This year, the choices for a fun Independence Day are better than ever. No matter what your speed, there are celebrations for you. Here is a list of some of the more popular places to see the rocket’s red glare.
- City of Miami Beach Fourth of July Celebration: This is a truly unique, touching demonstration of our independence. Beginning at 6:30 PM, music will bring the crowd to its feet. Fireworks will start at 9:00 PM. I can’t think of a more patriotic or more purely Miami way to celebrate! Festivities will be on the beach at 8th Street and Ocean Drive. For more information, call the Miami Beach Tourism Center at (305) 673-7400.
- Old Fashioned July Fourth at the Barnacle: Celebrate the Fourth the old-fashioned way at Miami’s first house still standing on its original ground. Open from 11 AM – 4 PM, the Monroe House will be opened to visitors for tours. There will be children’s activities, kite-making, and knot demonstrations, among other period-inspired activities. You’re invited to bring a picnic lunch or purchase food on site, but you should make other dinner plans: there are no fireworks at this celebration; Barnacle State Historic Site is located in the heart of the Grove at 3485 Main Highway. Call the Historical Society at (305) 442-6866 for more information.
- Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade: It’s a good old-fashioned parade in Key Biscayne this Independence Day! This Key Biscayne tradition features floats, music and fireworks. The parade begins along Crandon Boulevard at 11AM.
- Jungle Island Fireworks Bash: Join Jungle Island’s salute to America’s Armed Forces with a fireworks and BBQ bash. Escape the heat and watch the City of Miami’s fireworks spectacular from the terrace of Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom. You will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, family entertainment including music and dancing and interactive visits from some of Jungle Island’s animal friends! Contact Jungle Island for more information.
- Miami Beach Fourth of July Celebration
Monday, Jul 04, 2011 – Monday, Jul 04, 2011
Free concerts and fireworks featuring blues and jazz, the uniquely American forms of music. Big Poppa E and the E Band perform at 6:30 p.m. South Florida Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Chuck Bergeron, featuring special guest vocalist Nicole Henry perform at 7:45 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. http://www.miamibeachfl.gov - America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park: Enjoy live multicultural music while eating delicious food from one of the many booths. Stay until dark for the fireworks, the highlight of the celebration. While most spectacular here in the amphitheatre, the display should be visible throughout most of downtown and over the water. The festival begins at 3PM and concludes with fireworks at 9PM. The Bayside Amphitheatre is located at 301 Biscayne Blvd in downtown Miami. For more information, call (305) 358-7550.
- City of Homestead Concert and Fireworks: For those in southern Miami-Dade County, the Homestead Miami Speedway is also hosting an Independence Day festival and fireworks show. The festival runs from 5-10PM and will feature entertainment, food and music with a fireworks show. For more, call the City of Homestead Department of Parks and Recreation at (305) 224-4570.
- Grove Stars on 4th of July: Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods, celebrates July 4th with tropical flair. Beautiful Peacock Park is the location for Coconut Grove’s annual celebration. This family friendly event features “Cirque du Grove: A Busker’s Carnival”, the group SUPERNOVA, Wirewalkers and so much more! Visit the official Facebook event page for more information! Location: Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, FL 33133
- 4th of July Celebration in Peacock Park: July 4 Fireworks & Food Trucks featuring Sam Adams Beer and Live Music at Peacock Park, Presented by Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce. CheeseMe Mobile, Dim Ssam a gogo, Gastropod, Latin Burger, The Fish Box, ChurroMania, plus Fireman Derek’s World-Famous Pies. Free Entertainment includes performances by The Ramblers Band, Pit Bull of Blues and Joel Zoss. There will also be a Children’s Fun Zone. Festivities in the Park get going around 5 pm, and are expected to last until 10 pm.2820 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove FL 33133. FREE ADMISSION. Info contact 305-444-7270, info@coconutgrove.com.
These are just a few the many 4th of July celebrations. For a more full list of events and activities, check out http://www.miaminewtimes.com/events/fourth-of-july-2011-events-2824167/