Don’t miss fireworks and fun for the whole family this 4th of July on the Space Coast!
(VISITSPACECOAST.COM) – Florida’s Space Coast is showing up for 4th of July with three nights of fireworks displays all throughout Brevard County, performances by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, traditional 4th of July Parades and Mel-BOOM in Historic Downtown Melbourne, and an incredible display from Space Coast daily Park in Viera, you’re in for a holiday weekend your family will treasure forever.
July 4:
Merritt Island Independence Day Parade
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Charity will hosts this annual parade starting at 10 a.m. The parade starts at Merritt Island High School, located at 100 Mustang Way, to N. Courtenay Parkway, and continues to Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School on E. Merritt Avenue.
Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Under the Stars | Cocoa Village
Brevard Symphony Orchestra will perform a free concert at the Cocoa Riverfront Park, located at 401 Riveredge Blvd. in Cocoa at 8 p.m. Fireworks will then follow the concert at about 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Viera’s Great American Celebration | Viera
A fireworks display from Space Coast Daily Park will highlight this event at the USSSA Space Coast Complex, located at 6091 Stadium Parkway in Viera at 9 p.m.
“Red, White and Boom” 4th of July Celebration | Titusville
The City of Titusville is hosting this free event in conjunction with the fireworks display on Thursday, July 4 from 6 to 10 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 dark around 9 p.m. and admission is free.
MelBOOM! 4th of July Fireworks Celebration | Melbourne
The City of Melbourne hosts a fireworks celebration on Thursday, July 4 at Front Street Park, 2205 Front Street, Melbourne. Food trucks open at 4 p.m., and fireworks are 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.
July 5:
Fireworks at the Port | Port Canaveral
A fireworks celebration will take place at Port Canaveral from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 5. Fireworks will start after dark. Public viewing will be available in The Cove District and on the lawn of Exploration Tower, 670 Dave Nisbet Drive.
City of Palm Bay Independence Day Celebration | Palm Bay
The City of Palm Bay’s annual Independence Day celebration will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at Eastern Florida State College, located at 250 Community College Parkway SE in Palm Bay. The event will offer food trucks, vendors, live music with Blue Stone Circle, and a kids’ zone with free inflatables, games, and face painting.
July 6:
Thunder Over the Indian River Fireworks | Port St. John
The Port St. John Community Foundation will present this free event on Kings Highway, across from Capron Road. The fireworks display will begin about 9 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, bounce houses, games, prizes, and more.
Where to Eat on the 4th of July
Finding your 4th of July hot dog and BBQ fix is easy here on the Space Coast. With local spots like Cryderman’s in Cocoa Village and Melbourne, and Slow & Low in Cocoa Beach and Viera, no matter what fireworks show you to make it to, you’ll find some delicious food to complement your long weekend away!
The only thing better than BBQ on the 4th of July is a scoop of ice cream! Check out this interactive Google Map of all the ice cream spots on the Space Coast so you can find the scoop closest to you!
Take the Great Space Coast Ice Cream Tour
Check out these Great Space Coast Meat Markets
Grill up some of your own favorites this 4th of July. Quality meat markets pepper the Space Coast and a perfect way to lay low and enjoy grilling at your vacation rental, or at one of our incredible parks, this weekend. Each has its own specialty items, spice blends, and recipes you can’t find anywhere else. Check out their Facebook pages to see current specials!
Image and steak courtesy of @wassismeatmarket
■ Wassi’s Meat Market – Melbourne
■ Djon’s Village Market – Indialantic
■ Canaveral Meats & Deli – Cape Canaveral
■ Seafood Atlantic – Port Canaveral
■ Hayes Meats and Gourmet Market – Merritt Island
■ Coastal Produce Market – Cocoa Beach
■ Wild Ocean Seafood Market – Titusville
And don’t forget, Rockledge is hosting it’s annual Independence Day Picnic!
Boat Ramp Access on the Space Coast
Image by @salt.and.savagery.fishing
There is no better way to celebrate the 4th of July than cruising the Indian River Lagoon. If you’re in town just for the weekend, there are a few boat and jet ski rental operations ready to get you on the water. Make sure you make your reservations as soon as possible to secure your vessel, it’s gonna be a busy weekend.
Bringing your own boat to the Space Coast? Check out this incredible map of boat ramps in the area to figure out your best site to launch!
Image by @myFWC
Boat Safety on the Space Coast
While you’re out boating, pay attention to channel markers and no-wake zones. The Lagoon is very shallow with an average depth of 4 feet. Remember that sand bars shift, so it’s easy to run aground if you’re not paying attention.
Alcohol and boating do not mix, FWC officers will be out patrolling the lagoon this weekend to make sure boaters are keeping other boaters, kayakers, swimmers, and other people enjoying the water safe this wonderful holiday weekend.
The Space Coast is also home to many manatees. Wearing polarized lenses will help you spot these sea cows making their way through the lagoon. While they like to frequent certain areas we designate as “No Wake” and “Manatee Zones” they are wild animals that move freely through their natural habitat.
If you see an injured manatee this 4th of July weekend, make sure to call FWC at 1-888-404-FWCC. You’ll need to provide them with the location where you spotted the injured manatee and the condition it’s in.
Bioluminescence Season
You’ve seen the fireworks in the sky, now see their natural counterpart underwater. July is prime bioluminescence season. Book one of these night-time eco-tours to see this natural phenomenon light up the waters of the Indian River Lagoon.
Image by @npiproductions
Check tour availability with each operator, and make sure you book your excursion in advance. They will sell out!
Some other travel tips to consider when planning for a bioluminescence experience:
■ Bring and wear insect repellant, the Mosquito Lagoon lives up to its name.
■ Know you will get wet, so dress accordingly.
■ Bring a change of clothes for the ride back to your hotel or vacation rental.
■ Bring bottled water, tours last about an hour.
EXPERIENCE BIOLUMINESCENCE ON THE SPACE COAST
Where to Stay this 4th of July
How do you like to travel? Here on the Space Coast there are incredible accommodations for everyone!
■ Looking for an RV Campground? Here are a few of our favorite places to park an RV.
■ Spacious vacation rentals for your large family or group more your style? Check out our Vacation Rental Listings.
■ Hotels that can hook your family up with packages to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and other local attractions? Check out our Legendary Cocoa Beach Hotels.
Start planning now for your Space Coast 4th of July getaway. From fireworks and food to unforgettable experiences on the Lagoon, the Space Coast is the only place you’ll want to be this holiday weekend.
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