Let freedom ring on the Gulf Coast! 

Every year, the Gulf Coast celebrates the 4th of July with a bang. From Destin to Panama City Beach and everywhere in between, you can find a variety of Independence Day events over the July 4th holiday weekend. These huge celebrations range from spectacular firework extravaganzas to patriotic parades, family-friendly cookouts, and so much more. 

To make it easy for you, we’ve compiled a list of everything going on for the 4th of July here on the coast. If you’re going to be in the area over this weekend of freedom and fireworks, be sure to check out these events.

Destin

HarborWalk Village: All American Thursday

HarborWalk Village in Destin will kick off its annual 4th of July celebration with its weekly All American Thursday event. Though this event happens every Thursday, it will be especially significant the Thursday before the Fourth. This harbor celebration honors the USA and military personnel with a vintage airshow, hero salute, and live entertainment. A fireworks show will finish off the night in a spectacular shower of colorful light. This event will run from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

HarborWalk Village 4th of July Celebration

The HarborWalk Village 4th of July Celebration is a three-day freedom festival. July 2nd and July 3rd will feature free live music starting at 7pm. In addition to shopping and restaurant venues, the harbor also has a variety of family activities to participate in. On July 4th, there will be live music and a silent disco at 7pm. After a gorgeous sunset over the Destin Harbor, the grand finale starts at 9pm with a firework show, and fire spinning by Autumn Lyfe will begin. The fireworks are set off from the West Jetties Beach. This is a display you won’t want to miss!

Related article: Secrets of the Destin Jetties Revealed

Smoke on the Coast BBQ

& Fireworks Festival at the Destin Commons

Nothing says “4th of July” more than BBQ and fireworks! This year, the Destin Commons is hosting the 10th annual Smoke on the Coast BBQ and Fireworks Festival on July 3rd . And boy, is there a lot to do at this fun event. The festival will run from 5pm to 10pm, with the BBQ sampling starting at 5:30pm. You will be able to sample BBQ from area restaurants and groups and then vote for your favorite! Restaurants have partnered with local charities, and there are over $85,000 in donations benefitting these charities. The event will feature more family fun activities, including face painting, a photo booth, and a nighttime Independence Day firework show.  While you are there, be sure to check out the Destin Commons Murals!

Miramar Beach

Red, White, and Baytowne

The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin will host their annual Red, White, and Baytowne on July 4th from 7pm to 9:15pm. You can expect to see lots of kids’ activities, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon sculpting, and more. Be sure to check out the sunset from the marina wharf while you’re here. There will be a live concert from Donovan Keith on the Events Plaza Stage. The concert will lead into the fireworks celebration over Choctawhatchee Bay.

July 4th at Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge at Hotel Effie

Enjoy live music, cocktails, private seating, and amazing views of the fireworks at Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge on July 4th. Located at Hotel Effie at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, this is the perfect way to celebrate a relaxed Independence Day.

Scenic Highway 30A

Seaside Independence Day Celebration

& Fireworks Spectacular

^{Photo Credit: Sowal.com}

Seaside’s Fourth of July celebration lasts all day, from 9am to 9pm! This fabulous festival is family-friendly and full of fun activities for everyone. The Central Square Block Party will feature an Uncle Sam Stilt walker, balloon animals, face painting, caricaturists, and a juggler. There will be two second-line patriotic music parades throughout the day. Actors from the Seaside REP Theatre will perform the classic Beauty and the Beast fairytale with a fast-paced and funny twist. Finally, Seaside will launch fireworks out over the water for a fantastic display on the beach.

Related Article: Best Things to Do in Seaside

4th of July Celebration at Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach, the charming Dutch Indies, colonial-styled village at the eastern edge of Scenic 30A, will host a super awesome family day this 4th of July. The festivities begin at 7:30am around the expansive green town promenade and park. The first event is a bike decorating contest, which is open to everyone. Prizes will be awarded to participants for Most Patriotic, Best Overall, and others. After the contest, you and your family can participate in the bike parade through Town Center to show off your amazing decorating skills. This will be followed by more family activities on the grass, including three-legged and sack races, a balloon toss, music, and more. In the evening, a summer concert will feature the Coppertones. Then, a high-flying Star-Spangled Fireworks Display will top of the day’s festivities.

FOOW Independence Day Celebration

This year, FOOW is offering preorder picnic meals for the 4th of July. Order your meal, pick it up curbside at FOOW, and bring it with you to the beach anywhere on 30A for the firework show!

Panama City Beach

Pier Park: Real. Fun. Fourth.

Celebrate Independence Day at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. This fun celebration begins July 3rd with the Light up the Gulf event, which is a magical display of fireworks behind the Boardwalk Beach Resort condominium. It will also feature the 13th Annual Beach Bash with live entertainment, music, concerts, family fun, and kids’ activities. The fun continues on July 4th with the largest fireworks show on the Gulf Coast. Why is it the largest? Because it will feature dueling fireworks from two piers—Russel-Fields and M.B. Miller. Talk about lighting up the night!

If your plans for the 4th of July bring you to Destin, Scenic 30A, or Panama City Beach, you are sure to have a memorable vacation. Ocean Reef provides vacation rentals along the Gulf Coast and invites you to spend this patriotic holiday at the beach.

Keep reading:

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