40+ fun things to do in Brevard in July, from fireworks to food trucks
Here are 40+ fun things to do on the Space Coast in July. Event details are subject to change, so we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.
Fairs and festivals
Great American Food Truck Bash in Wickham Park
Sample amazing food trucks at the Great American Food Truck Bash in the Wickham Park Pavilion, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, on Friday, July 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be live music by Rocket City, and a free rain barrel workshop organized by Brevard County Natural Resources. Visit facebook.com/events/516882770204593 and register for the workshop at eventbrite.com.
Unexplained Con on Merritt Island
Unexplained Con, an annual event that showcases the paranormal, will be at Merritt Square Mall, 777 E. Merrit Island Causeway, on Saturday, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature vendors and opportunities to share experiences, explore, discover and better understand the supernatural. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/events/829935904927962.
Concerts
Summer Sunday Reggae Series at Capt. Hiram’s
Capt. Hiram’s, 1606 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, will host free outdoor reggae concerts every Sunday through July 30. Visit the waterfront resort to enjoy a laid-back summer day full of live music and good vibes, featuring some of the best reggae bands from across the country. On Sunday, July 2, the lineup includes Brothers Within at 2 p.m. and Seranation at 4:30 p.m. On July 9, the lineup includes Vibes Farm at 2 p.m. and Ichroniq at 4:30 p.m. On July 16, the lineup includes Adam Azar & Friends at 2 p.m. and Lights Out Project at 4:30 p.m. On July 23, the lineup includes Top Hill Crew at 2 p.m. and Spred the Dub at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, July 30, the lineup includes Adwela & The Uprising at 2 p.m. and Reggae Lou and the Kind Budz at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 772-388-8588 or visit hirams.com.
BSO Summer Evenings concert in Suntree
Brevard Symphony Orchestra will host a series of summer chamber music concerts at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. The next concert in the series is Saturday, July 8 at 7 p.m., with the theme of “From Bach to Broadway.” The Florida Chamber Brass, led by BSO trombonist Joey Vascik, takes a musical journey full of fan favorites. Tickets are $25. Call 321-345-5052 or visit brevardsymphony.com.
Bob DiTota in concert on Merritt Island
The Space Coast Jazz Society presents jazz bassist Bob DiTota in concert at the Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy., Merritt Island, on Sunday, July 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Jazz Society and Veterans Memorial Center members, $20 for guests and free for students under 25. Bring your own food and drink, tables and seating are provided. Visit spacecoastjazzsociety.org.
Summer Youth Band concert in Melbourne
Melbourne Municipal Band’s Youth Band, consisting of students in grades 6 to 12, will give a concert at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, on Thursday, July 13 at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner to enjoy during the concert. Admission is free. Visit mmband.org.
The Playhouse Playboyz at Cocoa Village Playhouse
Jonas Brothers, Hanson and Backstreet Boys, move over. The Playhouse Playboyz, a local boy band, is ready to help Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave., with a “fun-raiser” at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15. The boys will be joined by some of the young leading performers of the Playhouse. Join the vibrant party to dance, sing and MMMbop. Tickets are $25. Call 321-636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.
Classic Albums Live: Supertramp at the King Center
Classic Albums Live brings Supertramp: Breakfast in America to the King Center on Saturday, July 15 at 8 p.m. Classic Albums Live recreates albums live on stage, note for note, cut for cut, using the world’s best musicians. Tickets start at $29.The King Center is at 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. For tickets and additional information, visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
‘More Spies and Other Guys’ concert in Melbourne
Melbourne Municipal Band’s Swingtime ensemble presents a free concert at the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., on Wednesday and Thursday, July 19 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. The concert will feature double agent ditties and secret agent songs. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event. Admission is free. Call 321-724-0555 or visit mmband.org.
