What's Up in Florida
in July and August, 2026
JULY
MONUMENTAL FOURTH OF JULY – Celebrate Independence Day in a monumental way at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Enjoy food trucks and a live performance by Anti Idol, let the kids burn off some energy at the KUA Kids Power Zone, grab some free glow-in-the-dark giveaways, and stop by for face painting fun. Fireworks grand finale at 9 p.m.
When: July 4, 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, 201 Lakeview Drive, 34741,
Web: https://www.kissimmee.gov/Parks-Recreation-Events/Events-Festivals/Monumental-Fourth-of-July
MEXICO BEACH ARTIFICIAL REEF ASSOCIATION KINGFISH TOURNAMENT – Last year, 122 boats fished in the tournament, and over 800 people enjoyed the Captains’ Party. This year’s format will be the same: boats under 26’ with no professional anglers can fish the Recreational Division, and boats over 26’ or that have a professional angler on board, regardless of boat size, must fish the Open Division. This tournament supports efforts to build and deploy artificial reefs off the coast of Mexico Beach to promote the conservation and environmental improvement.
When: July 24th, 2026 (Captains’ Party) and July 25th, 2026 (Fishing Tournament/weigh-in
Where: Mexico Beach public boat ramp.
Web: https://mbara.org/kingfish-tournament/
SHARKCON – This fun, interactive and educational two-day event returns for its 12th year, bringing an interesting meet-and-greet lineup, including “Jaws: The Revenge” star Mario Van Peebles and various National Geographic and Animal Planet marine science experts and personalities. Dip your hands in touch tanks and sand pits, take scuba lessons, dig for sharks’ teeth and amble down a 27-foot shark slide. Hear guest speakers discuss shark conservation and other marine science wonders or buy a souvenir from more than a hundred vendors selling shark and ocean-related merchandise, including jewelry, shark-friendly beach and fishing products and artwork. Walk away with a new appreciation for this fascinating sea creature, no matter how well you think you know sharks.
When: July 18-19
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa
Web: http://sharkcon.com/
LIBERTY BY THE BAY – Pick a spot at one of the many viewing areas along downtown Tampa’s Riverwalk and beyond to watch a patriotic-themed boat parade, a pet parade, a special Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, a 250-drone light show and fireworks. This year’s festivities will be extra special as the country celebrates 250 years of independence. Viewing is free, with drinks and food available at several of the designated watch areas, as well as some live entertainment at select venues and a dazzling water ski show. A trophy will be given to the boat donning the most impressive red, white and blue, so be prepared to see some fun, over-the-top displays.
When: July 4
Where: Downtown Tampa
Web: https://thetampariverwalk.com/events/fourth-of-july-boat-parade.html
FOURTH FEST – Grab your swimsuit and beat the heat by celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary in Punta Gorda’s Laishley Park, which will feature a group of 12 giant waterslides, smaller slides for little ones, and a large kids’ fun zone. Vendors, displays, and unique shopping opportunities will also be available, as well as plenty of fun festival food, cold beer, and beverages, with live music throughout the day. After the sun goes down, check out the bigger-than-ever fireworks show lighting the sky over Peace River. Admission is free and wristbands to use the waterslides are $10 for the day.
When: July 4
Where: Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
Web: https://puntagordafireworks.com/
FIREWORKS OVER THE MATANZAS — Florida’s big cities are planning parties like it’s 1776, but St. Augustine is just sitting back and smiling because they are the nation’s oldest city (1565). The community’s annual all-American birthday bash starts with a live concert by The All Star Orchestra in Plaza de la Constitucion (6 p.m.) that features big band, swing and patriotic favorites. After the show, guests will have time to grab a bite or cocktail before the main event lights up the night along Matanzas Bay above Castillo de San Marcos and the Bridge of Lions. Get there early if you want a prime viewing spot along the water.
When: July 4
Where: St. Augustine
Web: https://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/events/fireworks-over-the-matanzas
SEASIDE’S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION — Pack your sunglasses and your party spirit because Fort Walton’s Seaside Amphitheater will be the place to be for a sun-soaked, daylong birthday blowout! Guests in it for the long haul will be treated to a full patriotic show when the Emerald Coast Theatre Company performs Ragged Old Flag and the national anthem at 9 a.m. A block party, children’s bike parade, live music and hot dog eating contest follow. Everyone will cap off the day with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Patriotic Pops concert which leads into the fireworks display.
When: July 4
Where: Fort Walton
Web: https://sowal.com/event/seaside-independence-day-celebration-0?date=2026-07-04
PENSACOLA BEACH AIR SHOW — Keep your eyes glued to the skies above the gulf. Right on the heels of Independence Day, the Blue Angels turn Pensacola Beach into the ultimate amphitheater, delivering four days of heart-pounding precision aeronautic flying that make this annual event a must-see. It kicks off with Breakfast with the Blues (July 15), when the Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron hits the sky to mark the show’s coordinates and center points along Pensacola Beach. The Blue Angels hold their practice show on Thursday, with the civilian aerobatic performers joining them in the sky on Friday for a full dress rehearsal. This year, the Blues will be joined by aerobatic helicopter pilot Aaron Fitzgerald, Kevin Coleman and the Red Bull Air Force, a F-35A Lightning II, Veterans Flight and more. Saturday’s air show is one of the community’s marquee annual events and visitors are encouraged to nab a prime viewing spot early at Casino Beach.
