Beach parties, glittering fireworks, local parades and mermaids highlight upcoming Independence Day celebrations throughout the Florida Keys during the holiday weekend.
The multitude of Fourth of July events include the following:
KEY WEST
The Rotary Club of Key West kicks off the morning of Thursday, July 4, at 7:30 a.m. with a healthy “bang” during the annual 4th of July 5k Walk/Run, beginning and ending at the Edward B. Knight Pier, 1801 White St. In-person registration starts at 6:45 a.m. Later in the day, the club presents its Patriotic Party, capped by the annual Independence Day fireworks show staged from the pier overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Starting at 5 p.m., attendees can enjoy music and purchase drinks and food including burgers and hot dogs, with proceeds to benefit the Rotary Club’s scholarship fund. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Visit keywestrotary.com.
The Key Lime Festival features culinary and libation adventures Wednesday through Sunday, July 3-7, showcasing the tiny fruit that inspired Key lime pie, the Florida Keys’ signature dessert. The lip-smacking World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship, the festival highlight, is set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at the oceanfront Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St. Participants, with their hands behind their backs, must dive in face-first to devour an entire 9-inch Key lime pie faster than their rivals. The event is free for spectators and gates open at 11 a.m. Visit keylimefestival.com.
The Key West Mermaid Festival pod welcomes the public Thursday, July 4, for its “Red, White and Blue and Mermaids, Too” splashing party at Lagerheads Beach Bar, 0 Simonton St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival continues Saturday, July 6, with the second-annual Meet the Mermaids event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, 35 Quay Road. Expect a “mer-velous” ocean of mermaids throughout the center, including King Neptune, Ariel and Prince Eric, and members of the Key West mermaid pod. Ocean and mermaid-themed costumes for kids are encouraged, but not required. The event is free, but donations are encouraged to fund the Eco-Discovery Center. Visit facebook.com/keywestmermaidfestival.
BIG PINE AND LOWER KEYS
The Lower Keys Rotary Club hosts Independence Day festivities Wednesday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m. at Big Pine Community Park, Mile Marker 31. Attractions include vendors, food, beverages, games, family activities and entertainment. Fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Admission is free. No coolers, pets, or personal fireworks are allowed. Visit facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554889078505.
MARATHON
A full day of beachside activities begins with a patriotic parade starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4, from Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach, followed by food and games. Fireworks hosted by the City of Marathon and the Marathon Rotary Club start around 9 p.m. US1 Radio 104.1 will play patriotic music to accompany the fireworks display. Boaters are encouraged to watch from the beach. Admission is free. Visit floridakeysmarathon.com.
Isla Bella Beach Resort will stage its first Keys’ Musician Fest with a full day of live music Thursday, July 4. The event is free for resort guests, with tickets available for non-guests. The music starts at 11 a.m. and continues through 8:30 p.m., followed by a grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m. Visit islabellabeachresort.com/summer-music-festival.
ISLAMORADA
The Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada co-host a 6-10 p.m. Independence Day Celebration Thursday, July 4, at Founders Park, Mile Marker 87. Food and beverage options include food truck fare and soda, water, beer and rum punch for purchase. Activities include music, face painting and a Patriotic People and Puppy Parade at 7:30 p.m., with fireworks beginning after sunset. Attendance is free with a $10 donation for parking. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Visit Islamorada.fl.us/486/July-4th-Celebration-and-Fireworks.
Hog Heaven Sports Bar & Grill, Mile Marker 85.3, oceanside, presents its traditional Fourth of July Party & Fireworks celebration Saturday, July 6. The evening features music by Wide Open, a Jason Aldean tribute band, as well as fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean. Visit hogheavenbarandgrill.com.
KEY LARGO
The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual “Celebrating Freedom” Fourth of July parade 10-11:45 a.m. beginning at Mile Marker 98.2 and proceeding to Laguna Avenue near Key Largo Community Park. The celebration continues beginning at 5 p.m. at Rowell’s Waterfront Park, Mile Marker 104.5, bayside, with live music, games and activities for kids, plus food and beverages for purchase. The annual Blackwater Sound fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Tickets are available for an adults-only VIP tent. Free parking with shuttle service is available at Key Largo School, Mile Marker 104.8, oceanside. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. The fireworks also can also be viewed at several businesses located on the Bay. Visit web.keylargochamber.org/events.
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
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