Jacksonville is bringing its 4th of July fireworks show back downtown this year, but ongoing construction projects are going to close off some prime viewing spots.
The city’s big fireworks display is scheduled for 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4, over the St. Johns River. For the past few years, the city has done multiple shows, throwing up big booms at sites all around town. There will be just one official show this year (but we all know a neighbor who will put on a pretty good one).
Also different this year: The Fourth falls on a Friday, so pretty much every fireworks show will happen that night. In the past, they were spread out over a week or so. Florida fireworks fans will find shows from Fernandina Beach to Palm Coast and beyond.
Will the City of Jacksonville have fireworks displays spread through the city like they did last year?
No, the city will have just one big show this year for the 4th. The City of Jacksonville’s official fireworks show will be over the St. Johns River in the downtown area. Fireworks will be launched from the Acosta Bridge and from a barge between the Main Street and Hart bridges.
When does Jacksonville’s 4th of July fireworks display start?
Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.
Where is the best place to view Jacksonville’s 4th of July fireworks show?
Construction will force fans out of some prime viewing spots, at least for this year. Riverfront Plaza, the former site of the Jacksonville Landing, will not be accessible. The Riverwalk will be closed between the Main Street and Acosta bridges, and to the west of the Acosta, where construction continues on the former Times-Union site. On the Southbank, access will be restricted in the area between the Acosta Bridge and Friendship Fountain due to construction.
Where can I park for Jacksonville’s 4th of July fireworks?
That depends on which side of the river you’re on, of course, but there is plenty of public parking in downtown and San Marco. Downtown Vision has a free website that shows public parking sites in the downtown area.
Keep in mind that it’s a holiday, so workers won’t be filling the garages.
The city recommends these lots:
Can I watch Jacksonville’s 4th of July fireworks display from Riverfront Plaza?
No, access to the site will be restricted due to ongoing construction.
Can I watch Jacksonville’s 4th of July fireworks display from a boat?
Yes, but there will be restrictions on where and when you can go, to ensure safety. Public docks will be open.
Is the fireworks show free?
There is no charge to watch the fireworks.
Will any roads or bridges be closed for Jacksonville’s fireworks display?
The Main Street and Acosta bridges will be closed from 8:45 to 10:30 p.m.
Other big public fireworks displays in the Jacksonville area
Keystone Heights: 57th Annual 4th of July Celebration
10 a.m. Friday, July 4, at Keystone Beach, Keystone Heights. Free.
Events include a 5K race, a baby crawling contest, live music, hot dog-eating contest, Wild West show and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Info: exploreclay.com
St. Marys, Ga.: Independence Day Festival
9 a.m. Friday, July 4, in St. Marys, Ga. Free.
Events include a 10 a.m. parade, live music watermelon seed-spitting contest and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Info: visitstmarys.com
Palatka: Annual July 4th Celebration
4 p.m. Friday, July 4, on the Palatka riverfront. Free.
Food trucks and vendors show up around 4 p.m., fireworks over the St. Johns River at dusk. Info: visitpalatka.com
Orange Park: American Pride 4th of July
5 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Moosehaven, Orange Park. Free.
Bold City Classics provides the music, food trucks will be on hand and fireworks go off over the St. Johns River at 9:15 p.m. Info: moosehaven.org
Callahan and Hilliard: Red, White & Boom! A Celebration of America
5 p.m. Friday, July 4, at the Northeast Florida Fairgrounds, Callahan. Free.
Live music, a watermelon-eating contest and food trucks start at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Info: facebook.com
St. Augustine: Fireworks Over the Matanzas
6 p.m. Friday, July 4, in St. Augustine. Free.
All-Star Orchestra plays a patriotic concert at the Plaza de la Constitución, followed by a 9:30 p.m. 20-minute fireworks show over Matanzas Bay. Info: citystaug.com
Fernandina Beach: 4th of July Hometown Celebration
6 p.m. Friday, July 4, in Fernandina Beach. Free.
Street festival starts at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks over the St. Marys River at 9 p.m. Info: lightupamelia.com
Palm Coast: United Flagler 4th/Fireworks Over the Runways
6 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Flagler Executive Airport, Palm Coast. Free.
Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnel team up for one big celebration, including a 9 a.m. parade in Flagler Beach and fireworks at the airport. Info: unitedflagler4th.com
Glen St. Mary: Souls Harbor Freedom Celebration
7 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Souls Harbor Church, Glen St. Mary. Free.
Live music, 50/50 raffle and fireworks at dusk. Info: facebook.com
Downtown Jacksonville: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
7:05 p.m. Friday, July 4, at VyStar Ballpark. $9-$129.
Enjoy a baseball game between the Jumbo Shrimp and the Charlotte Knights, followed by a fireworks show, which should be around the same time as the city’s big display just down the road. Info: milb.com/jacksonville
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Bringing the boom: Where to watch 4th of July fireworks in the Jacksonville area
Reporting by Tom Szaroleta, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
