Not sure what to do for the 4th? Check out these great events around Southwest Florida!
Bonita Springs – July 4th
Bonita Spring’s 53rd annual parade moves along Old 41 Road starting at 9 a.m. The city throws its Party in the Park starting at 4 p.m., with food vendors, live entertainment, a kids’ water slide, face-painting, relay races, a pie-baking contest, and a hot dog-eating competition.
Cape Coral – 7th Annual Great American Picnic
Get an early start on your 4th of July celebration by getting in the spirit of the holiday at the family favorite "Great American Picnic" Thursday, July 4th from Noon - 3:30 pm at the Marina at Cape Harbour! Beginning at Noon:•Cape Coral VFW Post 8463 Color Guard presentation.•Marcella Brown will be singing our National Anthem and more.•Chris the DJ with the "Juke Box Hero" will entertain. •Proceeds go to Adopt-A-Troop Foundation.•Zumba demonstration with Rebecca and more.At 1pm the "Best Patriotic Pet Contest" begins: •Registration starts at 11:30am.•Welcome back our judges Lois Thome with WINK-TV and John Woods with the Carefree Boat Club.•Winners will be announced at 2:15pm.2pm to 3pm get ready for: •The "Bubble Gum Contest" hosted by Run Agrounds.•The "Hula Hoop Contest" hosted by the Joint.•The "Dunk Tank" hosted by High Maintenance Salon and Spa. •Also the traditional "Apple Pie Baking Contest" hosted by Pignoli on the Harbour. Visit www.capeharbour.com
Cape Coral – Red, White, and Boom
The Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway shut down between the bridge and Del Prado Boulevard beginning at 6 a.m. for the 5K race that starts at 6:30. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a kids carnival and vendors selling food and beer. Live entertainment plays from 8 p.m. until 9:30, when spangled fireworks explode over the river.
Downtown Fort Myers – Freedom Fest
From 6 to 10 p.m., take part in the free live music, food, and children’s activities throughout the Historic River District. Live bands will perform on several stages throughout the downtown area. Keep your eye on the sky for a spectacular fireworks display starting at 9:30
Fort Myers – Fireworks Cruise
There’s no better way to watch a fireworks show than by boat. The Fort Myers Princess will be having a special fireworks cruise on July 4th that will be sailing that evening with a live band and open bar during the cruise.
Fort Myers – Fourth of July at Edison Ford
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is celebrating the Fourth of July with special tours, visits with the Edisons and Fords, river cruises on the Caloosahatchee, and an all-American barbecue lunch at the Royal Palm Yacht Club from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Buffet lunch will include chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, watermelon, ice tea, and dessert. Cost is $45; children ages 6 – 12, $40
Fort Myers – Independence Day Celebration (July 3)
This 14th annual Fourth of July celebration at Miromar Outlets begins with kids activities and more at 5:30 p.m. and continues until after the 9:30 p.m. fireworks display over the lake ends. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Coolers and personal fireworks are not permitted. Additional parking will be available at Germain Arena and Miromar Design Center.
Fort Myers Beach – 4th of July Celebration
Festivities kick off with a 10 a.m. parade up Estero Blvd.. Then, 15 minutes after sunset, one of the region’s most spectacular fireworks shows shoots off from the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. That’s the main event, but restaurants, lounges, and others step up the festivities with music and activity in the Times Square area and the length of the beach. Pick a seat anywhere gulf-front for an eyeful of sparkly.
Naples – 4th of July Celebration
The Naples parade lines up on Broad Avenue, then marches down Third Street at 10 a.m., continuing onto Fifth Avenue and ending on Eighth. It features more than 100 participants, including swamp buggies and firetrucks, and lasts nearly two hours.
More than 10,000 people come out for this Independence Day tradition of more than 25 years. The city sets off fireworks from the Naples Pier at 9 p.m., watched by thousands from the beach and by boats.
Naples – Red, White, and Brass
Thursday, July 4th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Join us at the Village on Venetian Bay as we celebrate the Fourth of July in high style! Enjoy a selection of America's favorite patriotic tunes performed by The Suncoast Brass Quintet, complimentary photos, entertainment by the Blue Wave Duo, Sharkey the balloon artist, and of course fantastic waterfront shopping and dining! Age Range: All Ages. Cost: FREE. Thursday, July 4, 2013, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. The Village on Venetian Bay 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N Naples, FL 34103.
Sanibel Island – Fireworks Cruise
Enjoy the Sanibel Island fireworks from the water on the Fireworks Cruise! Complimentary soft drinks, bottle water and snacks! Feel free to B.Y.O.B! Listening to tropical music, we will cruise the tranquil waters of San Carlos Bay, by "Bird Island". Watch the Sunset and then catch a great view of the Sanibel Fireworks!Each year, Sanibel Island puts on one of the more majestic and awe-inspiring fireworks performances in Southwest Florida. The dazzling explosions shine on the Sanibel waters as hundreds of hypnotized Islanders stare upward at the red white and blue.Join us on the Miss Paradise, Dolphin Waters, and Sun Princess to view the show. Each vessel fits up to 49 passengers and is equipped with a marine bathroom.
Sanibel Island – Independence Day Celebration
Enjoy an old-fashioned hometown parade down Periwinkle Way starting at 9:30 a.m. Paraders treat the crowd to free gifts, candy, and cool-down water spraying. Community picnics with free food and beverage follow at Bailey’s and Jerry’s Shopping Centers. Then join islanders for the noontime Road Rally, a scavenger-type hunt through the island. At dusk, magnificent fireworks mark the coming of nightfall at the Sanibel Causeway.
