guests can also feed our Indian rhinoceroses, hop on for a camel ride or choose from the many different ways to travel through the zoo to view and learn about all our animals.


The special and limited $5 admission days are available only from July 4-8 and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.


Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street; Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95 per Adult and $11.95 per Child (3-12), plus tax.  Children under two, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 am-5:30 pm; ticket booths close at 4 pm.  For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

There Are So Many 4th of July Events in South Florida to Chose From!

South Florida is playing host to numerous events, parades, family events and fireworks displays on July 4th to celebrate the birth of our nation. We have compiled a lengthy listing of events–now the hard part's up to you–choosing which one to go to!!

4th of July Celebration at The Village at Gufstream Park

Festivities at 4:00pm, Fireworks at 9:00pm.

Location: 501 South Federal Hwy., Hallandale Beach

Take the kids to the bounce houses and arts and crafts booths in Champion's Plaza at the Village at Gulfstream Park earlier in the day, and stay until the end for the fireworks extravaganza! 

4th of July Celebration in Peacock Park

Festivities at 2:00pm, Fireworks at 9:00pm
Location: 2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove
Visit Coconut Grove's popular Peacock Park for live music, food, a Kidz Zone and fireworks.

America's Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park

Kids' Zone from 3:00-7:00pm, Fireworks at 9:00pm
Location: Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Downtown Miami
Celebrate the birth of our great nation at downtown Miami's Bayfront Park with a spectacular fireworks display, children's activities, food and drinks.

An American Celebration–July 4th on Miami Beach

Time: 7:30pm, Fireworks at 9:00pm
Location: 8th Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
The City of Miami Beach proudly presents its annual 4th of July patriotic celebration of music and fireworks. The event is free and open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, bring beach chairs and towels. No coolers or bottles will be permitted on the beach.

Hollywood's Hometown 4th of July Celebration

Time: 1pm, Fireworks at 9:00pm

Location: Charnow Park, 300 Connecticut Street, Hollywood & the Hollywood Beach Theatre, 100 Johnson St., Hollywood

The celebration begins with children's fun and a DJ at Charnow Park from 1pm-6pm. Musical entertainment at the Hollywood Beach Theatre featuring country music with the Rodeo Clowns followed by Galo's Tribute to Santana from 6pm-10pm. A 20 minute dazzling, patriotic star-spangled spectacular fireworks display will light up the evening sky over the Atlantic Ocean beginning at 9pm. 

4th of July BBQ & Fireworks at Jungle Island

Time: 6:30pm, Fireworks at sundown
Location: 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami
Visit Jungle Island for an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, family entertainment, animal interactions, and fireworks–all in tribute to America's Armed Forces! Tickets must be purchased by 5:00pm on July 2 to attend the event. (Adults: $22.95, Children ages 3-10: $14.95, Military & Veterans w/ ID: $5.00)

Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade

Parade at 11:00am, Fireworks at sundown 

Location: Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne

The main thoroughfare of Crandon Boulevard comes to life with a parade of floats, high school marching bands and street performers. Its a traditional small-town celebration in the Miami metropolis.

Old Fashioned July 4th Picnic

Time: 11:00am-4:00pm 

Location: The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove

Enjoy the 4th at an old-fashioned picnic on the grounds of this 19th-century pioneer homesite. Hosted by the Barnacle Society, at the Barnacle Historic State Park, this event features "old timey" lawn games, kite-making and knot-tying demos! Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and enjoy the day’s celebration.

Hot Dog Eating Contest at CocoWalk

Time: 3:00pm

Location: CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove

Last year's winner at 11 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Do you have what it takes to top that? Sign up by e-mailing naomi@cocowalk.com. (Participants must be at least 18 years of age and must pre-register). 

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Celebrating the 4th of July in South Florida

Lots of great things to do on the 4th - almost every part of South Florida has its own fireworks show and celebration!

The image here is from the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce's Grove Stars on the 4th. It is the official signed art by Andrea Cordero of Arts and Minds Academy. She is a second year Junior. “This piece is meant to emulate the significance of Independence Day and the tropical ambience of Coconut Grove. The uppermost part of the peacock’s neck symbolizes the blue fraction of the flag, which signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. Due to the peacocks instinctive beauty I decided to retain its appealing colors within the feathers. The peacock’s tailpiece was meant to show the balance and harmony between the bird and the flag. The palm tree resembles the refreshing scene of Coconut Grove and its seafront view. The peacock was meant to perch on the tree to deliver the sense of pride because it carries the American flag within its feathers.” - Andrea Cordero

51st Annual Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade: 11am. Watch Crandon Boulevard come alive with a whimsical parade of floats, high school marching bands and street entertainers in the style of a traditional small-town celebration. The day-long event also includes a fireworks presentation at sunset. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-361-5207. www.keybiscayne.fl.gov

An American Celebration: July 4th on Miami Beach: 7:30pm. The City of Miami Beach proudly presents its annual patriotic celebration of music and fireworks; free and open to the publc. Please come early and bring beach chairs and towels. No cooler or bottles are permitted on the beach. Ocean Dr. & 10th St., 305-672-1270.

Fourth of July at Bayfront Park: 4pm-9pm. Celebrate the birth of our great nation at downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park with a spectacular fireworks display, children’s activities, food and drinks. Bring the whole family! Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., downtown Miami, 305-358-7550, www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

Grove Stars on 4th of July: 11am. Celebrate the Nation’s Birthday in Grove style, during the “Grove Stars on 4th of July,” featuring a children’s area, Roast Pig & Wild Boar Cook Off, free music and entertainment topped off by an exquisite fireworks display! Events in the Grove start at 11am with the Picnic at the Barnacle, scavenger hunt and hot dog eating contest in downtown Grove and followed by events at Peacock Park. 2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, 305-444-7270. www.coconutgrovechamber.com

Gulfstream Park: 4pm-10pm. Live entertainment from the David Rey band from 7-9pm is just part of the fun at Gulfstream Park this Fourth of July! Fireworks at 9pm cap a great evening that includes an "All American Buffet" at Ten Palms Restaurant beginning at 5pm ($17.76 per person for buffet; call 954-455-6760 for reservations). US 1, Hallandale Beach, www.gulfstreampark.com