The most festive long weekend of summer is upon us. Most of us celebrate this day with smiles, family, and friends. If you are like me, you will treat this as a birthday party because, after all, it is America’s birthday. We have plenty to celebrate living in the land of the free and home of the brave. So, as flags are raised, floaties are inflated, and the most perfect three-berry tarts are baked, here are some of The Lakelander’s recommendations to guarantee a festive 4th of July weekend.
In Lakeland, we are serious about our patriotism, therefore, the celebrations start July 3rd.
Update:
July 3rd
Frescos | Pick up a Mega Milkshake on the way to Red, White and Kaboom
801 E. Main | Watch Red, White and Kaboom fireworks show
Serving homemade Apple Pie beignets, beer, wine, and Hau Sweet
Federal Bar | Taco Tuesday all day long
$3 Tacos, Wines. $5 Margaritas, Sangria and Cucumber Lime Martinis
July 3rd
Red White & Kaboom Event Map
Time: 6pm – 9:15pm | Fireworks start at 9pm
Where: Lake Mirror along the Frances Langford Promenade
What: Music & Entertainment start at 6pm by Clemons Road
Watermelon Eating Contest at 7pm (arrive early to sign up).
Fireworks start at 9pm.
Alcohol is permitted, but please no glass bottles or containers.
Here is our recap of the event from a few years ago:
Red, White, & Kaboom Watch Party at 801 / Hau Sweet Pop Up
Time: 6pm – 11pm
Where: 801 East Main St Lakeland, FL
What: Poor Porker Beignets, Bar Calexico, & Hau Sweet Pop-Up.
801 E. Main is an indoor/outdoor venue located directly across from Lake Mirror, with the best seat in town to enjoy the Red, White, & Kaboom Fireworks show away from the crowds!
The Poor Porker located inside of 801 E. Main will feature an American Pie Beignet along with beer & wine from the Calexico Bar and Hawaiian Shave Ice from Hau Sweet.
July 4th
Flying Tigers 4th of July Celebration Baseball Game
Time: 5pm (Gates open at 4pm) | Fireworks start at 9:15pm
Where: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium
What: Enjoy an all-American experience by eating hot dogs and watching baseball. The Flying Tigers’ players and coaches will be wearing their special patriotic-themed jerseys during the game. Following the game, The Sofa Kings will perform a brief concert on the field, and then around 9pm enjoy a 15-minute fireworks show.
Tickets: Advanced-sale box seats are $7, and reserved seats are $6. Seniors 55 and over and children 14 and under receive a $1 discount. Tickets purchased on July 4th will be an additional $1 per ticket. Parking is FREE. Tickets Here
Restaurants that will grill 4th of July-worthy BBQ!
Mojo Federal
BBQ is their brand. Choose from BBQ ribs, pit smoked chicken, beef brisket, and my personal favorite, burnt ends.
Nineteen61
Nineteen61 will be offering a special menu to fulfill your 4th of July BBQ needs.
Expect BBQ smoked ribs with fresh, house-made, guava BBQ sauce, family-style dishes, and more. Purchase an entree and receive complimentary BBQ Ribs. Enjoy 2 for 1 Sangria and Beer.
Granger & Sons Bar-B-Que
Granger & Sons serves barbecued ribs, beef, and pork, plus classic sides.
Jimbo’s Pit Bar BQ
In business for more than 52 years, Jimbo’s serves ribs, chicken, and pork.
The Red Top Pit Stop
Serving, barbecue and burgers, this stop also offers a Southern breakfast, as well as a range of platters and sandwiches.
Mission BBQ (Open July 3rd, Closed on July 4th)
The newest BBQ restaurant in town with a mission to serve all-American BBQ goodness for the love of our soldiers, firefighters, police officers, first responders, and all of our loved ones in the service. Their menu offers Texas-inspired oak-smoked brisket, slow-smoked pulled pork, turkey, chicken, and sausage.
If you plan to light up the grill and host family and friends, you may want to include our Lakelander Burger on the menu and this fresh Watermelon Cocktail Recipe to impress your guests’ taste buds.