A Star-Spangled Summer: Celebrate this Independence Day in The Florida Keys
FLORIDA KEYS (June 16, 2025) — This Independence Day, the Florida Keys invites travelers to trade in mainland mayhem for an island-style celebration where the pace is slower, and the views unbeatable.
From July 2–6, 2025, the island chain comes alive with festive events, mouthwatering local flavors, and some of the most dazzling firework displays in the Sunshine State. Whether visitors are chasing the tang of Key lime pie, making friends with mermaids, or toasting to freedom as the sun sinks into the Gulf, there’s a perfect slice of paradise waiting in every corner of the Keys.
Ready to take in the sights and sounds of the red, white and blue in the Florida Keys? You’ve come to the right place. From festivals to barbeques, to the most fantastic firework displays around, here are the events to experience this Fourth of July.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Key West Key Lime Festival
July 2–6 - Get zesty at the Key Lime Festival, a citrusy celebration of Florida’s most iconic dessert. The festival blends culinary creativity and cocktail culture with family-friendly fun. Join tastings, mixology classes, and events like the Key Lime Cocktail Sip & Stroll and Key Lime Pie Hop. And don’t miss the famed (and very competitive) Key Lime Pie Eating Championship at the Southernmost Beach Café on July 4, when crowds cheer on fearless lime lovers as they go face-first into nine-inch pies — no hands allowed! It’s messy, it’s hilarious, and it’s the ultimate tropical twist on holiday tradition. keylimefestival.com
Key West Mermaid Festival
July 4–6 - Make a splash at the 6th annual Key West Mermaid Festival, where ocean magic meets whimsical fun. This fin-tastic celebration highlights ocean conservation with a thoroughly imaginative twist.
- July 4 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy beach games, live mermaid appearances, and family-friendly activities right on the sand during the Red, White and Blue and Mermaids, Too SplashParty at Lagerheads Beach Bar.
- July 5 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — A free ‘Meet the Mermaids’ event at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Snap photos with mermaids, snack on donuts mythical sea royalty like King Neptune, and enjoy a book-reading from a mermaid author, in addition to face-painting and coloring activities. Kids and adults are encouraged to dress in ocean-themed costumes, while the Key West Mermaid festival will educate all mermaids at heart at each learning station.
- July 5 at 7:30 p.m. For a more adult affair, head to Shots and Giggles for a Mermaid Margarita and further revelry, or on July 6, dive into a mermaid-themed pool party at the new Blue Flamingo Resort. facebook.com/keywestmermaidfestival.
Isla Bella Beach Resort Celebration in Marathon
July 4 - Celebrate the Fourth poolside at the elegant Isla Bella Beach Resort, with cocktail in hand, ocean views and a magical sunset sky.
- Cabana + Day Pass: Reserve a shaded cabana and chill out in one of the resort’s sparkling pools with food and drink service all day long.
- July 4th Event Pass: Live music starts at noon and flows into a festive evening with drinks, dancing, and a grand fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m. over the Gulf.
Sixth Annual July 4th Party at Bungalows Key Largo
July 4 - Celebrate Independence Day in style at Bungalows Key Largo, the Florida Keys’ premier all-inclusive, adults-only resort. This star-spangled beach bash features an All-American BBQ by Chef Juan Maradiaga, a fresh seafood station, craft cocktails, and all-day live music. Guests can relax on the sand, sway to the sounds of Brothers of Others at Sunset Beach, and cap off the evening with a dazzling fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico, followed by dancing under the stars with DJ Reggae Ronnie. bungalowskeylargo.com
Fourth of July Glow Hours
July 4 - Enjoy one of the best fireworks vantage points in the Keys at the 4th of July Glow Hours, hosted on the rooftop of Hugh’s View at The Studios of Key West. Enjoy panoramic views of the city’s fireworks, a festive atmosphere with a live DJ spinning until 10 p.m., and a complimentary drink included with each $20 ticket. tskw.org/glow-hours-4th-of-july-edition
FIREWORKS
It’s not Independence Day without fireworks. Here's where to catch the best booms, all sponsored by the Key West International Airport.
KEY WEST (July 4, 5 p.m.)
Edward B. Knight Pier (White St. & Atlantic Ave)
The Rotary Club of Key West hosts this long-running fireworks show with ocean breezes and a community vibe. Set up a picnic on Higgs Beach for great views. keywestrotary.com
BIG PINE KEY (July 3, 5 p.m.)
