Your Fourth of July spent in Southwest Florida will be filled with plenty of fun, family, and, of course, fireworks. With the Fourth falling on a Thursday this year, many people will take a long weekend—or the entire week—to celebrate. If you plan to spend the holiday weekend in the Fort Myers area, we invite you to consider these fun, family-friendly activities.
Fort Myers Beach Independence Day Parade
The Fort Myers Beach Independence Day Parade and Fireworks are back for the first time since Hurricane Ian in the fall of 2022—so that's all the more reason to not miss out on this Fort Myers beach tradition! The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4th at Bay Oaks Recreation Center, then makes its way down Estero Blvd toward Times Square. You'll see tons of big trucks, costumes, and colorful floats, which will be a treat for the whole family.
After the parade has come to a close, you can continue to explore the Times Square area and walk along the famed sandy beaches. Lots of nearby places will step up the festivities with live music and different activities, ensuring there will be exciting things to do all down the length of the beach! Visit the Fort Myers Beach Chamber website for a list of the bars, restaurants, and attractions that will be open, as well as the live music lineup and venues.
Fireworks on Fort Myers Beach
As the sun begins to set along Fort Myers Beach, we encourage you to join the throngs of people as they set up beach chairs and picnic blankets near the Matanzas Pass Bridge. At approximately 9 pm, or roughly 15 minutes after sunset, one of the region’s most extravagant fireworks shows will begin.
If you'd like to view the show from a different angle, the following businesses are taking passengers out on the water for fireworks cruises!
Mighty Mussels Baseball
Perhaps you'd like to celebrate America's birthday with its favorite pastime—baseball! If that sounds like your speed, we recommend catching a Mighty Mussels home game at Lee Health Sports Complex. The Mighty Mussels are a Fort Myers-based minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
There will be home games from Thursday through Saturday so you'll have plenty of opportunities to see them face the Bradenton Marauders. Following all three games, the Mighty Muscles are treating fans to a fireworks extravaganza—at no extra cost! And Saturday's game will also feature a red-white, and blue hat giveaway to the first 500 fans, as well as a special patriotic jersey charity auction. Get your tickets now!
USA Independence Day 5k
Hertz Arena in Estero, FL is the perfect setting for Southwest Florida residents and vacationers to join together for a refreshing Independence Day 5k. Located between Fort Myers and Naples, this destination is a great opportunity for you to converge with all your friends and family in the morning–and get some great exercise in the process!
This family-friendly race is professionally chip-timed and features dry-fit tech shirts, finisher medals for all, and an atmosphere that is sure to jump-start your Fourth of July celebration. Oh, and don't worry, if running isn't your thing—it's a run and/or walk event.
Escape the Heat Aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train
If most of the activities on your itinerary take place outdoors, you might want an excuse to escape the heat for a few hours. If that's what you need, then look no further than Fort Myers' very own Murder Mystery Dinner Train.
On this 40-mile route—beginning and ending at Colonial Station in Fort Myers—we'll treat you to a fancy five-course meal on an air-conditioned vintage train. All the while you'll be given clues to decipher in hopes of discovering the guilty party in the murder mystery unfolding before you. There are trips planned all weekend long, so view our full schedule to plan your unforgettable Fourth of July vacation!