The City of Jacksonville will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on July 3 and 4, 2026 with free, family-friendly celebrations that will include activities across the north and south banks of Downtown Jacksonville.
On July 3, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary during Freedom Fest at Friendship Fountain from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The festivities, which are sponsored by the City of Jacksonville’s Military and Veterans Affairs Department and Supporting Partner Wounded Warrior Project, will include:
- Live music by Bold City Brass, Navy Pride, Sal Gonzalez, Emily Mikus and Big Engine
- A patriotic light and music show at Friendship Fountain
- Free apple pies for the first 1,000 attendees
- Activations along the Riverwalk between the Fountain and Chart House
- Food and beverages for purchase
On July 4, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary – and the Fourth of July – at Riverfront Plaza from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Festivities, which are sponsored by the City of Jacksonville and Supporting Partner Wounded Warrior Project, will include:
- Performances by Sal Gonzalez, Tobacco Road, Bold City Classics and Lane Pittman
- The largest Fourth of July Fireworks show in Jacksonville history
- Facepainting and balloon animals
- The River City Readers Bookmobile
- An art exhibition by JAMS students
- Food and beverages for purchase
On July 4, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary – and the Fourth of July – at Friendship Fountain and the Riverwalk from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Festivities will include:
- Live music by Scott Halls and Caribe Groove
- Fireworks (same show, different vantage point)
- Hot dog eating contest
- Cornhole tournament
- Food and beverages for purchase
There will also be festivities at RiversEdge Park from 6 to 9 p.m. including:
- Music and entertainment
- Fireworks (same show, different vantage point)
- Food and beverages for sale
For a comprehensive list of Fourth of July weekend activities, go to Visit Jacksonville.
