WEST PALM BEACH, FL — The event is free, but downtown West Palm Beach will not be moving freely.
The City of West Palm Beach is preparing to host its annual 4th on Flagler celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. on the West Palm Beach Waterfront, marking America's 250th anniversary with a new laser show synchronized to the traditional fireworks display, according to the city.
The free outdoor event is centered at 100 N. Clematis Street and spans much of the downtown waterfront. The city is promoting the celebration as the largest free outdoor Independence Day event in South Florida.
What residents and visitors should know is that the event comes with multiday road closures, a temporary shutdown of city docks, and prepaid parking across downtown garages.
According to the city, this year's celebration will debut a Florida Crystals laser beam show timed to an 18-minute fireworks display over the Intracoastal Waterway. The new laser element is being added for the 250th anniversary year.
Live entertainment will be spread across three stages. The NewDay USA Main Stage, located between the Centennial Square Fountain and the Great Lawn at 100 N. Clematis Street, will host a patriotic ceremony honoring U.S. military service members, followed by the national anthem, according to the city. The Swing Dolls, a vocal trio that performs Andrews Sisters tribute material, will open the music lineup. The headliner is Gotta Groove, a seven-piece R&B band.
At the Meyer Amphitheater, the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Stage will feature DJ Reflex and an interactive Kids Area with inflatables, games and face painting. The city says unlimited play and face painting costs $5 per person. Make-and-take Independence Day crafts will be free.
On the south side of the event at Post Park, 315 South Flagler Drive, the Palm Beach International Boat Show Stage will host a country music block featuring DJ Kid Karter, line dancing lessons, and mechanical bull rides for $5 per ride, according to the city.
The 6th Annual Bill Bone 5K will start and finish on Flagler Drive near Post Park at 7 p.m. The race supports the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund.
Road closures begin Friday, July 3, at 7 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, according to the city. The closures cover Flagler Drive between Banyan and Lakeview, segments of Clematis, Datura, Evernia and Fern streets, and the Post Park lot. Additional closures, including Narcissus Avenue and the 200 block of Clematis, will take effect at 3 p.m. on July 4.
Parking will be available at five downtown garages with prepaid rates ranging from $5 at the Sapodilla Avenue Garage to $30 at the Banyan Street and Evernia Street garages, according to the city. The rates apply from 3 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
City docks will be closed to boats and pedestrians from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on July 4. According to the city, boaters watching the fireworks from the water must anchor at least 150 feet from the seawall or marina under Florida Statute 327.4109, and at least 500 feet from the fireworks barge, per the City Fire Marshal.
Personal fireworks, outside alcohol, glass containers, hard coolers, drones and laser pointers are prohibited, according to the event guidelines. Bags are subject to search.
The fireworks and laser display are weather permitting.
More events and community coverage can be found in West Palm Beach News.
