Still unsure about your Independence Day plans?
Doesn't really matter how you spend it -- so long as it includes a shot of fireworks at the end.
Here's a synopsis of what's available in the Broward and Palm Beach areas.
Most of the events are free.
See also: - Five Best Fourth of July Parties in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach - Fourth of July in South Florida: Where to Eat and Drink in Broward and Palm Beach
West Palm Beach 4th on Flagler Take part in a free celebration of the last 25 years with live entertainment and fireworks over the West Palm Beach Waterfront. The Meyer Amphitheatre will be pumping and nearby, there will be a DJ Dance Party. If that's not enough, take a look at some exquisite Harleys at the "Ride Them Hogs" motorcycle display or entertain yourself with the Wild West Mini Rodeo. The party offers something for all ages, as the children have their own 'Fountain of Youth' area. The Lake Pavilion will be hosting 'Club 4th,' for those 21 and over willing to buy a ticket. The air conditioned pavilion will be hopping with the latest hits as the DJ spins on the ones-and-twos. It also offers the premier spot for the night's firework finale. The "largest fireworks display in South Florida" will consist of 16-minutes of nonstop fireworks over the backdrop of the biggest musical hits from the '80s to today. All festivities begin at 5 p.m.
Delray Beach Delray has an entire day of events planned on A1A and East Atlantic Avenue for its July 4th Extravaganza. Festivities begin bright an early with an 8 a.m. sand sculpting contest, which ends at noon. A 60-foot flag will be raised at 3 p.m. over Atlantic Avenue, followed by a live musical performance and a volleyball match. Live music, mini golf, photo booths and chalk art will all be available to those in attendance, leading up to a beachside firework show scheduled for 9 p.m. Get there early, as East Atlantic Avenue will be closed to traffic from 2 p.m. till midnight.
Lake Worth This year, we'll see the "Lake Worth 100" -- the biggest ever Fourth of July celebration in the city, which coincides with Lake Worth's centennial. The 11th Annual Great American Raft Race commences at 10 a.m. The Parade of Rafts will set sail towards the Bryant Park Boat Ramp in an attempt to be crowned the Centennial Champion at 11 a.m. Bands begin playing at noon in Bryant Park and continue all day long; there will also be arts and crafts and music. Fireworks go off over the Intracoastal Waterway at 9 p.m., with VIP viewing available at the front of the Sabal Palm House.
Deerfield Beach The city's Main Beach Parking Lot, located at 149 SE 21st avenue, will be hosting a wide range of entertainment for the entire family throughout the day. Carly Jo Jackson kicks off the event with a live performance at 12:30. The remainder of the day is split amongst a variety of musical performers, including the Baron Sisters and Pit Bull of Blue. The celebration features a wide range of food vendors and arts and crafts, all topped off with a rousing display of fireworks scheduled at 9 p.m. Free parking and stroller pick-up are available for the event, which is also free to attend, at the Cove Shopping Center and St. Ambrose Catholic Church.
Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale offers a myriad of Independence Day fun. The city will be hosting its "Fourth of July Spectacular" on Fort Lauderdale Beach, between A1A and Las Olas Boulevard, from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. Some of the events scheduled include hot dog eating contests, bounce houses, face painting and limbo contests. A baby crawling competition, referred to as the 'Diaper Derby,' also promises to be entertaining (and/or exploitative!). Live music will be available from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Bon Jovi tribute band at 6:45, yo!), up until a simulcast fireworks show caps the night. Commuters should avoid using the Las Olas Bridge, as it will be restricted to one lane in each direction. A more economical water shuttle service will be available to those in attendance.
Hollywood Hollywood Beach has a jam packed schedule for its "Hometown 4th of July Celebration." DJ Chulo kicks off the day at 1 p.m. in Charnow Park with children's games and entertainment, while arts and crafts will be available on Buchanan and New York Street. Pocket Change will be performing live at the Hollywood Beach Theatre from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by the city's fireworks display offshore. The entire event is free, as is the shuttle that begins at 5 p.m. and stops on the corner of Tyler Street and N. 19th Avenue. No vehicle access will be available between Hollywood Boulevard and Sheridan Street from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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