DELRAY BEACH, FL — The fireworks start at 9 p.m., but the bigger local moment in Delray Beach may happen four hours earlier.
The City of Delray Beach plans to open a historic 1976 Bicentennial time capsule during its July 4, 2026 celebration, tying the city’s long-running Independence Day event to America’s 250th birthday.
The celebration will take place along East Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Bridge to A1A, with the main event scheduled from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The city says the family-friendly event has been held for more than 50 years and typically draws more than 20,000 people to Delray Beach’s “Village by the Sea.”
The time capsule opening is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the main stage at A1A. According to the city, the capsule was sealed 50 years ago and contains memories, messages and artifacts from a previous generation of Delray Beach residents.
Mayor Tom Carney said the opening gives the city a chance to reflect on Delray Beach’s past while marking the nation’s semiquincentennial, also known as America 250.
The ceremony is expected to include a brief historical reflection, a ceremonial opening, the reading and unveiling of select contents, and community remarks about Delray Beach’s past, present and future. The city says select items may later be displayed for public viewing at the Delray Beach Historical Society.
| What | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Delray Beach 4th of July Celebration | July 4, 2026, 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | East Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Bridge to A1A |
| 4’s on the 4th Volleyball Tournament | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | South end of the municipal beach, across from Casuarina Road |
| Sand Sculpting Contest | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; judging at 11 a.m. | Delray Beach municipal beach |
| S.S. Inchulva “Delray Wreck” Snorkel / Scuba Tours | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Check-in near volleyball courts, south end of the beach across from Anchor Park |
| 1976 Bicentennial Time Capsule Opening | 5 p.m. | Main Stage at A1A |
| 60-Foot Flag Raising Ceremony | 6 p.m. | Atlantic Avenue and Seabreeze Avenue |
| Live Music and Entertainment | 6:30 p.m. | Main Stage at A1A |
| Digital Vibez Performance | 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | E. Road Stage |
| Fireworks | 9 p.m. | Beachfront / A1A area |
| Road Closures | 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. | East Atlantic Avenue from Intracoastal Bridge to A1A; A1A from Thomas Street to Miramar Drive |
A 60-foot flag raising ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Atlantic Avenue and Seabreeze Avenue, with the National Anthem.
Live music and entertainment will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the main stage at A1A. Fireworks are scheduled to begin promptly at 9 p.m.
Another stage on E. Road will feature non-stop music by Digital Vibez from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The city also lists performances by Let’s Groove Tonight, DJ SoNyce and Digital Vibez as part of the celebration.
The event will include food trucks, vendors, children’s activities, games, arts and crafts, a photo booth, glitter tattoos, face painting, carnival games, toddler soft play and other family activities.
Food options listed by the city include pizza, seafood, burgers, tacos, hot dogs, chicken, grilled cheese, empanadas, Cuban food, Filipino and Asian food, Philly cheesesteaks and arepas. Dessert and drink options are expected to include pastries, cookies, acai bowls, ice cream, Italian ice, deep-fried Oreos, smoothies, milkshakes, lemonade, soft drinks and water.
Daytime activities are also scheduled before the evening celebration begins.
From 8 a.m. to noon, the 4’s on the 4th Volleyball Tournament is scheduled for the south end of the municipal beach across from Casuarina Road.
A sand sculpting contest, sponsored by the Delray Beach Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, is also scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon, with judging beginning at 11 a.m.
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the city lists snorkeling and scuba dive tours of the S.S. Inchulva, also known as the “Delray Wreck.” Check-in and registration will be near the volleyball courts on the south end of the beach across from Anchor Park. The city says space is limited and there will be three waves of tours. Participants must know how to swim and be comfortable in open water. Equipment will be provided, though participants may bring their own.
Visibility of the wreck may vary with the tides, according to the city.
Traffic and parking will be a major part of the day.
The city says streets will close on July 4 from noon to 11 p.m. The closures include East Atlantic Avenue from the Intracoastal Bridge east to A1A, and A1A from Thomas Street to Miramar Drive.
The public is urged to park west of the Intracoastal Bridge. The city says parking lots are available around Delray Beach.
Tri-Rail will run on a holiday schedule. The city also recommends biking and using FreeBee, which provides free rides through the FreeBee app in the downtown area.
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