Fourth of July: What to know about events in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs

The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on celebrating July Fourth in recent years, and Hurricane Ian has continued the trend.

Southwest Florida continues to recover from the major storm that struck Sept. 28. That means some events have been canceled, such as fireworks at Naples Pier and at Fort Myers Beach.

Even so, there's still plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day from Everglades City to Cape Coral.

FORT MYERS

Freedom Fest: This annual downtown Fort Myers party for the whole family is 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Food trucks will be on hand, along with local artisan and business vendors and music from Deb and the Dynamics. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. if weather permits. The main stage will be waterside at the intersection of Hendry Street and Edwards Drive. https://www.myriverdistrict.com/event/freedom-fest/#

4^th of July Rooftop Bash: Get front row seats for the July Fourth downtown Fort Myers fireworks show from the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center’s rooftop sculpture garden, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. General admission tickets to event from 7-11 p.m. are $99 and includes beer and wine, food and entertainment. For $1,000, patrons can watch in a VIP lounge that seats six and includes an additional open bar and cocktail server. Guests can enjoy food provided by barbecue restaurant Big Nicks and rock n’ roll band Rosaline. https://www.sbdac.com/4th/

Hot Dogs for Heroes: The annual Fourth of July event is 4-10 p.m. with the chili dog-eating contest starting at 6 p.m. Free admission. All proceeds benefit the local American Legion Post, No. 38 chapter. City Tavern, 2206 Bay Street, Fort Myers. https://mycitytavern.com/hotdogs/

CAPE CORAL

Red, White and Boom: The City of Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department holds its annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Cape Coral Parkway at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. The event is free and runs 5-10 p.m. Country pop singer Dylan Scott headlines after A’Layahna Checo sings the national anthem. The Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway from Del Prado Boulevard will close at 3 a.m. July 4 so plan accordingly. https://www.capeboom.com/home

BONITA SPRINGS

Star Spangled Bonita: The city of Bonita Springs hosts its annual Independence Day celebration on Tuesday, July 4. The day begins with the Bonita Springs Firefighters Union’s annual parade at 9 a.m. The parade runs along Old 41 Road, from Kentucky Street to Rosemary Drive. Old 41 Road will close at 8:30 that morning. The remainder of the event will at Riverside Park, 10450 Reynolds St., from 6 to 9 p.m. with the Ben Allen Band performing and a fireworks display at dusk. At 5 p.m., Old 41 Road from Wilson Street to Childers Street will close until 10 p.m. Riverside Park. https://www.cityofbonitasprings.org/star_spangled_bonita_-_july_4th_2023

NAPLES

Naples Fouth of July Parade: The parade starts at Third Street South and 11^th Avenue South to Fifth Avenue South onto Eighth Avenue South, returning back to 11^th Avenue South. The event is 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 4. https://www.naplesgov.com/parksrec/page/4th-july-events

EAST NAPLES

Fourth of July Celebration: Annual event held in past years at Sugden Regional Park in East Naples moves to Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, with a band playing at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. No outside food and beverages allowed but they will be sold in the complex. And no grills or pets are allowed. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Seating available in complex stadium (3,500 seats plus grass areas and bleacher seating). Additional seating on The Great Lawn & at The Cove. Carpooling is strongly urged, as a large crowd is expected and there is a limited number of parking spots at the complex. playparadisecoast.com

MARCO ISLAND

Marco Island July Fourth Fireworks: The skies light up on South Marco Beach, 130 S. Collier Blvd., begining at 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. cityofmarcoisland.com

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Where to celebrate July Fourth in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita