In a letter to Abigail Adams (July 3, 1776), second President and Founding Father John Adams wrote that Independence Day "...ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games ... bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of [the] continent to the other ..."
And Miami definitely lives up to those expectations, with spectacular fireworks displays—big and small—lighting up the night sky, delicious barbecues that bring the heat, concerts from rock to pop and even Latin music, and lots of red, white and blue. Here are some of our favorite places throughout the Miami area, to welcome summertime and celebrate America's Independence.
Adults-Only Parties (21+)
America's Birthday Bash: The city of Miami's official party includes live music, food and drinks, children's activities and one of the largest fireworks displays in the city overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay. Budweiser sponsors the fête and serves up draft beer at six different locations throughout Bayfront Park. Remember to get to arrive early for great parking and easier access. Most activities start at 2pm. Free admission. 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305.358.7550.
Pool Party at Conrad Miami: Enjoy a rooftop pool party, two complimentary glasses of beer, wine or sparkling Chandon Brut/Rose, BBQ fare and beats by DJ Bryan Peroni. 12-5 pm. $45. Discounted $10 valet parking. RSVP on Eventbrite. 1395 Brickell Ave., Miami, Florida. 305.503.6500.
Celebration BBQ and Pool Party: Celebrate the nation's independence at the chic Nautilus South Beach, where the flags will be waving and the sparks flying for a day of fun by the pool. 1-9 pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through Eventbrite. 1825 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida. 305.503.6700.
July 4th with 103.5 The Beat: The Majestic Group and the radio personalities from 103.5 The Beat come together to host an all-out July 4th party at Wynwood's Brick House. 4 pm-12 am. $10 tickets. 187 NW 28th St., Miami, Florida. 786.970.7403.
IndepenDANCE July 4th Beach Party: Miami's true homegrown celebration of red, white and cool, returns to the sands of the world-famous Nikki Beach for what will be an amazing day and evening featuring the best DJ talent from around the world. Noon-5 am. One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida. 305.538.1111.
Dinner Cruises
4th of July Yacht Party: Party aboard a yacht on a three-hour cruise in downtown Miami hosted by Luxe Yacht Charters, because there is no better place to be in Miami than on the water. Enjoy a delicious barbecue buffet, hot dogs, assorted desserts and the Miami sounds from Latin to EDM. $30-$65 tickets. 1635 N. Bayshore Drive, Miami, 305.619.2555.
Island Queen Cruises July 4th Dinner Cruise: Hop aboard the Biscayne Lady luxury yacht for the 10th annual Fourth of July dinner cruise with unlimited buffet, full open bar and an amazing fireworks display by the City of Miami. 7-10 pm. $125. Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Florida. 305.379.5119.
Family-Friendly Events
Coca-Cola Presents Miami Beach Fire on the Fourth: This free, all-day festival steps from the white-sandy beaches features food trucks, music, yoga on the beach and ends with fireworks lighting up the sky. 9 am-9 pm. Free shuttles available from 11 am to 10 pm from the North Shore Bandshell Park and 42 St./Sheridan Ave. 7275 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida, 305.672.5202.
Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade and Fireworks: For 57 years, this traditional parade with marching bands, red-white-and-blue floats and other entertainment has provided hours of patriotic entertainment as it winds down Crandon Boulevard, from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive. Parade kicks off at 11 am at 19 Harbor Drive, Key Biscayne, Florida. The Kiwanis Picnic on the Village Green follows the parade with fireworks at 9 pm.
The Barnacle Old Fashioned 4th of July Picnic: Looking for an ol' fashion picnic that hearkens back to frontier life? Head to The Barnacle Historic Park in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood for traditional festivities. Bring your own picnic or buy hot dogs, burgers and drinks onsite while you play games, crafts and join the fun in the scavenger hunt. 11 am-4 pm. Adults $5; children 6-12 $3; children under 6 free. 3485 Main Highway, Miami, Florida, 305.442.6866.
CocoWalk's Independence Day: Beginning at 3 pm, guests can enjoy live music and fun things to do for the entire family including face-painting, an appearance by Lady Liberty and of course, the annual hot dog eating competition from this outdoor shopping mall in the heart of Miami. See the fireworks at nearby Peacock Park. 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, Florida, 305.444.0777.
Race to the 4th at Homestead-Miami Speedway: Last year this event attracted more than 20,000 guests and this year is expected to draw even more. An all-ages event and a community tradition for those in the southern part of Miami where you can get your groove on to local bands, midway-style amusement rides and rock walls for children, food trucks and vendors, games and a fireworks display. 6-10 pm. Free. 1 Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd., Homestead, Florida, 305.230.5000.
City of Hialeah's Annual Independence Day Celebration: Experience Latin culture and the vibrant city of Hialeah at its annual family-friendly Independence Day celebration. With the 19.2-acre sports complex in the City of Hialeah as the backdrop, expect an evening of music by Cuban trio Los 3 de la Habana and DJ Nancy Starr. Bring blankets to enjoy the spectacular firework show on a 20 ft. state-of-the-art video screen in sync with music, lasers and light. 6 pm. Free admission. 4800 Palm Ave., Hialeah, Florida, 305.889.5701.
July 4th Fireworks Celebration at the Biltmore Hotel: The City of Coral Gables' official celebration will entertain revelers with a concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band, food trucks and colorful fireworks. Grounds open at 5 pm, concert at 7 pm and fireworks show at 9 pm. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, Florida, 877.683.3559.
Fireworks Watch Party: Bring the kids for a beachside view of the fireworks at North Miami Beach's Oleta River State Park. From 7:30 pm to 11 pm, you'll enjoy food, DJ music, games and more. General admission $40; kids (12 years and under) $15. 3400 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, Florida. 786.274.7945.
July 4th Fireworks at Aventura: The City of Aventura hosts its annual patriotic aerial display 9 pm. You won't have a bad seat from any spot you pick along Country Club Drive. If it rains, the city will reschedule the fireworks for July 5th at 9 pm. 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida, 305.466.8900.
Beach & Barbecue: Celebrate America’s birthday Faena-style on Independence Day at Faena Hotel Miami Beach with crystal blue water and live music by the Spam Allstars—the nine-piece hip hop, Latin, funk and electronica band. Guests will enjoy an asado at Los Fuegos including four courses from Chef Francis Mallmann’s signature menu, along with unlimited house wines, mimosas and Absolut Elyx bloody marys. Adults $150, children $55. 3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 305.534.8800.
