Best 4th of July Events in Orlando (2024)

Whether you are coming home from the theme parks, flying in, or about to leave, no one should spend the 4th of July inside. This holiday is a day for bright colors, fireworks, barbecues, and family fun, all while celebrating our independence. If you are visiting Orlando during the 4th of July, Here are the best 4th of July Events in Orlando. 

Photo of Fireworks on the 4th of July in Orlando

Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola

The first and most popular among Orlando locals and visitors is the Fireworks at the Fountain Celebration at Lake Eola Park. Lake Eola is a staple for Orlando residents. Hidden behind all the theme parks, restaurants, and shopping malls, is a quaint lake, amphitheater, and park. This Lake brings the Orlando community together. If you aren’t looking to celebrate the 4th of July at the theme parks, this free event includes food trucks, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show over the gorgeous lake and Orlando skyline. The fireworks begin exactly at 9:10 pm but the party starts early in the evening. 

Image of Lake Eola Florida

Legoland Red, White, and BOOM!

The next of the best 4th of July events in Orlando is also one of the most popular. This is Legoland’s Red, White, and Boom! This star-spangled celebration invites families to indulge in limited summer treats, engaging DJ dance parties, family activities, extended park hours, and an incredible fireworks show that explodes Lego bricks right in front of your eyes. This show is phenomenal and a must-see for any Lego fans young and old. With your special glasses, you’ll be able to wonder at the flaming bricks flying through the air. All of this is included with a regular-priced ticket. If you were ever thinking of visiting Legoland in the future, the Red, White, and Boom celebration is when you want to go! 

You can find the best deal on Legoland admission tickets here!

Image of Legoland During 4th of July events in Orlando

GLO summer x 4th of July at Grande Lakes, Ritz Carlton

The third of the best 4th of July events in Orlando is GLO summer at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes. During the summer days, from May 25th to September 2nd, every Saturday and every holiday weekend, the resort lights up the sky with flaming colors. During the Fourth of July, Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes offers scintillating family games, lawn contests, and a DJ Dance Party from 6 pm to 9 pm. From 7 pm to 9 pm, you can watch breathtaking fire dancers dramatically twirl, weave, and spin their way around elegant ice sculptures. Along with this, there is a 4th of July Barbecue buffet and stunning fireworks show to end the night!

This is one massive party you don’t want to miss. If you’d like to stay where you party, book a room at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes here. Enjoy Luxury, excitement, and a 4th of July experience of its own. 

Barbecue at Orlando 4th of July event

Kennedy Space Center

Then another of the best 4th of July Events in Orlando is at the Kennedy Space Center. Though the Kennedy Space Center is not in Orlando, located an hour away, the attraction boasts some of the best activities in central Florida. From July 1st to July 4th, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex hosts a plethora of outdoor family activities, all included with the price of admission. Find a mini golf course, cornhole, and so much more. On top of this, you can spend the day learning about the iconic American astronauts who shaped the United States from the past to now. Find your tickets to Kennedy Space Center here.

Looking for admission + transportation from Orlando? Find the bundle here!

Space Shuttle Atlantis on Display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Disney World 

Another most popular of the best 4th of July events in Orlando is Disney World. Though Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom do not participate, you can find Magic Kingdom and Epcot decorated with red, white, and blue streamers, skirts, and banners. You can find exclusive characters coming out to party and meet Mickey, Minnie, and the gang in their red, white, and blue best. Like most, you can find several DJ parties to excite your family.

Then at the end of the night, Epcot performs a Heartbeat of Freedom after their Luminous fireworks show. You can take pictures with the red, white, and blue spaceship Earth. Then over at Magic Kingdom, you can end your party with a spectacular “Concert in The Sky.” Disney has one of the biggest and greatest reputations for aligning lasers, projections, and music into their fireworks shows. After all the rides, parties, and character meetups, family members of all ages will be amazed by their “Celebrate America show.”

Click here for the best deal on Disney World tickets you’ll find this summer!

Photo of Disney World fireworks on the 4th of July in Orlando

Universal Orlando

If you want extreme thrills on your Independence Day, you’ll want to visit Universal Orlando. At Universal Orlando, you can find an incredible patriotic party along with your everyday thrill rides, for no extra cost. This year, Universal Orlando will be hosting DJs to perform in the music plaza, creating a dance party with all of today’s top hits. Here you can find red, white, and blue stiltwalkers, Captain America, and so many more characters interacting with you and your family. At the end of the night, the park lights up with an incredible fireworks display directly behind the music stage.

You can party in one moment and be amazed a minute later while only having to turn around. Visiting Universal Orlando during the 4th of July is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday, as you can spend the entire day riding your favorite rides, bonding with family, watching a concert, and seeing a blazing fireworks show all in one place. 

Universal Orlando tickets are sold here! Click the link to get yours and skip the line at the gate.

Want to skip all lines all day? Get your Universal Express Passes here.

Image of dragon breathing fire at Universal Orlando 4th of July

Seaworld

Then, another theme park celebration show takes place at the third most popular park in Orlando. This is at Seaworld. At SeaWorld, you can find a multitude of star-spangling events during the entire weekend. Seaworld offers an aquatic-themed celebration, many speeding rides, and an incredible fireworks show over the lake! On top of all this, summer admission to Seaworld is cheaper than any other theme park in Orlando. If you are looking for a patriotic theme park celebration without the expensive cost of Universal and Disney, check out Seaworld’s Summer Spectacular Celebration of America. 

Photo of 4th of july fireworks in Orlando

4th of July Celebration at Old Town

Then, last of the best 4th of July Events in Orlando is the 4th of July Celebration at Old Town. If you are staying in Kissimmee and the other party locations are out of reach or too expensive, you can check out the 4th of July Celebration at Old Town Entertainment District. Here, the city and Fun Spot America hosts an incredible party from 3 pm to 10 pm. At this party, you’ll find live music and a free fireworks show at 9 pm. If you feel the energy of the thrills around you, you can even purchase a ticket to Fun Spot and enjoy their smaller-scale roller coasters, a drop ride, go-karts, and large family slides. This is a perfect event for those looking for good ol’ American amusement parks along with the patriotic spirit. 

Find tickets to Old Town’s Fun Spot America here if you want to ride while you celebrate. 

Braving the theme parks during the 4th of July? Great choice. To prepare yourself for the crowd levels, check out Tips to Maximize Your Time at Universal Orlando and How to Maximize Your Time at Disney World.

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