Are you looking for something to do this Independence Day? The options in southwest Florida are endless! Below we have complied a list of 4th of July events in Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Marco Island and Naples. There is something for everyone! Enjoy!

 

JULY 3:

 

Miracle Baseball Independence Week Fireworks: Fort Myers: The professional Class-A Miracle team meets their closest rival, the Charlotte Stone Crabs, on the home field at 7:05 p.m. Following the game, the skies combust with a spectacular show of pyrotechnics. Tickets are $6 to $10. Gates open at 6 p.m. Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. 239-768-4210. www.miraclebaseball.com\

Independence Day celebration and fireworks: Tuesday, July 3, 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. Lee Memorial Bloodmobile, 5 to 8 p.m. children’s activities includes a face painter, henna tattoos and bounce house; 5:30 p.m., live music by Push Band; and at dusk fireworks display over the lake. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Free. 239-948-3766

 

JULY 4:

 

 

FORT MYERS

Fort Myers Freedom Fest in the River District: When- 6:00 p.m. Where- In the Historic River District in downtown Fort Myers What to expect- Live music on five stages, fireworks and music! Buy your tickets for special seating in advance at IberiaBank, The French Connection, Cigar Bar or Downtown House of Pizza. Valet parking and a shuttle service available from Crown Valet. For general information visit online at www.riverdistrictevents.com or call 1-855-RDA-EVENTS (732-3836)

Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July: Fort Myers Beach: Festivities kick off with a 10 a.m. parade up Estero Boulevard starting at Beach Elementary School, 2751 Oak St., raffles and awards after the parade at the Mermaid Lounge 1204 Estero Blvd. Then, 15 minutes after sunset, one of the region’s most spectacular fireworks shows shoots off from the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. That’s the main event, but restaurants, lounges and others step up the festivities with music and activity in the Times Square area and the length of the beach. Pick a seat anywhere Gulf-front for an eyeful of sparkly. 239-454-7500, www.fmbchamber.com

Fourth of July at Edison Ford: When- 11:00-2:00 p.m. Where- The Edison & Ford Winter Estates and Royal Palm Yacht Club. What to expect- River cruises of the Caloosahatchee, led by environmental experts with Captiva Cruises, take place at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. The All-American BBQ at the Royal Palm Yacht Club happens from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Cost- Edison Ford Members, $30; non members, $45; children ages 6 – 12, $40.  For additional information call 239-334-7419 or visit the web site at www.edisonfordwinterestates.org.

July 4 Sunset Firework Party Cruise: Live DJ, three hour open bar, and sunset and fireworks viewing. Must be 21 or older. 6:45 to 10:15 p.m. July 4, Fort Myers Princess, Snug Harbor Marina, 645 Old San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers. $64.95, online and $75 dockside. www.fortmyersprincess.com or 239-765-8500

CAPE CORAL

6th Annual Great American Picnic: – When- noon to 3:30 p.m, Where- Marina at Cape Harbour. What to expect- The “Best Patriotic Pet Contest” will take place and WINK News’ own Lois Thome will emcee the event from 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. Medals will be awarded and the grand prize is a gift basket from the Cape Harbour Merchants. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the contest starts at 1:00 p.m. Cost- Free. For complete details, log onto www.capeharbour.com or call (239) 945-6116.

Leapin’ Lizard @ the Bridge Annual Fire Cracker Beer Garden & Festivities: – When- 4:00 p.m. What to expect- Cape Coral’s Martial Arts University & Street Defense will have a martial arts exhibition. Chuck Peterson will be singing.

Red, White & Boom: – When- 4:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Where- the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge. What to expect- Country singer/songwriter James Wesley is the headlining act for the Red, White & Boom fourth of July celebration. Harley Davidson Buell of Ft. Myers will be presenting a very special American Tribute for our local men and women serving in the war zones. Cape Coral: Cape Coral Parkway and its bridge shut down between the bridge and Del Prado Boulevard from noon until 3 a.m. the next morning. Starting at 4 p.m. on the Fourth, music sparks a street party that more than 50,000 people attend. Two bands play, a kids’ carnival keeps the little ones happy, and vendors sell food, beer, arts and crafts until 10 p.m. At dusk, watch the area’s largest star-spangled fireworks display over the river from land or boat. 239-549-6900, www.capecoralchamber.com

 

BONITA SPRINGS/ESTERO

Star-Spangled Bonita Fourth of July Celebration: Bonita Springs: This 51st annual parade moves along Old 41 Road starting at 9 a.m. and ending at Riverside Park. The city throws its Party in the Park following the parade, with food vendors, live entertainment, a kids’ water slide, face-painting, relay races, a pie-baking contest and a hot dog-eating competition. 239-949-6200.

Star Spangled Bonita:  When- 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Where- Riverside Park, at the corner of Old 41 and Pennsylvania Avenue, in Bonita Springs. What to expect- Musical entertainment and the longest laser light show and firework display in Bonita Springs’ history! There will also be a large children’s activity area, hot dog, watermelon and ice cream eating contests and an old-fashioned bed race. Cost- Admission is free and proceeds from food sales benefit local area charities. For further information please contact the City of Bonita Springs office at (239) 949.6262.

