Independence Day 2017: Where to Celebrate the 4th of July

Bad news: This year, July 4 falls on a Tuesday (yuck). Good news: There’s still an entire weekend to party it up in the name of freedom. Below, you’ll find a list of all the weekend and day-of celebrations we could round up. From BBQs and pool parties to fireworks and cooking classes, there’s no lack of activities to keep you busy.

As always, details are subject to change. If you’re interested in any of the following events, be sure to call ahead and confirm all the details. Happy Fourth of July!

1 Hotel

On Saturday, July 1st and Sunday July 2nd, the luxury hotel is hosting its first Backyard BBQ and Seafood Boil on the property’s private beach area. With games, face painting, artists, music and an incredible, hand-selected menu, this celebratory bash will be an event that the whole family can enjoy.

Operating from 12-5 pm both days, guests and locals will be able to choose from the following menu items and more:

  • Heirloom Tomato & Watermelon Salad – $15
  • Red, White & Blue Salad – $15
  • Lobster & Crab Roll – $22
  • Jack Daniels BBQ Pulled Chicken – $18
  • The Southern Boil – Crawfish, Shrimp, Kielbasa Sausage – $45
  • 1Hotel SB Boil – Crawfish, Shrimp, Kielbasa Sausage, 1 Split Lobster, Clams & Blue Crab – $72

During the event, sounds will be provided by DJ Smeejay. RSVPs can be made by emailing happy4th@1hotels.com.

Artisan Beach House

Artisan Beach House at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour is inviting guests to the ultimate VIP Fourth of July soiree. For $150 per person, enjoy a night on the restaurant’s waterfront terrace with front row views of a spectacular fireworks show, passed appetizers, choice of entrée and open bar/bottle service from 7PM to 10PM.

For those looking to enjoy an early dinner before the festivities begin, the restaurant will be offering their a la carte menu of delicacies in addition to special holiday items and refreshing new libations. Guests are then welcome to head down to the hotel’s pool area to enjoy drink specials and watch the fireworks display from the beach. Space is limited and reservations are required.

For more information or to make a reservation, please email res@artisanbeachhouse.com or call (305) 455-5460.

B Ocean Resort

B Ocean Resort and Salty Siren, the resort’s recently opened poolside destination for daytime chilling, afternoon drinking and soaking up the sun, will host the second pool party of the year in celebration of Fourth of July. The Red, White & Blue Bash will feature sounds by popular house DJ Robbie Rivera of Juicy Music along with a barbecue and beachside cabanas. Guests can also enjoy drinks and dining at Salty Siren, featuring juicy burgers, fresh seafood, crisp flavorful salads and more.

General Admission is $13 per person. Ages 21 & over. Tickets are available at www.wantickets.com/robbieduckie.

B Squared

Join B Square Burgers, Booze & Chops for its Fourth of July Lobster Bake. Available from June 30 – July 4, the Lobster Bake will feature a medley of fresh seafood including 1.25-pound lobster, clams and shrimp with potatoes and corn on the cob for $29.95. In addition to this special, B Square offers a menu of American classics like its gourmet burgers and hot dogs – the perfect choices for a Fourth of July meal.

To make reservations, guests can call the restaurant at 954.999.5216.

Big Easy Winebar & Grill

At Big Easy Winebar & Grill there’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than with a backyard barbecue – South African style. Enjoy special pricing on the Braai Platter ($75, regularly $110) with South African farmer’s sausage, 12 oz. top sirloin, double lamb chops, Nigerian prawns and two sides; while sipping on $5 beers all day long.

Other menu highlights include the Out of Africa Chop Chop with peri-peri chicken breast, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, biltong bits, chopped lettuce, spring onions and Parmesan cheese topped with grenache vinaigrette; Toasted Couscous Risotto with baby shiitake mushrooms, butternut squash, kale and Parmesan-thyme cream; Grilled Nigerian Prawns seasoned with garlic butter and peri-peri chili sauce; and the plentiful Durban Bunny Chow – great for sharing – with a slow roasted lamb shank served with rice in an artisan bread bowl.

Call (786) 814-5955 for more details.

