5 Ways to Spend Your Independence Day Weekend in Ocala/Marion County
The 4th of July is all about celebrating our freedoms, and what better way is there to do that than to enjoy Ocala/Marion County and our homeland with family and friends?
From outdoor adventures in the moonlight to honoring our veterans, here are 5 ideas for things to do in Ocala/Marion County to tap into the red, white, and blue this July 4th weekend.
1. Attend A Local Event
What is more patriotic than a local homegrown event? This year, among the independence-themed events are:
Red, White and OSO Blue a Salute to Our Troops
Listen to the Ocala Symphony perform patriotic songs that pay homage to our military heroes.
Location: Reilly Arts Center | 500 NE 9th Street
Date & Times: June 29, 2025 | 3pm
Patriotic Skies
Celebrate Independence Day at Patriotic Skies! Enjoy breathtaking fireworks, live music, and a fun Kids Zone with games for all ages.
Location: Tuscawilla Park | 800 NE Sanchez Ave
Date & Times: July 4, 2025 | 6-10pm
Iggy's "4 on the Fourth" Freedom Run
Celebrate athleticism and patriotism at the annual Greg Iggy Miller Memorial Run, a spirited four-mile race through Southeast Ocala's scenic neighborhoods, starting and ending at Veterans Memorial Park. Sign up here.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park | 2601 E Fort King St
Date & Times: July 4, 2025 | 7:30am and 9am
Patriotic Celebration
Enjoy live music, dancing, food trucks, and other fun activations at this Independence Day celebration at the Town Square at Circle Square Commons.
Location: Circle Square Commons | 8405 SW 80th Street
Date & Times: July 4, 2025 | 4:30-9:30pm
Eaton's Beach July 4th Celebration
Enjoy a fantastic evening with delicious food, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display (9 PM), all while supporting The Wounded Warrior Project.
Location: Eaton's Beach | 15790 SE 134th Avenue
Date & Times: July 4, 2025 | 6:30-9:30pm
Gator Joe's 4th of July
Celebrate the 4th of July at Gator Joe's with live music, refreshing drink specials, and fun on the beach including a water slide and bounce house! Cap off the evening by watching fireworks illuminate Lake Weir.
Location: Gator Joe's | 12431 SE 135th Ave
Date & Times: July 4, 2025
2. Visit The Veterans Memorial Park
We get to enjoy a beautiful holiday weekend in our amazing country thanks to the bravery and sacrifices of our service members and veterans. A great way to honor them is to visit the Ocala – Marion County Veterans Memorial Park. The park has benches throughout, flags flying representing the branches of the military, monuments remembering heroes, and more. A visit to the park is truly a must for Independence Day. We also encourage all our veterans, whether visitors or residents, to check out some of the celebratory veteran activities in Ocala/Marion County.
3. Splash In The Springs
Make the blue in red, white, and blue part of your day by splashing into one of our beautiful springs! Silver Glen Springs, Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, and Rainbow Springs are great spots to enjoy the Florida sunshine while keeping cool in natural springs. For more aquatic-centered ideas, check out our kayaking, tubing, and boating guide here.
5. Savor Some BBQ
Pulled Brisket, mac n cheese, and cornbread… nothing feels more like summer in the USA than good BBQ. In Ocala/Marion County, we do not lack that! Find scrumptious BBQ spots with our ultimate list of restaurants in Ocala. The flavor does not stop there! We're also home to some exceptional outdoor dining spots that will have you soaking in the sunshine.
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