4th of July 2015 Orlando Weekend Preview!

Photo by Tina Craig

Weekend Events

Freedom. Liberty. BBQs.






Thursday, July 2nd

While art can be fun, it can also often be very emotional and even triggering at times, but that's because it strives to capture all aspects of the human experience. At the Welcome to Anxiety art show, there will be performances and visual art based on anxiety, mental illness, loss, pain, anything that shows the less pleasant, but very real, sides of our journey through this life. 7:30, free.

Friday, July 3rd

Get the sparks flying early this year with Red Hot & Boom 2015 that boasts a fireworks show to rival the theme parks. With food, various live artists (including Shaggy--and we don't even have to be drinking to get down to Boombastic), drinks, and of course fireworks, you're in for a good time. 4:00-11:00pm, free.

Inject some color into your life after work with FAVO Motel Studios Art Show at the Faith Arts Village Orlando with art, live music, and food trucks. 5:00-9:00pm, free.

Get weird with your artistic tastes and head over to Stardust Video & Coffee for Describing Bodies: Brandon Geurts/Cassidy Jones opening reception. There will be a collaborative video installation for opening night as well as a 'zine for this event and signed prints. 7:00pm, free.

Saturday, July 4th

Celebrating its 10th year, the 2015 I-4 Fest will be throwing over 25 bands at you, along with a BBQ (vegan and non-vegan offerings), beer (free during one of the sets), art, live painting, glass-blowing, and a healthy dose of freedom. All this can be found at Austin's Coffee House with the festivities running from noon until midnight, $6.

There's nothing more traditionally Orlando than Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola Park. With various performances, kid-friendly activities, great food and drinks, get there early to stake out a good spot so you can walk around and check out all the vendor tents. Event starts at 4:00pm, fireworks a little after 9:00pm, free.




Now let's say you don't have kids (or you found a babysitter) and you're looking to get good ol' fashion star spangled hammered. First, leave a bottle of water and Advil next to your bed before you leave for the evening (you can email us thank you tomorrow). Second, get thee to The Geek Easy for their Animated Drinking Night 4th of July Edition featuring Archer and be prepared to laugh while drinking, competitively sing "Danger Zone," and participate in Archer trivia for prizes. 7:00pm-2:00am, free.

The only time Jeff Goldblum has looked like a badass.

Join the Fresh Prince of... um, I mean Will Smith and the Enzian in partying for our fair land with beer, BBQ, and a special screening of INDEPENDENCE DAY on the lawn. BYOChair and get there early for a good spot. Tickets include a free beer and a full BBQ dinner. Movie starts at 8:30pm, $20.

Sunday, July 5th

Look, you're going to be hungover anyway so why not take an extra step in the awkward direction with Uncomfortable Brunch presents Shame at Will's Pub. The premise of these brunch events is awesome: "An academically important but ridiculously uncomfortable art film that every film lover SHOULD watch, just doesn't necessarily WANT to watch with a group" but with delicious breakfast foods and brunch drink specials. And for this particular movie, a side of Michael Fassbender's shlong. Noon, $10.

Switch up your sun salutation time with Sunset Yoga at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens. The class will run 75 minutes and there might be a surprise for early arrivers! 6:30pm, free.



We would also like to give a quick PSA: July 5th is the busiest day of the year at shelters because so many pets escape homes and back yards in desperate fear of fireworks (and only 15-20% get reunited with their owners, according to the SPCA). Please keep your furry loved ones safe this year with these tips!