4th of July: Fireworks, festivals and more return to Fort Myers, Naples area
Charles Runnells
Ready to celebrate Fourth of July with a bang? How about a lot of bangs — all exploding in bright colors across the skies of Southwest Florida?
That’s right: Fireworks are back. And so are block parties, parades and festivals.
After last year’s sleepy Independence Day — thanks, COVID — big events are making a comeback. That includes most of the major annual fireworks shows in Fort Myers, Naples, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Punta Gorda (but not Sanibel Island this year).
Here’s a look at what’s happening on Sunday, July 4, and the rest of Independence Day weekend.
If you’re unvaccinated, the CDC recommends wearing a face mask, avoiding mass gatherings and staying at least 6 feet from others. Vaccinated people, however, don’t need masks or social distancing in most situations and can resume normal activities.
For more CDC guidelines, visit bit.ly/3fohmDC.
FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 2-4
FORT MYERS
Mighty Mussels Independence Day Weekend Fireworks: Fireworks explode over Hammond Stadium all weekend after each 7 p.m. baseball game between the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels and the Bradenton Marauders. Friday through Sunday, July 2-4. Organizers call the July 4 show “the biggest fireworks show in Hammond Stadium history.” The fireworks will be accompanied by loud rock music. $9-$12. Hammond Stadium, 14400 Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway, south Fort Myers. milb.com/fort-myers
PUNTA GORDA
An American Holiday: Stars, Stripes & Fireworks: Two days of patriotic events, including live music, food and fireworks. Festivities start at noon Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and 4. Free. The weekend includes fireworks at 9 p.m. Saturday, food trucks, a “Mermaid Meet and Greet” inside an air-conditioned camper, a kids play area, vendors, military vehicles on display, juggling acts, magic shows, live bands and the annual Freedom Swim (starting at noon Sunday). The Sunday event won’t have its own fireworks, but visitors can watch the display happening at FourthFest over Laishley Park. Fisherman’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 941-639-8721 or fishville.com
SATURDAY, JULY 3
NAPLES
Fourth of July Parade: The annual, two-hour parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, and travels along Broad Avenue South to Third Street South, Fifth Avenue South, Eighth Street South and Eighth Avenue South. Downtown Naples. 213-7120 or FifthAvenueSouth.com
New restaurant:Ben Allen's Backyard Grill & Pub to host grand opening
Ben Allen Band: Estero country singer Ben Allen competed last year on “The Voice.” This Fourth of July weekend show will include food trucks and fireworks, organizers say. 8 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Gates open at 6 p.m. $10 for general admission, $20 for reserved seating, $40 for floor-level stage seating. Suite-level tickets are $100, including finger food, two drinks and access to the “party deck.” Paradise Coast Sports Complex stadium, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N., Naples. 252-4386 or sportsforceparksnaples.com
FORT MYERS
Independence Day Backyard Picnic Street Fest: Celebrate with six food trucks, a crawfish boil, bounce houses, ax throwing, live music and more. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Free. Millennial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave., downtown Fort Myers. 271-2255 or facebook.com/MillennialBrewing
Anthem Church fireworks: The Fort Myers church will launch fireworks at this event that includes a food truck, face painting, games, a raffle and music. 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Free. Anthem Church, 13545 American Colony Blvd., south Fort Myers. 936-2511 or anthemchurchfortmyers.com
PUNTA GORDA
Celebrate America Concert: Nashville country acts Josh Gracin and The Flying Buffaloes headline this patriotic concert that also includes The Jack Michael Band. Starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Gates open at 5 p.m. $15-$20. Part of the weekend-long FourthFest (see below). Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit Road, Punta Gorda. puntagordafireworks.com
SUNDAY, JULY 4
FORT MYERS
Downtown Fort Myers Freedom Fest: The downtown Fort Myers block party returns with fireworks, food trucks, vendors and the Thunder Beach Band. The fireworks will be launched off Lofton Island in the Caloosahatchee River. 6 -10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Fireworks start at about 9 p.m. Free. Downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/RiverDistrictAlliance
July Fourth Independence Day Cruise: Cruise the Caloosahatchee River for three hours on the paddle-wheel boat The Capt. JP. Includes dinner, dancing, a cash bar and a view of the fireworks in downtown Fort Myers. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4. $70 plus taxes. JC Cruises, 1300 Hendry St., downtown Fort Myers. 334-7474 or jccruises.com
4th of July Rooftop Bash: A night of barbecue, drinks, live music by The Dead Ataris (formerly known as Soulixer) and a 360-degree view of the downtown fireworks — all from Davis Art Center’s new rooftop sculpture garden. 7-11 p.m. Sunday, July 4. $99-$125 admission includes a barbecue buffet and draft beer and wine. $1,000 for a VIP table seating four. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers. 333-1933 or sbdac.com
