Published on July 1, 2026 at 10:50 am
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Freedom Fest at Friendship Fountain, America’s Weirdest Block Party at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and the Jax Beach 4th of July Fireworks are What to Do this weekend in the Jacksonville area.
Freedom Fest
Friday
Friendship Fountain | SouthBank
Free pie? Say no more.
Kick off the holiday weekend early with Freedom Fest at Friendship Fountain, presented by the city of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department and the Wounded Warrior Project.
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It is a free, family-friendly celebration packed with live music, food trucks and a patriotic light show synced up with the fountain. But let’s be real — the headline act here is that the first 1,000 people in line get a free apple pie!
So bring your friends and fam, claim your pie, and find a good spot to sit and watch the show before everyone else gets the same idea.
5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Friendship Fountain, 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville | Free and open to the public | More info
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America’s Weirdest Block Party
Saturday
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! | St. Augustine
Looking for something a little different this Fourth of July weekend? Head to St. Augustine, where Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is throwing America’s Weirdest Block Party to celebrate both America’s 250th birthday and the museum’s 75th year in the Ancient City. There will be lots of fun things to do, like live music, trivia, family games, face painting and a performance from the sideshow duo Captain & Maybelle. Artists from Sunscribes will also use the sun to burn the final John Hancock signature onto a giant Declaration of Independence, and while you’re there check out the brand-new Mirror Maze and catch a complimentary ride on one of the redesigned Red Trains.
The block party takes place outdoors, so keep an eye on the weather while planning your day.
3 p.m.-6:30 p.m. | 19 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine | Free and open to the public | More info
Jax Beach 4th of July Fireworks
Saturday
Anywhere along the shore | Jacksonville Beach
Looking to celebrate the Fourth of July right by the ocean? Head down to the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier for the city’s traditional fireworks display over the Atlantic. Thousands of people gather along the coastline each year, so grab your beach chairs or blankets and stake out a spot on the sand early. Listen up for a quick test shot to fire about 15 minutes before the main show begins to let everyone know it’s starting.
The event is free. Just be sure to plan ahead for heavy traffic and tight parking, and keep an eye on local city updates in case the summer weather shifts the schedule.
Fireworks start at 9 p.m. but arrive early! Jacksonville Beach | Free and open to the public | More info
