For the 4th of July in Orlando, few places match the tradition of Winter Park. The city’s 31st Annual 4th of July Celebration takes place at Central Park Main Stage on Thursday evening, July 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. — free and open to the public. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, wear your red, white, and blue. The following morning, July 4th, the Watermelon 5K races down Park Avenue and the Morse Museum opens for free all weekend.
31st Annual 4th of July Celebration
The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. on the main stage with opening remarks from Mayor Sheila DeCiccio and the National Anthem, followed by music from the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble led by Dr. John Sinclair. The Kids Zone in the West Meadow runs concurrently throughout the evening, with carnival midway games, bounce slides, face painters, and Kona Ice®, hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department. Winter Park Electric sponsors free individual mini pies and water while supplies last.
The annual children’s bicycle parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. Kids can bring pre-decorated bikes or decorate them at the corner of Park Avenue and Morse Boulevard before the parade begins. In honor of America’s 250th birthday, military veterans are invited to march behind the children to the main stage for the patriotic tribute.
At 7:00 p.m., a special Happy Birthday America Patriotic Tribute takes the main stage, presented by AdventHealth. Birthday cake from The Glass Knife and ice cream from Kilwins® will be served while supplies last.
Morse Museum and History Museum
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art offers free admission the full Independence Day weekend — July 3 and 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and July 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Live music plays inside the galleries on July 3 and July 4. The 2026 celebration spotlights historic items associated with Paul Revere, Babe Ruth, and Lou Gehrig. Confirm current hours at morsemuseum.org/calendar before visiting.
The Winter Park History Museum, located at 200 W. New England Ave. (north end of the historic Farmers’ Market building), offers free admission on Friday, July 3 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k
The AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, at 251 Park Avenue South. After the race, head to the Morse Museum for free admission or enjoy the Central Park grounds before the afternoon’s broader July 4th celebrations around the region. Registration is $35 through May 11, $40 through June 22, $45 through July 3, and $50 on race day ($10 off for ages 17 and under and 65+). A watermelon eating contest follows at 8:40 a.m. and the free kids run begins at 8:45 a.m. Register early at trackshack.com.
Winter Park fireworks
The city of Winter Park does not host its own fireworks show, but nearby Baldwin Park puts on an Independence Day fireworks display on July 2nd over Lake Baldwin. Downtown Orlando holds its main fireworks show on July 4th at Lake Eola, about 15 minutes away.
Local Tip: Plan the full Independence Day weekend: attend the 31st Annual Celebration on July 3rd evening for live performances and the bicycle parade, then return July 4th morning for the Watermelon 5K at 7:30 a.m. The Morse Museum is free July 3–5 starting at 9:30 a.m. Park early on a side street off Pennsylvania Avenue on race morning.
Planning your full Independence Day weekend? 4thofjulyorlando.com is our mini-guide dedicated specifically to celebrating the 4th of July in Orlando — with event listings, fireworks times, and tips all in one place.
Winter Park 4th of July in Central Park Video
Winter Park 4th of July bicycle parade Video
Winter Park 4th of July Map