For the 4th of July in Orlando, few places match the tradition of Winter Park. The city’s 31st Annual 4th of July Celebration spreads across Central Park and the West Meadow on July 4, 2026, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. — free and open to the public. Bring blankets and lawn chairs, wear your red, white, and blue, and plan to stay for the Watermelon 5k and free Morse Museum admission that extends the morning well past noon.
31st Annual 4th of July Celebration
The program opens at the main stage with remarks from the Mayor and the National Anthem, followed by a live set from School of Rock® Winter Park. The celebration’s centerpiece is a patriotic performance by the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble led by Dr. John Sinclair. The Kids Zone in the West Meadow runs concurrently, with carnival midway games, bounce slides, face painters, and Kona Ice®, hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department. Winter Park Electric sponsors free mini pies, cookies, and water while supplies last.
The annual bicycle parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. Kids can bring pre-decorated bikes or decorate them on-site at the corner of Park Avenue and Morse Boulevard before the parade begins.
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 museum from 1 to 4 p.m. on July 4. 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 from 9 a.m. to noon on July 4. Verify hours at cityofwinterpark.org/events as 2026 details are posted closer to July 4.
AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k
The AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k starts at 7:30 a.m. at 251 Park Avenue South — before the main celebration kicks off, making it easy to run the race and then head into Central Park. 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 3rd over Lake Baldwin. Downtown Orlando holds its main fireworks show on July 4th at Lake Eola, about 15 minutes away.
Local Tip: The Watermelon 5k finishes right as the main celebration starts — run the race at 7:30, grab a post-run watermelon slice, then walk into Central Park for the Mayor’s remarks and School of Rock at 8:30. The bicycle parade is at 9:30, so you have time to claim a shaded spot near the bandshell first. Park early on a side street off Pennsylvania Avenue.
Winter Park 4th of July in Central Park Video
Winter Park 4th of July bicycle parade Video
Winter Park 4th of July Map