While it might not be wise to put 239 candles on a birthday cake, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate America’s birthday and independence. Here's a look at some ways that you can celebrate in South Florida.
Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth
Coinciding with Miami Beach’s 100th birthday, the city is celebrating America’s birthday all day long with fun for the entire family. Head to the bandshell for yoga by Green Monkey, food trucks starting at 11 a.m., a kids zone packed with a rock climbing wall, bungee station, inflatable slide, and face painting, and live music by RedMonkey and Dave Mason. Also, the 2015 Copa America finals will be broadcast. FInally, the day ends with a culmination of a fireworks displaying lighting up the sky at 9 p.m.
July 4 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., North Shore Bandshell Park, Collins Avenue and 72nd Street in Miami Beach
America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park
An annual tradition, Miamians take to Bayfront Park at the edge of Biscayne Bay for an all-day party. Those 21 and up will enjoy the Sam Adams Beer Garden running from noon to midnight, little ones can head to the Kids Zone for hours of fun, and everyone can take in the food, beverages, and live music. At 9 p.m., the crowd gathers for the largest fireworks display in South Florida.
July 4 from noon to midnight, Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami, 305.358.7550
4th of July Spectacular
What better day to spend at the beach? The city of Fort Lauderdale is putting on a bash with a massive kids zone, DJs, music, bounce houses, face paintings, beach games, and contests from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Then, the stages light up with musical acts from Grace the Victory Riders and a Billy Joel tribute band, the Turnstiles. At 9 p.m., the city lights up the sky over the Atlantic Ocean set to patriotic music played by 101.5 LITE FM.
July 4 from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m., A1A and Las Olas Boulevard at Fort Lauderdale Beach, 954.828.5363
Bacon and Beer Crawl
It doesn’t get more American than bacon and beer! Head over to Batch to start the crawl, meandering through Miami samples of brews and slabs of pork. With admission, you’ll get plenty of red, white and blue swag to kick off the holiday in style. General admission is $40, VIP is $64.
July 4 at 3:30 p.m., Batch Gastropub, 30 SW 12th St. in Miami, 305.375.0179
Independence Day Night Swim
Get out your bathing suits, because the Delano’s pop up night swim is going patriotic for the Fourth of July. Start the evening with grilled food and ice cream carts in the hotel orchard, lay out as the sun sets, and then head into the pool for glow-in-the-dark floaties and raucous fun. Dancers will set the tone for the night, along with music by Tito, Arlette Carlin, and Dave Sol.
July 4 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Delano South Beach, 1685 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach, 305.924.4071
Stars, Stripes, and Tats
SoFi is turning in a block party with Radio Bar hosting all-American brand, Sailor Jerry. Check out $7 punch and shots from the rum company, as well as specials on PBR to go along perfectly with BBQ digs. Going along with the alt theme, artists from Miami Ink will be at the party for a pop up shop.
July 4 at 10 p.m., Radio Bar, 814 First St. in Miami Beach, 305.307.9392