Rock & Roll Revue concert in Satellite Beach
Rock & Roll Revue, an ensemble of the Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB), will present a concert of its signature sounds on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Wellsprings Church, 638 S. Patrick Drive in Satellite Beach. Conducted by Art Martin, the 12-piece group plays popular music from the 1950s through the 1970s. It includes an eight-piece combo, singer Len Fallen, and the Swingtimers Vocal Trio. Admission is free, but a good will offering is appreciated. Call 321-724-0555 or visit mmband.org.
The Future is Now!: Five Innovative Contemporary Jazz Artists
Five of today’s young, innovative jazz artists will perform at the King Center on Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature trombonist/vocalist Aubrey Logan, trumpeter/vocalist Ilya Serov, saxophonist Jeff Ryan, keyboardist Oli Silk and guitarist David P. Stevens. Tickets start at $60. The King Center is at 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne. For tickets and additional information, visit kingcenter.com or call 321-242-2219.
'Rite of Spring in Summer' concert in Melbourne
Space Coast Symphony Orchestra will perform Stravinsky’s riot-inducing masterwork at the Scott Center for the Performing Arts, 5625 Holy Trinity Drive, Melbourne, on Saturday, July 22 at 7 p.m. A second concert will be on Sunday, July 23 at 3 p.m. at the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Street. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door or free for ages 18 and younger or with a student ID. Call 855-252-7276 or visit https://spacecoastsymphony.org/event/the-rite-of-spring-in-summer/
Happening at The Tangiers
The Tangiers is at 4500 Dixie Highway, Unit 1A, Palm Bay. Call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com.
The Pat Travers Band: Canadian rock guitarist, keyboardist and singer Pat Travers will bring his band to The Tangiers for a concert on Saturday, July 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. The Tangiers is at 4500 Dixie Highway, Unit 1A, Palm Bay. Call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com.
Chicago Rewired: The Chicago tribute band will perform at The Tangiers on Sunday, July 30 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature hits from Chicago’s top albums, including “Beginnings” and “Make Me Smile.” Tickets start at $46. Call 321-327-8759 or visit thetangiersflorida.com.
Theater
Galmont Ballet gala at Cocoa Village Playhouse
Galmont Ballet will host a dazzling evening of dance featuring guest dancers Josue Justiz and Miguel Nguyen, along with Galmont’s talented students. The 20th anniversary gala performance will be Saturday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m. at Cocoa Village Playhouse, 300 Brevard Ave. Tickets start at $35. Call 321-636-5050 or visit cocoavillageplayhouse.com.
'Waves of Emotion': Surfrider movie night at Surfside Playhouse
Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, will host the movie premiere of “Waves of Emotion,” a film by Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski, on Saturday, July 8 at 6 p.m. The film explores the emotional experience of surfing, including visuals and narratives from dozens of surfers. There will be live music by the Aquanuts, a surfboard raffle and more. General admission tickets are $7. Call 321-783-3127 or visit surfsideplayhouse.com.
‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ at Surfside Playhouse
The Rich Weirdoes, a “Rocky Horror” shadow cast from Orlando, will perform at Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach, on Friday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 22 at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. The 1975 classic cult film follows Brad and Janet as they seek shelter at a mysterious old castle on a dark and stormy night. Tickets are $25, which includes a prop bag for audience participation. No outside props will be admitted into the theater. Call 321-783-3127 or visit surfsideplayhouse.com.
'9 to 5' at Titusville Playhouse
The musical based on the popular 1980 movie is on stage at Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, July 29 through Aug. 20. Three unlikely friends are pushed to the brink by their sexist, egotistical boss and take control of their office and their lives. Tickets start at $27. Call 321-268-1125 or visit titusvilleplayhouse.com.
Fourth of July events
Symphony Under the Stars in Cocoa
Brevard Symphony Orchestra will give a free concert at Riverfront Park, Cocoa, at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Fireworks will follow the concert at 9:15 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Admission is free, but VIP tickets that include a BBQ dinner and reserved seating are available for $60 for Brevard Symphony Orchestra subscribers, $75 for non-subscribers. Visit brevardsymphony.com/symphonyunderthestars.
