Your Guide to Celebrating the Fourth
The Fourth of July in Pensacola is packed with fireworks, festivities, and all the sun-soaked celebration you could ask for. Start your day with a festive run, enjoy family-friendly events, and end the night with fireworks over the water. The Gulf knows how to celebrate with the perfect mix of patriotic charm and beachside fun. If you’re planning to spend Independence Day in the area, here’s everything you need to know, plus the best places to stay while you’re here.
4th of July 5k
Begin your holiday with the 4th of July 5K on Pensacola Beach, a high-spirited race that brings together locals and visitors for an energizing start to the day. Runners enjoy a scenic coastal route and a festive post-race celebration with beer, hot dogs, and watermelon. It’s a fun and memorable way to kick off the Fourth.
Pensacola Fireworks Show
Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks display over Pensacola Bay, hosted by the Greater Pensacola Chamber and Pensacola Young Professionals. The show begins at 9:00 PM, along Bayfront Parkway. Attendees can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with food vendors, music, and a lively crowd. The reflections on the water and walkable location make it one of the most popular spots for fireworks in the city.
Pensacola Beach Fireworks
Pensacola Beach puts on its own spectacular show, also at 9 PM. The fireworks launch near the Boardwalk, but you can see them from almost anywhere along the beach. Bring a towel or chair, settle into the sand, and enjoy the view as the sky lights up over the Gulf. The sound of the waves paired with a booming fireworks display creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Arrive early to find parking and grab a spot close to the action.
VIP Fireworks Viewing Shows
Want a front-row seat with a little more comfort? Reserve a beach picnic table at Water Pig BBQ or a table at Red Fish Blue Fish from 6–10 PM. At Water Pig, enjoy the show with your toes in the sand, slow-smoked barbecue, and a laid-back beach vibe. Over at Red Fish Blue Fish, grab a seat by the water, kick back with great food and drinks, and take in the fireworks with an unbeatable view. Both spots offer a festive and relaxed way to enjoy the night.
Blue Wahoos + Sparks & Stars
The Blue Wahoos Stadium celebration is perfect for families looking for a fun night out. Inside the stadium, enjoy inflatables, games, and baseball-themed activities. Outside the gates, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra hosts its annual Sparks and Stars concert – a patriotic music performance that leads up to the fireworks show. The view from Community Maritime Park offers a perfect blend of music and celebration.
Where to Stay
If you’re visiting for the holiday or just want to make a long weekend of it, these hotels offer top-rated comfort and unbeatable locations near the beach and events:
– Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach: A favorite for families, this hotel features a 250-foot lazy river, beachfront access, and festive energy that fits the holiday mood perfectly.
– Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach: A new, modern hotel right on the beach with easy access to the Boardwalk and fireworks. Guests love the sleek design and ocean views.
– Surf & Sand Hotel: For a more relaxed vibe, Surf & Sand offers a quiet stay with free kayak rentals and private beach access. It’s a peaceful home base close to all the fun.
– Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach: A classic beachfront hotel with a private boardwalk leading to the sand. Its central location makes it easy to walk to nearby restaurants and fireworks viewing spots.
There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day in Pensacola. Between the morning festivities, beachside fireworks, and VIP seating by the water, they know how to throw a celebration worth remembering. Pack your red, white, and blue, book your stay, and get ready for a Fourth filled with sunshine, music, and memories by the sea.
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