Festivities for 4th of July Weekend in Orlando 2018

With summertime here, there is so much to do in Orlando. And 4th of July Weekend has no shortage of fun. There’s no better way to spark fireworks with your date than to go and watch the real thing! Head out to one of the July 4th fireworks in Orlando for a spectacular display! If you're looking for other things to do on 4th of July weekend, we've got plenty of ideas right here.

Red, White, & Views at TradeWinds Resort

Thursday-Sunday, July 4 – 7, 2024
Celebrate Independence Day with a star-spangled getaway to TradeWinds Resort on St. Pete Beach! Just a short drive away, it feels like a world apart. Enjoy numerous activities on our soft white sands, along with a 15% discount on rates.

Soak up the sun this 4th of July and start planning your weekend now. Don't miss out on breathtaking views and a spectacular weekend featuring fireworks, a cookout with an Ole Smokey and Tanteo Bar takeover, and plenty of sand and sun!

Tradewinds Resort 4th of July event Red, White, and Views

1. Plan a weekend getaway:

Take 2 Package at AC Hotel Tampa

Make it a date night at the AC Hotel Tampa with our Take 2 Package, which includes 2 tapas & 2 cocktails in the AC Lounge and a 2pm check-out! Explore 4th of July festivities around Tampa and then relax in our luxurious guest rooms, soak up the sun at their pristine outdoor pool, and unwind by the fire pit to complete your stay. Book your romantic getaway today! *Available through 12/31/24

AC Hotel Tampa

2. 4th of JULY FIREWORKS

Fireworks at the Fountain
When: Thursday, July 4, 2024 from 4-10pm (Fireworks at 9:10pm)
Where: Lake Eola Park
Cost: FREE

This year marks the 47th Annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration in downtown Orlando at our city's iconic Lake Eola Park. The fun kicks off at 4pm with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and food/drinks available for purchase from on-site vendors. You're allowed to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and a cooler filled with your favorite snacks and nonalcoholic drinks to enjoy. Dogs are welcome, too.

The epic fireworks display will begin at 9:10pm. The finale will include a dazzling display set to a patriotic performance from the Orlando Concert Band.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Disney Fireworks
When: July 3 and July 4
Where: Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Cost: Included with theme park admission

Nightly fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom and Epcot are magical any time of year. But during 4th of July weekend, patriotic magic is added! You can catch the display at Magic Kingdom each night, or head to Epcot for the nightly show including fireworks, music, and special lighting effects.

Make the 4th of July in Orlando unforgettable with a Disney Fireworks Cruise. Cruises leave from Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort and chart a course to the International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon for a celebration including fireworks, lasers, and synchronized audio. There are also a few options in the Magic Kingdom resorts area.

If you're on a budget, check out one of these spots for viewing Disney fireworks outside the parks.


View the FULL LIST of 4th of July Fireworks in Orlando


4th of July Fireworks at Orlando Resorts

Want to go all out with a long weekend getaway? Several Orlando resorts host fabulous 4th of July fireworks displays that are exclusive to resort guests.

At Orlando World Center Marriott, Explore the all-new River Falls Water Park with Falls Lagoon Pool, 7 thrilling waterslides, kids splash zone, 575ft. lazy river, and daily activities. Join them every evening at 9pm and watch the laser light show from the Falls Lagoon pool deck or from your private pool view balconies.

End the weekend with a literal bang by watching a fireworks display on Thursday, July 4. Upgrade to the special fireworks package for extra perks like a $50 resort credit and late checkout at 2pm.

Or, book a swanky weekend staycation at Grande Lakes Orlando, home to JW Marriott Orlando and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Lawn games for the family and special dining menus at Highball & Harvest and Knife & Spoon are a few of the perks. Spend your days exploring the expansive property and participating in guided outdoor adventures like fishing, kayaking, and falconry. The weekend culminates in a fireworks display for overnight guests on Thursday, July 4 at 9pm.

3. 4th of July EVENTS

AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k
Thursday, July 4, 7:30am
Park Avenue, Winter Park
Join friends, family and neighbors for a morning celebration with ice cold watermelon and American pride.
$33 – $43

City of Winter Park 4th of July Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 9am – 11am
Central Park, Winter Park
Bring the family over to enjoy a Kids Zone with carnival games, balloon artist and bounce slides provided by Parks & Recreation Family Fun Program.

