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South Walton Events, Parades & Fireworks For Independence Day
July 4, 2025 by SoWal Staff

South Walton is gearing up for a fantastic Independence Day weekend, packed with celebratory events across all of our charming communities! You'll find a lively mix of parades, live music, family activities, and, of course, spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Here's a rundown of some of the exciting happenings:
The 28th edition of the annual *Rags To Riches Regatta* returns to Grayton Beach on Saturday, June 28, 2025 in celebration of American Independence Day. Read more.
Alys Beach hosts a Fourth of July Concert & fireworks at the town center amphitheatre, where there is always tons of activity every day - a splash pad fountain, dining, and shopping. You can typically find lots of room to spread out on the lawn for the kiddos to play, with food and drinks available for purchase. It's a more elegant setting to enjoy the holiday's grandeur. But there are also great spaces to explore like the Nature Trail north of town and Turtle Bale Spring on the south side of 30A with sea turtle sculptures and a watercourse.
Kick-off your favorite star-spangled holiday with a good, old-fashioned Donut Eating Contest in the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Friday, July 4th from 9AM - 11AM. Proudly sponsored by Charlie’s Delights, whose donuts have long been an Alys Beach tradition, this contest is sure to be one for the record books.
Seaside is a hub of activity for the Fourth of July! Seaside's Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular will take place July 4th in the Seaside Amphitheater. A favorite among locals and visitors alike – the day is filled with patriotic spirit, music, and fun! The Block Party begins at 9AM featuring family fun, a REP performance, ECTC Musical performance, bike decorating contest, and hot dog eating contest. Come back at night to enjoy the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pops Concert at 7PM followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the Gulf.
Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular
9AM - 12PM: Block Party (Central Square)
9AM: National Anthem
9AM: The REP Performance (Seaside Post Office)
10AM: Emerald Coast Theatre Company Musical Performance
11AM: Bike Decorating Contest
11:30AM: Hot Dog Eating Contest (Amphitheater Stage)
7PM: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Pop Concert (Amphitheater Stage)
8:30PM: Fireworks On The Gulf
Seaside's Amphitheater is a beautiful green space in the heart of Central Square where families will often gather for live music, outdoor movies, annual celebrations, children's activities and other fun events. Learn more: seasidefl.com
Celebrate Independence Day all weekend long at North Beach Social! Festivities begin on the beach July 4th featuring live music onstage, bayside views, a Cajun seafood boil & hot dogs Friday to Sunday, plus festive drink specials. Grab your Red, White & Blue Jell-O Shots or beat the heat with a Patriotic Frozen Lemonade as we toast to the USA and the heart of summer. Kids' activities and swag on July 4th will include stamp tattoos, slap bracelets, glow in the dark gear, and more!
FRIDAY July 4
1–4 PM: Boukou Groove Duo
6–9 PM: Salt Rock Revival
SAT July 5
1–4 PM: The Sunshine Wranglers
6–9 PM: Dion Jones & The Neon Tears
SUN July 6
1–4 PM: The Wildlife Specials
6–9 PM: Gilleran's Island
MON July 7
6–9 PM: Ronni Kay & The Amazing Band
North Beach Social is a beach restaurant and bar located at the foot of the 331 bridge in Santa Rosa Beach on the Choctawhatchee Bay. A popular South Walton gathering spot for everyone with a delicious menu of eats and cold drinks, all day drink specials, breakfast on weekends, Wednesday night paella, and lots of live entertainment.
Get in on the action upstairs at Farm & Fire with comfy dining and the charming and cozy Speakeasy Bar - the food is excellent and the sunset view over the bay is spectacular! Across the street, also with a white sand beach on the water is the laid back The Bay restaurant and bar overlooking the scene and the water.
Rosemary Beach offers a full day of festivities for the whole family. The morning starts with the annual Breakfast & Bike Decorating Contest in North Barrett Square, leading into a spirited Bike Parade and Block Party. Enjoy sweet treats from Kona Ice as well as face painting, airbrush tattoos, balloons, colored hair spray and more! Note: Rosemary Beach fireworks show is on July 2nd this year.
