The Okaloosa County America 250 Commission released a rundown of local celebrations Tuesday, highlighting events in Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Niceville tied to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“So much work and energy have gone into planning these wonderful celebrations in our community,” Commission Chair Graham Fountain said. “I encourage everyone to experience these events and reflect on what makes this country the best in the world.”
Vice Chair Mitzi Henley said the milestone is a chance to recognize the traits that have carried the nation this far.
“It’s important that we recognize what helped keep this country going strong for 250 years,” Henley said. “Our determination, grit and perseverance are what make this country great, and I know we will continue down this path of success for generations.”
Here’s what’s planned across the county:
Crestview
July 4 – Crestview, decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, and strollers, and join us Saturday for our 4th of July Bike Parade at Twin Hills Park.
- Wanna participate? Simply register at the Crestview Police Department tent before the parade begins at 5:00 p.m. The parade will start at N Hathaway and Playground Drive.
July 4 – The City of Crestview will hold its annual 4th of July Party in the Park at Twin Hills Park as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The celebration will kick off with live music from local bands Scale Fracture (4-6 p.m.) and Cheyenne Band (6-9 p.m.). Then, at 9:00 p.m., look up to the sky for a spectacular fireworks show.
Fort Walton Beach
July 1 – The Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island will have its weekly fireworks show on Wednesday, July 1, at 9 p.m.
July 4 – The City of Fort Walton Beach will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a Fourth of July event at the Fort Walton Beach Landing on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. They will have food vendors and live music from the always awesome Scratch 2020, followed by a fireworks show over Santa Rosa Sound.
July 4 – Freedom Festival, hosted by First United Methodist Church at 103 First St. SE, will go from 6-9 p.m. July 4. This is a free family-friendly event with hamburgers, hot dogs, waterslides for the kids, and a view of the city’s fireworks.
Destin
July 1 – The city of Destin will host its annual Family Independence Day Celebration and Bike Parade for children 16 and younger. The event will take place at the Destin Elementary School track on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. The parade will kick off at 6 p.m. There will be food trucks as well as face painting, arts and crafts and a waterslide.
July 3 – The Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival at Destin Commons. This event is from 5-9:30 p.m. and will feature more than 25 food trucks, face painting, family activities, and live entertainment. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
July 4 – The City of Destin will be hosting a July 4th drone and fireworks show at the Destin Harbor. It will kick off around 9 p.m. with a 12-minute drone show followed by a 22-minute fireworks display.
July 4 – HarborWalk Village’s Fourth of July celebration will feature live music, street performers, fire spinners and patriotic music. Festivities will culminate with the official city of Destin firework display at 9 p.m.
Niceville/Valparaiso
July 3-11 – The Niceville Exchange Club plans to display 250 flags at the Air Force Armament Museum. Opening ceremonies for Salute to America 250 begin July 3 at 9:30 am with participation from Eglin AFB and The 7th Special Forces Group, Sons of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution, and various area motorcycle groups. There’s lots of free fun things for the family on this day, and of course a wonderful venue in the Air Force Armament Museum.
July 4 – Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
- 11 a.m. – Award Ceremony for poster and essay contest
- 12 p.m. History Sandwiched in “Colonial Paper Currency” presented by Tom McKnight
- 1 p.m. – Official Ribbon Cutting of the America 250 exhibit officiated by Niceville Mayor Dan Henkel
- 1:15 p.m. “Life Liberty and hard Rations” presentation by Travis Souther in Colonial attire
- 2 p.m. Battle of Lexingon and Concord – Informal Discussion
July 1-11 – The Niceville Exchange Club plans to display 250 flags at the Air Force Armament Museum. Opening ceremonies for Salute to America 250 begin at 9:30 am with participation from Eglin AFB and The 7th Special Forces Group, Sons of the American Revolution, Children of the American Revolution, and various area motorcycle groups. There’s lots of free fun things for the family on this day, and of course a wonderful venue in the Air Force Armament Museum
July 4 – The annual Boggy Bayou 4th of July celebration, “Light up the Bayou” will take place at Lions Park on Bayshore Drive. Festivities kick off at 3 p.m. July 4 with food trucks, followed by a fireworks display at about 8:45 p.m. In Valparaiso, fireworks can be viewed from Lincoln Park. Food trucks will also be present.