Reading of Declaration of Independence: The Estero Historical Society will host its annual reading of the Declaration of Independence, 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, society’s headquarters in Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. 239-947-2346

 

MARCO ISLAND

Sand Castle Building Contest: When- Registration is at 10:00 a.m. and judging is at 3:00 p.m. Where- Resident’s Beach, north of the Marco Island Marriott Hotel . What to expect- Have a fun day, building sand castles just because! No paint or non-eco-friendly materials are allowed. Cost- Admission is free.

 

SANIBEL

Independence Day Celebration: Sanibel Island: Enjoy an old-fashioned hometown parade down Periwinkle Way starting at 9:30 a.m. at Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle (Bailey’s Center) ending at Periwinkle and Casa Ybel Road (Jerry’s Center). Paraders treat the crowd to free gifts, candy and cool-down water spraying. Businesses along the route offer sidewalk sales and special entertainment. Then at noon join islanders for the 33rd annual Optimists’ 4th of July scavenger-like Road Rally from the Timbers parking lot. Finally magnificent fireworks mark the coming of nightfall at the Sanibel Causeway. 239-472-1080, www.sanibel-captiva.org

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise When- 7:30- 9:30 p.m. Where- Port Sanibel Marina “G” Dock. What to expect- Enjoy the Sanibel Island fireworks from the water. Complimentary soft drinks, bottle water and snacks! Feel free to B.Y.O.B! Listening to tropical music, we will cruise the waters of San Carlos Bay, by “Bird Island”. Ticket Web Link: http://www.adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/fourth-of-july-fireworks-cruise/. Ticket Phone: 239-472-8443. Cost- $40 per person

 

NAPLES

Naples parade: 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 4 from Broad South to Third Street South, north to Fifth Avenue South.

Marco Island sand castle building: Contest, 10 a.m. registration; 3 p.m., judging, Wednesday, beach north of the Marco Island Marriott, 400 South Collier Blvd., Marco Island. 239-394-0316

Firecracker 5K: 6:45 a.m. 1K fun run and 7 a.m. 5K run, Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Free, fun run; $10 students 18 or younger; adults $15, in advance and $20, day of race. Information/registration: www.gcrunner.org

Fourth of July Fireworks Bash: Barbecue and pig roast followed by fireworks, 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, Naples Marina & Excursions, 12345 U.S. 41 N., Naples. $10. 239-592-1200

July 4 Fireworks Viewing Party: Barbecue, ice cream, games and rooftop fireworks viewing. Bring lawn chair for seating. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, Waterside Shops, 5415 U.S. 41 N., Naples. Free, but must RSVP by Saturday, June 30. 239-598-1605. SOLD OUT

July Fourth Fundraiser: Dinner, patriotic sing-along and watching the fireworks, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 1250 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples. $75, benefit Opera Naples. Reservations required. 239-963-9050. SOLD OUT

Naples fireworks: 9 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 4, City Pier, end of 12th Avenue South with viewing up and down the beach, Naples. Bring chairs or blankets for seating, personal fireworks and sparklers are prohibited. Fireworks are synced to music that will be played WAVV 101.1 FM.

 

PUNTA GORDA

4th Fest 2012 at Laishley Park: When- 10:00 a.m. What to expect- Waterslides of all sizes, live music, vendors, food and beer. Nashville recording Artist JJ McCoy takes the stage from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The Boogiemen Rock-n-Soul Revue begins at 9:00 p.m.Cost- $3 admission, children under 12 are free.

Bayshore 4th of July Celebration: When- 7:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Where- Bayshore Live Oak Park. What to expect – The fireworks from 4th Fest can be viewed from this location. Music will be provided by Top Hat Entertainment. Cost- free.

 

WATCH FIREWORKS FROM THE WATER

Fourth of July cruise for the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra: Food, cash bar. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Naples Princess, 550 Port-O-Call Way, Naples. $125. 239-254-2777 or 239-877-4262

View of the fireworks: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday July 4, M/V Double Sunshine, Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. $60, includes hors d’oeuvres, a beverage and treat. Reservations: 239-263-4949

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: View Sanibel Island fireworks from San Carlos Bay. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday July 4, Adventures in Paradise, 14341 Port Comfort Road, Fort Myers. $45, includes soft drinks, water, and snacks. Guests may bring their own alcoholic beverages. 239-472-8443

Fireworks on the water: Sunset cruise and fireworks viewing. 8 p.m. Wednesday July 4, Naples Marina & Excursions, Cocohatchee River Park Marina, 13535 Vanderbilt Drive, Naples. $55. Guests may bring food and drinks on cruise. 239-592-1200 or www.cruisefishdive.com

 

WANT MORE?

Stars and Stripes at Coconut Point: Bike Night with music and motorcycle viewing, 6 p.m. Friday, July 6; starting 9 a.m. July 7 decorate bicycles for 10 a.m. bike parade. Arts, crafts, face painting, and music from DJ Greg Tanner starting at 11 a.m., wing eating contest and server and cook wars from 3 to 5 p.m. Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero. Free. 239-992-9966