Let patriotic love explode this 4th of July in Orlando while celebrating our nation’s freedom and independence. What better way to commemorate the festive holiday than in grand fashion? We’ve brought you a smorgasbord of events from well-loved fireworks shows to ticketed events. Choosing just one is the hard part.
Whether you splurge on a grandiose evening or keep it simple, let us know where you are headed for an epic evening celebrating America!
1. Fireworks at the Fountain
When: Sunday, July 4, 2021 from 5-10pm
Where: Lake Eola Park
Cost: FREE
This year marks the 44th Annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration in downtown Orlando at our city's iconic Lake Eola Park. The fun kicks off at 5pm 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.
If you want to make a day of it, arrive earlier in the day and check out World of Beer Downtown Orlando's Red, White & Booze brunch beginning at 11am. Highlights include specialty cocktails and firecracker sliders.
The epic fireworks display will begin at 9:15pm. 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. Face masks are encouraged if you have not been vaccinated.
2. Disney Fireworks
When: Nightly beginning July 1, 2021
Where: Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Cost: Included with theme park admission
Nightly fireworks displays are returning to Magic Kingdom and Epcot this year just in time for 4th of July weekend! You can catch the “Happily Ever After” display at Magic Kingdom each night beginning July 1, which utilizes Cinderella's Castle as a backdrop for retelling iconic Disney story moments with projections, lights and fireworks. Or, head to Epcot for “Epcot Forever“, including fireworks, music and special lighting effects.
And here's an idea to save for later! Make 4th of July in Orlando unforgettable with a Disney Fireworks Cruise (temporarily suspended). Private 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.
The cruises include a captain, assorted snacks and soft drinks. Options for travel are:
- The 21-ft pontoon, beginning at $299 plus tax for up to 8 guests
- The 25-ft boat, beginning at $349 plus tax for up to 10 guests
- The Grand 1 Yacht, beginning at $399 per hour plus tax for up to 18 guests
If you're on a budget, check out one of these spots for viewing Disney fireworks outside the parks.
3. Promenade at Sunset Walk Star Spangled Weekend Celebration
When: July 3 – 4, 2021
Where: Promenade at Sunset Walk (Margaritaville Resort Orlando)
Cost: FREE
Head to this walkable entertainment and shopping hub for a full weekend of Independence Day celebrations. Sunset Walk's Star Spangled Weekend Celebration takes place Saturday and Sunday. Activities on Saturday include live musical performances at the Promenade Plaza, an evening car show, street performers, and an artisan market. On Sunday, July 4, enjoy more free entertainment at Promenade Plaza followed by a fireworks display at 9:30pm.
Margaritaville Resort Orlando will also have free entertainment Saturday and Sunday, plus fireworks viewing.
4. 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, treat your senses to a live tribute band concert and laser show from your private balcony on Saturday, July 3. This is part of the resort's ongoing Vertical Concert Series. End the weekend with a literal bang by watching a fireworks display on Sunday, 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 Sunday, July 4 at 9pm.
For a double dose of fireworks, head to Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. Fireworks will light up the sky Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4 at 9pm.
5. Star Spangled Sanford
When: Sunday, July 4, 2021 from 7-10pm
Where: Riverwalk / Fort Mellon Park area
Cost: FREE
Plan a full day in Sanford strolling the streets to visit your favorite local restaurants and breweries followed by evening fireworks. The sparks will fly over Lake Monroe just after sunset. The show will be set to music and will last for about 20 minutes. Make sure to pack blankets and chairs for comfy viewing along the water.
6. Monumental 4th of July in Kissimmee
When: Sunday, July 4, 2021, exact times TBD
Where: Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Cost: FREE
For those living on the southern side of Orlando, take a short jaunt to Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The City of Kissimmee is hosting Monumental 4th of July, a booming firework spectacular on July 4 typically held from 5-9:30pm. Further details are TBD.
7. Florida's Space Coast Smoke on the Water & Fire in the Sky
When: July 2 – 4, times vary
Where: Florida's Space Coast (Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach and Cocoa Village)
Cost: FREE
Give your 4th of July celebration a beachy twist by heading east to Florida's Space Coast! The coastline has a dazzling lineup for this year, with fireworks displays nightly from July 2 – July 4.
The festivities begin on July 2 in Port Canaveral, where you'll be able to watch fireworks over the harbor from The Cove at Port Canaveral or the Exploration Tower. If you're interested in setting up a blanket on the beach and watching sparks fly over the ocean, head to Cocoa Beach on July 3. Stake out a spot on the beach, or watch from the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. On July 4th, celebrations will take place at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village. Activities include fun for the whole family, food, and a performance by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra at 8pm, followed by a fireworks show over the Indian River Lagoon.
