Fourth of July in Ocala & Marion County
Your one-stop guide to Independence Day 2026 — from Iggy's 4 on the 4th at dawn and the City's Fourth in the Park, to the Circle Square Commons celebration and synchronized fireworks across the county at night. This is the biggest July 4th in Marion County history, coinciding with America's 250th birthday.
Ocala and Marion County celebrate the Fourth of July 2026 across the whole day and the whole county. Morning brings Iggy's 4 on the 4th Freedom Run at Veterans Memorial Park. Daytime is the City of Ocala's free Fourth in the Park at Tuscawilla Park plus America 250 activities at the Discovery Center (both 10 AM–2 PM). The evening builds through the Circle Square Commons Patriotic Celebration (gates 4 PM) and the Marion County America 250 Patriotic Parade (5 PM, from Marion Technical Institute to Veterans Memorial Park), leading to synchronized fireworks at 9 PM at four county locations — Veterans Memorial Park (Ocala), Belleview Sports Complex, Wrigley Fields (Citra), and Dunnellon High School — plus fireworks at Circle Square Commons and over Lake Weir at Eaton's Beach.
July 4th 2026 — Full Day Schedule
From a sunrise race to nighttime fireworks, here's everything happening across Marion County on Independence Day.
Iggy's 4 on the 4th Registration Opens
Veterans Memorial Park, Ocala
Iggy's 4 on the 4th Race Start (4-mile & 1-mile)
Veterans Memorial Park, Ocala
City of Ocala: Fourth in the Park & Discovery Center
Tuscawilla Park, 800 NE Sanchez Ave, Ocala
Circle Square Commons Patriotic Celebration — Gates Open
The Town Square, Circle Square Commons, SW Ocala
America 250 Patriotic Parade & County Festivities Begin
Parade: Marion Technical Institute → Veterans Memorial Park; festivals at 4 county sites
Synchronized Fireworks (County 4 sites + Circle Square + Eaton's Beach)
Ocala, Belleview, Citra, Dunnellon, Circle Square & Lake Weir
America 250 Fireworks — 4 County Locations
As the grand finale of Marion County's Celebrating America's 250th initiative, the county stages synchronized professional fireworks at 9:00 PM at four locations so residents can watch close to home. Community festivals with food trucks, vendors, and live music begin at 5:00 PM at each site. The evening kicks off with the America 250 Patriotic Parade at 5 PM, which travels from Marion Technical Institute (1014 SW 7th Rd) to Veterans Memorial Park. All of it is free.
Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park
2601 SE Fort King St, Ocala
Central Ocala — the day's hub: Iggy's 4 on the 4th at dawn, the Patriotic Parade finish, and fireworks at night
Wrigley Fields
405 E. Highway 316, Citra
Northeast Marion County
Iggy's 4 on the 4th Freedom Run
Ocala's premier Independence Day running tradition — a 4-mile race through Southeast Ocala neighborhoods honoring the memory of Greg “Iggy” Miller.
Race Details
Registration
4-Mile Run: $35
1-Mile Run/Walk: $25
T-Shirt: Included if registered by June 15
Packet Pickup: 6:30 AM – 7:20 AM race day
Awards: 8:45 AM (top 3 per 5-year age group)
About the Race
The race honors Greg “Iggy” Miller, a longtime race director who passed away in 2013. Miller was instrumental in establishing many of Marion County's running events and served as a mentor to countless local runners.
Two race options: the signature 4-mile run through quiet, tree-shaded neighborhoods of Southeast Ocala and a 1-mile run/walk for all fitness levels. Both start and finish at Veterans Memorial Park. Dogs are not permitted on the course; leashed pets are welcome in spectator areas.
Awards at 8:45 AM (3 places per 5-year age group). Patriotic finisher medal, chip timing, post-race refreshments, and race photos included. T-shirt guaranteed for registrations before June 15. Organized by Radical Runs.
2025 Highlights
Cody Thompson won his second consecutive title (22:23). Jaylen Blackburn, 15, celebrated his birthday with a second-place finish. Josie Leonard won the women's race in a thrilling three-way finish. Seven of the top 10 men had ties to the Ocala Distance Project.
Read 2025 Race Recap →Fourth in the Park & the Discovery Center
The City of Ocala Recreation & Parks Department anchors the daytime celebration at Tuscawilla Park, with two free, family-friendly events running side by side from 10 AM to 2 PM. Details: 352-368-5517 or ocalafl.gov/julyfourth.
Fourth in the Park
A free America 250 celebration at Tuscawilla Park (800 NE Sanchez Ave) with live music, food trucks, games, and a kids' zone. Country singer-songwriter Emma Forgette performs 10–11:30 AM, followed by Nashville recording artist Cliff Dorsey from noon to 2 PM. Parking is available at the Ocala Skate Park, the Reilly Arts Center, and on surrounding streets.
