Want to watch some fireworks on the Fourth of July?
West Palm Beach will have its annual 4th on Flagler festival from 5 to 10 p.m. along the city’s Intracoastal waterfront, with an 18-minute fireworks show beginning at 9:09 p.m., according to West Palm Beach’s event website.
Palm Beach sponsors 4th on Flagler, this year contributing $12,000 to the event that is the Independence Day celebration of choice for island residents who remain in Palm Beach during the off-season.
While Palm Beach’s council long has supported the 4th on Flagler through the sponsorship, the Town Council this year asked West Palm Beach to reconsider its use of fireworks, citing environmental concerns.
Also this year, the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum in Palm Beach will have its annual fireworks viewing party for those who want to see the display while surrounded by Gilded Age splendor. Registration for that event was open by invitation only to museum members, a spokesman said.
West Palm Beach’s annual Independence Day festival, with the theme “One Nation, Our Celebration,” includes live entertainment, activities and the Bill Bone 5K.
Here’s what to know about this year’s 4th on Flagler.
When is the 4th on Flagler celebration?
West Palm Beach’s 37th annual Fourth of July celebration begins at 5 p.m. and wraps up at 10 p.m. after the 9:09 p.m. fireworks show on July 4.
The Bill Bone 5K begins at 7 p.m. and begins and ends near Post Park at 315 S. Flagler Drive.
Where is the 4th on Flagler?
The event takes place at the West Palm Beach Waterfront, 100 N. Clematis St.; the Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura St.; and on Flagler Drive between Banyan Boulevard and Fern Street.
What is this year’s 4th on Flagler entertainment?
There will be three stages with live entertainment at this year’s 4th on Flagler, the city said.
The main NewDay USA Stage at 100 N. Clematis St. will feature VZN, a party band that plays popular songs from a variety of genres.
DJ Kid Karter will play country hits at the Country Kickback at the Palm Beach International Boat Show Stage on the south side of Post Park. There will be line dancing and mechanical bull rides.
The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center Kids’ Area will be at the Meyer Amphitheatre, with music from DJ Reflex and Fourth of July-themed crafts. Bounce houses and games will be available for $5 per person, the city said.
There will be a patriotic ceremony, and food and drinks will be available to purchase.
Those who are unable to attend in person can watch the fireworks live on TV via WPBF-Channel 25 from 9 to 9:30 p.m.
Where to park for 4th on Flagler?
The city said its downtown parking garages will be open with these rates from 4 to 11:59 p.m.:
Other private parking garages will be open with varying rates for the event, the city said.
What has Palm Beach’s council said about the 4th on Flagler?
When the Town Council on March 4 approved this year’s 4th on Flagler sponsorship, Council President Bobbie Lindsay suggested the town send a letter to its neighboring city asking officials there to reconsider the use of fireworks for Independence Day celebrations after 2025.
Lindsay said the idea occurred to her after watching last year’s 4th on Flagler fireworks display, which left her wondering about the effects of the fallen fireworks debris on wildlife in and near the Intracoastal.
After that March discussion, Mayor Danielle Moore sent a letter to West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James asking it to consider other options.
“Traditional fireworks, while visually appealing, have well-documented environmental consequences,” Moore wrote in the letter dated March 5. She pointed to air and water pollution, plastic and metal waste, and effects on wildlife and domesticated animals.
“As environmental stewardship remains a priority for our community, we encourage the exploration of sustainable alternatives” including drones, rice paper confetti cannons and bubble displays, Moore wrote.
More information about 4th on Flagler
Visit wpb.org or call 561-822-1515.
This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.
Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: 4th on Flagler in West Palm Beach: What to know about fireworks, parking, more
Reporting by Kristina Webb, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
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