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)

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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