Bitter Truth

Join Miami’s favorite local barkeeps at Bitter Truth in Midtown as they host their 1st annual, “Very Patriotic, ‘Merican Melon Bobbin’ Bash.” Bitter Truth will be doling out free, ice-cold, tequila-soaked, salted watermelon slices from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The catch? Guests must bob in the Bitter Truth bathtub to earn their free slice. $2 beers will be available for those who rather watch the madness go down.

Bluewater Café

Bluewater Café, InterContinental Miami Hotel’s rooftop restaurant and hidden gem, in the popular Downtown neighborhood, is a premier venue to enjoy Miami’s 4th of July with pool activities and evening fireworks. Along with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, guests will have front row access to the spectacular Bayfront Park fireworks display. There will also be a savory patriotic BBQ buffet dinner from 6:00pm-10pm (45 dollars per person) along with beer bucket specials and pitcher specials.

In addition to the July 4th evening festivities, Bluewater Cafe, which recently updated its poolside deck with a new refreshed look including new daybeds and cabanas, will offer an alternative for those wanting to start the 4th of July celebration early. From 11:00am, you can sip on drink specials and grab a bite to eat including a delicious “caja china”, burgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork sandwiches. Daybeds and cabanas will also be available for rental, and there will be an excess of fun games on the pool deck!

Dream South Beach

Looking for the best location to celebrate July 4th? Cosmo-chic hotel, Dream South Beach, has everything you need to make this Independence Day one to remember. With a 4-hour open bar and American BBQ buffet for only $99, the annual HIGHBAR rooftop affair offers unparalleled views of the Miami Beach fireworks, and an Instagram moment to make you the envy of all your friends!

Doors open at 5:00pm, and you can RSVP to getnaked@nakedtacomiami.com to join the fun.

Faena Miami Beach 

This Independence Day, Faena brings its South American grilling expertise to the modern American BBQ. Beginning at noon on Saturday, July 2, guests can enjoy festive fare from its Hot Dog & Burger Cart, beer and cocktails, live music from Sarah Packiam, and stunning ocean views in the shadow of Damien Hirst’s iconic gilded mammoth.

Guests can select from the Bar Package, which includes a limited open bar or the BBQ & Beach Package, which features gourmet hot dogs and burgers, and reserved beachfront lounge chairs for the day. Groups of up to six people can opt for the fully-loaded Cabana Package, which adds another American tradition to celebrate: bottle service.

For reservations, visit OpenTable or call 786-655-5600 to book.

Kiji Cuzco

Kiji Cuzco located at Wynwood 5th Ave is partnering with 106.3 Tu Bacana to bring a salsa filled 4th of July celebration to Wynwood. DJs from Tu Bacana will be hosting guests from 5pm to 3am and keeping their bodies moving to today’s hottest Latin jams. To add to the excitement, the loved Mr. LP will be performing live. Guest will enjoy $15 Bottles of Wine, $20 Beer Buckets, and $100 Bottles until 12AM. Proceeds will be donated to the Miami Bridge, promoting positive youth development.

Kiki on the River

The Miami River will be celebrating our nation with a spectacular fireworks show and enticing menu specials. Starting at noon, Kiki’s Chef Steve Rhee will offer a special menu of Greek-inspired American classics like the Greek Style Burger ($18) made with ½ Lbs Angus Beef Patty, served with all the fixings and topped with shredded Kefalograviera cheese on a brioche bun, a Chicken Souvlaki ($21), Churrasco steak $22) or the dry-rubbed Baby Back Ribs ($24) finished with Ladolemono sauce.

All specials will be served with herbed French fries or house salad. The celebrations continue well past sunset when Kiki’s guests will be treated to a private fireworks show on the Miami River.

To enhance the festivities, Kiki will also be offering cocktail and drink specials including pitchers of “River Sprits” and “Berry Mojito” priced at $58 and pitchers of the “Skinny Colada” priced at $65.

Los Fuegos

Join Faena Miami Beach on July 1st as its Ambassador of Fire, Francis Mallmann, hosts an intimate Grilling Masterclass. The day begins in the kitchen of Los Fuegos, where the world-renowned chef will teach a three-hour lesson on his signature live-fire cooking techniques. After perfecting their open-flame culinary skills, guests will sit down to a family-style lunch, enjoying the fruits of their labor with Chef Mallmann and his selection of wine pairings before leaving with an autographed copy of his best-selling cookbook, “Seven Fires.”

