These are great July 3rd fireworks in the Sarasota area. This is the second year that I have been…read more You can park up close and personal for $15-20 or you can park by the University Town Center - UTC Mall for free. That's what we have done both times. It's actually so easy. And we can easily social distance too. People watch the fireworks there or they walk to the festival by the pathway of the lake. We just like to stay by the car. The fireworks have a perfect location even without paying, and it's held a good amount of time. It's not too short. I do love these fireworks and would continue going next year!

Last night's festivities were a lot of fun. This was our 4th year attending, and we've experienced…read morethe event in several different ways -- from the premium tower tickets ($240 for two + fees) to enjoying the evening on the grass at Regatta Island by the water. The staff and volunteers have always been friendly, and the fireworks continue to be the highlight of the show. We had a disappointing experience with the tower tickets in 2025 due to poor food quality and a lack of seating, so this year we decided to return to the field, bring our own picnic, and enjoy a more relaxed night. The weather was perfect, and we loved it. Unfortunately, parking at the end of the event overshadowed an otherwise great night. We purchased a Parking A pass for $40 and arrived early, but were redirected to general parking, which cost $30. Leaving afterward was complete chaos. There were no parking staff directing traffic, and it took us 45 minutes just to get out of the lot. Because of the parking issues, we sadly won't be returning next year. After such a nice eve, the last thing anyone wants is to end it with unnecessary stress. This was the event's 10th year, and it feels like some corners have been cut over time, when it comes to logistics and crowd management. We sincerely hope improvements are made, because the fireworks and waterfront setting truly make this a special community event.

This is a neat event. This event has been going on for fifty years. It always during when it hot…read more When I go Like to go early in the morning. There hardly any shade. I always wear a big hat to protect myself from my sun. This art fair has grown which it so nice. They had some really cool food truck. A few year back I discover one of my far restaurant because they had a food truck.

Mayfaire-by-the-Lake is a two day fine arts festival on scenic Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland,…read moreheld every Mothers Day Weekend. It is a juried art fest fondly termed "Bake by the Lake". They have lots of carnival food, mini-concerts, fireworks, a 5K run and many gorgeous art pieces from jewelry to photography, pottery to sculptures. They have a golf cart courier service. A great time for serious art buyers and social butterflies.

Best best fireworks in the area & a great thing about these fireworks is that they r held on an…read moreearlier date than July 4. They were held on June 30th this year. This is my third time at these fireworks. They do not disappoint. They r not horribly crowded, and there is ample parking. The fireworks from the start to finish are excellent, amazing, & breathtaking. The music that is with the fireworks is perfect. This year there were no food trucks but they were not missed. In the past, the lines for the food trucks were forever. Instead they gave out free water and ice cream to everyone. I'm in love with these fireworks and they make the rest of July 4th even more exciting and one to look forward to. I'm thankful for those involved with this fireworks event. It's a go to every year!

It calls Freedom Festival in the mall. I believe is freedom of shopping. Even you have kid; there…read moreis plenty of freedom kid activities. If you are father or husband, this is great way to spent time with your family. Open the freedom wallet for your wife to shop and take your kid to the festival activity. This is a well organized block party. Love every minutes of it. It starts with pageant contest and follows by the freedom bicycle decoration contest, watermelon eating contest, parade, fireworks. The Paseo Drive is filling with people. The kid activities include hokey stick goal shot, balloon sword, acrobat elastic jump, face painting, moon wall, air slice, pirate ship invasion and many more. For adult, you know what to do. I was introduced by a vendor for Wikid Watermelon for the custom watermelon kegs and carving. The carving is beautiful for special event. Overall the party is great. People make up this party. The Shop of Wiregrass is smart to hold this party one day before the July 4 with fireworks. It get the maximum people without compete for the actual July 4 fireworks with many locations.

Boom By the Bay is Tampa Bay's Independence Day celebration. This year they celebrated early in…read moreJuly 1, 2023. It was held at Julian Lane Park in Downtown Tampa. In previous years, they held it at different parks through out Tampa. I really liked this better. That way fireworks were all in one place. These fireworks were amazing. The park is huge so it's nice and spacious for everyone. They had some food trucks, they had a stage and when we were there they had country music which I don't like, but I wasn't there too long before fireworks happened. The one bad thing was the fireworks were so close the ashes fell on top of us. But for real amazing fireworks and so happy we left St. Pete Beach early to see them.

Came back this year to celebrate the holidays at UTC. We…read moredecided to watch and Holiday movie under the stars which was how the Grinch stole Christmas. Parking was a bit tricky we had to park on the opposite side and walk over. And then, of course it took some time to find a spot on the grass to sit and watch the movie. We got there a little before the movie started so if you plan to go just get there early for better seating. The quality of the movie was good and so was the audio. We decided to get pizza from blaze for dinner to enjoy while we watched the movie. It was a really good time. After the movie was over, we brought all our stuff back to the car and walked around a bit to check out the Christmas trees and also view the Christmas lights. They do such a fantastic job every year it gets better and better.

UTC in Sarasota festival of lights is really an awesome light show synchronized with music. It runs…read morethroughout the Christmas season. We were only there for the light show today. On some Friday's they have a firework display at 9:00 pm. I highly recommend you checking out all the events UTC has for the Christmas season.

This is a beautiful park in Kissimmee. We've visited it a few times during our trips to Florida, I…read morelove it here. There are restrooms, a play ground, a few different docks, an amphitheater for outdoor concerts & events, picnic pavilions, a snack bar, and more. I especially love the walking path that goes along the lake, and my daughter and I like to spot gators in the water or sunning themselves on land. Last time we were here we saw gators, raccoons, squirrels, the cutest wild bunnies and a variety of large & small birds including roseate spoonbills. There are plenty of benches along the path and it's really nice to be able to sit down and watch the view and the wildlife. V

I've been coming here for years. My favorite park in the area. The views are great. The park is…read moremaintained well. They hold many festivals and community events here. During, the days it can be a quiet peaceful place to walk. In the summers and evenings it can get busy but it's such a large park it doesn't feel crowded. There is free always parking. You can see native plants and wild life as you stroll. The waters do have alligators so use caution.