Bummer that 4th of July is on a Tuesday this year, because that means no long weekend. But you can still make the most of this weird day off in the middle of the week. There’s a ton of stuff happening around the city, whether you want to finally visit the Frost Science Museum or you want to paddle under the stars. And there are endless places to catch fireworks if that’s all you’re looking to do.
Events around town
If you just can’t take the day off from work AND exercising, get your blood pumping with a 4th of July 5K at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park. It’s being organized by Go Run Running Store and starts bright and early, before it’s TOO hot. Deets here.
Independence Day Paddle and Dinner @ VKOC
For the active ones out there, how about fireworks with a side of kayaking or hiking? Virginia Key is organizing both, plus dinner. Kayakers will get to raft up out on the water, which may be the absolute coolest way to catch fireworks we’ve heard yet. Deets here.
Fireworks with a side of science
Our newest museum is staying open late and dropping prices for the holiday. A DJ will start spinning at 6 p.m. and they’ll be rolling out BBQ-style food to go with fireworks over Biscayne Bay. Laser light shows will be running all evening. Deets here.
Rooftop Sessions is shifting to Tuesday for a special 4th of July celebration. Local Latin rock band Suenalo will be on deck with their signature mix of afro, funk, hip-hop, reggae, rock, and jazz. Big plus: their roof deck will be a great place to catch fireworks as the show winds down. Deets here.
Looking for a chill way to pass the day off? The Wynwood Yard’s Fourth of July BBQ is a good place to pass the day. ESCO will be providing tunes, and there will be beer specials and food from Charcoal. Deets here.
Local faves Spam All Stars will kick off the North Beach Bandshell celebration at 4 p.m., followed by Inner Circle and the Wailers. Food trucks will be hanging around. Groove in the ocean breeze and enjoy the awesome acoustics of the fave outdoor music venue. Deets here.
Classic America at the Speedway
Homestead rolls out all the American traditions for 4th of July: classic rock, country music, and a pie-eating contest at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Stick around for fireworks. Deets here.
Independence Day Celebration, Hialeah-style
No surprise here: Hialeah does 4th of July big too: a concert, games for kids, and plenty of food. About 14,000 people came last year, so if you’re in for crowds, this is the place to be.
Start at with an old-fashioned picnic at the Barnacle, then keep eating at the CocoWalk annual hot dog eating competition.
Where to camp out to catch fireworks
Downtown
- Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Miami Beach
- Ocean Drive, 706 Ocean Drive, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- North Beach, anywhere from the Bandshell on 72nd Street and Collins Avenue to North Shore Open Park at 79th Street and Collins Avenue, fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Key Biscayne
- Village Green, 400 Crandon Blvd., fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Coconut Grove
- Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Rd., fireworks start at 9 p.m.
North Miami
- Florida International University Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 NE 151st Street, fireworks start at sundown
Doral
- Doral Central Park, 3000 NW 87th Ave., fireworks start at 9:20 p.m.
Hialeah
- Ted Hendricks Park (part of the City of Hialeah Independence Day Celebration), 4800 Palm Avenue, fireworks with a side of laser show
Coral Gables
- The Biltmore Hotel Golf Course, 1200 Anastasia Ave., fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Homestead
- Homestead-Miami Speedway, 1 Speedway Blvd., starts at 6.p.m.
Miami Lakes
- Picnic Park West, 15151 NW 82nd Ave., starts at 6:30 p.m.
And if you’re just looking to find a place to get your drink on, here’s a list of some of Miami’s best rooftop bars, where you might still catch a glimpse of a firework, or two, in the sky Tuesday night.