Orlando is jam-packed with ways to celebrate the 4th of July. As many events had to be cancelled in 2020, in 2022, the celebrations are set to be bigger than ever before!
American Independence Day is a time when millions of US citizens fly the American flag, to commemorate the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776. It’s also a time when Orlando comes alive with endless parties, parades and star-spangled celebrations!
Along with numerous events happening at the theme parks, excellent and cheaper alternatives include barbecues, firework displays and fun runs. If you’re celebrating Independence Day in Orlando and are looking for the best places to head, make sure you read this handy guide to what’s on and where.
Where to celebrate the 4th July in Orlando, 2024
Disney World
Independence Day in Disney World is often the best time of the year to catch the parks’ biggest and best fireworks shows. With fireworks displays at Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the 4th of July, this isn’t one to be missed!
There will also be plenty of patriotic treats available throughout the park, including themed refreshments and plenty of new merchandise. Be sure to look out for your favorite characters who will be wearing their fourth of July finest!
If you want to continue the celebrations after-hours, we offer a huge range of villas in Orlando – including homes with their own pools and BBQs!
Legoland
On the 3rd and 4th of July, Legoland Florida will be holding its annual Red, White & Boom celebration. This ‘Awe-Summer’ event includes patriotic Lego-themed activities such as Lego builds and a huge fireworks show.
During the fireworks guests can wear special viewing glasses that make it appear as if thousands of giant Lego bricks are exploding in the sky! There’ll also be the chance to help build a giant American flag made out of Lego bricks, meet your favorite Lego characters, and salute the troops during the Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty ski show. Entrance is included in park admission.
Free Independence Day events in Orlando
If you’re not up for the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, there are loads of other events going on around Orlando. And what’s more, many of them are totally free. Here are some of the best free events to check out over the fourth of July weekend in Orlando.
Fireworks at the Fountain
One of Orlando’s biggest and best 4th of July fireworks displays takes place downtown at Lake Eola Fountain in Eola Park. The fireworks get started at around 9pm, but the party gets going well before with live music, a beer garden, a kids’ play area and refreshment stalls. If you’re not yet comfortable attending in-person events, you can stream the whole event online!
Red, White & Brew
Head to Wall Street Plaza in downtown Orlando on July 3rd/4th for two nights of all-American block parties. All of the Plaza’s bars will be participating including Cantina, The Hen House, Hooch, Monkey Bar, Shine, Sideshow and WaiTiki. Expect drinks, food, games, competitions and live music. Entrance is free.
Monumental 4th of July
The Monumental 4th of July event in Kissimmee is one of the town’s biggest annual events. There’s something for the whole family to enjoy including live music, a kids zone, a craft market and food vendors. The event starts at 5pm and culminates in a huge fireworks finale to close the night. Admission is free.
St. Cloud Fireworks
For low-key Fourth of July fun, St Cloud is a great place to head. Now in its 75th year, this lakefront celebration is a great way to spend your holiday evening. The festivities start at 3pm, with games, food and live music. If you like seafood, head to Crabby Bill’s where you dine on the lakefront and get great views of the fireworks which start at 9pm.
Smoke on the Water
There are even more free fireworks displays over on Florida’s Space Coast, just a one-hour drive from Orlando. At Port Canaveral, you will be able to celebrate for three days straight with fireworks taking place every night! The annual Smoke on the Water event will light up the skies with a spectacular Independence Day display. You can get great views from the waterfront dining spots and from Exploration Tower. Fireworks are expected to start at 9.00 pm.
For the second night, the firework show will continue over the ocean at Cocoa Beach. Grab your beach chairs and take to the sand to watch the display!
Symphony Under The Stars
The third night of celebrations on the Space Coast include a free concert. With music from the Brevard Symphony Orchestra at Cocoa Riverfront Park, this event starts at 8pm on July 4, with fireworks at 9:15 pm. The park will open early with food available for purchase so bring your lawn chairs and a blanket! Admission to the park is free.
Melbourne Firecracker
For something a little different, why not kick off your Fourth of July 2024 celebrations with a fun-filled race. Participating runners dress in their most patriotic attire and run along the 5K route to the finish line. After the race, the celebrations continue with the Honor America Parade. At 9pm fireworks will light up the sky over Indian River Lagoon near Front Street Park.
Park barbecues
There are so many beautiful parks in Orlando with picnic tables and grills for barbecues. Some of the nicest ones include Cypress Grove Park and Wadeview Park in the central area of Orlando; Downey Park and Moss Park in east Orlando; Bill Frederick Park in west Orlando and Wekiwa Springs in Apopka. Simply pack what you need and head down to one of the parks for an afternoon of eating, drinking and celebrating.
Where should I stay?
If you’re spending Independence Day 2024 in Orlando and you’re looking for accommodation, why not rent a private vacation home? A vacation rental offers more space and privacy than an hotel, plus you’ll have all the amenities you need for your own 4th of July celebrations.
Most of our vacation rentals in Orlando have their own private swimming pools. Many also have hot tubs, home theaters, game rooms and themed rooms. What’s more, all of our homes are ideally located in top resorts, just minutes from Disney World and Orlando’s other top attractions.
Tempted to book?
Wherever you decide to stay with Top Villas, you’ll benefit from amazing round-the-clock customer service plus access to a wide range of travel extras such as car hire, attraction tickets or help with arranging a special experience.
Follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your dream vacation home instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It’s easy to check availability, get a quote and book instantly online. Alternatively, submit an enquiry and we’ll get straight back to you.
You can see all of our Orlando vacation rentals here.
