Fireworks and Freedom: Fourth of July Fun

A Four-Day Independence Celebration (July 3–6, 2025) – Experience the Ultimate Red, White, and Boom!

Panama City Beach pulls out all the stops when it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July! From dazzling firework shows that light up the Gulf Coast to live music, they know how to throw a patriotic party like no other. Every corner of Panama City Beach bursts with red, white, and blue, and the energy is contagious!

• Light Up the Bay – July 3 at Papa Joe’s Bayside
• Freedom Rocks! – July 3 at Grand Lagoon (8:45 PM)
• Star Spangled Spectacular – July 4 at Russell‑Fields & M.B. Miller Piers (around 9:00 PM)
• Light Up the Gulf – July 5 at Boardwalk Beach Resort

Enjoy choreographed musical broadcasts via local radio—Island 106, Wild Willie 100.1, and 97X

Event Highlights by Day

July 3 – Kickoff with a Bang

• Freedom Rocks! Launches over Grand Lagoon at ~8:45 PM. Live music and food trucks make it a party-worthy experience.
• Light Up the Bay at Papa Joe’s Bayside—ideal for waterfront dining and festive ambiance

July 4 – The Big Day

• Head downtown to the Salute to Freedom Festival (4–9:30 PM) at Panama City Marina. It includes live bands, family zones, food vendors, vendors, and fireworks at 9:00 PM.
• The signature Star Spangled Spectacular (around 9 PM) lights up the sky from the two main piers—best viewed from Pier Park, where festivities begin early.

July 5 – Extended Celebration

• Don’t miss Light Up the Gulf in the evening at Boardwalk Beach Resort—fireworks launched right from the sand, complemented by live music and food.

Bonus Activities & Local Favorites

• Paradise Adventures Fireworks Sails: Cruise the lagoon/cove aboard Paradise Adventures’ catamarans on July 3 or 4—prices start at ~$55 per adult
• Island Time Sailing Fireworks Cruise – Set sail aboard the Island Time catamaran on July 3rd or 4th for a spectacular fireworks show from the water. Tickets are $75 per person and include unbeatable views, a laid-back vibe, and a memorable night on the Gulf.
• Beach BBQ & Park Picnics: Set up at Rick Seltzer Park or St. Andrews State Park—great for a relaxing patriotic day outdoors
• Enjoy a ride on the SkyWheeland take in stunning views of the Fourth of July fireworks! Be sure to use your free ticketfree ticket as a guest with Premium Beach Condos.

Insider Tips

• Arrive early—parking fills fast at piers, resorts, boardwalks, and marina areas.
• Radio-ready—tune into local stations for fireworks music sync.
• Beach safety—be cautious of rip currents and follow beach flags
• What to bring: lawn chairs, blankets, sunscreen, hats, refillable water, and snacks.

When the Fourth of July rolls around, Panama City Beach is ready to light up the weekend with fireworks, music, and all the patriotic energy you can handle. It’s not just another holiday here—it’s an experience that captures the true spirit of Independence Day. So, if you want to make your Fourth unforgettable, Panama City Beach is the place to be.