July 3–5in & around Central Florida
Mount Dora throws the Fourth a day early and the whole area follows. Freedom on the Waterfront lights up Elizabeth Evans Park Friday evening, the Independence Day Parade rolls through Donnelly Park Saturday morning, and The Villages throws its All American Celebration on the Fourth itself. Four days of red, white, and reasons to get out of the house. Just pack for a hot, wet one -- mid-90s each day with afternoon storm chances that peak on the Fourth, so bring the ponchos with the sunscreen and keep an eye on the sky before the fireworks.
Thursday
The library kicks off the long weekend with a family-friendly birthday party for the country -- crafts, activities, and air conditioning when the afternoon gets thick. An easy first stop with the kids.
Ocala marks the 250th with a screening of "The Crossing" at the historic Marion Theatre downtown. A cooler, quieter way into the holiday weekend if a packed park isn't your speed.
Friday
Mount Dora's big Fourth celebration, held the Friday before. Live music, a Kid's Zone, and the lakefront as the backdrop. Get there before dark, grab a patch of grass, and let the kids run while the bands play.
Saturday
The hometown parade through downtown Mount Dora on the Fourth itself, stepping off from Donnelly Park. Stake out a curb in the shade, bring the kids, and do the morning the old-fashioned way.
The Villages goes all in on the Fourth at Lake Sumter Landing -- music, games, and an evening that runs to fireworks. The square fills up, so come for the afternoon and make a night of it.
Over on the Gulf side, Crystal River throws its own Fourth with a concert downtown. The coastal counterpart to the inland parades -- music, water nearby, and a smaller-town feel.
Sunday
Wind the weekend down at the Sunday market in Sunset Park -- local makers, produce, and coffee under the oaks. The mellow close to a loud weekend.
That's the weekend.
See everything on in Central Florida — all weekend, all week.
See all eventsUpdated July 2, 2026 · Times verified the week of publication; we surface what's really on — how The Lineup chooses.