Reiko and Friends: Former Southwest Florida Symphony violinist Reiko Niiya and her musical friends perform patriotic music and movie tunes. 8-9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Gates open at 5 p.m. Free with a $10 suggested donation. Picnic meals are encouraged. There will be vendors and games before the show. The amphitheater at the Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. 939-2787 or artinlee.org
Luminary Hotel: The hotel marks the occasion with several events Sunday, July 4, including a party on the outdoor pool deck with barbecue, dancing, a deejay, beer and a view of the downtown Fort Myers fireworks. The pool party takes place 7:30-11 p.m. Tickets are $59. Then there’s the hotel’s Oxbow Bar & Grill, where you can watch the fireworks from two outdoor decks, eat barbecue, dance, listen to live music and more. That takes place from 4-11 p.m. Tickets are $125. Both events include a barbecue menu and alcoholic drinks with the price of admission. Luminary Hotel & Co., 2200 Edwards Drive, downtown Fort Myers. 833-918-1512 or luminaryhotel.com
Grateful 4th of July Big Banger: Celebrate with vendors and live music from Brian Markley, Yabo Brothers, Wang Dang Doodle and Pink Floyd tribute The Dark Side of the Sol. Noon to midnight Sunday, July 4. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Buddha LIVE, 12701 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 482-8565 or thebuddhalive.com
July 4th Fireworks Cruise: Two cruise ships, the Miss Paradise and the Sun Princess, travel through San Carlos Bay as passengers watch the sunset, listen to tropical music and stop for the Fort Myers Beach fireworks show. 7:30-10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. $75 ticket includes bottled water, soft drinks and snacks, but you can bring your own alcoholic drinks. Adventures in Paradise will depart from Port Sanibel Marina, 14341 Port Comfort Road, south Fort Myers. 472-8443 or adventuresinparadise.com
Hot Dogs For Heroes: City Tavern hosts the second annual chili-dog-eating competition to benefit American Legion Post 38. This block party also includes a deejay, food, drinks and a 50/50 raffle. Plus a view of downtown Fort Myers’ fireworks. 4-10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Free. The chili dog contest starts at 6 p.m. City Tavern, 2206 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 226-1133 or mycitytavern.com
NAPLES
Fireworks at Naples Pier: Bring chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks launch from a barge north of Naples Pier. The fireworks can be seen from all along the Naples beach. Personal use of fireworks and sparklers is prohibited. Parking is limited, so visitors are urged to plan ahead and find parking on the street or in downtown parking garages, or to walk, take bicycles or use a ride service. Fireworks launch at about 9 or 9:30 p.m. Free. Naples City Pier, 12th Avenue South, Naples. 213-7120
4th of July Fireworks Celebration: Collier County Parks & Recreation hosts this annual Fourth of July celebration. 4-10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. 252-4000
Fireworks cruise: Get a "front-row seat" from the water for the Naples Pier fireworks. The narrated sunset cruise travels along Collier County’s coastal waterways before stopping for the fireworks show. 7:15-10:15 p.m. Sunday, July 4. $125 includes American-inspired cuisine and narration from the Coast Guard-certified captain. Reservations required. The M/V Double Sunshine departs from Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. 263-4949 or purefl.com
Miss Naples fireworks cruise: The three-hour sunset catamaran cruise takes you through Naples Bay, the canals of Port Royal and the Gulf of Mexico — just in time to watch the City of Naples’ fireworks show. 7 p.m. Sunday, July 4. $120 ($75 for children). Tickets include dessert, bread and hors d’oeuvres such as blackened tenderloin tips and barbecue shrimp. Miss Naples, 550 Port O Call Way, Naples. 649-2275 or naplescatamaran.com
BONITA SPRINGS
Star Spangled Bonita and Glow Parade: The annual event will feature fireworks, a laser-light show, food and live music. 7 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Free. The fireworks and laser-light show start around dusk. Live music from 7-9 p.m. There also will be an 8:30 p.m. Glow Parade with illuminated golf carts. Participants are asked to decorate their golf carts with various lighted items. There's no fee to participate, but pre-registration is required. Old 41 Road will be closed from Wilson Street to Ragsdale Street from 6:30-10 p.m. Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. 949-6262 or cityofbonitasprings.org/july4th
CAPE CORAL
Red, White & Boom: Country singer Carly Pearce headlines the annual Independence Day celebration, which also features opening acts Chris Bandi and DJ Sinister, fireworks, food, vendors and more. "American Idol" semifinalist Casey Bishop will sing the national anthem. 5-10 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Free. VIP tickets are also available. The 9:30 p.m. fireworks display will be synchronized to music that can be heard from the stage, on radio station Cat Country 107.1 FM or under "Cat Country" in the iHeartRadio phone app. The outdoor event takes place in downtown Cape Coral near the Cape Coral Bridge. The bridge and the north end of Cape Coral Parkway will be closed from 3 a.m. Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday. You can also watch the fireworks from nearby Jaycee Park, where there will be two food trucks and a beer tent. 573-3128 or capeboom.com
Read more: 'American Idol's' Casey Bishop to perform national anthem at Cape Coral's 'Red White & Boom'
Freedom 5K: Participants run or walk across the Cape Coral Bridge, which will be closed to traffic starting at 3 a.m. Sunday. The 5K takes place 6-10 a.m. Sunday, July 4. $20-$40 registration, $10 for the Kids Fun Run (ages 11 and younger). Race starts at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge, 2051 Cape Coral Parkway E., Cape Coral. freedom5kcc.com
LEHIGH ACRES
4th of July Fireworks Show: This Independence Day fest includes a 20-minute professional fireworks show, live bands, food trucks and vendors. 7-9 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Free. Lawn chairs are encouraged. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Victory Church, 1201 Taylor Lane, Lehigh Acres. 303-9585 or victoryoflehigh.com
NORTH FORT MYERS
Red, White & BBQ: Celebrate with barbecue, a reverse raffle and live music from country acts Brian Piercy and Pure Country. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Free. The Shell Factory & Nature Park, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. 995-2141 or shellfactory.com
Early Bird 4th of July Fundraiser for Cape Coral Animal Shelter: Yard Dog Charlie provides his usual Florida swamp music for this patio party with raffles, a 50/50 drawing, barbecue and food and drink specials. Everyone who donates food, supplies or money gets free raffle tickets. 3-6 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Free. Learn more about the shelter’s needs at capecoralanimalshelter.com/donate/wish-list. Three Fishermen Seafood Restaurant, 13021 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. 599-8568 or threefishermenseafood.com
FORT MYERS BEACH
Fort Myers Beach fireworks: The annual Fourth of July festival and parade are canceled, but there’s some good news: The fireworks show is still happening. It starts at about 9 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Beach chairs are encouraged. The Matanzas Bridge will be closed from 9-11:30 p.m. Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the south end of the island will remain open. Personal fireworks are prohibited. Times Square and Fort Myers Beach Pier, 1000 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. fortmyersbeach.org
ESTERO
USA Independence Day 5K: An Independence Day morning run/walk at Hertz Arena. Starts at 7 a.m. Sunday, July 4, and ends with an awards ceremony. Participants each get a Dri-FIT Tech T-shirt and free finish photos and video. Medals will be awarded to the winners. $45-$48. There’s also a virtual. “remote race” version of the annual event. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. runeliteevents.com/usa-independence-day-5k.html
PUNTA GORDA
FourthFest: The annual event includes fireworks, live music from The Champ Jaxon Band and the Boogiemen Rock N Soul Revue, a kids fun zone, vendors, displays, festival food, beer and the new Water-Mania, a collection of 12 big water slides. Gates open at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. over the Peace River. $5 admission. Wristbands for unlimited use of the water slides are $10. Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit Road, Punta Gorda. puntagordafireworks.com
MARCO ISLAND
Marco Island fireworks: Fireworks will launch off the coast of Residents’ Beach at about 9 p.m. Sunday, July 4. No other activities are planned this year for the annual event. The fireworks can be seen from along Collier Boulevard and Marco’s beach front. No personal fireworks permitted on the beach. Public parking is located at the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Swallow Avenue. Metered parking is $8 per car. Parking on the streets or swales in the South Beach area is prohibited. cityofmarcoisland.com
"God and Country": The Ben Allen Band plays its second Fourth of July event of the weekend — this time on Little Marco Island. The event also features prayer service, guest speakers, food, drinks and the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Ben Allen performs at 1 p.m. Free. Little Marco Island can only be accessed by boat. For those without boats, transportation is available for $55. Food and drink tickets are also being sold for $30. Combined transportation and food tickets are $65. Money raised from the event will go to activist group Citizens Awake Now. godandcountryevent.com
LABELLE
Red, White & Tunes: The LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation hosts this fundraiser featuring fireworks, a fun run, a cook-off, vendors, contests, cold beer, water slides and live music by The Walker Experience. 4-9 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Free. Barron Park, 1559 De Soto Ave., LaBelle. facebook.com/downtownlabelle
CANCELED
San Carlos Park 4th of July parade: The annual parade has been canceled for the second year in a row. Organizers expect to bring it back in 2022.
Fort Myers Beach Fourth of July festival and parade: The annual festival and parade have been canceled, but the fireworks show is still happening (see above).
Sanibel Island Independence Day Celebration: The annual fireworks show and parade have been canceled.
Connect with this reporter: Email crunnells@gannett.com or connect on social media at Charles Runnells (Facebook), @charlesrunnells (Twitter) and @crunnells1 (Instagram).