South Walton Events, Parades & Fireworks For Independence Day

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. 

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!

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.

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. 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. 

See the Grayton BeachCam at SoWal.com/LIVE.

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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.

Let Freedom Ring this Independence Day at the Freeport 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Show! Beginning at 4PM, the parade route starts at the Freeport Learning Center and ends at the Regional Sports Complex. Featuring fun for the whole family, after the parade enjoy live music, bounce houses and food vendors followed by a spectacular fireworks at 8:30pm. 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.

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!

And 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.