Fireworks Near Me: Lakeland July 4th 2024 Events

LAKELAND, FL — Independence Day is fast approaching so it's time to find out where you can celebrate in and around Lakeland. Area events include fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun.

To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what’s going on in Lakeland and the surrounding areas.

July 4 Festivities For 2024

What: Legoland’s Red, White & Boom 2024

Where: Legoland

When: July 4, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

There will be a dance party, star-spangled activities, a DJ dance party and a fireworks display that explodes into 3D Lego bricks. More event info at: Legoland’s Red, White & Boom 2024

What: Bartow July 4th Celebration 2024

Where: various Bartow locations, including Mosaic Park and the Bartow Civic Center

When: July 4, 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

There will be live music and entertainment throughout the evening with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. More event info at: Bartow July 4th Celebration 2024

What: Lakeland’s Red, White & Brew 5K 2024

Where: Swan Brewing, Lakeland

When: July 4, 7:04 a.m.

Enjoy a complimentary beer from Swan Brewing and a pancake breakfast after the race. The 5K also coincides with the Kids Firecracker Dash. More event info at: Red, White & Brew 5K

What: Plant City Fireworks & July 4 Celebration 2024

Where: Plant City Stadium

When: July 4, 6 to 9:30 p.m.

There will be free kids activities, live music, vendors, a 50/50 raffle and Zambelli fireworks at 9:15 p.m. More event info at: Plant City Fireworks & July 4 Celebration 2024

What: Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America July 4th Festival 2024

Where: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Dover

When: July 4, 1 to 9 p.m.

The day includes live entertainment, an antique car show, a costume contest, the Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker Pageant, a pet costume parade, a kid zone, and a fireworks drone show. More event info at: Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America July 4th Festival 2024

Today, Americans celebrate the birth of a new nation with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings and barbecues. Celebrations, though, predate by centuries the designation of Independence Day as a federal holiday, which didn’t happen until 1941.

During the pivotal summer of 1776, the pre-Revolutionary celebrations honoring King George III’s birthday were replaced with mock funerals as a symbolic break from the crown.

It was an exciting time in Philadelphia — the Continental Congress voted to break from the crown and, two days later on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the original 13 colonies —New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland. Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia — to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

The first annual commemoration of the nation’s independence was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, while the Revolutionary War was ongoing. Fireworks have been part of Fourth of July festivities since the first celebration in Philadelphia.