Top Fourth of July Activities in Pensacola, FL

If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth of July in Pensacola, we have a whole lineup of suggestions for you. From live music to fireworks over the water, the area offers a wealth of options.

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Ronald McDonald House Firecracker 5K

Start celebrating Independence Day early on Saturday, July 1, with the Ronald McDonald House Firecracker 5K. The event includes a 5K Run and 5K Walk as well as a Kids Fun Run. The 5K events both kick off at 7 a.m., and the Kids Fun Run starts at 8 a.m. All benefits go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida. The race route starts and ends at Seville Quarter. Runners are encouraged to wear their most patriotic attire, and all participants receive a finisher medal.

Location: 130 E. Government St., Pensacola.

Flora-Bama Freedom Run

The Flora-Bama Freedom Run kicks off the Independence Day fun early on Saturday, July 1. This annual event includes a 4-mile run/walk course and a 1-mile fun run/walk, so you can participate at the level that’s most comfortable for you. Participants are encouraged to don their boldest and most patriotic attire for the event. The first 400 registrants will receive a race shirt. Runners also get a little extra red, white, and blue swag and access to food and drinks at the post-race party.

Awards are given to those in the 4-mile run. These awards go to the first-, second-, and third-place runner in each age division as well as the overall male and female. All fun run participants get a finisher medal.

The 4-mile run and 1-mile fun run kick off at 8 a.m., with the 4-mile walk following at 8:02. The 4-mile route begins on the north side of Perdido Beach Boulevard and moves west to the bridge before passing beneath it to reach Flora-Bama. The 1-mile fun run starts on the south side of Perdido Beach Boulevard and moves west for half a mile, then turns back to Flora-Bama.

Location: 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key.

Flora-Bama Fourth of July Party

The Flora-Bama Lounge beach bar will host an exciting all-day party for the Fourth of July. This honky-tonk lounge enjoys the distinctive pride of sitting on the line between Orange Beach, Alabama, and Perdido Key, Florida. The venue has five stages and multiple beach bars, creating the ideal setting to rock the day away. The party will include the Miss Firecracker Bikini Contest, a mouthwatering barbecue, and live music. A fireworks display on the beach caps off the night.

If you get hungry for something else, belly up to the famous Flora-Bama oyster bar, which offers freshly shucked raw oysters, char-grilled butter parmesan oysters, Cajun oysters, and baked oysters McClellan. You can also build your own Bama Burger or get casual classics like shrimp tacos, chicken club sandwiches, or nachos.

Location: 17401 Perdido Key Drive, Perdido Key.

Symphony Sparks & Stars

Symphony Sparks & Stars is an annual event at Pensacola Community Maritime Park. The festivities begin on July 4 at 7:30 p.m. with the Marine Corps presentation of colors. The national anthem follows with a flyover from the U.S. Navy jets. After this incredible kickoff, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra puts on an outstanding patriotic concert featuring battle hymns for every branch of military service.

The Sertoma fireworks conclude the event in an incredible display lauded as the largest on the Gulf Coast. If you can’t get to the event at the park, you can view the concert via a live broadcast on Blab TV on the big screen in Wahoos Stadium. NewsRadio 92.3/AM 1620 and 95.3 will also broadcast the concert so you can listen in regardless of where you’re celebrating.

Location: 316 S. Baylen St., Pensacola.

Fireworks Viewing Cruise

View the Sertoma fireworks display from the waters of Pensacola Bay aboard an unforgettable cruise. The vessel departs from the downtown Pensacola ferry, landing at 8 p.m. to make it out to a perfect viewing spot before the display. Each vessel seats up to 100 guests and includes a climate-controlled cabin and open-air rooftop seating. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are available for purchase onboard. The vessels are also equipped with restrooms for your convenience.

After the fireworks, the cruise will return to the ferry. Guests can expect to disembark around 10 p.m.

Location: 750 S. Commendencia St., Pensacola.

Bands on the Beach

The Fourth of July fun will kick off on the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk at 7 p.m. with Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs in the picturesque Gulfside Pavilion. This nine-piece band features frontman Johnny Earthquake accompanied by a powerful female vocalist and a full horn section known cleverly as “The Horny Boys.” The band plays a dance-worthy selection of sing-along musical favorites from the ’50s to today. Plan to bring your own chairs to set up a comfortable spot for the show. Beverages must be in cans or plastic bottles — glass is not allowed. Pets are also not permitted.

Location: Gulfside Pavilion, 20 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach.

Fireworks on the Beach

On July 4, a breathtaking fireworks display will occur along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk and Santa Rosa Sound. You can snag a spot anywhere along this stretch to take in the sight from 8:30 to 9 p.m. Take a chair or beach towel and get comfortable on the white sand as this vibrant display explodes overhead. Plan to arrive early to secure your spot.

Location: 7 Casino Beach Boardwalk, Pensacola Beach.

Stay Safe This Fourth of July

These activities offer a wealth of options for both residents and visitors who will celebrate the Fourth of July in the Pensacola area. Attending professional fireworks shows like those listed above is the safest way to enjoy the holiday. If you elect to set off any fireworks yourself, always take appropriate safety precautions and follow the manufacturer’s directions. If you know of other exciting events taking place this Independence Day, contact our team at Allen Turner Hyundai and let us know so we can help spread the word.

Image by Jingda Chen is licensed with Unsplash License