America’s 238th birthday lands on a Friday this year, giving us all the long weekend to revel in barbecues, pool parties, and of course — fireworks. Whether you’re celebrating with the little ones or going out for a night of madness, the only problem is that there’s too much to do for Independence Day.
MIAMI-DADE
Fire on the Fourth Festival
An all-day festival by the beach with food trucks, live music from the Spam Allstars and Marshall Brothers Band, topped off with a sparkler celebration at 9 pm July 4. North Shore Bandshell, 73rd Street and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.
America’s Birthday Bash
With a beer garden and a kids zone, at America’s Birthday Bash there’s something to do for revelers of all ages. Samuel Adams has set up a spot to try out different brews to enjoy with live music, lawn games, fun photo ops and more. Bring a blanket to lay down on the grass to enjoy the fireworks display at 9 pm. July 4 from 2 to 9 pm. Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. 305.358.7550
Independence Day Backyard BBQ
The lawn of Wynwood Kitchen and Bar is opening up for a full-out backyard barbecue with a menu of delectable bites, including a chorizo beef burger, Ball Park hot dogs, criollo marinated chicken breast, and all-American sides. July 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, 2550 NW Second Ave. 305.722.8959
IndepenDANCE Party
Prepare for an all-nighter in a way that only Nikki Beach can do with a 21-and-up party with beats from Steve Lawler, Boris, and Oscar G, with local DJs Patrick M, Cocodrills, Edgar V, ALX, Renato Lopez, and Mark Boson. July 4 from noon to close. Nikki Beach & Miami Beach, One Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. 305.538.1111
Set Sail & Sea
Board the South Beach Lady for a unique Fourth of July experience, cruising Biscayne Bay as the sun sets with a live DJ, open bar, and a full barbeque dinner. Close the night with fireworks. Tickets from $45. July 4 from 7 to 10 pm. Hyatt Hotel Dock, 400 SE Second Ave. in Miami. 305.609.5185
Country Music Festival
The jungle is going country with Kiss Country for Independence Day! Bring the whole family out for line dancing, barbeque, mechanical bull rides, animal shows, fireworks, and live performances from Craig Campbell, Casey James, and Cirque Zuma Zuma. July 4 2 to 9 pm. Tickets $34.95 for adults, $26.95 for children. Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail in Miami. 305.400.7000
Independence Day at The Catalina
Enjoy your day lounging by the pool at the Catalina Hotel and Beach Club to experience a fun South Beach pool party fit for an Ocean Drive local. The festivities begin at 2 pm and last until sundown, with a cover charge starting at $20, free for hotel guests. Catalina Hotel, 1732 Collins Ave. 305.674.1160
BROWARD
Fourth of July Spectacular
Every year, the city of Fort Lauderdale puts on an Independence Day fit for the whole family. Hit the sand with beach games, contests, music, a Kids Zone, and fireworks at 9 pm. July 4 from 12:30 to 9 pm. Fort Lauderdale Beach, A1A and Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. 954.828.5363
4th of July Celebration
Was “Two Princes” your jam in the ‘90s? The BB&T Center opens its doors to the public for a free evening of music by The Spin Doctors in a block party fit with local vendors, family fun activities, and fireworks at 9 pm. July 4 from 5 to 9 pm. BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. 800.745.3000
All-American Barbeque
Skip the backyard grill and have the staff at Beauty & the Feast take care of the Southern fare. From 6 to 8, munch on favorites including beer can chicken, short rib corn dogs, bison burgers and more for $29.50 a person. Then, turn your eyes to the sky for the city’s annual fireworks show. July 4 from 5 to 10 pm. The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, 601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. 954.567.8020
Living Room
At the W Fort Lauderdale’s club and lounge, Living Room, guests are in for a night of live music from Chloe Dolandis from 6 to 9 pm, followed by tunes from DJ A-Train until 2 am. With a perfect view of the ocean, witness the sky light up with fireworks from Fort Lauderdale Beach across the street at 9 pm. Then, dance the night away and sip on the Fourth of July drink special, a Cape Cobbler. July 4 from 6 pm to 2 am. Living Room at W Fort Lauderdale, 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. 954.414.8200