The Fourth of July is the ultimate summer holiday. It’s the time to fire up the grill, get the family together, watch some fireworks, and celebrate. And if your celebration is happening here in St. Augustine, you’re in for a treat. We do fireworks and parties pretty well, and this holiday is no exception. But if you’re just not sure where to go or what to do, you’re in luck. Because we’re here to give you the low-down on the Ancient City’s Fourth of July 2018. For all the fireworks shows, the activities, and the parking, here’s your guide.
WORLD GOLF VILLAGE FIREWORKS
One of the largest shows in North Florida, this annual fireworks display is spectacular and lets you celebrate Independence Day just a little bit early. The show will take place on Tuesday, July 3 at the World Golf Hall of Fame. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15pm. The show is free and open to the public, but there is a $10 parking fee.
If you want to extend the celebration just a little bit, you can get a special movie pass to see Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom before the show. Tickets are $25 and include one movie ticket, one small popcorn, 20-oz. drink, and one complimentary parking pass. The show begins at 7pm, but moviegoers should arrive for check-in at 6:30pm.
www.worldgolfimax.com/movies/july-3rd-movie-fireworks-1
FIREWORKS OVER THE MATANZAS
A beloved local tradition and one heck of a fireworks show, Fireworks Over the Matanzas promises to be just as amazing this year as it has been before. It’s all happening on Wednesday, July 4, but before the fireworks get underway, The All Star Orchestra will put on a show in the Plaza de la Constitucion starting at 6pm. Their two-hour set will be filled with swing music, big band, and all the hits that get you on your feet. The concert is free and open to the public, but those attending should bring their own lounge chairs for seating.
Then it’s time to line the streets along the Bridge of Lions and South Castillo Drive for one of the area’s most spectacular fireworks shows. It will start at 9:30pm. The 20-minute show is choreographed to sync with the sounds of patriotic music reverberating over the bayfront.
Parking and the Park & Ride Shuttle
As it is on every national holiday, parking in city lots and on-street parking is free. Please note that the parking lot in front of the Castillo will be closed. But if you don’t want to fight the traffic, the city offers and free Park & Ride Shuttle from locations on Anastasia Boulevard. The shuttle will run from 6pm-midnight and pick up from four locations on the Boulevard. The locations are Anastasia Baptist Church, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, R.B. Hunt Elementary School, and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
The shuttle will drop passengers at the east end of the Bridge of Lions, and pick them up from that same location after the fireworks show is over.
Important Things to Know
The bayfront road and South Castillo Drive will be closed from 8:30 to 10:30pm for the event. The Bridge of Lions will be closed to both boat and vehicle traffic. Everyone attending should find their parking area prior to 8:30pm, when the traffic rerouting begins.
St. Augustine enforces its no open container laws.
Public restrooms are available throughout downtown, and portable restrooms will be brought in for the event. Their locations are listed on the map below.
To find out more details about the Fireworks Over the Matanzas, visit www.citystaug.com/Fireworks. Featured image by Jason Green.