July4
Fourth of July is just around the corner, and in the true spirit of the original 13 colonies, Southwest Florida is booked with events you can wave your high-flying flag to. Whether you favor the traditional Independence Day of cookouts and fireworks or you’d rather celebrate indoors sans triple-degree weather, you’re sure to find the perfect event at which to boast your red, white and blue mood.
Collier County
- City of Naples July 4 Parade and Fireworks: Downtown Naples, July 4
Sales and stars and stripes, oh my! Some of Naples’ most charming streets will be joining in the patriotic festivities of the day, including the annual Fourth of July parade. Take a stroll down Third Street South, Eighth Street South or the famous Fifth Avenue South, and snatch some bargains from their sidewalk sale. Just make sure not to shop until you drop, because you’ll want to finish the day by watching the beautiful fireworks bursting over the Naples pier.
- Moe’s Fireworks 5K: Fleischmann Park, Naples, July 4
The catchy “Welcome to Moe’s!” slogan is probably echoing in the back of your mind already. But rather than their usual Southwestern-style cuisine, Moe’s will be serving up some awards to winners of the annual Gulf Coast Runners race. Located at Fleischmann Park, this old and beloved race loops around the park and through Naples' Lake Park neighborhood. Registration is $12-25.
Lee County
- City of Cape Coral Red, White & Boom: Cape Coral Bridge, Cape Coral, July 4
The City of Cape Coral will be hosting one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in Southwest Florida. With a usual attendance of more than 30,000 people, you’ll want to make sure to find your place in the festivities. The event will include multiple food and beer vendors, a musical lineup featuring popular country artists, and a fantastic fireworks display to cap the evening.
- Fort Myers Freedom Fest: Fort Myers’ Historic River District, Fort Myers, July 4
Get your own little taste of freedom at this year’s Fort Myers Freedom Fest. Along with an evening of delicious food, live music and fun family activities to commemorate our national day of freedom, Downtown Fort Myers has added a motor show to rev things up a bit (pun intended). And what better to end the evening? The glimmering reflection of fireworks in the Caloosahatchee River after sunset.
- Sanibel Independence Day Celebrations: Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, July 4
You may have to forgo the idea of island time this Fourth of July. You’ll want to set your alarms early to catch Sanibel’s adored Periwinkle Way parade, which starts at 9:30 a.m. down the historic island route. An annual Road Rally will take place following the parade, and the much-anticipated fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.
- USA Independence Day 5K: Germain Arena, Estero, July 4
An event for the early birds! Whether you love to run or walking is more your speed, kick off your Independence Day celebration by joining friends and family for a 5K race at Germain Arena. Registration is $30-159.
- Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July: Fishing Pier, Fort Myers, July 4
This celebration will be a time to soak up the sun, and the stars! Start the day by watching the parade on Estero Boulevard, and spend the afternoon relaxing under the warm sun on Fort Myers’ lively beaches. And if you’re still out by the water at night, keep your eyes and ears open for the fishing pier fireworks.
Check out our calendar for even more events.