The land of the free and the home of the brave is about to reach the ripe old age of 239. Sure, she’s had a few nips and tucks, but who hasn’t these days? Particularly in Miami. In addition to the free and the brave, the 305 is home to the Botoxed and the Juvedermed. We like to look good, and why shouldn't we?
Anyway, this is a milestone. So to celebrate our nation's double centenarian status, here’s where to get your red, white, and blue on, locally:
America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park
This patriotic blowout will feature a kid’s zone (to keep the little ones occupied while you hit up the Samuel Adams Beer Garden), live tunes, good eats, and the largest free fireworks show in all of South Florida. Prepare to be impressed.
The event runs all day at Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd, with the kid’s zone open from 3 to 7 p.m. and the fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Visit bayfrontparkmiami.com.
Fire on the Fourth on Miami Beach
Nothing says summertime like beachfront fireworks. Make your way to The North Shore Park Bandshell with towels, beach chairs, bikinis and banana hammocks. Do some yoga, listen to live tunes, hit up your favorite food trucks and, come nighttime, watch a fireworks extravaganza.
Activities kick off at North Shore Park Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave. starting at 9 a.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Admission is free. Visit miamibeachfl.gov.
Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade
It’s un-American not to love a good parade, so Key Biscayne’s annual march is the perfect way to celebrate the USA. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. sharp, so pack up the chairs, sunscreen and coolers and snag a spot early. Then, stick around for a fabulous fireworks show.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. It heads South on Crandon Blvd. from Harbor Drive to West Enid. Admission is free. Visit kb4.org.
Independence Day Celebration at Cocowalk
Head to the Grove for some good old-fashioned Fourth of July fun. Cocowalk will have interactive games, live entertainment, Lady Liberty for a meet and greet, adorable adoptables from Miami-Dade County Animal Services, and an ever-popular hot dog eating competition at 6 p.m. Then, at 9 p.m., sparks will fly for a fireworks bonanza.
The festivities start at 3 p.m. at Cocowalk, 3016 Grand Ave. Admission is free. Visit cocowalk.net or call 305-444-0777.
Fourth of July Cruise
Hop aboard the Biscayne Lady for a cruise through downtown, the Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and "Millionaire's Row," all while digging into unlimited food and drink. Plus, being waterbound means you'll have the best fireworks view in the city.
The cruise leaves at 7:30 p.m. from Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd. Tickets are $125 for adults, $50 for children. Visit islandqueencruises.com or call 305-379-5119.