Fourth of July fireworks celebrations across Okaloosa County will begin July 2, with events planned through July 4 in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville, Valparaiso, Sandestin and Crestview.

Fort Walton Beach kicks off early celebration

The Boardwalk and Al’s Beach Club & Bar on Okaloosa Island will start the celebration early with fireworks on Wednesday, July 2 at 9 p.m. Attendees should bring a towel, blanket or beach chair.

• Al’s Beach Club also hosts Luau Nights every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring beachside vibes, island-style bites and live entertainment.

The City of Fort Walton Beach will host its annual July 4 celebration at the Fort Walton Beach Landing from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food vendors will be available and Scratch 2020 will perform with their high energy mix of rock and roll from all eras. Fireworks over Santa Rosa Sound will start at 8:45 p.m. The event is free and family friendly.

Destin offers dual celebrations beginning on July 3

Destin Commons will host the Star-Spangled Food Truck Festival on July 3 at 5 p.m., billing itself as having “The Grandest Fireworks Show on the coast.” Food trucks will line the streets offering a variety of food from Thai to grilled cheese. Live music will feature Duchess from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by Tobacco Rd Band from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

HarborWalk Village will celebrate July 4 starting at 6 p.m. with their Fourth of July Concert & Celebration — Coastal Country Edition. The event will feature live country music on the main stage, a fire spinning show and fireworks from the City of Destin at 9 p.m.

• The fire-spinning performance by Autumn Lyfe will serve as the finale on the main stage. HarborWalk Village will offer free beverage samples from various sponsors.

Sandestin plans Red, White, and Baytowne celebration

The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort will host their Red, White, and Baytowne celebration with live music on the Events Plaza Stage from 7 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. from Tanner Gray Band. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

• The Village of Baytowne Wharf will host kids’ activities, including kids’ crafts, face painting and balloon sculpting. The event is free and open to the public.

Niceville and Valparaiso to light up the bayou

The Light Up the Bayou annual Fourth of July fireworks display will be visible from the shores of Niceville and Valparaiso at 8:45 p.m. when fireworks are launched from a floating platform in the middle of the bayou.

• The fireworks committee is bringing back Sound Associates to provide music starting at 6 p.m., including the soundtrack synced with the fireworks show. Speakers will be positioned on the fire dock at Lions Park to allow audio to reach up, down and across the bayou.

Food trucks will be set up and ready to serve at 5 p.m. at Lions Park for those who arrive early to secure prime viewing spots. Food trucks will also be available at Lincoln Park in Valparaiso. 

The City of Niceville will close Bayshore Drive and the boat ramp at Lions Park on Friday, July 4 to accommodate the annual Fourth of July celebration. Bayshore Drive will be closed from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. During the closure, through traffic will be limited to pedestrians and residents only. The boat ramp at Lions Park will be closed for a longer period, from 12 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.

Crestview rounds out county celebrations

Twin Hills Park in Crestview will host ‘Party in the Park’, with festivities starting at 5 p.m. featuring food trucks from local vendors, music, bicycle parade, games and other activities. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. The celebration will include music from a DJ, a Kids Zone and activities for adults. 

Whether you prefer the early start at Okaloosa Island, the country music scene at HarborWalk Village, or the bayou setting in Niceville, Okaloosa County offers multiple ways to celebrate America’s independence. 

• With celebrations spanning several days and locations from the coast to inland parks, residents can choose their perfect Fourth of July experience or attend multiple events to make the most of the holiday weekend.

All events are free and designed for families, with food and entertainment options available at each location.