Get ready for a "Red, White & Baytowne" celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf! Enjoy LIVE music on the Events Plaza Stage from 7pm-9:15pm from Tanner Gray Band, followed by a fireworks display that will light up the night sky at 9:15pm.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf will also host kids activities including kids crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting. The Village of Baytowne Wharf is the heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Featuring an array of boutiques, eateries, galleries and nightlife -- not to mention a jam-packed schedule of outdoor festivals and special events, it's easy to see why The Village is the gathering place for many locals and visitors along the Emerald Coast.
Learn more about shopping, dining, nightlife and events at baytownewharf.com. Check out all Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort has to offer at Sandestin.com.
Ara Rooftop Bar at Hotel Effie, located at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, is celebrating all weekend long with rooftop vibes, stunning views, live DJ sets and more! Open to the public.
Friday, July 4: DJs spinning from noon - 4PM & 6 - 10PM.
Saturday, July 5: Enjoy live DJ spinning throughout the day with sets from 11AM - 4PM, 4:30 - 7PM, & 7:30 - 10:30PM.
Sunday, July 6: DJ from noon - 4PM.
Whether you're a guest or just visiting, you're invited to celebrate July 4th at the Hilton Sandestin Independence Day Poolside Cookout. Beginning at 6PM, this cookout is open to the public (with a reservation), and the reservation includes priority seating for live music by the Heather Hayes Band, an exciting Warbirds Flyover, and Fireworks show! Visit HiltonSandestinBeach.com and call (850)267-9691 to learn more.
Grayton Beach keeps its unique, laid-back vibe with its annual Fourth of July Parade. Locals and visitors alike decorate cars, bikes, and golf carts in patriotic flair, cruising through the quirky streets. After the parade, you can often find popsicles, watermelon, and lemonade to enjoy.
Join in the fun at the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. The parade rolls at 8:30AM, but get there early, especially if you want to be in the parade as the lineup begins at 8AM. Decorate your cars, jeeps, boats, bikes, scooters, etc. No registration needed and everyone is welcome! Parking available at AJ’s. Stop by for a FREE flag, bottle water, or ice pop before heading to the parade. The bar will open early for a drink before or after the parade. Swimsuits, pajamas and bloody marys optional.
Ocean Reef Resorts is proud to be part of this tradition. The local office at 15 Pine Street will be open during the parade, offering cold refreshments and goodies to guests and parade-goers alike. Stop in to say hi or cool off in the A/C while the fun marches on. See more information about the Grayton Beach 4th of July Parade on the Ocean Reef blog.
See the Grayton BeachCam at SoWal.com/LIVE - tune in to the Grayton Beach Red Bar Cam on the morning of the 4th to see that Grayton Beach July 4th Parade LIVE!
AJ's Grayton Beach 4th of July Celebration & Brunch
Come join in the fun for the annual July 4th parade in the wonderful and funky town of Grayton Beach. The AJ's Grayton bar will open at 8AM, so stop in for a drink, FREE flag, bottle water, ice pop, or AJ's swag before heading to the parade. Arrive early, park at AJ's, and walk down to The Red Bar for the parade beginning at 8:30AM. AJ's will be open at 9AM serving their Star Spangled Brunch featuring bottomless mimosas! Early morning entertainment features music duo Christon Birge and Katie Spillman.
July 4th LIVE MUSIC
9AM, Courtyard: Christon Birge & Katie Spillman
4PM, Main Stage: TBA
8PM, Main Stage: TBA
9PM, Main Stage: TBA
AJ's is known for great food and good times. With live music and an eclectic atmosphere, this hot spot in Grayton is a beloved spot for families, music lovers, locals and visitors. Learn more: ajsgrayton.com. Join OneBlood and AJ's on July 4th between 8AM - 2PM at the Stars & Stripes Blood Drive. Celebrate the spirit of unity and freedom by giving back to the community and saving lives. When you donate, you will get: $20 egift card, Oneblood July 4th T-shirt, $10 AJ's Gift Card, & Wellness Checkup.
