4th of July Weekend in Orlando, 2013

Because the rest of the world
doesn't hate us enough as it is.

Although it's hard to let go of our two-week-long taste of summer, we're happy to be back with our latest weekend preview, a special Independence Day Weekend 2013 in Orlando post! Here are some patriotic ways to spend your weekend in Central Florida:

Wednesday, July 3rd

Celebrate America's birthday early at the region's biggest fireworks display, Red Hot & Boom 2013 at Uptown Altamonte in Altamonte Springs. This free event features a lineup of musical acts including the Jonas Brothers.

If you're Downtown, stop by Wall Street Plaza's first day of Red, White & Brew, starting at 9:00pm with live music, food, and games.

There are also Independence Day Eve parties going on at Suite B, Tier Nightclub, and The Peacock Room, as well as a patriotic burlesque show, Stars & Stripes Peek a Boo, at Stardust Lounge.

Thursday, July 4th

Start your day with an Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Winter Park's Central Park from 9:00am to 1:00pm, complete with marching bands, choirs, carriage rides, kids' activities, free hot dogs and watermelon, and more. While you're there, check out the Morse Museum's free open house from 9:30am to 4:00pm.

Fireworks at the Fountain is Downtown Orlando's enormous fireworks display and festival that attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year. This free event starts at 4:00pm with live music, kids' activities, beer gardens, and culminates with a fireworks show at 9:10pm.

For those in the UCF-area, 4th of July Celebration at Avalon Park (from 5:00pm to 9:00pm) is featuring musical performances, parades, apple pie, and fireworks. Other cities' celebrations include Star Spangled Sanford and City of Kissimmee Independence Day Celebration.

Have a hankering for some day-drinking? Stop by Wall Street Plaza's second day of Red, White & Brew from 3:00pm until 9:00pm with live music and unlimited Sam Adams from 5:00pm to 8:00pm for $10.

For you cosplay fans out there, check out A Sci-Fi 4th of July in Celebration with a science fiction costume contest, fun things to do for kids, and fireworks set to famous movie scores.

There are also Independence Day parties at Will's Pub, Firestone Live, and Austin's Coffee.

Friday, July 5th

For those needing a third dose of fireworks, Baldwin Park's First Friday Festival will be a special Independence Day Bash edition, complete with fireworks, food, beer, and music from 5:30 to 9:30pm. Because why should your pets only get one night of extreme terror?

If you've already made it out to the beach, watch fireworks launch from the sea at the Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral July 5th Fireworks Celebration.

Saturday, July 6th

Bring your pet and a yummy* ** dish to Mead Garden's 14th Annual Independence for the Animals Vegan Potluck Picnic this Saturday at 2:00pm. (*we use the term 'yummy' loosely here...) (** One of our three bloggers is a 10+ year vegan ~ sorry for the failed attempt at humor! We love Orlando's vegetarians/vegans!)

Precious loves broccoli.

That night, check out the last day of Parliament House's Independence Weekend with drink specials and live shows.

How are you celebrating 4th of July, Orlando?