Cost is $400 per person, plus tax and service charges. Price includes cooking lesson, lunch, wine pairings and signed copy of “Seven Fires.” Offer is based upon availability and is extremely limited. For reservations, call 305-535-4697 or e-mail at reservations-miamibeach@faena.com.

Nikki Beach Miami

Nikki Beach Miami, the quintessential South of France style beach club known for its joie de vivre and larger than life celebrations does 4th of July the good, old American way – with explosive beats, over-the-top Burgers, and a massive fireworks display across the South Beach sky. Celebrated at each of the twelve Nikki Beach locations across the world, Fourth of July Nikki Beach-style has become legendary.

Beachside, guests can feast on the ultimate burger selection including the Donut Burger featuring American cheese and pork belly bacon smashed between two glazed donuts – and many more. The night is complete with a massive fireworks show – one of only two that take place directly on South Beach – exclusively for Nikki Beach guests who can recline on the beach club’s luxurious day beds or sit with their toes in the sand teepee-side while watching the night sky.

Join Nikki Beach Miami July 4th with doors staring at noon till 11pm. Tickets are $20.00 and Burger features start at $10 each.

River Yacht Club

River Yacht Club, the premier lifestyle oasis located on the Miami River, will host a special Fourth of July edition of their popular ‘Rock My Boat’ brunch party, with entertainment provided by one of RYC’s resident DJs.

Celebrate Independence Day with their a la carte brunch items including Lobster Benedict with Maine lobster, house-made toasted bread, poached egg and saffron hollandaise; Grilled Skirt Steak and Eggs served with potatoes and saffron hollandaise; French Toast with berries and Crème anglaise and a variety of other brunch delicacies, paired with any of their throwback cocktails like the Gin -N-Juice.

Brunch reservations are available from Noon – 5PM. The restaurant will remain open until 11PM that evening for those who want to view the fireworks show from the beautiful Miami River. River Yacht Club is located at 401 SW Third Avenue on the Miami River. For the full menu, go to https://riveryachtclub.com. To book reservations, call (305) 200-5716.

Rusty Pelican

Rusty Pelican, known for its dazzling waterfront views, is inviting diners to join them for their top floor Fourth of July celebration. For $55 per adult (including two drink tickets for beer or wine), and $25 per child, enjoy an evening of live entertainment, dancing, dining and party favors with the most outstanding views of Miami’s fireworks over Biscayne Bay.

From 7PM to 10PM, indulge in a lavish dinner buffet including A1 Potato Salad with garlic aioli, cilantro and onion; Grilled Mahi-Mahi with mango and papaya salsa; St. Louis BBQ Ribs with whiskey barbecue sauce; Garlic Crusted Prime Rib with balsamic chimichurri; Grilled Yellow Corn with Parmesan chili butter and Cotija cheese; Homemade Mac & Cheese with aged cheddar, smoked gouda and grated parmesan; and decadent desserts including a Homemade Mini Apple Pie made with Granny Smith apples and brandy and Key Biscayne Pie with a graham cracker crumb crust and key lime curd.

For reservations, please call (305) 361-3818 or email rareas@srcmail.com.

Seaspice

Seaspice pays homage to freedom with a nautical theme, featuring live entertainment, lounge beats, bubbly by Moet & Chandon and surprise performances popping up at different intervals throughout the night. In addition to bites from its new summer menu and flowing glasses of champagne, the celebration will be capped off with a dazzling fireworks show from the restaurant’s sweeping river views.

Semilla

Fireworks don’t get started until after dark, but this year on the 4th of July, the party gets started at 4pm. Join us at Semilla Eatery and Bar for the official 4th of July Kick-off party featuring $4.00 cocktails all night long. Since the 4th falls on a Tuesday, you can savor special #fredstreetfood treats like Braised Beef Bao Buns and Organic Chicken Tacos along with all of the other Semilla happy hour snacks you know and love. Be sure to get there early and take advantage of the extra “happy hour” – it is a national holiday, after all.

