Walton County knows how to celebrate the Fourth, and this year carries extra meaning as communities come together to mark America's 250th birthday. From fireworks over historic Lake DeFuniak to rooftop parties above the Emerald Coast, here's where to be this Independence Day.
Alys Beach Marks America's 250th with Concert and Fireworks
The Merchants of Alys Beach will host a free Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Show at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 4, from 7–9 p.m. Five Star Funk Lounge will perform live, with fireworks launching from a barge in the Gulf at 9 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Merchants of Alys Beach vendors in Town Center. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and low-back chairs. Fireworks are subject to cancellation based on Gulf conditions; check Alys Beach social media channels for updates.
Website: alysbeach.com
Address: Alys Beach Amphitheatre, Alys Beach
Phone: (850) 213-5500
DeFuniak Springs Fourth of July Celebration Returns to Historic Lake DeFuniak
The DeFuniak Business and Professional Association will host the annual Fourth of July Celebration around historic Lake DeFuniak, 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. The evening concludes with a fireworks display over Lake DeFuniak.
Website: defuniaksprings.net
Address: Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs
Phone: (850) 830-1661
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Hosts Patriotic Revue at Grand Boulevard
Emerald Coast Theatre Company will bring patriotic music and dance to the fountain stage in Grand Park at Grand Boulevard on Thursday, July 2, from 6–8 p.m. 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.
Address: 585 Grand Blvd., Suite 205, Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 837-3099
Freeport Rings in the Fourth with Parade and Fireworks
The City of Freeport will host its annual Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4, beginning at 6 p.m. The parade steps off from Freeport Learning Center and concludes at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex, with floats, antique cars and local businesses welcome to participate. Food trucks and community activities round out the evening, with fireworks beginning around 8:45 p.m. at the Sports Complex. State Road 20 will close to traffic along the parade route at 5:45 p.m. and reopen after the parade. Visit the website for parade applications and schedule updates.
Website: freeportflorida.gov
Address: Freeport Regional Sports Complex, Freeport
Phone: (850) 835-2822
Grayton Beach Kicks Off the Fourth with Parade, Brunch and Live Music
The west end of 30A gets the Fourth of July party started early at Grayton Beach, where the annual Community Parade steps off from the Historic Red Bar at 8:30 a.m., featuring decorated bikes, golf carts and plenty of red, white and blue. AJ's at Grayton Beach opens at 8 a.m. and keeps the energy going with a Star-Spangled Brunch beginning at 9 a.m., live music throughout the day and a community blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Music continues into the evening at 9 p.m.
Website: ajsgrayton.com
Address: 63 DeFuniak Street, Santa Rosa Beach
Phone: (850) 231-4102
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, July 3–4. The two-day celebration features live DJ performances, festive cocktails and panoramic Emerald Coast views. The party kicks off Friday, July 3, from 6–10 p.m., with rooftop DJ sets continuing Saturday, July 4 from noon to 4 p.m. and 6–10 p.m. The festivities culminate with a rooftop viewing of Baytowne Wharf's fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Website: hoteleffie.com
Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 351-3000
Rosemary Beach Celebrates the Fourth with Parade, Concert and Gulf Fireworks Rosemary Beach will mark Independence Day with a full day of festivities on Saturday, July 4. The celebration kicks off at 8:30 a.m. 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 at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks launch over the Gulf at 9 p.m., viewable from the beach access near town center.
Website: rosemarybeach.com
Address: N Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach
Phone: (866) 348-8952
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 on Saturday, July 4. The coastal Independence Day event features live music, family activities and a fireworks finale over the lagoon. Visitors looking to extend their stay can take advantage of the resort's Great American Getaway package, offering up to 25% off accommodations throughout 2026 using code USA250, with perks including beach parking, daily bike and kayak rentals, tennis court access and admission to four resort pools.
Website: sandestin.com
Address: 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W., Miramar Beach
Phone: (877) 496-2024
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 on Saturday, July 4. The celebration begins at 9 a.m. 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 at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m., a community children's patriotic bike parade led by a brass band winds through the neighborhood, followed by Wild Bill's Beach Dogs and the annual hot dog eating contest at 11:30 a.m. Afternoon festivities continue with live music on Krier Plaza from 2–4 p.m. Sinfonia Gulf Coast takes the stage at 7 p.m. for a Patriotic Pops Concert, and fireworks over Seaside cap the night at 8:30 p.m.
Website: seasidefl.com
Address: Central Square, Seaside
Phone: (850) 225-4436
SunQuest Cruises Offers Fourth of July Dinner Cruise Aboard Solaris
SunQuest Cruises will host an Independence Day dinner cruise aboard the Solaris yacht on Saturday, July 4, from 6–9:30 p.m., departing from Baytowne Marina inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The evening includes live entertainment, a chef-prepared dinner and a fireworks show from the water. Reservations are required; a 72-hour cancellation policy applies for holiday cruises.
Website: sunquestcruises.com
Address: 8330 Mike Hayes Dr., Miramar Beach
Phone: (850) 650-2519
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Summer Padgett
- June 08, 2026
- (850) 267-1216
