Entertainment, Events

Multiple Ocala 4th of July 2025 Celebrations Planned Across Marion County

Staff Reporter

June 16, 2025
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From morning runs to evening fireworks, Ocala residents have numerous options for Independence Day festivities

Ocala 4th of July 2025 celebrations will offer area residents multiple opportunities to celebrate Independence Day, with festivities spanning from early morning through late evening at venues across Marion County.

The day begins with the annual “Iggy’s 4 on the Fourth Freedom Run,” a 4-mile race honoring the memory of Greg Iggy Miller that starts at 7:30 AM at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 2601 E Fort King Street. Registration opens at 6:30 AM, with awards presentation scheduled for 8:45 AM.

Downtown Celebration Features Traditional Fireworks

The main celebration, “Patriotic Skies,” takes place Friday, July 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Avenue. The event is free to the public and represents a partnership between the City of Ocala, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, and the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau.

This year’s celebration will feature a traditional fireworks display to conclude the evening festivities. The fireworks show begins promptly at 9:30 p.m. and lasts approximately 15 minutes, according to city officials. Ocala Main Street will present the fireworks display as part of celebrating the grand opening of its new Heart of the Park project at the former American Legion building at Tuscawilla Park.

Live music will feature performers Emma Forgette, Bryce Mauldin, and DJ Karim Martin. A Kids Zone will feature games and activities for families, while local food trucks will offer various dining options throughout the evening.

Circle Square Commons Hosts All-Day Celebration

Circle Square Commons will host a separate Independence Day celebration at The Town Square from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring live music, dancing, food trucks, and other fun activities, according to the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Country Club Offers Premium Independence Day Experience

The Country Club of Ocala will host a 4th of July celebration beginning at 4 p.m., featuring a buffet dinner, entertainment, and fireworks after dark. The event includes a complimentary hot dog table, DJ entertainment starting at 5:30 p.m., beer-tasting tent, water slide, obstacle course, and competitive activities including hot dog eating contests.

The buffet menu features traditional barbecue fare including baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, and hot apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Adult tickets cost $24.95, with children 10 and under priced at $12.95. Reservations are required by June 29 and can be made by calling (352) 237-6644 ext. 6.

Lakefront Celebration at Eaton’s Beach

Eaton’s Beach, a Floriana cuisine restaurant, will host a 4th of July celebration featuring food and drink specials all day, with fireworks around the lake at dusk. The event includes music by Nathan Jay Leslie and offers VIP table reservations for $200 for tables of four. The venue supports the Wounded Warrior Project, requiring wristbands after 5 p.m. ($10 cash), though children under 10 are free with a paying adult.

Transportation and Logistics for Downtown Event

Due to expected large crowds at the Tuscawilla Park event, organizers strongly recommend using free shuttle services. Shuttles run from 5 to 11 p.m. from multiple locations including Marion Technical Institute, E.D. Croskey Recreation Center, Marion County Courthouse, downtown Ocala Parking Garage, and Ocala City Hall.

The shuttle from Marion Technical Institute (1614 SE Fort King St.) drops off at the Recreation and Parks Administration building and runs approximately every 30 minutes. The E.D. Croskey Recreation Center shuttle (1510 NW Fourth St.) drops off at Ocala Skate Park and operates every 20 minutes. Both shuttles are ADA accessible.

Street closures will affect the downtown area during the event. Sanchez Avenue will be closed from NE 4th Street to 9th Street, and Watula will be closed from NE 5th Street to NE 9th Street.

Memorial Run Honors Local Legacy

The Iggy’s 4 on the Fourth Freedom Run winds through quiet, tree-shaded residential neighborhoods of Southeast Ocala, offering both competitive and recreational participants a scenic 4-mile course. The race starts and finishes at Veterans Memorial Park, combining athletic achievement with patriotic celebration.

Last year’s winners were Clayton Knight with a time of 22:20 for men and Stephanie Pezzullo with 23:20 for women, demonstrating the competitive nature of the event. The race features comprehensive age group competition with awards presented three deep in 5-year age divisions.

Calles De Oro Coffee, a local Ocala roaster known for ultra-fresh coffee roasted within 24 hours of each order, serves as the premium sponsor. Convenient parking for the Freedom Run is available in the Ocala Public Library parking lot, which sits adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park.

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Event Guidelines and Preparations

For the downtown Patriotic Skies event, guests should bring their own chairs or blankets, as seating will not be provided. Food and soft drinks will be available for purchase from on-site vendors. Tents, alcohol, and personal drones are not permitted.

The various Ocala 4th of July 2025 celebrations provide residents with options ranging from athletic participation to family-friendly community gatherings to premium dining experiences, all centered around celebrating America’s independence.

For complete information about the downtown Patriotic Skies event, residents can contact the City of Ocala Recreation and Parks Department at 352-368-5517. Freedom Run registration remains open online for those interested in starting their Independence Day with the morning race at Veterans Memorial Park.