JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The City of Jacksonville has planned family-friendly fun for its Fourth of July events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in downtown.
On Friday, the city will host the Freedom Fest at Friendship Fountain from 5:30 - 10 p.m., including live music, food trucks and the debut of “America 250 Proof,” a new patriotic anthem to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
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Saturday will feature three events that take place across Southbank and Northbank.
See the breakdown of events below:
Saturday, July 4: Fourth of July
Event 1
Where: Riverfront Plaza - 2 W. Independent Dr.
When: 4 - 9:30 p.m.
What to expect:
- Performances by Sal Gonzalez, Tobacco Road, Bold City Classics and Lane Pittman
- The largest Fourth of July Fireworks show in Jacksonville history
- Facepainting and balloon animals
- The River City Readers Bookmobile
- An art exhibition by JAMS students
- Food and beverages for purchase
Event 2
Where: Friendship Fountain
When: 3 - 9:30 p.m.
What to expect:
- Live music by Scott Halls and Caribe Groove
- Fireworks (same show, different vantage point)
- Hot dog eating contest
- Cornhole tournament
- Food and beverages for purchase
Event 3
Where: RiversEdge - 1915 RiversEdge Blvd
When: 6 - 9 p.m.
What to expect:
- Music and entertainment
- Fireworks (same show, different vantage point)
- Food and beverages for sale
Where to get the best fireworks views:
Northbank and Southbank have designated viewing areas, which are highlighted in red on the map below.
All about parking
- Public and private parking options will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
- It’s advised to arrive early to snag a spot
- Please be aware that parking availability is subject to change and may be limited based on demand and traffic conditions
- On-street meter parking is free on weekends
Northbank parking options:
- Water Street Garage: 541 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Annex Garage: 21 E Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Jax Center Garage:1 W. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Yates Garage: 200 E Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
- VyStar Forsyth Garage: 26 W. Forsyth St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
- Chamber Lot Parking: 59 E. Bay St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
Southbank parking options:
- DCPS Parking Lot: 1701 Prudential Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32207
- Kings Ave Station: 1301 King Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207
All about road closures
The following streets and bridges will be closed during the celebration:
- INDEPENDENT DR & LAURA ST
7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. = Closure of W Independent Dr. from Hogan St. to Laura St
- ACOSTA BRIDGE
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.= Closure of Acosta Bridge Northbound Emergency Lane & Sidewalk ONLY
8:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.= Closure of all northbound lanes and sidewalk (during show)
- MAIN STREET BRIDGE
2:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.= Closure of Main Street Bridge southbound exterior lane and adjacent sidewalk ONLY. Closure of Main Street Bridge northbound exterior lane and adjacent sidewalk ONLY.
8:30 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.= Full Closure of Main Street Bridge all lanes and sidewalks (during show)
For more information, visit events.jacksonville.gov.