Cocoa Beach Fireworks
The City of Cocoa Beach will host a fireworks display at Fischer Park Beach, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., starting at 9 p.m. Monday, July 3. The park will be closed to pedestrians and cars all day. Visit cityofcocoabeach.com.
Salute to America concert
The Melbourne Municipal Band and Eastminster Choir present a musical celebration of America at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 N. Riverside Drive, Indialantic on July 4 at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to stay after the concert for ice cream, fellowship and fireworks. Visit mmband.org.
Firecracker 5K in Melbourne
The 5K run will start at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 in the Eau Gallie Arts District. It begins on Highland Ave. at Eau Gallie Square, travels east over the Eau Gallie Causeway and returns to Eau Gallie Square. There will be red, white and blue popsicles for all finishers, as well as finisher medals, a light breakfast and free beer for ages 21 and older. The cost is $35 for adults or $20 for participants 12 and younger. Visit runsignup.com.
July 4 Celebration in Melbourne
Jesus is the Key Church hosts the event at Wickham Park Amphitheater, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, on Tuesday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will include a parade of state flags, jump castles, raffles, hot dogs, ice cones and more. Admission is free. Call 321-773-1489 or visit jitk.org.
MelBOOM 2023
The City of Melbourne hosts a fireworks celebration on Tuesday, July 4 starting at 9 p.m. at Claude Edge Front Street Park, 2205 Front Street, Melbourne. Food and fun await with fireworks set to go off at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to park at Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Blvd., and use a free shuttle service to Front Street Park. Three buses will run continuously from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Bus service will resume after the fireworks show and will run until 11 p.m. In the event of rain, the fireworks display will be rescheduled to July 5. Admission is free. Call 321-608-7420 or visit melbourneflorida.org.
Fireworks viewing at Green Gables
Green Gables, 1501 S Harbor City Blvd, Melbourne, will host fireworks viewing on Tuesday, July 4 from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring a lawn chair. The cost is $10 per car in advance or $15 per car at the door. Cars must show eventbrite ticket to enter. In addition, tours of the historic house will be available for $10 from 7 to 8 p.m. No smoking or alcohol is allowed. Visit greengables.org.
Independence Day parade on Merritt Island
The Veterans Memorial Center hosts the parade on July 4 at 10 a.m. It starts at Merritt Island High School, proceeding south on Courtenay Pkwy., then east on Merritt Ave., and ends at Edgewood Jr./Sr. High. After the parade, a celebration with food trucks will take place at the Veterans Memorial Center, 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy., Merritt Island. Visit veteransmemorialcenter.org.
Independence Day Celebration in Palm Bay
Palm Bay’s annual Independence Day Celebration returns to Eastern Florida State College, 250 Community College Parkway SE, Palm Bay, on Sunday, July 2 from 5 to 9 p.m. It will feature food trucks, vendors, a kids’ zone with free inflatables, games, face painting and more. There will be live music by Joseph Jevanni and Intensity Live. Fireworks will start around 9:15 p.m. Bring your own chairs or blankets, but coolers, pets, fireworks, sparklers, drones and alcohol are not allowed. Admission is free. Call 321-952-3443 or visit palmbayflorida.org.
Thunder over the Indian River in Port St. John
The Port St. John Community Foundation hosts this annual event at the OUC Indian River Plant, 7800 S. US1, on Saturday, July 1 starting at 4 p.m. The gate to the event is on Kings Highway, directly across from Capron Road. A fireworks display will start at 9:15 p.m. There will also be live entertainment, bounce houses, games, prizes and more. Admission is free, but for a $10 ticket guests may purchase a wristband for the Red, Hot & BBQ contest from 5 to 8 p.m. In the event of rain, the event will be postponed to Sunday, July 2. Visit portstjohncommunityfoundation.com or facebook.com/PSJCF.
Independence Day picnic in Rockledge
The City of Rockledge will host an Independence Day picnic at McLarty Park, 790 Barton Blvd., on Tuesday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a hamburger or hot dog, chips and a drink for just $1.The community event also features activities, games, music and more. Admission is free. Call 321-221-7540 or visit cityofrockledge.org or facebook.com/CityOfRockledge.