Celebrating the 4th all day with live music, cold drinks and excellent food! Check out Stinky's Fish Camp, Stinky's Bait Shack & Redfish Taco - The Dawson Group has it all on Independence Day all day!
The City of Freeport will be having their annual Fourth of July Parade on Friday, July 4, beginning at 4 p.m. at Freeport Learning Center. To see the entire route map, please click HERE. The parade begins promptly at 4 p.m. State Road 20 will be closed to all traffic in the parade route path at 3:45 p.m. and will reopen after the parade. Participating in our parade is free and a great way to show your patriotism. Businesses, clubs, organizations, churches, etc. are welcome to participate and advertise to all of our wonderful residents. This is a well-attended event. A spectacular fireworks show will take place at 8:30 p.m. in the Freeport Regional Sports Complex. Vendors will be available to purchase food. Interested in participating in the parade? Registration for the parade closes June 26. To join the parade route and learn more, visit Freeport 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Show.
Other Happenings: Keep an eye out for other localized events, including special dining experiences, live music at various venues, and community gatherings throughout South Walton. Many communities also offer unique ways to experience the fireworks, from beachfront viewing to special cruises.
Celebrate July 4th in downtown DeFuniak Springs at their annual Hometown Heroes Celebration and Fireworks Show! Honoring the memory of Deputy William May, the All-American Parade around Lake DeFuniak will begin at 4PM followed by opening ceremonies and live music featuring Shane Ownes at the Lakeyard Amphitheater. Fireworks will light up the sky at 8:45PM. This family-friendly event is FREE to attend.
Celebrate America’s birthday with a bang at the HarborWalk Village in Destin Fourth of July Concert & Celebration: Coastal Country Edition! Head to the beautiful Destin Harbor on Friday, July 4th from 6-9PM, for a night of live country music, dancing, and epic fun to honor the stars and stripes. On-Site Parking Fee - Good for Same Day Return.
Ring in the Fourth of July in Panama City Beach at the annual Star Spangled Spectacular Fireworks Show. With multiple amazing locations to watch the fireworks, you'll always have the perfect spot to sit and watch the show. You can join the crowds at Russell-Fields Pier or M.B. Miller Pier.
Camp Creek Inn hosts a spectacular private fireworks display alongside festive events, including tie-dye, beach bonfires, live music, pool parties and lawn games. July Fourth features all-day celebrations at Shark’s Tooth Golf Course, culminating in fireworks at Camp Creek Golf Course from 6-9:30 p.m.
Tips for Enjoying the Weekend:
Arrive Early: Popular spots, especially for fireworks, fill up quickly.
- Walk or Bike: Parking can be challenging, so consider walking, biking, or using golf carts if possible. Some areas may offer shuttles.
- Stay Hydrated: July in Florida is warm, so remember to drink plenty of water!
No matter where you choose to celebrate, Independence Day weekend in South Walton promises to be a memorable occasion filled with community spirit and dazzling displays!
Please join the SoWal community for Keep Walton County Beautiful's post 4th of July Cleanup on Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6. This is a fun and meaningful opportunity for your community to come together, show pride in your surroundings and help protect the places we all enjoy.
When you sign up to host your own cleanup, KWCB can help by providing:
All cleanup supplies (trash bags, gloves, grabbers, etc.)
Promotional materials (t-shirts, social media graphics, etc.)
Promotion of your cleanup on our website, newsletter and social media
What we ask from you:
Host your cleanup on July 5 or 6 at a public or neighborhood beach access
Submit a short post-event recap, which includes the number of volunteers, amount of trash collected and a few photos
To sign up, please fill out the form on our website by Monday, June 23: Neighborhood Cleanup Form.
Be safe on the beach - follow beach safety and rules from Walton County Tourism Department. For Gulf conditions and flag updates, text "SAFETY" to 31279.
A big thank you to our SoWal Partners for supporting our community website! Watersound Fountains & Naturewalk At Watersound!