Free South Florida Events in July
We’re only 10 days into summer so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the beach, take late evening strolls while it is still light outside, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that is usually present during the Dog Days of summer. While you’re getting outside and adventuring around the local South Florida area, keep these free local events in mind.
Old Town Untapped
July 1 at the Bailey Contemporary Arts in Pompano Beach
Want to join in on the next big Craft Brew and Arts Festival? On the 1st of July, in Pompano Beach, the night will be filled with craft beer samples from Pompano’s own breweries, along with music, food trucks, art activities and more. The Facebook page is outdated, so be sure to call to confirm dates and times. Visit bit.ly/28LpT1u
4th Annual Key Lime Festival
July 2-4, various locations in Key West
Come July, the Florida Keys and Key West celebrate the citric taste of Key limes with music, people, and of course, Key lime pie! For three days visitors and residents can join in a number of activities like a Key lime rum sampling, pie tastings, and even a Key lime pie eating contest. There will be fireworks displays in Key West, so if you head down on the 4th, you won’t miss out on fireworks! Visit bit.ly/1rxlYad
Fireworks Galore
Monday, July 4, various locations throughout South Florida
Festivals and events will be held across cities, beaches, island and towns in South Florida on July 4th. There are a variety of festivals and parades held throughout the day that will lead up to the big Independence Day firework finales. Here’s a small list of the events you’ll find in major cities:
- Fort Lauderdale – Fort Lauderdale Beach is the host of the 4th of July Spectacular. Activities include beach games and live entertainment from 4-9 p.m, a DJ from 1-4:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m.. Fort Lauderdale Beach, A1A and Las Olas Boulevard.
- Sunrise – The annual 4th of July event held at BB&T Center will feature children’s activities, food and drink vendors, and live music. Event starts at 5 p.m. BB&T Center, 2555 NW 136th Ave.
- Miami – Miami hosts a great all-day 4th of July event at the Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. The park opens at 10 a.m., the Budweiser Beer Garden opens at 2 p.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m. Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.
Shakespeare by the Sea
July 7-10 and July 14-17 at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Jupiter
Looking for a little classic theater? Every summer, The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival takes place with multiple screenplays brought to life. This year the Shakespearean comedy, The Taming of the Shrew, will be produced twice on two separate weekends. Guests are invited to bring a beach chair, a blanket, a picnic, or dine at the food trucks and sit under the stars during the performance. The event is free but a $5 donation is appreciated. Visit bit.ly/1La8HkM
32nd Annual Underwater Music Festival
July 9 at the Looe Key Reef off of Big Pine Key
The Underwater Music Festival is unlike any other music festival in the world because it is held underwater at Looe Key Reef, a popular snorkel and dive spot along the Florida Keys Reef Tract. Each year hundreds of boats, snorkelers and divers head offshore to attend the underwater festival that includes “performances” by underwater mermaids and mermen jamming to classic rock and roll songs. The trick to attend the event for free is to join forces with a friend that has a boat. It’s a pretty fun event. Visit bit.ly/28MhAU7
Family Fun Day
July 17 in downtown Dadeland
For a day full of family fun this summer, look for Family Fun Day in Dadeland. Primarily there are a lot of events for the kids, such as a water slide, face painting, and a balloon animal artist. There will also be musical entertainment and a meet-and-greet with the Miami FC soccer team. Visit bit.ly/28JbjJV.
Hemingway Days
July 19-24, various locations in Key West
To celebrate the life and achievements of author Ernest Hemingway, each year the Florida Keys and Key West host a week of events and parties for Hemingway Days. Every year, people gather at Sloppy Joe’s for the Papa Look-Alike contest, an event in which men dress up and try to match the iconic look of Hemingway to win the “Papa” Hemingway medal. Aside from the look-alike contest there are also readings and book signings, a special Hemingway exhibit at a local museum, a fishing tournament and a 5K run and paddleboard contest. Visit bit.ly/Ttg51C.
Friday Night Sound Waves
Every Friday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Beach
Since March 18, live music performances have been held every Friday at the Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub (A1A and Las Olas). July’s performances include various bands performing tunes ranging from The Beatles, to ‘60’s and ‘90’s music, Latin, jazz, reggae and R&B, and Piano melodies. Visit bit.ly/1sCGuMI
These are the artists playing this month: July 1st is Weedline; July 8th is Party Express; July 15th is Sabor Latino; July 22nd is Spred the Dub; and July 29th is Piano Bob’s 88’s.