Fireworks are scheduled for Port Canaveral around 9pm on July 2, Cocoa Beach around 9pm on July 3, and Cocoa around 9:15pm on July 4.
8. Red, White and Blue Americana in Downtown Winter Garden
When: July 2 – 4, 2021
Where: Downtown Winter Garden
Cost: FREE
Celebrate all weekend long, small town style, at Downtown Winter Garden's Red, White and Blue Americana event. The full lineup includes:
- Red, White and Blues on the Plaza: live music performance on July 2 from 7-9pm
- Farmer's Market Independence celebration on July 3 from 8am-1pm
- Annual All American Kids Parade on July 4 at 10am
- Fireworks display on Lake Apopka at Newton Park on July 4 at 9:15pm
Downtown Winter Garden is also decked out in patriotic decor.
9. SeaWorld Orlando
When: July 2 – 4, 2021
Where: SeaWorld Orlando
Cost: Included with theme park admission; reserved seating for fireworks and parking additional
Dive into ocean depths this Independence Day at SeaWorld Orlando. The park's nightly firework show, Ignite, is getting a special finale boost all weekend long. Rockets will glare red along with pyrotechnics and lasers for a unique demonstration of patriotism. Reserve your seating to witness this one-of-a-kind display and engage in Electric Ocean, a nighttime event full of lights, music, sea creatures and DJ entertainment. The fireworks display is included with regular park admission.
The nightly fireworks show begins with Ignite at 10pm on July 2, 3 and 4, with a special patriotic fireworks finale at 11:30pm. Fireworks can be viewed from the Orca Encounter Pathway, The Waterfront, and Bayside Stadium. The latter provides the best view, and reserved seating can be purchased at the park for $39. Park admission and parking are additional.
10. City of Clermont Red, White and Boom
When: Sunday, July 4, 2021 from 7-10pm
Where: Waterfront Park in Historic Downtown Clermont
Cost: FREE
Clermont's all-American waterfront fireworks celebration is back for 4th of July 2021. This year's Red, White and Boom 4th of July event includes food trucks, live DJ music, an aerialist, and more. The fireworks begin at 9:15pm with a dazzling display over Lake Minneola. Additional viewing is available at Victory Pointe.
Pack a blanket to enjoy this free fireworks display. Consider arriving early to explore downtown Clermont, including new hotspots along Montrose Street.
ALSO TRY:
- Lake Nona's Great American Weekend: Lakeside Carnival & Fireworks June 26, 2021
- Free Fireworks at Old Town Kissimmee July 3, 2021
- Sounds of Wekiva 4th of July Celebration July 3-4, 2021
- City of Apopka July 4th Celebration July 4, 2021
- Annual 4th of July Celebration in St. Cloud July 4, 2021
4th of July Fireworks and Events Canceled or TBD for 2021
Some of our favorite events are still on hold for 2021, but we've listed them here and will update accordingly if more details become available, so check back often.
Red Hot & Boom at Cranes Roost Park
*CANCELED FOR 2021 – stay tuned for details in 2022!*
This infamous celebration typically takes place each year on July 3 in Uptown Altamonte’s Cranes Roost Park. The City partners with XL106.7 to bring a groovin’ good time during this legendary event. Performers featured on the iconic floating stage include Madison Beer, Dean Lewis, Ally Brooke, MAX, lovelytheband, Mabel and Asher Angel. Food vendors are scattered around Cranes Roost Lake to keep grumbling bellies at bay.
The event kicks typically kicks off at 4pm and ends with a 25-minute firework feast for the eyes. The event will go on rain or shine!
While this year's event has been canceled, we look forward to it returning in 2022.
Universal Studios Orlando
*DETAILS TBD for 2021*
Back in 2019, Universal Studios Florida celebrated with a massive gathering for celebratory shenanigans July 4th – 6th. Taking place at the Music Plaza, the weekend included a lineup of special entertainment and a Character Dance Party, culminating with pyrotechnics and confetti cannons. Nothing has been announced yet for 2021, so stay tuned and check back here for updates in case that changes.
Light Up I-Drive at ICON Park
*DETAILS TBD for 2021*
Spend an enchanting evening with a view like no other atop ICON Park’s Wheel! This Orlando staple is literally lights up I-Drive with a light show and fireworks each year. Details are TBD for 2021.
Heading to Tampa for the 4th of July? Check out Tampa Bay Date Night Guide's Fourth of July Fireworks and Events!
Also check out 75 Free Things to do in Orlando.
Feature image credit: City of Orlando