Suntree Stars & Stripes picnic and concert
Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, hosts a free community picnic and patriotic concert on Sunday, July 2. There will be games at 4:30 p.m., food at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 321-242-2585 or visit suntreeumc.org.
Red, White and Boom in Titusville
The City of Titusville will host a free family event in conjunction with the fireworks display on Tuesday, July 4 starting at 7 p.m. Enjoy music, food, business vendors and other family friendly activities in Chain of Lakes Park, 2300 Truman Scarborough Way, Titusville. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. Visit members.titusville.org.
Great American Celebration in Viera
A spectacular fireworks display is the highlight of this event at the USSSA Space Coast Complex, 6091 Stadium Parkway, Viera, starting at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Visit vieracommunityinstitute.com or call 321-255-4500.
Other events
Tour the historic home at Green Gables
Green Gables, 1501 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, will host an open house on Saturdays, July 1, 8, 15 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 127-year-old historic home is a living history museum showcasing life in the early years of Melbourne. Visitors will learn about the history of the Wells family, who played a key role in the development of the community. The cost is $10, or free for children 12 and younger. Visit greengables.org.
Free boat trip to Samsons Island
Samsons Island is a 52-acre passive nature island in the Banana River, accessible only by water, with docks on the south, east and north sides of the island for public use. The City of Satellite Beach provides free boat transportation to and from Samsons Island conservation area and nature park on the first and third Sunday of each month at noon, weather permitting. Guests will meet back at the main dock at 3 p.m. for the return trip. Trips will depart from and return to the Satellite Beach Fire Department, 1390 S. Patrick Drive. Due to increased popularity and limited availability, reservations for the boat shuttle are required. Sign up online at satellitebeach.gov.
Trains, Trains, Trains at Cocoa Library
The Florida East Coast Railway Society fecNtrak group will have their N-Scale Modular Railroad set up at the Catherine Schweinsberg-Rood Central Library, 308 Forrest Ave, Cocoa, on Saturday July 8 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The computer-driven model train layout replicates the 351-mile railway running from Jacksonville to Miami that passes right thru Cocoa. Kids from 8 to 80+ are welcome to be engineers and run the trains. Admission is free. Visit fecrs.com.
Fly-in/Drive-in breakfast at Warbird Air Museum
Valiant Air Command’s Warbird Air Museum continues its monthly Fly-In/Drive-In Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, July 8. Tickets are $12, which includes a chef-prepared breakfast and admission to the museum for the rest of the day. Tickets for children under 5 are $5. The museum is at 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, five miles from Kennedy Space Center. Call 321-268-1941 or visit warbirdairmuseum.com.
Flick-N-Float: ‘Gremlins’
Watch the movie ‘Gremlins’ (PG) from the pool at McLarty Park Aquatic Center, 790 Barton Blvd., Rockledge, on Friday, July 7. Swimming begins at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. In the movie, a young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town. The cost to swim is $4, and the movie is free to watch whether you’re in the pool or on the lawn. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Tubes will be provided for floating in the pool, but outside flotation devices are not allowed. Call 321-633-1874 or visit facebook.com/events/5923045581137417.
Space Coast Postcard Club meeting in Cocoa
The Space Coast Postcard club invites you to attend a meeting at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library, 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa, at 2 p.m. July 9. Please call 585-267-9403 or email dcanfield8@cfl.rr.com to verify that the time or date has not changed. Visit facebook.com/Postcardspacecoastclub.
Magic and Dog show in Cocoa Village
Does your dog know tricks? Your furry friend could be the 2023 Magic Dove Dog of the Year. Enter your dog in a friendly dog competition to show off their tricks and skills on Saturday, July 15 at 4 p.m. at Magic Dove Magic Shop, 604 Brevard Ave., Cocoa. Each dog performance will have three minutes on the Magic Dove stage. Award winning magician, Marvelous Megan will entertain with magic acts between the dog performances. All pets must be on a leash, or in appropriate carriers, and have current vaccinations and county tags. Tickets are $20, and dog performance registration is $5. Call 321-433-1130.
