Pensacola, we have an EPIC week of all things America coming up!
If you’re wondering where, when, and how to celebrate all of this goodness, here are a few highlights to help you plan!
The Weekend
Ronald McDonald House Firecracker 5k
Saturday, June 29th
7AM 5k with Kids Fun Run (free) immediately following
Seville Quarter
Admission: $35 (all proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of NW Florida)
The Big Day
Downtown Pensacola
The Blue Wahoos Stadium is the best place to enjoy the Pensacola Symphony and fireworks in Downtown Pensacola! A general admission ticket gives you access to comfortable seating, clean restrooms, and concessions options. Upgrade to a VIP ticket in the Hancock Whitney Club for covered seating, an elevated view, a full dinner, and a cash bar.
Admission: General Admission tickets are $5 each. VIP tickets in the Hancock Whitney Club are $35 each.
Pensacola’s 4th of July– Bayfront Parkway between Intendencia and Chase St.
9:00pm – Fireworks (shot off from Pensacola Bay)
Admission: Free
Gear/snacks: Bring your own blankets/chairs. Food trucks will be set up at Bartram Park.
Pensacola Bay Ferry Fireworks Viewing Cruise – 750 S. Commendencia St
8:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: $40/person (children under 2 years are free)
Gear/snacks: Seating on the ferry, beverages available for purchase
Symphony, Sparks & Stars – Community Maritime Park (Hunter Amphitheater)
7:30pm – Fighter jet flyover, Marine Corps Band kicks off the concert
7:30pm – 9:00pm – Patriotic music to get you ready for the fireworks!
Admission: Free for general admission seating
Gear/snacks: Bring your own blankets/chairs and snacks
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach 4th of July 5k – 69 Via de Luna
7:30AM – Race with after-party/cook-out at the Tiki Bar
Admission: $40 (race week)
Pensacola Beach Boardwalk – 400 Quietwater Beach Road
9pm – Fireworks show
Admission: Free
Gear/snacks: Bring your own blankets/chairs, food, and beverages available for purchase from restaurants and bars on the boardwalk
Milton
July 4th Riverfest – Riverwalk Area
9:00am – 9:00pm
9:00am – 1:00pm – Annual Firecracker Bike Show
9:00am – 2:00pm – Freedom Car Show
5:00pm – Great Mill Town Duck Race
Fireworks show at dark
Admission: Free
Gear/snacks: Bring your own blankets/chairs, food, and beverage available for purchase
Navarre
Hometown 4th of July Celebration – Navarre Beach (8705 Gulf Boulevard)
9:00pm – Fireworks from the end of the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier
Admission: Free general admission
Gear/snacks: Bring your own blankets/chairs.
At Home
Sometimes, it’s far easier to organize a backyard celebration. Beyond the typical burger and BBQ, there are fun ways to involve the kids in planning and celebrating.
Movies- Have your kids pick out their favorite All-American flicks! Movies like The Sandlot, Field of Dreams, John Wayne, American Treasure, etc., are fun for the whole family and a good way to escape the heat for a bit.
Party prep- Get the kids involved in making foods that are red, white, and blue. I will never turn my nose up at a good old-fashioned American flag cake! The classic vanilla icing with strawberries and blueberries is a great way to get little ones involved in the food preparation. Other options could be patriotic Rice Krispies treats (they make a special summer version of the cereal!), fruit salad, or even having them help decorate the table.
Bring the (safe!) fireworks home- Left up to my husband, this could get dicey. But things along the lines of sparklers, poppers, and even patriotic pinwheels have been a huge hit for decades! You can get them at Target or Walmart easily, making your life easier but still bringing a special feel to the holiday.
Happy Birthday, America!