Sonesta Coconut Grove Miami

This year Sonesta is hosting their annual Star-Spangled Sonesta Fourth of July party on the eighth floor pool deck. Let freedom ring as you enjoy a buffet-style menu from Panorama Restaurant & Sky Lounge, featuring classic holiday dishes, sounds from a live DJ and an unobstructed view of the best fireworks show in Miami – all from the comfort of your dining table or chaise lounge. The party will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. and carry through the fireworks, ending at 10:00 p.m. The event is $49 for adults and $15 for children. Enjoy Caprese Tortellini Salad, Goat Cheese and Watermelon Salad, Chipotle BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, Roasted Red Potatoes with parmesan and rosemary and much more!

Sugar

Who says Fourth of July celebrations can’t be on a Tuesday? Honor the holiday in style and pretend it’s the weekend on the rooftop of EAST, Miami at Sugar while soaking up panoramic views of bustling Brickell and Downtown Miami. This year, the bar + garden will offer endless amounts of rose (with bottle specials all day) and music by DJ Lazaro Casanova, along with a newly-crafted menu to dance, dine and drink all evening long.

Advance table reservations highly recommended. For more information, call 786-805-4655.

Sugar Factory

Celebrate #murrica at Sugar Factory ahead of 4th of July with their new Red, White & Boom! Insane Shake — a patriotic mix of vanilla ice cream, white chocolate ganache, gummy stars and red sprinkles topped with pinwheel pops, dipped marshmallows, whipped cream and chocolate shavings!

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa, Fort Lauderdale’s boutique oceanfront property will host a two-part Fourth of July celebration beginning with Happy Hour at the Pool Bar from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., followed by an American Barbeque from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring a live DJ.

Both festivities will be held on the hotel’s 5th Floor Oceanfront Terrace offering guests spectacular views of Fort Lauderdale Beach and a prime spot to catch the fireworks show at 9 p.m.

The Pool Bar Happy Hour (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.) will offer a variety of drink specials including $2 PBR’s, $4 House Wine or Sangria, $6 Signature Cocktails, $8 Specialty Drinks and $12 Buckets of Beer. A Special Bar Bite Menu ($8 each) will also be available and feature items like Guacamole and Chips, Conch Fritters, chicken strips and more.

The Ocean Terrace American Buffet-Style Barbeque (7 p.m. – 9 p.m.) will feature an impressive spread of American classics. Featured menu items include St. Louis Barbeque Ribs, Cream Cole Slaw, Half-pound Burgers, Corn on the Cob and Watermelon and Arugula salad. Sweet offerings include Fresh Fruit, Homemade Apple Pie and Chewy Cookies. The buffet is $39 for adults and $19 for kids under 12.

To book a reservation to the Fourth of July celebration, call 954.567.8070.

Turnberry Isle Miami

Celebrate America’s 241st birthday with a tropical breeze and breathtaking sunset to enjoy Aventura’s best firework views at Turnberry Isle Miami. Locals and hotel guests alike are welcome to partake in patriotic festivities, enjoy live music and savor classic American barbecue on the resort’s award-winning golf course from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The ticketed event offers several packages for locals, members and guests (breakdown below). In addition to American BBQ, complimentary gourmet food trucks will be available alongside unlimited beer, wine, iced tea and lemonade. All guests will receive free valet parking.

Out-of-town guests as well as Miami “staycationers” who opt to book a two-night stay through July 4 will receive their third night complimentary, inclusive of a ticket to the Fourth of July event. Holiday weekend events include: kid activities on the lawn, poolside food and cocktail demonstrations, poolside omelet and barbecue stations, beer tasting at CORSAIR kitchen + bar, and a cocktail class with live music at BOURBON Steak.

Tickets to the event may be purchased on Eventbrite HERE. For further inquiries or to book a stay at the resort for the weekend, call 888.539.7894 or book online HERE.

Villa Azur

Villa Azur leaves its Mediterranean roots for a night to travels to the American ‘60s, transforming into a glamorous old school diner with rollerblading greeters, live entertainment and beats by DJ Yez. Guests will enjoy special offerings of traditional American favorites including burger sliders, hotdogs and Independence Day-inspired specialty cocktails.