Your Ultimate Guide to July Fun in Northeast Florida

Wow, where did June go?! I can't believe the Fourth of July is just around the corner, and I'm only now getting this guide out to you all. My sincerest apologies! But the good news is, the party is just getting started, and there is an incredible lineup of events all month long across Northeast Florida.

From right here in the St. Augustine area to Flagler, Clay, and Jacksonville, there's something for everyone. So, grab your calendar and let's plan an amazing July!

Kick Off the Month with a Bang: Fourth of July Celebrations 🎆

The Fourth is the main event, and you have so many amazing, FREE options to choose from!

• Flagler Beach: Start your day with the patriotic Flagler Beach 4th of July Parade (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM) along A1A. Later, the celebration continues with the county-wide United Flagler Fourth (5:00 PM – 9:30 PM), culminating in a massive fireworks show over the Flagler Executive Airport. Find all the details at visitflagler.com.

• St. Augustine: It doesn't get more iconic than Fireworks over the Matanzas (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM)! The night begins with a free concert in the Plaza de la Constitución at 6 PM, with the spectacular fireworks launching at 9:30 PM. For a unique pre-fireworks treat, check out the Captain & Maybelle Sideshow (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM) at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! All info can be found at floridashistoriccoast.com.

• Clay County: Get ready for all-day fun at the 57th Annual 4th of July Celebration in Keystone Heights, featuring a Freedom 5K (8:00 AM) and an Independence Day Celebration (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM). Later, head to Orange Park for American Pride 4th of July (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM) at Moosehaven for live music and riverfront fireworks. Details for Clay County events are at exploreclay.com.

• Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach: Enjoy a Hometown 4th of July Celebration (6:00 PM – 9:30 PM) downtown with vendors, music, and fireworks at 9 PM. Get more info at ameliaisland.com and fbfl.us.

• Jacksonville: The city is lighting up the skyline with its Fourth of July Fireworks (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM) over the St. Johns River. For a premium experience, check out the 4th of July Rooftop Party ($20) or the Red, White & Riverfront Views party at the Hyatt Regency ($10+). All the Jax info is at visitjacksonville.com.

Get Active Outdoors 🌳

Once the holiday buzz settles, get out and enjoy the Florida sunshine!

• July 2 & 17: Join a guided Dolphin Walk at 8 AM at the Vilano Beach Pier to spot some Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. (floridashistoriccoast.com)

• July 3: Learn to find fossilized teeth at the Shark Tooth Exploration (9 AM & 10 AM) at Mussallem Beachfront Park. (floridashistoriccoast.com)

• July 12: Run across a historic landmark in the Bridge of Lions 5K (7:30 AM) in St. Augustine. (floridashistoriccoast.com)

• July 19: Join a leisurely 8-mile group ride at Pedal in the Park (8 AM) starting at the Palm Coast Community Center. (visitflagler.com)

• July 20: Take a Guided Kayak Tour ($45) through the mangroves at Betty Steflik Preserve in Flagler Beach. (visitflagler.com)

Family Fun, Festivals, and Fast Horses 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• July 12: Bring the little ones to the Mermaid & Pirates “Popsicles in the Park” (9:30 AM - Noon) at the Vilano Beach Pavilion for a free morning of crafts and costumes. (floridashistoriccoast.com)

• July 12: Bring your furry friend to the Barkday Pawty (12 PM - 4 PM) at Woof Gang Bakery on Fleming Island for a pup-friendly ice-cream bar! (exploreclay.com)

• July 12: Head to the St. Johns County Fairgrounds for the fast-paced action of Drum Runner Barrel Racing (1 PM - 4 PM). Free for spectators! (floridashistoriccoast.com)

• July 12: Get your geek on at the First Coast Comic Con ($10) from 10 AM to 4 PM at the UNF Herbert Center in Jacksonville. (visitjacksonville.com)

Culture, Cars, and Cool Nights 🚗💃

• July 6 & 19: Car lovers, head to the Classic Car Museum in St. Augustine for Cars & Coffee (July 6, 8 AM) and the Cruise-In St. Augustine Cruisers (July 19, 5 PM). (floridashistoriccoast.com)

• Every Tuesday: Learn to dance at Swing/Salsa Lessons at Arnold’s Lounge ($10) in St. Augustine from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. (floridashistoriccoast.com)

• July 11 & 18: For the 18+ crowd, Jacksonville is hosting an Anime Rave ($20) and a Shrek Rave ($25) on back-to-back Fridays at 9 PM. (visitjacksonville.com)

• July 26: Experience the Silent Disco at The Fountain ($10) in Jacksonville for a unique family-friendly dance party from 6 PM to 9 PM. (visitjacksonville.com)

Okay, I think that covers just about everything! What an incredible month. Hope to see you out there!