After all, on Saturday, July 4 the city will host the 38th Annual Fireworks at the Fountain — the largest and longest running fireworks display in Central Florida.
The festivities begin at 4 p.m., and the city is encouraging people to arrive early so they can be sure to get a good viewing spot for an event that typically draws thousands to downtown Orlando.
Long before darkness sets in and the fireworks begin, there will be plenty of activities and entertainment on hand, courtesy of the City of Orlando Families, Parks and Recreation Division.
That includes on-street basketball and tennis, and live music on the K92.3 stage and the Walt Disney Amphitheater.
Then at 8 p.m., there will be a performance of patriotic music by the Orlando Concert Band, before the evening concludes with a firework display that lights up the sky and can be seen far beyond the streets of downtown.
The fireworks are scheduled to start at 9:10 p.m.
Lake Eola Park is at 195 N. Rosalind Ave. and this event is free to attend. There will be food and beverages available to purchase.
The city is also advising visitors that parking in downtown Orlando can be a challenge, particularly when there are major events going on, so Orlando provides a free LYMMO bus service, which is recommended for downtown residents who want to attend the fireworks show but not worry about fighting for a parking space.
Anyone who finds a space at parking garages other than the Orange County Library Garage at 112 E. Central Boulevard can then hop on the LYMMO bus.
Handicapped parking will be available on Rosalind Avenue between Jackson Street and Central Boulevard on July 4.
In addition to this annual Independence Day event, the City of Orlando is also hosting MoviEola, a free monthly movie series at Lake Eola Park on the last Friday of every month through August.
Families are invited to attend this free event that starts at 6 p.m. with lawn games, music and food available for purchase. At 8 p.m., the movie starts.
“Orlando is known as a city for everyone — and that includes being a place where individuals and families of all types can enjoy the unique experiences and quality of life found only in Orlando,” the city noted in a news release. “MoviEola at Lake Eola Park is one of Orlando’s many family-friendly activities and amenities in our downtown, which also includes public art installations, museums, cultural and art festivals, green spaces and playgrounds.”
The movies are shown at the Lake Eola Park East Lawn at 512 E. Washington St. The upcoming schedule includes:
* Friday, June 26, “Maleficent.”
* Friday, July 31, “The Amazing Spider Man 2.”
* Friday, Aug. 28, “Cinderella.”
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