Hugh Jackman in “Oklahoma!” on the big screen
For two days only, Hugh Jackman stars in a big-screen presentation of the National Theatre’s award-winning 1998 production of the musical “Oklahoma!” The film will be shown at the AMC Avenue 16, 2241 Town Center Ave., Viera, on Sunday, July 16 at 1 p.m., and Wed., July 19 at 6 p.m. Then a newcomer, Jackman stars as “Curly,” along with Maureen Lipman as “Aunt Eller,” Josefina Gabrielle as “Laurie” and Shuler Hensley as “Jud Fry. Tickets are $15. Visit oklahomaincinemas.com.
3rd Thursday at The Avenue Viera
This free, family-and-pet friendly night will be outdoors in the Central Park area of The Avenue Viera, 2261 Town Center Ave., on Thursday, July 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music, vendors, complimentary snacks and a free drink or ice cream. There will be live music by Tru Phonic. Admission is free, but you must register to receive an event ticket. Visit avenueviera.com.
Late Night Ballin’ in Palm Bay
The Palm Bay Recreation Department is bringing Late Night Ballin’ to the Tony Rosa Community Center, 1502 Port Malabar Blvd NE, on the second Friday of each month, continuing on July 14. Late Night Ballin’ is a free basketball program for teenagers ages 13-18 and runs from 8 to 11 p.m. Last entry to the gym will be at 9 p.m. All participants under 18 need to have a signed waiver from their parents to participate. Participants will be required to participate in a short 10-to-15-minute mentoring session each month from a guest speaker at 9:15 p.m. before continuing with basketball activities. The rest of the dates for 2023 are August 11, September 8, October 13, November 17 (3rd Friday), and December 8. Proper basketball shoes are required to play. Call 321-952-3443.
Back-to-School Giveaway
Get ready for school on Saturday, July 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Joseph N. Davis Community Center, 2547 Grant St., Melbourne. Elementary and high school-aged kids will receive free backpacks and school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. The giveaway is limited to one backpack per child, and the child must be present to receive it. Admission is free. Call 321-608-7460 or visit melbourneflorida.org.
Pub crawl for homeless veterans in Cocoa Beach
Ages 21 and older are invited to visit bars in downtown Cocoa Beach on Saturday, July 22, from 5 to 10 p.m. The event will start at Salty Sisters, 20 N. Brevard Ave., at 5 p.m., followed by Johnathan’s Pub at 6 p.m., VFW Post at 7 p.m., Area 142 at 8 p.m. and Coconuts on the Beach at 9 p.m. Proceeds will benefit National Veterans Homeless Support. The cost for five drink tickets is $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the event. Participants are also asked to donate supplies for homeless veterans, including underwear, socks, clothing, toothpaste and other items. Call 321-543-1346 or visit madhatterpromotions.com.
Friday Fest in Cocoa Beach
Downtown Cocoa Beach will hold a Friday Fest on the third Thursday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. This month, it will take place on Friday, July 21. There will be live music, crafts, small businesses and food vendors. Visit cocoabeachmainstreet.org.
Free movie at Palm Bay Aquatic Center
The Disney “The Lion King” (G) will be shown at the Palm Bay Aquatic Center, 420 Community College Parkway SE, Palm Bay, on Friday, July 28 at 8:15 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m. for open swimming, and the diving well will close at sunset when the movie starts. There is a limited capacity inside the aquatic center, so once capacity is reached, patrons are invited to bring blankets and chairs to watch the movie from outside the fence. Admission is free. Call 321-952-2833.
Summer’s Over Party in Eau Gallie
Brevard Libraries hosts this event to say goodbye to summer at the Eau Gallie Public Library, 1521 Pineapple Ave., Melbourne, on Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. It will include activities, prizes and fun. Visit facebook.com/events/238014488831414.
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Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 40+ fun things to do in July in Melbourne, Merritt Island, Cocoa
