Independence Day events abound around Lee County
The Fourth of July holds special memories for most. Gathering in the backyard while the smell of what’s on the grill wafts through the air. Gazing into the night sky in awe, as colorful bursts illuminate above. Tossing the ball around and going for a swim.
Many of America’s favorite pastimes are rolled into one big shebang to celebrate the independence of our country.
All across Southwest Florida, communities and entities are planning on commemorating the Fourth in one way or another.
In addition to Cape Coral’s Red, White & BOOM! street party and fireworks, Independence Day activities include:
Freedom 5K
The Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Scooter’s Lawn Care Kid’s Fun Run takes place the morning of Independence Day.
Each year, a portion of the proceeds raised from the event is donated back to two veteran organizations. This year’s recipients are The Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center and Museum in Cape Coral and the Special Operations Communicators Association.
Veterans also will be honored during the awards presentation with a commemorative challenge coin presented by Coral Ridge Funeral Home and Cemetery.
Participants in the 5K will take their marks and head out at 7 a.m. along Cape Coral Parkway adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce of Cape Coral Welcome Center at 2051 Cape Coral Parkway East and travel over the Cape Coral Bridge. The kid’s fun run (for those 12 and under) will begin immediately following the completion of the 5K.
Awards for the 5K will be given in a multitude of categories determined by age and gender. Fun run participants will be given ribbons and T-shirts.
Registration is open and is $40. Veterans can register for the race for $20. Fun run registration is $15.
For more information and to register, visit runsignup.com.
Cape Coral American Legion
The American Legion Cape Coral will celebrate July 4 at Post 90 at 1401 S.E. 47th St. in Cape Coral. There will also be a blood drive. The public is invited.
A flag retirement ceremony begins at 11 a.m. by the Post Honor Guard. Attendees are encouraged to bring old unserviceable flags to be properly disposed of. The blood drive will start at noon and continue to 4 p.m.
Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be served from noon to 7 p.m.
Slipway Food Truck Park & Marina
Slipway Food Truck Park & Marina along the Caloosahatchee waterfront is hosting its inaugural Fourth of July Bash from 3 to 10 p.m. on July 4. Celebrating America’s birthday, this VIP experience offers food, drinks, and live entertainment with a prime view of the city of Cape Coral’s Red, White & Boom entertainment and fireworks display.
General admission is $100 and includes two drink tickets and complementary food truck tasting selections from 5-8 p.m.
Festive, patriotic and red, white and blue casual attire is encouraged. The event will be hosted in an outdoor, open-air setting. Fans, shaded pavilions, and misters will be available for guests. Personal sun protective clothing, hats, sunscreen and bug repellent are encouraged. Shirt and shoes are required in dining areas.
A portion of the proceeds will go to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
For tickets, visit slipawaycape.com/july4bash/.
Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina is at 1811 Cape Coral Parkway E.
Farmer Joe’s
Farmer Joe’s in Cape Coral will host its third annual 4th of July Customer Appreciation Event. This family-friendly celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmer Joe’s store at 1401 S.W. Pine Island Road. The event is open to the public, with free admission.
Event attendees can expect fun, food, and festivities, including free hamburgers, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, local vendor booths, and fun for the whole family.
Downtown Fort Myers
Head to Downtown Fort Myers for the city’s annual 4th of July Celebration at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater from 6 to 10 p.m.
General admission for the event is free. Seating is not provided. Organizers ask attendees to bring a foldable lawn chair or blanket for comfort.
“Join us on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River for an unforgettable evening of music, food, and fireworks at Downtown Fort Myers’ signature Fourth of July celebration,” event organizers stated.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m., with local Tyler Shep leading a patriotic tribute as he sings the Star-Spangled Banner. Then, get ready to dance under the stars with a live performance by The Caloosa River Band, building up to a dazzling fireworks finale presented by the River District Alliance (weather permitting).
Bars will be onsite for beverages available for purchases.
VIP tickets include reserved seating in the front fenced section (first-come, first-serve), access to air-conditioned restroom trailers, chef-curated barbecue boxed dinner, raffle entry, and full cash bar.
Tickets are available by visiting www.vistingfortmyers.com. Caloosa Sound Amphitheater is at 2101 Edwards Drive.
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels will host a three-day Independence Day celebration that includes a Fourth of July Family Picnic Special, fireworks extravaganza and classic all-American eats.
The postgame fireworks extravaganza on July 4 will be the longest, largest and loudest pyrotechnics show of the 2025 baseball season at Hammond Stadium at the Lee Health Sports Complex. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. game, and fireworks will begin immediately after the final out.
“Our Independence Day game has become a tradition for many Southwest Florida families because it’s a true all-American celebration — baseball, burgers, beer, fireworks and family,” said John Martin, managing partner of the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, in a release. “Although we host fireworks shows after every Friday home game, the Fourth of July show is equivalent to one long grand finale. This year, we’re adding a patriotic soundtrack and family picnic ambiance to make this truly a memorable experience for fans.”
The Mighty Mussels are offering a Fourth of July Family Picnic Special for $87.76, including fees; only 100 packages are available. The Family Picnic Special includes:
• Four reserved game tickets (first or second level)
• Four concession vouchers worth $12.75 each
• A Mighty Mussels fleece picnic blanket
On July 5, there will be a patriotic bucket hat giveaway, as well as “Bark in the Park,” where leashed dogs are welcome at Hammond Stadium. On July 6, kids get in free, can play catch on the field from 11 to 11:30 a.m., and can run the bases after the game.
To purchase the Family Picnic Special, visit gofevo.com/event/July4th2025.
Hammond Stadium at Lee Health Sports Complex is at 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway in Fort Myers.
Bay Street Yard
Bay Street Yard is hosting its second annual Fourth of July from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. in the heart of downtown Fort Myers.
The outdoor entertainment venue is pulling out all the patriotic stops with festive food and drink specials – including red, white and blue jello shots – live music and street-side grilling by Paradise Hospitality Group, who will be serving up hot dogs and burgers along Bay Street. Guests can also savor full menus from Bay Street Yard and Paradise Hospitality Group’s onsite food truck concepts: Bay Street Butcher and Rick’s Taco Cartel.
Live entertainment by Conyer Walker runs from 2 to 5 p.m., AVYA Live from 5 to 9 p.m. and DELIA from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The venue offers seating for over 300 guests with two full-service bars and a variety of outdoor games such as cornhole, ping pong and more. The venue is just steps from the Caloosahatchee River for views of the annual downtown Fort Myers fireworks display.
General admission is free. VIP suites are available upstairs at The Loft for groups of 10-24 people with a $50 minimum food and beverage spend per person. Four-person tables adjacent to the stage can be reserved for $100 per-table for four hours. Bottle service is also available to VIP guests. To make a table reservation, email madison@bsyevents.com.
Bay Street Yard is at 2136 Bay Street in downtown Fort Myers. For more information, visit BayStreetYard.com/Specials-Events.
To reach CJ HADDAD / cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com, please email