Well, it’s just about here! Fireworks lighting up the night sky, a parade rolling straight down the middle of town, and hot dogs in the park — our Independence Day celebration is back, and it’s all happening next Saturday, June 27, 2026!

July 4th independence Day Celebration Everglades CityThe parade kicks things off at 10 am and the celebration runs till 1 pm, then the fireworks take over at 9 pm to close out the night. If there’s one day to be in Everglades City this summer, this is the one.

The parade is the heart of the morning, and anybody can jump in. Decorate a vehicle — hot rod, antique car, golf cart, whatever you’ve got rolling — and enter. Trophies go to the most creative, and around here the competition is no joke! If you’ve been meaning to do it, this is the year. Call Karen at City Hall at (239) 777-6614 or email KCochran@CityofEverglades.org to sign up.

When the parade wraps, everybody heads over to McLeod Park for the rest of the party. The Lions Club will be grilling hot dogs, there’ll be vendor booths and raffles going all afternoon, and the little ones can jump into the Little Miss & Mister Firecracker Contest at 11 am. Bring the grand-babies, bring a camera, and grab yourself a spot in the shade.

This celebration is put on by the city and paid for by all of us together, and those fireworks at the end of the night aren’t cheap. Every year it takes neighbors and local businesses chipping in to make it happen. If you’re able to help, any amount goes a long way. Download the donation form here. Make your check out to the City of Everglades with “July 4th” in the memo, and drop it by City Hall or mail it to PO Box 110, Everglades City, FL 34139. Want to give by card? Just call City Hall at (239) 695-3781. Every little bit helps put those fireworks in the sky.

Then stick around for the show at 9 pm to cap it all off. It’s one of our favorite days of the year out here,  see you there!