Big Pine Community Park (MM 31)
The Lower Keys Rotary Club kicks off the fun with local food vendors, kids’ games, music, and a low-key, family-friendly fireworks display over the Lower Keys starting at 9 p.m. Admission is free. lowerkeysrotary.org
MARATHON (July 4, Parade at 11 a.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.)
From Marathon High School to Sombrero Beach
This all-American celebration features a colorful parade at 11 a.m. with floats, costumes, and marching bands leading to an all-day beach party at Sombrero Beach. Fireworks launch at 9 p.m. Tune in to US1 Radio 104.1 for a patriotic soundtrack synchronized to the display. floridakeysmarathon.com
ISLAMORADA (July 4, starting at 5 p.m.)
Founders Park (MM 87)
Co-hosted by the Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Village of Islamorada, this free community event offers food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, and a waterfront fireworks show. Bring your beach chairs and settle in for an unforgettable night. islamorada.fl.us
KEY LARGO (July 4, Parade at 10 a.m., fireworks after 9 p.m.)
Key Largo Community Park
The Upper Keys area’s 49th annual salute to America’s independence kicks off with a midmorning community parade along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, followed by a Family Picnic Fest at Key Largo Community Park, with a kids’ activity zone, food vendors and more. For the fireworks over Blackwater Sound, popular viewing spots include Sundowners, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Caribbean Club, and Rowell’s Community Park. keylargochamber.org
High-resolution images and captions are available at this link.
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Celebrate the Fourth of July in the Florida Keys, where fireworks reflect over calm waters and the holiday unfolds at a laid-back island pace. From Key West to Key Largo, each community offers a unique show with unforgettable waterfront views. (Photo: Larry Blackburn/Rotary Club of Key West)
On July 4, fireworks over Key West’s Edward B. Knight Pier cap off a full day of island celebration. Sponsored by the Key West International Airport and hosted by the Rotary Club of Key West, the show brings together community spirit with distinctive Keys flair. (Photo: Larry Blackburn/Rotary Club of Key West)
On Thursday, July 4, the World Famous Key Lime Pie Eating Championship returns to Key West with 25 contestants racing to finish a 9-inch pie, no hands allowed. It’s messy, hilarious, and a centerpiece of the five-day Key Lime Festival, running July 2 to 6. (Photo: Carol Tedesco/KeyLimeFestival.com)
Key Lime pie was named Florida’s official state pie in 2006, but its story began much earlier in the Florida Keys. Believed to date back to the late 1800s, this iconic dessert is deeply tied to Key West’s culinary roots. From July 2 to 6, the Key Lime Festival honors that legacy with five days of flavorful fun across the island. (Photo: Arlette Rodriguez/KeyLimeFestival.com)
Get ready to splash into summer at the “Red, White and Blue and Mermaids, Too Splash Party” on July 4 at Lagerheads Beach Bar. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Key West Mermaid Festival brings beach games, live mermaids, and ocean-themed fun for the whole family. (Photo courtesy of Key West Mermaid Festival)
The 6th annual Key West Mermaid Festival returns July 4–6, inviting ocean lovers of all ages to dress up, dive in, and celebrate sea life. With events across the island, including beach parties and mermaid meetups, it’s a weekend full of whimsy and ocean advocacy. (Photo courtesy of Key West Mermaid Festival)
ABOUT THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST
The Florida Keys & Key West is a premier getaway destination located at the southernmost tip of Florida and the continental United States. The Keys stretch over 125 miles connected by 42 bridges and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf. Discover the spectacular array of diverse activities offered in the Florida Keys like fishing, diving, natural wonders, fine dining and cultural heritage. From large resorts, secluded waterfront hideaways and courtyard guest houses, visitors can uncover the perfect place for their vacation. Restoration, renovation and preservation have become a way of life in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re driving or flying into the Keys, one thing is for sure: there’s simply no place quite like it. Want more reasons to visit The Florida Keys & Key West? Get inspired at visitfloridakeys.com and follow us @thefloridakeys on social media.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Mary B. Haban
Senior Director of Public Relations
Visit Florida Keys & Key West
(305) 394-3142
Visit Florida Keys & Key West PR Agency Team (TURNER)