Key Biscayne’s annual Fourth of July parade Saturday will be larger than in years past with dual foundings being marked: America’s 250th and the 35th anniversary of the Village’s birth as its own municipality. 

The Key Biscayne Fourth of July Committee expects a longer parade than usual with more attendees, as the parade has 75 entries this year. A field day event prior to the parade and a sensory-friendly fireworks display for those with special needs are new additions this year. 

The parade is rain or shine. The National Weather Service predicts a 55% chance of rain and a chance of thunderstorms for Saturday morning. The rain chance decreases to about 10% for evening fireworks. 

Forecast from the National Weather Service for Independence day, as of 10 a.m. Thursday

Here’s what you should know. 

The Parade

The 67th annual Key Biscayne Fourth of July parade, considered one of South Florida’s longest-running Independence Day celebrations, will kick off at 11 a.m on Crandon Boulevard after the flyover by the U.S. Air Force 482nd Fighter Wing. Featuring 4 bands instead of 3, participants will line up on Fernwood Road before making their way up to the official starting point at t at Harbor Drive, and will then march down Crandon Boulevard.

Parade organizer Michele Estevez lets out a holler at the conclusion of the Fourth of July parade in Key Biscayne, Fla., July 4, 2024 (KBI Photo/Tony Winton)

“Every year at flyover time, I hold my tears,” said Michele Estevez, a longtime member of the Committee. “It’s such an excitement to be able to deliver this, to do this, to be part of the parade. It’s a lot of work, but I’m very proud of it.”

With the parade expected to be an hour to an hour-and-a half long, the Committee recommends sunscreen, protective gear and lots of hydration. Despite the rain forecast, the heat index, or “feels like” temperature, is predicted to be near 98℉  at starting time. 

Special Needs Accommodations

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The Village is implementing accommodations geared towards making the Fourth of July celebration more accessible for individuals with autism and other special needs. 

The holiday can cause stress in certain populations due to noise, crowding, and bright lights. 

The Disability Advisory Board announced a sensory-friendly fireworks event on the 12th floor of the Mar Azul Condominiums starting at 9 p.m., weather permitting. It Takes a Village, a nonprofit that supports individuals with special needs, will provide noise-cancelling headphones. A livestream of the fireworks show will also be available in a designated quiet area. This event requires prior registration, which can be completed in-person at the Key Biscayne Community Center front desk or via phone at 305-365-8900.  

In addition, the parade will have a viewing area for those with autism and sensory needs. The tent, located by the judges’ stand, will have chairs and fans.

Road Closures and Traffic

Fernwood Road, the staging area for the parade, will be closed starting at 8 a.m. The southbound lanes of Crandon Boulevard from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive will be closed by 10:15 am for the duration of the parade. The northbound lanes will remain open with one lane traveling north and the other south.

As the parade has drawn 10,000 spectators in years past, the Committee anticipates heavy traffic and limited parking. They advise other modes of transportation such as walking or biking for the full duration of the event.

250th Anniversary T-shirts

The Key Biscayne Community Foundation, one of the parade’s partner organizations, created limited-edition Fourth of July anniversary parade T-shirts featuring America’s Founding Fathers and fireworks. The foundation collaborated with Cushy Gigs Creative, a Miami-based art collective, known for their handpainted murals.

Michele Estevez and Nubia Abaji display T-shirts for the Key Biscayne 4th of July parade, June 20, 2026. (KBI Photo/Tony Winton)

Jerry Morris, the artist tasked with the Key Biscayne design, hand-drew three unique designs for the different adult and children sizes. Morris opted for a classic font with red, white, and blue colors featured throughout the illustration. Hidden in the details are an alligator and a gray fox.

“We tried to create something that we feel is a classic style, something kind of timeless,” said Alex Vahan, former graffiti artist and now creative director of Cushy Gigs Creative. “We hope that people will continue to wear it for many years to come. Maybe it’ll be something that just serves as a fun memory for them.”

The shirts sold out in adult sizes but limited children sizes are available for a purchase of $50.      

Liberty Grill and Picnic

The Rotary Club of Key Biscayne will host their annual Liberty Grill and Picnic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village Green. Hamburgers, hot dogs, cold beer and other refreshments will be available.  

Palm treees near Paradise Park in Key Biscayne decorated for the nation’s 250th anniversary, June 30, 2026 (KBI Photo/Tony Winton)

Fireworks Show

The celebratory day will conclude with a 9 p.m. fireworks display on Key Biscayne’s Atlantic Ocean beach. 

Mahogany Brim

MAHOGANY BRIM is a student at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and is the KBI’s 2026 intern journalist.