When: July 15-18
Where: Pensacola
Web: https://www.visitpensacola.com/blueangels/air-show/pensacola-beach-air-show-featuring-the-us-navy-blue-angels
SALUTE TO FREEDOM FESTIVAL — Forget just staring up at the sky, Panama City is plugging in the amps and turning the volume up for America’s 250th birthday with two stages of live music to electrify the night. The free festival will host the Zack Miller Band, 12Eleven and Last Left on Stage 1. Anne Cline & The Dirty Peaches and Son of Saints will play on Stage 2. Also includes food, drink, artisans and other local vendors. The party starts at 4 p.m. and concludes with fireworks over St. Andrews Bay.
When: July 4
Where: Panama City
Web: https://destinationpanamacity.com/annual-event/july-4th-salute-to-freedom-festival
4th ON FLAGLER – There will be entertainment on three stages, a patriotic flag unfurling ceremony, a kids’ interactive zone, a 5K run, a variety of food and refreshment options and – new this year – a high energy laser show building to a dazzling 18-minute fireworks display over the Intracoastal Waterway.
When: July 4
Where: on the waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach
Web: wpb.org/Residents/Community-Events/Events/4th-on-Flagler
HEMINGWAY DAYS – The annual Papa-fest features readings, a museum exhibit of rare Ernest Hemingway memorabilia, a zany “Running of the Bulls,” a three-day marlin tournament, a short story competition, street fair, a party commemorating the 125th anniversary of his July 21st birthday, a 5K run, a museum exhibit of rare Hemingway memorabilia, a paddleboard race and, of course, the famous Look-Alike Contest.
When: July 22-26
Where: Various locations in Key West
Web: Hemingway Days | Florida Keys & Key West
AUGUST
WAUSAU POSSUM FESTIVAL — Looking for a truly unforgettable Florida road trip? Head to the central Panhandle for Wausau’s annual Possum Fest! As the self-proclaimed Possum Capital of the World, this tiny town throws a massive party featuring a Possum Parade, live music, a quilt auction and hilariously authentic Hog Callin' and Rooster Crowin' contests. Be sure to dress the part (possum attire is highly celebrated) and don't skip out on the famous Possum Ice Cream. Don't worry, no possums were harmed to make it, instead it’s just a delicious blend that includes persimmon, the sweet and bitter fruit that the marsupials love.
When: July 31 - Aug. 1
Where: Wausau
Web: https://visitwcfla.com/events/wausau-possum-festival
REGGAE ON THE ROCK – This year’s “ultimate island fest” is bigger and better, taking place on an actual island of off the central west coast of Florida and bringing the reggae vibes to two stages along the waterfront. The 11-hour fest will showcase top national touring artists, reggae legends, and beloved Florida favorites, including bands, DJs, and up-and-coming solo artists. In addition to the tunes, guests can enjoy unique art and clothing vendors, delicious food and cold drinks as they groove into the night. Want more? There’s a Friday night pre-party to get the party started.
When: Aug.
Where: Manatee Island, Daytona Beach
Web: https://reggaeattherock.com/
BEERTOPIA – This evening event brings beer lovers, bands and local restaurants together in one fairgrounds hall, raising money for a nonprofit that supplies vision care and eyeglasses to children and the Hernando De Soto Historical Society. Enjoy samplings of various craft brews, seltzers and liquor, as well as live music, fun silent and live auctions, a raffle, and food made by some of the area’s most loved restaurants.
When: Aug, 22
Where: Manatee Couty Fairgrounds, Palmetto
Web: https://desotohq.com/beertopia/
KEY WEST LOBSTERFEST – How many ways can fresh-out-of-the water lobsters be cooked and enjoyed? Attend this five-day crustacean-a-thon and find out as the opening of the Florida Spiny Lobster season is celebrated and Key West becomes an island-wide party. Some of the highlights include the famous Lobster Boil (which, besides lobster, also serves jumbo Key West shrimp, red skin potatoes, corn on the cob and jalapeno corn bread with melted butter), pool parties, a pub crawl, concerts, a street fair, a pub trivia night with a lobster twist and a lobster-roll eating contest.
When: Aug. 5-9
Where: Various locations in Key West
Web: keywestlobsterfest.com
DYNOMITE DUO FOR FOODIES! – You can eat your way through Miami-Dade and Broward Counties at some of SoFla’s outstanding eateries without too big a hit to your wallet. The idea for these is basically the same: Pre-fixe three-course dinners at bargain prices. Some of the restaurants may also include lunch, brunches and take-out.
- Dine Out Lauderdale
When: Now through Sept. 30
Where: Various locations in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County
Web: visitlauderdale.com/dineout/ - Miami Spice
When: Now through Sept. 30
Where: Participating restaurants in Miami Beach and Miami
Web: iLoveMiamiSpice.com
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS
