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2026 4th of July Events on Florida’s Forgotten Coast
America is turning 250, and there is no better place to celebrate than along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. From waterfront fireworks and golf cart parades to live music, local shopping, farmers markets, family fun, and beach-town traditions, the 2026 Fourth of July weekend is packed with patriotic events across Gulf County and Franklin County.
Whether you are staying in Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach, WindMark Beach, Wewahitchka, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Eastpoint, or St. George Island, here is your timeline of local 4th of July celebrations.
Wednesday, July 1 — Eastpoint Freedom Festival
Kick off the holiday week bayside at the Eastpoint Freedom Festival. The celebration begins at the Eastpoint Boat Ramp around 4:00 PM ET with food, entertainment, live music, and a laid-back community atmosphere. The evening ends with fireworks over the bay from approximately 9:00–9:30 PM ET. The Apalachicola Bay Chamber lists the 4th Annual Eastpoint Freedom Festival for July 1 from 4:00–9:30 PM.
Thursday, July 2 — Carrabelle Celebration of Independence
Carrabelle keeps the celebration going along the waterfront with its annual Independence Day festivities. The evening includes a golf cart, scooter, and bike parade, with lineup beginning around 5:00 PM ET, parade festivities around 6:00 PM ET, and fireworks at dark-thirty. Carrabelle’s event listing highlights the Independence Day festivities and fireworks along the Carrabelle River on July 2.
Friday, July 3 — First Friday Sip & Shop on Reid Avenue
Spend Friday evening in Downtown Port St. Joe for First Friday Sip & Shop on Reid Avenue from 5:00–7:00 PM ET. Stroll local boutiques, enjoy refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres at participating businesses, discover local art, listen to live music, and support small businesses before the holiday weekend. Visit Gulf describes First Friday Sip & Shop as a free event featuring local shops, refreshments, art, and live music along Reid Avenue.
Friday, July 3 — Apalachicola Waterfront July 3rd Celebration
Head over to Riverfront Park in Apalachicola for an evening full of music, food vendors, family-friendly fun, and patriotic waterfront views. Festivities begin at 5:00 PM ET, followed by the beloved Red, White & Blue Golf Cart Parade and fireworks over the river at dark-thirty. The Apalachicola Bay Chamber notes that the event begins at Riverfront Park at 5:00 PM and builds to a fireworks display over the river.
Saturday, July 4 — Mexico Beach Sandy Shoes 5K
Start Independence Day with the Mexico Beach Sandy Shoes 5K Fun Run at Under the Palms Park. The race begins at 7:00 AM CT and offers a fun, family-friendly way to begin the holiday before a full day of beach celebrations. Mexico Beach lists the Sandy Shoes 5K Fun Run for July 4 at 7:00 AM at Under the Palms Park.
Saturday, July 4 — Salt Air Farmers’ Market in Port St. Joe
Before the afternoon festivities, stop by the Salt Air Farmers’ Market in Port St. Joe from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM ET. Browse local produce, handmade goods, plants, artisan finds, and small-batch products while supporting local farmers and vendors. Visit Gulf lists the Salt Air Farmers’ Market on the first and third Saturdays from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM ET in Port St. Joe.
Saturday, July 4 — WindMark Beach Golf Cart Parade
Celebrate the morning in WindMark Beach with the festive WindMark Beach Golf Cart Parade. Decorated carts, patriotic colors, and community fun make this one of the most charming local traditions of the weekend. Event details shared locally list registration at The Green at WindMark Beach beginning around 9:00 AM ET, with parade festivities following in the morning.
Saturday, July 4 — St. George Island Wet & Wild Golf Cart Parade
Over in Franklin County, St. George Island hosts the Wet & Wild Golf Cart Parade, a beloved island tradition featuring decorated golf carts, patriotic spirit, and plenty of water-filled fun. The event is listed for July 4 with lineup around 10:30 AM ET and parade activities following on St. George Island.
Saturday, July 4 — Port St. Joe Freedom Fest Fun Zone
Families can enjoy bounce houses, inflatables, concessions, and all-day fun at the Port St. Joe Freedom Fest Fun Zone at The Port Inn from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM ET. Visit Gulf lists the Freedom Fest Fun Zone at The Port Inn as part of the Port St. Joe Freedom Fest schedule.
Saturday, July 4 — Wewahitchka 4th of July Celebration
In Wewahitchka, the celebration continues at Lake Alice Park with live music starting at 6:00 PM and fireworks at dark. Bring your chairs, blankets, and family for a small-town celebration filled with music, community, and patriotic fun. Visit Gulf’s events calendar lists the Wewahitchka Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lake Alice Park.
Saturday, July 4 — Mexico Beach Fireworks Show
Mexico Beach wraps up the day with its Best Blast on the Beach Firework Show at 8:30 PM CT. Fireworks are visible from the beach, making this a classic coastal way to celebrate Independence Day by the water. Mexico Beach notes that the Best Blast on the Beach begins at 8:30 PM and can be viewed from the beach.
Saturday, July 4 — St. George Island Fireworks Presented by The Blue Parrot
St. George Island will close out the evening with fireworks presented by The Blue Parrot. The show is listed from 9:00–10:00 PM ET at The Blue Parrot, 68 West Gorrie Drive, St. George Island, offering fireworks over the Gulf and a memorable island atmosphere.
Saturday, July 4 — Port St. Joe Fireworks at Frank Pate Park
End the holiday with the Port St. Joe fireworks celebration at 10:00 PM ET. The show is viewable from the Downtown Port St. Joe area and George Core Park, with fireworks lighting up the waterfront over St. Joseph Bay. Visit Gulf lists the Port St. Joe fireworks celebration for July 4 at 10:00 PM ET, viewable from downtown and George Core Park.
Celebrate, Shop Local, and Enjoy the Coast
The 2026 Fourth of July weekend is the perfect time to experience everything that makes Florida’s Forgotten Coast special: waterfront views, small-town traditions, family-friendly events, local businesses, golf cart parades, and fireworks over the Gulf of America.
From all of us at Port Realty Group, we wish you a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day weekend.
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
Port Realty Group
850-227-7979
www.PortRealtyGroup.com
Times and details are subject to change. Please confirm event information with the event organizer before attending.
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