7 Exciting ways to celebrate Independence Day weekend in West Palm Beach


It’s here! 4th on Flagler, and the City is pulling out all the stops over the long weekend that starts at BBQ Blues and Blues on Saturday, through 4th on Flagler on Wednesday.

“This year’s 4th on Flagler will be extra special, given that we are celebrating not only Independence Day but also the tremendous success of one of the City’s longest running and most iconic annual events,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio. “We invite everyone to join us for 4th on Flagler. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to celebrate, and– with vibrant live music, dynamic activities and games, and a phenomenal fireworks display– it’s a family-friendly event everyone can enjoy.”

Get all the details about 4th on Flagler here & the 5th Annual BBQ, Brews and Blues here

I’ve thrown in some pictures from previous years festivities. I hope you enjoy them!

1. Soul food & Brews

BBQ Blues & Blues – Rosemary Ave. 30th of June

Independence Day activities in West Palm Beach with the 5th annual BBQ, Brews & Blues event in the city’s Historic Northwest District on Saturday, June 30, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The family-friendly event features the area’s best barbeque vendors along with a fantastic lineup of soulful blues on Rosemary Ave., just three blocks north of Clematis Street.

Guests can enjoy free samples of delicious southern soul food and craft beers by local vendors (while supplies last) at this savory event. Patrons should arrive early for this unique tasting of summer barbeque favorites including pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken, fried pork chops, sweet potato pie, boiled peanuts, pickles and more. There will also be plenty of sweet treats for kids and adults including funnel cakes, deep fried Oreos, freeze cups and more. Patrons who would like to partake in the brew samples must be 21 years old and over, and must present their ID at the registration tent. Additionally, there will be plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained including basketball, soccer, carnival games, and more.

2. Blues Music Lineup

BBQ Blues & Blues – Rosemary Ave. 30th of June

Headlining the evening is the must-see modern blues sensation from Memphis, Ghost Town Blues Band. GTBB is not your grandpa’s blues band – their energetic live shows captivate audiences with their horns, harmonies and homegrown instruments.  Other musical favorites performing include the dynamic soul working man Slam Allen and the contemporary jazz of Catch the Groove.

3. JetRide Watercraft Stunt Show featuring Chris Anyzeski

4th on Flagler – Wednesday at the Waterfront

As a throwback to three decades of memories, the City is including a water show in this year’s entertainment lineup. A nod to water ski shows from the very first 4th on Flagler events, the “JetRide Watercraft Stunt Show” will feature some of the world’s top watercraft athletes staging stunts above the water as they perform impressive personal watercraft maneuvers. For the grand finale, Chris Anyzeski, a professional personal watercraft freestyle athlete with more than 10 years of experience, will attempt to flip his personal watercraft 30 times in honor of 4th on Flagler’s 30th anniversary. After the show’s finale, JetRide, a personal watercraft rental company, will also award one lucky 4th on Flagler attendee with a complimentary year’s membership while they are onsite.

4. Military Salute

4th on Flagler – Wednesday at the Waterfront

The event will salute the nation and honor its history with its annual Military Honor Ceremony, which includes a tribute to all branches of the military, presentation of the local Hometown Hero award and the unfurling of a five-story American flag. Music for the moving tribute will be provided by The Air National Guard Band of the South, a 45-member military music ensemble that supports the Air Force and Air National Guard’s mission by inspiring patriotism and fostering a deep appreciation of its rich history and legacy.

5. Fairy Tale Playhouses & FlaminGO Croquet

4th on Flagler – Wednesday at the Waterfront

As part of the City’s overall “Summer in Paradise” (S.I.P.) campaign, which launched in early June in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County, the smallest of waterfront visitors are also encouraged to “be our guest” and participate in free imaginative play at the “Fairy Tale Playhouses.” The community art installation features 15 unique, outdoor playhouses, which have been painted by local artists and paired with nonprofit beneficiaries. The playhouses illustrate timeless fairy tales, with stories hailing from across the globe, including “Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox,” from North America; “The Boy and the Dragon,” from Canada; and “Rapunzel,” from Germany. In addition to fun, the child-size homes aim to educate about the need for affordable housing. Guests can also “sip” on additional campaign elements, including “StoryVille,” a create your own life-size fable activity; and “FlaminGO Croquet,” complete with an “Alice in Wonderland” theme and flamingo mallets.

6. Selfie with Mad Hatter Teacups

4th on Flagler – Wednesday at the Waterfront

Photo ops and selfie spots are also a priority in this year’s “Summer in Paradise” lineup. The City brought back the “Big Storybook,” outlining all involved in the community activation and noting how each artist, fairy tale and nonprofit is paired. New this year are the “Mad Hatter Teacups,” which were once car tires that have been upcycled into cup and saucer sets spread on the Great Lawn, at 101 N. Clematis St.. The installation was inspired by the famous tea in “Alice in Wonderland”.

7. Music Lineup on 3 Stages

4th on Flagler – Wednesday at the Waterfront

Derek Mack Band  (Meyer Amphitheater) ☆ 5:00 p.m. The Derek Mack Band is one of South Florida’s premier show bands. A high-energy and versatile group of musicians, the band is known for performing music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s 2000s and today.

The Air National Guard Band of the South  (Meyer Amphitheater) ☆ 6:30 p.m. The Air National Guard Band of the South supports the total Air Force and Air National Guard mission in war and peace by inspiring patriotism and fostering a deep appreciation of the rich history and legacy of the Air Force.

Liddy Clark (Discover the Palm Beaches Stage) ☆ 5:00 p.m. Liddy Clark is a singer/songwriter who forges a fresh, new path in country music with keep-it- real lyrics and trailblazing sonic landscapes. Her music is bold, blending a world-wide-open youthfulness and “ain’t-scared” attitude, topped-off with a definitive hallmark vocal that has led to more than 500,000 social media followers.

Andrew Morris (Discover the Palm Beaches Stage) ☆ 7:30 p.m. With a musical blend that can be attributed to Andrew Morris’ background and upbringing, The Andrew Morris Band is known for consistently converting music lovers to country fans.

Brass Knucklehead (Post Park Stage) ☆ 5:00 p.m. Complete with a trumpet and a trombone for full effect, Brass Knucklehead is a local neighborhood ska band. Known for playing ska classics, including favorites from 90s bands such as Reel Big Fish and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the band is also known for putting a ska slant on crowd favorites. Revving it up at the Post Park Stage, guests are encouraged to stop by for some punk rock nostalgia.

The People Upstairs (Post Park Stage) ☆ 7:15 p.m. Funk. Reggae. Rock. The People Upstairs have been playing for more than a decade, reflecting chemistry and camaraderie amongst the band. The mixture of brotherly love, low-brow comedy and musical talent makes The People Upstairs more than a band – they are an act. They combine modern rock-funk with a groovy island touch and Latin rhythm to bridge barriers and broaden appeal, often described as Chili Peppers meets Sublime.


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