Pensacola Fourth of July events: Where to watch fireworks, run a 5K or enjoy a barbecue
The Fourth of July is less than a month away, and it will be here before you know it. Although many of us traditionally celebrate America’s birthday with family, friends and food — no celebration is complete without fireworks.
Here’s a rundown of where you can catch all the action this year.
Sertoma Fireworks
A Pensacola tradition since 1989, Sertoma’s Fourth of July Celebration in Seville Square is considered the main event. But even though the fireworks won’t light up the sky over Pensacola Bay until 9 p.m., come early so you can take part in all of the fun. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., there will be live entertainment and kids activities such as face painting, inflatables and pony rides.
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And you gotta bring your radio.
Cat Country 98.7 FM will be live broadcasting at the event, and the fireworks will be timed to the music on air.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach will be hosting its annual Fireworks at the Beach! Event on Tuesday, July 4. Spots along the sand and boardwalk are first-come, first-served, so go early and save your seat. Show starts at 8:30 p.m.
Symphony Sparks & Stars
This free Fourth of July tradition continues at Hunter Amphitheater lawn, behind Blue Wahoos Stadium. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will kick things off at 7 p.m. with a free concert, followed by the national anthem, United States Marine Corps. presentation of colors and a flyover by Navy jets. Be sure to stick around for fireworks — they’ll go off at 9 p.m. to conclude the event.
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach will be shooting fireworks from the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier July 4. Show starts at 9 p.m.
Riverfest at the Riverwalk
The Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Riverfest at the Riverwalk in Milton. Festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. with a motorcycle show and a freedom car show. The fun continues at 5 p.m. for the Great Mill Town Duck Race, and will go out with a bang at 9 p.m. with fireworks shot of the Highway 90 Bridge off of Broad Street at the edge of the Blackwater River.
Note the location of the fireworks has changed this year. Visibility will be best from the North Riverwalk and North Willing Street areas, and downtown in the Jernigans Landing area (South Riverwalk /South Willing Street), Carpenters Park and Russell Harber Landing.
Visibility will be poor from the Bagdad area (Millsite park) and areas west of First Baptist Church of Milton along Highway 90.
Gulf State Park Independence Day Celebration
The City of Gulf Shores will be launching fireworks Tuesday July 4th from the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. Show starts at 9 p.m.
Flora-Bama Lounge & Package
Celebrate the Fourth of July on the state line at Flora-Bama Lounge & Package. Its annual Fourth of July Party will feature barbecue and a new Miss Firecracker Bikini will be crowned. Event starts at 11 a.m. July 4. Or, kick things off early at its annual Freedom 5K run on July 1. Race begins at 8 a.m.
Speaking of 5K Runs…
Ronald McDonald House Firecracker 5K
Presenting sponsors Hill Kelly Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram have teamed up with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida for the upcoming Firecracker 5K run. Whether you’re walking or running, come bright and early to Seville Quarter at 7 a.m. July 1 wearing red, white and blue. Tickets are $30.
Pensacola Beach Fourth of July 5K
Race begins at 7 a.m. at 69 Via De Luna in Pensacola Beach. Once you run or walk across the finish line, make your way over to the post race after-party. There will be food, and the Sneaky Tiki will be serving up $3 Bloody Marys for 5K participants over the age of 21.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola fireworks: Where to celebrate July 4 in Escambia, Santa Rosa
