South Walton Independence Day Fireworks, Parades & Events

SoWal goes all out to celebrate the Fourth! It's the busiest and brightest weekend of the year, and this year carries extra meaning as our beach towns celebrate America's 250th birthday. 

Grayton Beach Kicks Off the Fourth with Parade, Brunch and Live Music
The heart of SoWal gets the party started early in Grayton Beach at 8:30 a.m. where the annual community parade starts from the Red Bar, winds through the historic village, past quirky beach cottages, then loops up past Ocean Reef Resorts’ local vacation rental and real estate office (book your SoWal vacation) before finishing near AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar. You can watch anywhere along the route winding through town. Park just north of 30A at Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Facility (Grayton Central) at 1505 County S County Hwy 283. Want to join the parade? No sign-ups. No rules. Just decorate yourself, your truck, bike, jeep, scooter, boat on a trailer, or simply walk and join in. It’s pure Grayton Funn (with and extra N)! AJ's at Grayton Beach opens early and keeps the energy going with a Star-Spangled Brunch, live music throughout the day and evening, and a community blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Time: Saturday, July 4, starting at 8:30 a.m. (AJ's opens at 8 a.m.; brunch starts at 9 a.m.; evening music at 9 p.m.) Location: 63 DeFuniak Street, Santa Rosa Beach Contact: (850) 231-4102

Alys Beach Marks America's 250th with Concert and Fireworks
The Merchants of Alys Beach host a free Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Show on the east end of Scenic 30A. Five Star Funk Lounge will perform live, with fireworks launching from the Gulf at 9 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Town Center vendors. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and low-back chairs. Fireworks are subject to cancellation based on Gulf conditions. Time: Saturday, July 4, from 7–9 p.m. (Fireworks at 9 p.m.) Location: Alys Beach Amphitheatre, Alys Beach Contact: (850) 213-5500.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Hosts Patriotic Revue at Grand Boulevard
Emerald Coast Theatre Company and Grand Boulevard invite you to an unforgettable evening of live music honoring 250 years of American freedom. Featuring ECTC’s talented theatre professionals alongside ECTC students, this is a celebration of country, community, and the power of performance.. Members and students of the company will perform in this festive pre-Independence Day celebration set in the heart of the outdoor shopping and dining destination. Time: Thursday, July 2, from 6–8 p.m.

Freeport Rings in the Fourth with Parade and Fireworks
The City of Freeport will host its annual Fourth of July celebration. The parade steps off from the Freeport Learning Center and concludes at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex, featuring floats, antique cars, and local businesses. Food trucks and community activities round out the evening, with fireworks at the Sports Complex. State Road 20 will close to traffic along the parade route at 5:45 p.m. and reopen afterward. Visit the website for parade applications and schedule updates. Time: Saturday, July 4, beginning at 6 p.m. (Fireworks around 8:45 p.m.)

Hotel Effie Sandestin Rings in the Fourth with Rooftop Celebration
Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge at Hotel Effie Sandestin will host "America 250 Above It All: Red, White & Rooftop" over Independence Day weekend. The two-day celebration features live DJ performances, festive cocktails, and panoramic Emerald Coast views, culminating with a rooftop viewing of Baytowne Wharf's fireworks show. Time: Friday, July 3, from 6–10 p.m. & Saturday, July 4, from noon–4 p.m. and 6–10 p.m. (Fireworks viewing at 9 p.m.).

Rosemary Beach Celebrates the Fourth with Parade, Concert and Gulf Fireworks
Rosemary Beach will mark Independence Day with a full day of festivities. The celebration kicks off with a bike decorating contest and parade through the community's streets and Barrett Square. The evening features a free family field day on the Western Green, followed by a live concert and a fireworks finale over the Gulf, viewable from the beach access near the town center. Time: Saturday, July 4, starting at 8:30 a.m. (Concert at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.).

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Hosts Red, White & Baytowne
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host its annual Red, White & Baytowne celebration at The Village of Baytowne Wharf from 6-9:15 p.m. on July 4th. Live music from Saltwater Revival, bringing high-energy favorites to the Events Plaza. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloon sculpting, and patriotic crafts throughout the evening. Then, cap off the night with our fireworks show over the lagoon at 9:15PM. Be sure to stop by and snap a photo in front of the giant American flag overlooking the lagoon.

Seaside Celebrates America's 250th with All-Day Fourth of July Festivities
Seaside will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States with a full day of patriotic programming. The celebration begins with a block party featuring Emerald Coast Theatre Company performing "Ragged Old Flag," the National Anthem, and a full patriotic set, followed by live music from Huck & Lily. Later, a community children's patriotic bike parade led by a brass band winds through the neighborhood, followed by Wild Bill's Beach Dogs' annual hot dog eating contest. Afternoon festivities continue with live music on Krier Plaza before Sinfonia Gulf Coast takes the stage for a Patriotic Pops Concert, capped off by a fireworks show over the water. Time: Saturday, July 4, starting at 9 a.m. (Bike parade at 11 a.m.; hot dog contest at 11:30 a.m.; plaza music from 2–4 p.m.; Sinfonia concert at 7 p.m.; fireworks at 8:30 p.m.).

If you're in NoWal - The DeFuniak Business and Professional Association will host the annual Fourth of July Celebration, bringing small-town charm and patriotic tradition to the heart of Walton County. The family-friendly event features local vendors, community activities, and a festive atmosphere along the lake's walkable streets, concluding with a fireworks display over the water. 

To find more holiday activities, family gatherings, and live music line-ups across South Walton, be sure to check the SoWal Events Calendar at https://sowal.com/events.