Celebrating our nation's Independence Day has evolved to a day full of kicking back, relaxing and then on to partying. And don't forget the fireworks! Communities across the country, big and small, have their own way of celebrating this historic day. In South Florida, the beaches, weather and events lure people to travel down to Miami to spend the Fourth of July partaking in all kinds of festivities.
There are dozens upon dozens of choices in terms of how to spend the day celebrating the Fourth, but when it comes to the main event—the fireworks shows—there are four main locations around town that host the biggest spectacles, drawing in the most people.
For Miami's best pyrotechnic displays, head to one of the following recommended viewing spots: Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami, located at 301 North Biscayne Blvd.; Peacock Park, located at 2820 McFarlane Road in Coconut Grove; Village Green Park, located at 400 Crandon Blvd. in Key Biscayne; or the South Beach Visitors Center, located at 1001 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach.
Since these are all largely popular public places, you'd do well to arrive early, bring blankets or chairs and try to opt for public transportation, walking, or cycling to your final destination (parking is going to be a nightmare). The fireworks all tend to begin around 9:00 p.m.
Now that we've covered the basics of where to go to see the fireworks as a finale for a day full of fun, here's the 411 on the parties, events, celebrations, music performances and more that will go on throughout the day.
America's Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park is a family-friendly festival for celebrating the birth of our great nation. Admission is free and the park is open all day. Aside from the delicious multicultural food choices and tasty beverages, there's a "Fairytale Pony Ride & Petting Zoo" open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., a "Kid's Zone," from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., a family Miami Contradance with live music from Dirty dollars from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Finishing up the day is the fireworks display, which begins at 9:00, according to the Bayfront Park official website.
The City of Miami's Fourth of July Celebration is called "Fire on the Fourth" and includes live performances by Fred Thomas, South Florida Symphony Orchestra Quartet and DJ Maximus 3000. The festival runs from noon to 10:00 p.m. and the prime location on 8th Street and Ocean Blvd. offers a great view of the 9:00 fireworks show, according to South Beach Magazine.
The Homestead-Miami Speedway is hosting its fourth annual "Race to the Fourth" celebration from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Located at the famous Nascar Homestead-Miami Speedway, the event features music from two bands, "Main Highway" and "Heads First," children's activities, food and drinks, games, and of course at 9:00 attendees are invited to sit in the grandstands for a spectacular view of a classic fireworks display, the Speedway announced on its official website.
The City of Miami is presenting its ninth annual Fourth of July Family Fest and Rib Cook-Off this year at Charles Hadley Park, located at 1350 NW 50th Street. From 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., you're invited to this free event that features live entertainment by the Larry Dogg band, food and drinks and a rib cook-off to see who's got the best barbecue in town. The event features children's activities as well, including bounce houses, carnival rides and face painting, according to a press release.
CocoWalk, located at 3015 Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove, is hosting its fifth annual Independence Day Hot Dog eating competition, which begins at 4:00 p.m. and takes place in the Courtyard. Last year's Champion received over $1,000 in cash and prizes for downing 10 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Are you up for the challenge? Following the competition, CocoWalk is hosting a classic rock concert from Sans of Tyme from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Meanwhile, everybody in attendance is invited to watch the 9:00 firework show at nearby Peacock Park in one of CocoWalk's incredible outdoor balconies, according to its website.
For those of you who can't make it out for Fourth of July celebrations, you can still catch Miami fireworks streaming online for free, here: