Happy Birthday America! Beach Celebrates The 250th
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Declaration of Independence….July 4, 1776
Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce wants you to pursue happiness and celebrate America’s 250th birthday at their Red, White and Blues Bash. Beach Chamber Board Chairman Charlene Powell says the community is stepping up to make this celebration one to remember. In fact, it’s so big, they are starting July 3 with a free concert and open-air market at Casino Beach.
“The celebration kicks off Friday, July 3, with the Maker’s Market open at 5 p.m., giving guests the perfect chance to shop local, enjoy the beach breeze and ease into the holiday weekend before Stormfolk takes the stage at 7 p.m.,” said Powell. “It’s the perfect stars-and-stripes prelude to a full day of Independence Day fun on Saturday.”
The Fourth of July brings an afternoon of free, family friendly fun lined up at Casino Beach beginning at 4 p.m. with face painting, a cotton candy stand and a stilt walker.
“Our wonderful Elks Lodge will be handing out American flags so everyone can wave them while watching the fireworks,” said Powell.
Cue the music for America’s birthday! DJ Salty will perform from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Gulfside Pavilion followed by the Pensacola Civic Band from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The Pensacola Civic Band will be 70 strong and deliver a two-hour concert of patriotic favorites like “Stars and Stripes Forever,” John Phillip Sousa’s “The Thunderer March” and even a few tunes from Hamilton. This concert is performed by talented local musicians, most of whom have full time careers other than music. Band spokesperson Lewis Garvin, who is a public relations professional and has been playing the French Horn since the sixth grade, said that music can bring us together and inspire us. He added the audience is in for a special treat.
“This celebration concert is an opportunity for us to share our music, the joy and give back to our community,” said Garvin. “The Pensacola Civic Band is the oldest community band in the region and has earned a John Phillips Sousa Foundation Sudler Silver Scroll Award.”
The concert is free and guests are welcome to bring beach chairs and blankets for seating. Coolers are welcome but pets and glass are not. The concert concludes at 8:30 p.m. just prior to the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza lighting up the evening sky above Santa Rosa Sound at 9 p.m. Cat Country 98.7 FM will broadcast beginning at 9 p.m. with the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music synchronized to the fireworks.
The fireworks are visible from many vantage points across the island. The Chamber’s Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza, which is a longtime beach tradition, is launched from a barge in Santa Rosa Sound behind the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. Visit one of the Beach’s soundfront businesses or find a spot on the sandy soundfront beach for front row seats.
Paddy Wagon Irish Food Truck and Kona Ice will be at the Casino Beach for the holiday. The Chamber is encouraging all their members to decorate businesses in red, white and blue.
“We’re excited to welcome locals and visitors to Pensacola Beach for a red, white and blue weekend filled with live music, local makers, entertainment and family-friendly activities before gathering along the Boardwalk to enjoy one of the Gulf Coast’s most spectacular Fourth of July fireworks displays,” said Jessica Simpson, president and CEO of the Beach Chamber. “The 2026 Fireworks Show is sponsored by the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce, Santa Rosa Island Authority, Escambia County, The Pensacola Beach Resort and The Grand Marlin.”
Happy Birthday, America!