JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville has planned family-friendly fun for its Fourth of July events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in downtown.
On Friday, the city will host the Freedom Fest at Friendship Fountain from 5:30 – 10 p.m., including live music, food trucks and the debut of “America 250 Proof,” a new patriotic anthem to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
Saturday will feature three events that take place across Southbank and Northbank.
See the breakdown of events below:
Saturday, July 4: Fourth of JulyEvent 1
Where: Riverfront Plaza – 2 W. Independent Dr.
When: 4 – 9:30 p.m.
What to expect:
Performances by Sal Gonzalez, Tobacco Road, Bold City Classics and Lane Pittman
The largest Fourth of July Fireworks show in Jacksonville history
Facepainting and balloon animals
The River City Readers Bookmobile
An art exhibition by JAMS students
Food and beverages for purchase
Event 2
Where: Friendship Fountain
When: 3 – 9:30 p.m.
What to expect:
Live music by Scott Halls and Caribe Groove
Fireworks (same show, different vantage point)
Hot dog eating contest
Cornhole tournament
Food and beverages for purchase
Event 3
Where: RiversEdge – 1915 RiversEdge Blvd
When: 6 – 9 p.m.
What to expect:
Music and entertainment
Fireworks (same show, different vantage point)
Food and beverages for sale
Where to get the best fireworks views:
Northbank and Southbank have designated viewing areas, which are highlighted in red on the map below.
City of Jacksonville’s map for designated viewing areas (WJXT)All about parking
Public and private parking options will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
It’s advised to arrive early to snag a spot
Please be aware that parking availability is subject to change and may be limited based on demand and traffic conditions
On-street meter parking is free on weekends
Northbank parking options:
Water Street Garage: 541 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Annex Garage: 21 E Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Jax Center Garage:1 W. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Yates Garage: 200 E Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
VyStar Forsyth Garage: 26 W. Forsyth St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Chamber Lot Parking: 59 E. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Southbank parking options:
DCPS Parking Lot: 1701 Prudential Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32207
Kings Ave Station: 1301 King Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
All about road closures
The following streets and bridges will be closed during the celebration:
INDEPENDENT DR & LAURA ST
7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. = Closure of W Independent Dr. from Hogan St. to Laura St
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.= Closure of Acosta Bridge Northbound Emergency Lane & Sidewalk ONLY
8:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.= Closure of all northbound lanes and sidewalk (during show)
2:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.= Closure of Main Street Bridge southbound exterior lane and adjacent sidewalk ONLY. Closure of Main Street Bridge northbound exterior lane and adjacent sidewalk ONLY.
8:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.= Full Closure of Main Street Bridge all lanes and sidewalks (during show)
For more information, visit events.jacksonville.gov.
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