Celebrate Independence Day on the Gulf Coast—watermelon, fireworks + more
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The best event of the entire summer is finally here: the Fourth of July. Whether you’re wanting to eat all the watermelon you possibly can, catch some live tunes or just enjoy a beautiful fireworks display, there’s something on both sides of the bay to make your Independence Day memorable.
Grand Bay
1. 48th Annual Watermelon Festival
The Grand Bay Watermelon Festival is back for a day and a half for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. If you’re not from the area, it’s definitely worth the trip.
The festival will have a plethora of attractions including a car show, pretty baby contest, water slides, bouncey houses, all the watermelon you can possibly eat and so much more. The fireworks display will commence at dusk on the second day of the festival.
- When: July 3rd, 3-7PM | July 4th, 10AM-6PM
- Where: Odd Fellows Festival Park, 10327 Taylor F. Harper, Grand Bay, AL 36541
- Cost: Free July 3rd | $5 July 4th
- Restrictions: No pets & no smoking
Mobile
2. City of Mobile’s 4th of July Celebration
The City of Mobile throws a great multi-stop celebration.
At Mardi Gras Park you’ll find the “Kid Zone” jam-packed with inflatables, games, vendors, a DJ and plenty of activities to entertain the whole family. At Cooper Riverside Park, you’ll be able to find live music by New Orleans Karma, food and, of course, a view of the city’s fantastic fireworks display.
Make sure to bring your own chairs and blankets so you’re as comfortable as possible.
- When: July 4th, 4-9:30PM (Fireworks at 9PM)
- Where: Cooper Riverside Park and Mardi Gras Park
- Cost: Free
- Restrictions: No tents, glass bottles, or weapons
3. The Mobile Symphonic Pops Band’s Independence Day Concert
The Mobile Symphonic Pops Band will be performing their annual Independence Day Concert early so that you can enjoy as many festivities as possible.
Come out to Catherdral Square and listen to them perform pieces like America the Beautiful, By Dawn’s Early Light, Captain America March and more to really get in the patriotic spirit.
- When: June 30th, 7-8:30PM
- Where: Cathedral Square, 300 Conti St, Mobile, AL 36602
- Cost: Free
4. Independent AF Party (and costume contest)
Alchemy Tavern has a full night of patriotic partying planned for the Mobile community. Bring your friends for a night of freedom, drinks, karaoke, live music from Yesterday Tomorrow and a “Best Dress American” costume contest.
- When: July 3rd, 9PM
- Where: Alchemy Tavern, 7 S. Joachim St Mobile, AL 36602
- Cost: Free
- Restrictions: 21+ only
Fairhope
5. City of Fairhope’s Fourth of July Concert & Fireworks Display
Will you be in Fairhope this Independence Day? Then you’ll want to head down to the Fairhope Pier and enjoy their annual fireworks display.
A patriotic concert will be held by The Baldwin Pops Band in Henry George Park and will play through the fireworks show. Be sure to get their early to secure your parking.
- When: July 4th, 7:30-9:30PM
- Where: Fairhope Pier, 1 Beach Dr, Fairhope, AL 36532
- Cost: Free
- Restrictions: No alcohol
6. Family Fun Day Blowout
East LA Fadeaway is a Greatful Dead band from Fairhope. What’s better than Greatful Dead vibes on the Mobile Bay? Nothing!
- When: July 4th, 4PM
- Where: American Legion Post 199, 700 S. Mobile St., Fairhope, AL 36523
- Cost: $10
- Tickets | Facebook
Orange Beach
7. Independence Day Street Party
The Wharf’s Independence Day Street Party is seriously a crime to miss.
With attractions like a surf simulator, camel rides, laser light shows, fireworks, rock walls and battle zones, a trip to The Wharf this Independence Day is well worth it. You can even snap a picture with Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam themselves!
- When: July 4th, 5-9PM
- Laser Light Show Times: 8:30PM | 9PM | 9:30PM
- Firework Times: 8:45PM
- Where: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Rd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Cost: Free
8. Star Spangled Independence Day
Turquoise Place has a two-day celebration planned that is just as big and grand as America itself.
Guests can participate in rock climbing, a bubble party, lazer tag, glitter tattoos, tie dye events, sparklers on the beach and even learn to build sandcastles. Live entertainment ranges from musical performances to an ariel trapeze showcase.
- When: July 3rd 9AM-6PM | July 4th 9AM-9PM
- Where: Turquoise Place, 26302 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
- Book a Room | Facebook
Gulf Shores
9. The City of Gulf Shore’s Fireworks Celebration
The City of Gulf Shores’ annual fireworks display will take place at the Gulf State Park Fishing Pier. Since fireworks will be shot from the center of the pier, the best view can be found at the Gulf State Park and the eastern area of the Gulf Shores Public Beach.
- When: July 4th, 9PM
- Where: Gulf State Park Fishing Pier, 20800 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Cost: Free
10. The Lodge at Gulf State Park’s July 4th Party
The Lodge at Gulf State Park’s celebration will include live music, food, face painting, a watermelon eating contest and plenty of outdoor games. It’s a great way to make your Independence Day in Gulf Shores a little more fun.
- When: July 4th, 5:30-9PM
- Where: The Lodge at Gulf State Park, 21196 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
- Cost: $85-$138 Adult | $44 Children | Free for ages 5 and under
- Tickets | Facebook
Foley
11. OWA’s Fireworks Display
OWA will continue its annual fireworks display this Independence Day in Downtown OWA. Want to make a day of it? Purchase a pass to their brand new water park, Tropic Falls, to make the day extra special.
- When: July 4th, 8:50PM
- Where: Dowtown OWA, 100 N OWA Blvd, Foley, AL 36535
- Cost: Free
- Website
Not celebrating on the Gulf Coast? We’ve got you covered:
Happy Fourth, Alabama! How are you celebrating? Tag us @thebamabuzz & let us know.
