The Magic City — it’s not called that for nothing — is celebrating America’s independence with a ton of sparkling spectacles in the form of firework shows on Monday, July 4. Looking to catch all the action? Here are 10 different sky-gazing locations to chose from this year, from the most glamorous hotels to the seaside. The best part is that they’re free to attend!
1. The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables
Grab your comfiest lawn chair, sit back, and relax at the vast golf course grounds near this iconic Coral Gables hotel because their fireworks extravaganza is back! Not only will you have the best seat in the house, but food trucks will be on-site and a live band will play music throughout the evening. For a more exclusive experience at a cost, the hotel is also offering a savory Stars and Stripes barbecue dinner with an open bar and unlimited food.
Where: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL
When: Grounds open at 5 p.m. Fireworks are set to light up the sky at 9 p.m.
2. Miami Beach Bandshell, Miami Beach
Take your celebrations over to South Beach for a look at the city’s dazzling fireworks and a full day of entertainment, in what is known as the annual Fire on the Fourth festival. Food trucks, photo ops, circus performers, and even a roller disco will liven the party this year before a display of fireworks closes the night.
Where: 7275 Collins Avenue at the sand bowl behind the Miami Beach Bandshell, formerly known as the North Beach Bandshell
When: Event kicks off at noon. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
3. The Wharf, Downtown Miami
If you’re in the mood for some waterfront partying with a side of a fireworks show, take #KnotWorking to the next level and enjoy live music and drink specials at this lively outdoor patio. In Star-Spangled Awesome fashion, buy an American whiskey and get a free Budweiser or Bud Light all day long, and get a free cocktail before 4 p.m. in addition to a complimentary bucket hat if you RSVP.
Where: 114 SW North River Dr, Miami, FL
When: Doors open at 12 p.m.
4. Milander Park, Hialeah
This Independence Day, head to the most-awaited concert in Hialeah to watch performances by El Chacal, Srta. Dayana, and Leoni Torres, plus a slew of local DJs! It would be impossible not to dance the night away, but be sure to stop by any of the food trunks and drinks in store. The massive stage will also serve as the setting for a unique fireworks and a laser show that you won’t find anywhere else.
Where: 4700 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL
When: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
5. Peacock Park, Coconut Grove
Normally, Coconut Grove is known as a destination to gather and watch fireworks for Independence Day. But this time around, there’s an epic drone show for the public instead! And nothing fits this spectacle better than music by the glorious Miami Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eduardo Marturet. If you’re one of the first 500 people in attendance, you’ll score a Coconut Grove blanket or hat. Kids can join in on the fun too: The first 500 will be gifted a star light.
Where: 2820 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL
When: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
6. Trump National, Doral
Exclusively for Doral residents and resort guests, this spectacular 20-minute fireworks show will surely be a blast! As the only event on this list that is not open to the public, everyone can still attend by watching the fireworks display live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube on the City of Doral’s channels. Can’t get enough of the fireworks? The hotel’s festivities will end right on time for residents to catch some more fireworks near the Doral Glades Park area at 9:20 p.m.
Where: 4400 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL
When: Event starts at 6 p.m. Fireworks will launch at 9:20 p.m.
7. Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami
The city’s big celebration on the bay will include local groups Timbalive, Julio Montalvo, and Latin All Stars, with Genesis Diaz signing the National Anthem and DJ Breezy bringing the beats. It is a family event after all, so expect bounce houses for the kids and food trucks to make sure you don’t go hungry. This all comes with the view of the gorgeous blue bay!
Where: 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL
When: 4 p.m. Fireworks will close the night off starting at 9 p.m.
8. Calder Casino, Miami Gardens
Let’s be real. Blankets and chairs are nice to lounge in, but what if you had the option to watch the glimmering fireworks from the comfort of your car? This drive-in celebration in Miami Gardens sure lives up to that idea. Plus, it’s socially distant! At Calder Casino, there will be a live band accompanied by a DJ, giveaways and raffles, as well as food trucks to enjoy.
Where: 21001 NW 27th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL
When: Gates open at 7 p.m. Fireworks are slated to start at 9 p.m.
9. Homestead-Miami Speedway, Homestead
What do you get when you mix fun kids’ activities, dozens of food trucks, live music, and show-stopping fireworks in South Florida’s home for racing? Their annual Race to the 4thevent! The exciting spectacle is returning and it’ll give you the chance to explore the speedway and feel the rush and excitement of where hundreds of races have been held throughout the years.
Where: 1 Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd, Homestead, FL
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
10. Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach
Bet on the racehorses and sip on a drink under a spinning carousel at Freedom Fest in Gulfstream Park. This year’s celebration will feature family activities, a barbecue pop-up, a DJ spinning all your favorite tunes, a couple of stilt walkers, acrobats, and jugglers, as well as a trackside fireworks show. Walk on over to the chic Carousel Club for a free red, white or blue cocktail before 6 p.m. if you RSVP. And like The Wharf, buy an American whiskey and get a free Budweiser all day. In case you were wondering, the creators behind our beloved Wharf are behind the Carousel Club, so you’re bound to find some similarities.
Where: 901 Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, FL
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
11. FLA Live Arena, Sunrise
Head on over to the home of the Florida Panthers to catch a free outdoor concert and nighttime celebration that will culminate with a dazzling fireworks show! There’s something for everyone here, including a children’s fun zone, an assortment of food vendors, and a live DJ with musical performances by Bobby Rose and the Role Heytz Band.
Where: 1 Panther Pkwy, Sunrise, FL
When: 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.