July 4th Bike Parade
Lake Avalon – Avalon Park
Thursday, July 4, 5:30pm
Line up at YMCA at 5pm with decorated bikes, strollers, and wagons. Line up at 5pm, parade at 5:30pm. Preregister if you want to participate

July Fourth Weekend Activities
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
July 4 – 7, 2024, 9am-5pm
A Fourth of July celebration isn’t complete without games to play outdoors! All holiday weekend long Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host several outdoor activities. Try your swing at mini golf, aim for the win in corn hole, and get four in a row in one of our large party towers. All activities will take place rain or shine and are included with admission.

Live at The Lawn
Now through August 4, Saturday & Sunday, 4-7pm
ICON Park
Through August 4, live performances will take place on The Lawn underneath the Orlando Eye every Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. followed by DJ entertainment from 8 p.m. to midnight. Plus, there will be special performances to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
FREE

Themed Nights at Red Coconut Club
July 5-6, 2024
The Red Coconut Club, Universal Citywalk
Head to the Red Coconut Club on Friday for the silent disco or on Saturday for their Y2K party!

Orlando Red White and Brew Bar Crawl
Saturday, July 6, 4-10pm
Elixir Kitchen and Bar
9 West Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Gather your friends, don your most patriotic outfits, and hit the town for this thrilling bar crawl experience. As you move from one vibrant venue to the next, each bar will greet you with unique drink specials designed to commemorate the day. The Red, White, and Brew Bar Crawl is an opportunity to explore the best local hangouts, make new friends, and celebrate the USA in an environment brimming with enthusiastic revelers.
$25

Laugh Freely Clean Comedy Show Experience
Saturday, July 6, 7-10pm
Plaza Theatre
431 Plaza Drive Eustis, FL 32726
Prepare to have your funny bone tickled relentlessly with their sensational lineup of comedians who will keep you in stitches all evening long. They've got the hilarious Tony Black, the side-splitting Patrick Sisk, and the dynamic duo of headliners, Goldiee and Comedian Whodi! Whether you're seeking an unforgettable night out with your pals or simply in need of some good, clean humor, this event is an absolute must. Tickets are priced at a mere $20, with premium seating available for just $25.


View the FULL LIST of 4th of July Events in Orlando


Things to do for 4th of July

4. Outdoor movies

Catch a flick at a local drive-in movie theater this 4th of July weekend, or watch an outdoor movie.

Memorial day weekend in Orlando ideas
Date night at the Silver Moon Drive-in in Lakeland

5. Bike ride 4th of July date

Rent bikes this 4th of July Holiday Weekend and cycle the West Orange Trail. We love starting at Killarney Station and ending in Downtown Winter Garden. Oakland Nature Preserve is a notable stop along the way, with a boardwalk to Lake Apopka and free admission. The Cross Seminole Trail is another option.

6. Float down a river in a tube this 4th of July

Soak up the sun at one of Central Florida's natural lazy rivers. Two of our favorite spots are Kelly Park and KP Hole. FYI: Kelly Park will fill up to capacity. Get there very early to get in line if you're hoping to get in.

Here are more places to go tubing in Florida.

7. Go on a safari

For an activity that's just as suitable for a date day as a family outing, check out a local safari experience. Wild Florida has an awesome drive-thru Safari Park with animal feeding experiences available as an add-on. Giraffe Ranch is another option.

8. Wekiva Island

Laze the day away at Wekiva Island. Private cabanas are available for rent and there's live music every Saturday evening.

9. Munch Your Way through a Local Farmer's Market

Pick up something delicious and locally grown at one of our local farmer's markets. Then take it home to create a delicious meal combining local produce with your favorite meats on the grill. Try the Windermere (Friday), Winter Park (Saturday), Winter Garden (Saturday) or Lake Eola Farmer’s Market (Sunday).

10. Brewery Hop

Orlando has a fantastic craft beer scene and there are new craft breweries popping up around town. Our Beer Lover's Guide to Breweries in Orlando has them all. And if the kids need to come along, check out 10 Kid-Friendly Orlando Breweries.

11. Take a Hike

Some of our local favorites include Lake Lotus Park, Lake Louisa State Park, Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Flat Island Preserve. Or, try one of these natural parks near the theme parks.

Nature parks near Orlando Theme Parks - Brownie Wise Park
Brownie Wise Park | Image credit: Dani Meyering

12. Go kayaking

There are so many kayaking experiences near Orlando. Explore Rock Springs Run in a clear kayak, paddle the headwaters of the Everglades from The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek (in Kissimmee), or try a nighttime paddle with A Day Away Kayak Tours.

Check out King’s Landing's Summer Nights Kayak Adventure! Summer Nights Kayak Adventure is perfect for those looking to explore the run during the most peaceful time of day!

13. Visit Downtown Celebration

Get out and enjoy the sunshine with a lunch date and a walk around Downtown Celebration. Share truffle fries and flatbreads paired with wine at Imperium, get a scoop (or two) of gelato from Le Macaron, rent bikes, or explore the paved pathways on foot.

14. Make your own pancakes

Eat DIY pancakes at Old Spanish Sugar Mill at DeLeon Springs. This open air eatery is THE reason De Leon Springs State Park needs to be added to your bucket list. For just a few bucks you get all-you-can-eat pancakes, made by you. Be prepared for a wait no matter what time of day you visit, as this is a popular activity.

15. Hop on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Make 4th of July weekend the time you finally take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Tours run daily on the hour from 10am – 4pm and tickets are $16. Combine this with exploring Park Avenue.

16. Dine outdoors

See how many of these 75+ restaurants with great outdoor seating you can make it to in the span of the long weekend.

The Yardery in Sanford is kid-friendly and fun with a tire swing, green astroturf, and yard games
The Yardery in Sanford is kid-friendly | Dani Meyering

17. Spend the day at a resort pool

You don't have to be an overnight guest to spend the day by one of Orlando's best resort pools. Many hotels and resorts offer day passes through Resort Pass or grant access to locals for the day with a qualifying spa appointment. Memorial Day weekend in Orlando is the perfect time to spend the day together poolside.

18. Orlando Happy Hours

If you're lucky enough to be able to leave the office early on the Friday of 4th of July weekend, make the most of it by visiting one of Orlando's happy hours. And some venues even offer happy hour on the weekends.

19. Dine at a dog-friendly restaurant

4th of July means it's the dog days of summer, so bring your pooch along and enjoy a meal together at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants in Orlando.

20. Try a new cuisine

One of the best ways to connect with each other is to try a type of cuisine you haven't had before. Cook your own food together at one of the Korean BBQ restaurants in Orlando, or get your fill at an Orlando Brazilian steakhouse.

BONUS IDEA: Check out the last weekend of Bite30 to try a new-to-you restaurant!

21. Cheap Date Ideas in Downtown Orlando

4th of July weekend is a great excuse to get to know Downtown Orlando, and you can do so without overspending thanks to these Budget-Friendly Downtown Orlando Dates Under $30.

22. Relax in a spa

We've made it past the halfway mark of 2024, which means you need a break. Make an appointment to enjoy one of the best Orlando spas for couples.

Couples Room Blue Harmony Spa by Wyndham Bonnet Creek features two soaking tubs and warm, soft lighting
Couples Room Blue Harmony Spa by Wyndham Bonnet Creek | @datingindisney

23. Spark romance at these experiences

From leisurely boat tours to beautiful gardens and intimate dining, the City Beautiful is full of romantic escapades for couples.

24. Do something for free

Trying to save a little money? You don't need a huge budget in order to plan a memorable 4th of July with your partner. We've compiled a list of our favorite free things to do in Orlando.

25. Toast the holiday weekend at a rooftop bar

These rooftop bars & restaurants in Orlando invite you to nibble and toast your way through date night while enjoying spectacular, starlit views.

26. Satisfy your sweet tooth

Making the most of the 4th of July weekend is pretty sweet, but you can make it even sweeter at one of these restaurants with over-the-top desserts in Orlando.

27. Happy Hour on Friday

One big benefit of the 4th of July falling on a Thursday is that you still have Friday to take advantage of some of the amazing Happy hour options around town. Our local's guide to happy hour can help steer you in the right direction!

Feature image credit: Orlando World Center Marriott