by The Editors | June 30, 2025
Must-Do July Events in Florida
Jam to some Jimmy Buffet underwater in the Keys, outrun bulls-on-skates in Pensacola, watch fireworks from the water in Haines City and more this July in Florida.
North
Pensacola Beach Air Show
Pensacola
July 9–12
Watch the Blue Angels blaze across the Gulf sky in a weekend of aerial acrobatics. The show builds all week with practice flights and a finale over Pensacola Beach.
visitpensacolabeach.com
Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament
Jacksonville
July 9–19
This 11-day tournament hosted by Jacksonville Marine Charities reels in serious competition and community with its Junior Angler Offshore Tournament, food festival and live music.
kingfishtournament.com
14th Annual Running of the Bulls
Pensacola
July 19
In this cheeky twist on a classic sport, the seekers are brave locals on roller skates dressed as bulls—but the chase is just as intense. Outrun the pursuit and join the after-party at Seville Quarter.
westfloridarollerderby.com
Central
SharkCon
Tampa
July 12-13
Sink your teeth into two fin-tastic days of shark-themed rides, speakers from popular shark TV programming, scuba demos and more than 30 shark exhibits, all presented by National Geographic Sharkfest.
sharkcon.com
Suncoast Ladies’ Classic
St. Petersburg
July 24-26
Cast your line for a great cause and join female anglers in this annual offshore tournament. Prepare for fierce yet friendly competition, with last year’s winners bringing in a 24-pound red snapper. Fisherwomen and fans can also bring trash to weigh-ins to see which team can collect the most debris and help clean St. Pete’s waters.
suncoastclassicevents.com
Thunder on the Ridge
Haines City
July 4
This is not your mother’s Fourth of July celebration—Haines City broke a Guinness World Record for their sparkler display back in 2014. Gather for a night of food trucks, fireworks and freedom.
hainescity.com
Float Plane Paddle Party
Orlando
July 12
Paddle through Lake Mary Jane to a grassy island, surrounded by knee-deep water, and watch as sea planes fly overhead and dip in the water all while enjoying fresh barbecue and listening to live music.
eventbrite.com
4th of July Dinner Cruises
Tampa
July 4
Board a dinner cruise at Sparkman Wharf to watch the sunset and annual boat parade, or take the late-night option to catch the fireworks from Hillsborough River. Either way, you will enjoy a three-course dinner and Independence Day cocktails on the water.
crafttampa.com
South
Key Lime Pie Eating Championship
Key West
July 4
Ditch hot dogs in favor of a more Keysian alternative this Fourth of July. Although the atmosphere on Duval may be easy breezy, the competition is no joke—last year’s winner finished his pie in under a minute.
keylimefestival.com
41st Annual Underwater Music Festival
Key West
July 11–12
Grab your underwater gear and a Keysian costume of your liking—mermaid tails are always a hit—and set out to majestic Looe Key Reef to enjoy underwater tunes blasted through specialty speakers. Expect lots of Jimmy Buffet.
lowerkeyschamber.com
12th Annual Boca Burger Battle
Boca Raton
July 12
This juicy showdown features top chefs grilling wild-card burgers to win over seasoned sammie judges and for bragging rights.
bocaburgerbattle.com
Fairchild Garden Mango Festival
Coral Gables
July 12-13
Sip and savor your way through mango mania with tropical tastings, a chef-driven brunch and rare fruit finds.
fairchildgarden.org
Key West Marlin Tournament
Key West
July 23–26
Reel in marlin by day and wind down with a pig roast by night at this four-day angler competition for a $50,000 purse.
keywestmarlin.com
Hemingway Days
Key West
July 23-27
Party like Papa, watch a horde of Hemingway look-alikes tear through the town and tour the author’s estate.
hemingwaydays.com