July 4th Fun at the Discovery Center
Next door in Tuscawilla Park (701 NE Sanchez Ave), the City's Discovery Center marks America's 250th with patriotic crafts, hands-on STEM activities, giveaways, and the “Treehouses: Look Who's Living in the Trees” exhibit. Optional StarLab Planetarium shows run at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM for a $3-per-person add-on.
Note: The City of Ocala's former “Patriotic Skies” evening fireworks show is not being held in 2026 — the county's four-location America 250 fireworks program takes its place.
More July 4th Celebrations
Additional Independence Day events happening around Ocala and Marion County.
Circle Square Commons Patriotic Celebration
Circle Square Commons hosts its annual Patriotic Celebration at The Town Square in southwest Ocala. Gates open at 4 PM, with festivities from 4:30 to 9:30 PM, a full evening of live music, and a fireworks finale at 9 PM. Food trucks, a beverage kiosk, games, and a photo kiosk are on site.
Entertainment Lineup
- 4:30 PMOpening Ceremony — Marion County Memorial Honor Guard & Eirinn Abu
- 5:00 PMRocky and the Rollers
- 6:15 PMHayfire
- 7:45 PMLive Effect
- 9:00 PMFireworks Finale
America 250 Patriotic Parade
Part of Marion County's America 250 celebration, the Patriotic Parade steps off at 5 PM from Marion Technical Institute (1014 SW 7th Rd) and proceeds to Veterans Memorial Park, with historical floats, cultural performances, and local organizations celebrating America's 250th birthday. It leads directly into the community festival and 9 PM fireworks at the park.
Eaton's Beach — Fireworks Over Lake Weir
Eaton's Beach Sandbar & Grill (15790 SE 134th Ave, Weirsdale) hosts a multi-day Independence Day celebration on the shore of Lake Weir in southern Marion County, with live music, food and drink, beach games, and fireworks launched over the water at about 9 PM on the 4th. Many spectators watch from boats anchored on the lake. Confirm the current year's schedule and any parking policy at eatonsbeach.com or (352) 259-2444.
Planning Your July 4th
Make a Full Day of It
Run Iggy's at 7:30 AM, spend the late morning at Fourth in the Park, then choose an evening celebration — Circle Square Commons or a county fireworks site. You can genuinely do it all in one day.
Pick Your Fireworks
Six shows to choose from: four synchronized county displays at 9 PM (Ocala, Belleview, Citra, Dunnellon), plus Circle Square Commons and Eaton's Beach over Lake Weir. Pick the spot closest to you.
Beat the Heat
July in Ocala means highs in the 90s. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. For daytime relief, consider the natural springs or public pools before evening events.
What to Bring
For the Fireworks
- ✓ Blanket or lawn chairs
- ✓ Cooler with water and drinks
- ✓ Picnic dinner or snacks
- ✓ Bug spray (mosquitoes are active at dusk)
- ✓ Cash for food trucks and vendors
- ✓ Flashlight for walking out after the show
For Iggy's Race
- ✓ Running shoes and athletic wear
- ✓ Sunscreen (7:30 AM sun is already strong)
- ✓ Water bottle
- ✓ Registration confirmation or ID
- ✓ Post-race change of clothes
- ✓ Arrive by 6:30 AM for registration
Frequently Asked Questions
What Fourth of July events are happening in Ocala in 2026?▼
Where are the July 4th fireworks in Ocala and Marion County in 2026?▼
What is the City of Ocala doing for July 4th 2026?▼
What is happening at Circle Square Commons on July 4th?▼
What is Iggy's 4 on the 4th?▼
Is there a July 4th parade in Ocala in 2026?▼
What is the full schedule for July 4th in Ocala 2026?▼
Related Events & Guides
Marion Celebrates 250
Full guide to Marion County's year-long America 250 “Liberty Lives Here” initiative.
Learn MoreFireworks in Ocala
Year-round guide to fireworks shows and pyrotechnic events across Marion County.
Learn MoreSummer Activities
Springs, pools, camps, and indoor escapes for beating the Florida summer heat.
ExploreHoliday Road Races
Guide to Ocala's running events including Iggy's, Retro Run, and holiday races.
ExploreCelebrate Independence Day in Ocala
America turns 250 on July 4, 2026. From Iggy's at sunrise to synchronized fireworks at nightfall, Marion County is going all out.
Content Freshness
Information verified through our 7-step process.See our standards →
Event information curated by the Only In Ocala team. Details verified through our editorial process. Updated July 2026.
Plan Ahead — Other Ocala Holidays
Bookmark these year-round Ocala holiday and seasonal guides for parades, fireworks, kid-friendly events, and family traditions in Marion County.