The First Coast knows how to celebrate Independence Day. Get a jump on the festivities by checking out these local Fourth of July activities.
July 1
Red, White and Brew Run
The “Red, White and Brew Freedom Run 5K” will be held Saturday, July 1 at the Riverside Arts Market. The race will run along the Riverwalk, and participants will be able to stop for refreshment at the “Halfway Bacon Station.” The event will include live entertainment, food trucks, beer stations and an artisan market that will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Awards will be presented to the top finishers, and the event proceeds will benefit local charities “Warfighters in Arms” and “K9s for Warriors.”
Registration will take place from 7 to 7:50 a.m. at 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville. The race will begin at 8 a.m. For additional information, visit www.jaxfreedomrun.com.
July 2
Two-for-one zoo admission
In honor of Independence Day, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will offer two-for-one admission July 2-4. Guests who buy one general admission ticket will receive one general admission ticket of equal or lesser value for free. (The special offer cannot be combined with already discounted admission, coupons or Zoo Value Tickets.)
Located at 370 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. General admission is $17.95 for adults, $15.95 for seniors, $12.95 for kids 3-12 and free for children 2 and under.
July 3
Fireworks and a Movie
Celebrate the Fourth a day early at the World Golf Hall of Fame. Check-in will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. IMAX 3D showing of “Transformers: The Last Knight.” Following the movie, a fireworks display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.
While the fireworks will be free to view, there will be a $10 parking fee. Movie ticket packages will be available for purchase at a cost of $15 for Movie Club members and $20 for the general public. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.
The World Golf Hall of Fame is located at 1 World Golf Place in St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 940-4123 or visit www.worldgolfhalloffame.org.
Savory Faire Food & Wine Tasting
Savor and sample the flavors of the Ancient City on this three-hour tasting tour through St. Augustine. Participants will travel through the historic city stopping at local restaurants to enjoy dishes created by the chefs especially for the tour. Offered July 3-4, the tour begins at 1:30 p.m. at the City Walks office, located at 4 Granada St. Admission is $59 per person. Visit www.staugcitywalks.com or call (904) 825-0087.
July 4 – Independence Day
City of Jacksonville Beach Fourth of July Fireworks
The City of Jacksonville Beach’s annual fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. July 4 at the fishing pier. Bring a blanket and chairs to the beach and watch as the fireworks soar over the coastline.
Fireworks Over the Matanzas
The Ancient City will kick off its annual Fourth of July celebration at 6 p.m. with a two-hour concert at the Plaza de la Constitución. The free concert will feature the big band music of The All Star Orchestra, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating. At 9:30 p.m., the festivities will conclude with a 20-minute fireworks display over Matanzas Bay, choreographed to a soundtrack of popular patriotic hits.
Pirate ship Black Raven
Celebrate Independence Day pirate-style with a moonlight cruise aboard the Black Raven. View the impressive fireworks display from the deck of the pirate ship on this adults-only cruise. Admission is $75 per person. The cruise departs at 8 p.m. from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina near the Bridge of Lions and returns immediately following the fireworks display. Visit www.blackravenadventures.com for more information.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum will host a special viewing of the July 4 fireworks from the top of the light station at 9 p.m. on Independence Day. Admission is $40 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under. Guests are asked to check in by 8:45 p.m. Tickets sell quickly; for reservations or more information, visit www.staugustlinelighthouse.com or call (904) 829-0745.
City of Jacksonville Fourth of July Celebration
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4, the City of Jacksonville’s annual Fourth of July celebration will be underway. Throughout the evening, Jacksonville Landing will offer live music and food and drink specials. Then starting at 9:45 p.m., partygoers can view the fireworks as they are launched from two barges on the St. Johns River – one in front of the Landing, and the other located east of the Main Street Bridge.
