Get ready for a spectacular evening in St. Augustine this July 4th! The city is gearing up for its annual celebration, “Fireworks Over the Matanzas,” and it promises to be an unforgettable experience. This year, the event takes place on July 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the historic Plaza de la Constitución. With live music, stunning fireworks, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate America’s birthday.
Starting at 6:00 p.m., the All-Star Orchestra will take center stage, playing a delightful mix of big band and swing music, including some of your favorite patriotic tunes. And the best part? It’s free and open to the public! So, grab your family and friends, bring a blanket, and settle in for a lovely evening of live music under the stars.
Fireworks to Light Up the Sky
As the clock strikes 9:00 p.m., prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular fireworks display produced by Santore. The show, lasting around 20 minutes, will be perfectly synchronized with a soundtrack of patriotic music. With 5,000 individual shells reaching impressive heights of up to 2,000 feet, this is a night you won’t want to miss! The best views can be found from the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos, so make sure to find your spot early.
Parking in the area might be a bit tricky due to street closures, but don’t worry—there’s free parking available in city-owned lots on July 4th! If you need to park in the Historic Downtown Parking Garage, it’s just $20 per vehicle, or $3 for St. Johns County residents. Broudy’s Lot is also an option, offering free parking from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Just a heads-up, though—the Castillo de San Marcos parking lot will be closed for the festivities.
Getting Around and Amenities
Traffic management will be in full effect, with road closures on Avenida Menendez and South Castillo Drive from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Additionally, the Bridge of Lions will be closed from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. and there will be specific detours for traffic after the fireworks. Oh, and don’t forget that no marine traffic will be allowed through the Bridge of Lions during that time, so plan accordingly!
For those attending, there will be public restrooms available throughout the historic downtown, along with additional porta-potties set up in nine locations for your convenience. Just a friendly reminder: if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the fireworks may be canceled, so keep an eye on updates online and on social media.
A Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday
This event is part of the larger America250 celebrations, marking the 250th anniversary of our great nation. In addition to the fireworks, there will be other family-friendly festivities in downtown St. Augustine. You might even catch the Florida Freedom Tour, which features two converted 18-wheelers acting as traveling museums, showcasing Florida’s rich history. It’s all about education and celebration in every corner of our beautiful state!
For more details, feel free to call (904) 825-1004 or visit the event’s website here. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a night filled with joy, community, and a spectacular display of fireworks over the Matanzas Bay!