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Coconut Grove (thanks to the Coconut Grapevine)
July 4th starts at 11 am at The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) for their old-fashioned type of day. Lawn games, board games and even kite flying are part of the fun. Live music from Joel Zoss will enhance the decked out in traditional red, white and blue bunting. Bring a picnic or treat yourself to hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and burgers, popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream available for purchase.
Admission to the park on the day of this event is $5; $3 for ages 6-12; children under 6 are free. The park opens at 9 am with activities from 11 am to 4 pm. Park closes at 5 pm. The Barnacle welcomes Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics, but alcohol and fireworks are not permitted.
From The Barnacle, head over to CocoWalk and Mayfair for two of the funnest activites to hit the Grove in recent years -- the Hot Dog Eating Contest and the Coconut Hunt! Join the hot dog contest in the center court at CocoWalk, which starts at 3 pm -- see how many you can eat -- winners win big prizes and and right after that is Coconut Grove's famous Coconut Hunt, at 4 pm, which starts in front of the Bookstore -- where you can join in the fun locating colorfully painted coconuts hidden all over the Grove -- win prizes like hotel stays and even a brand new bicycle -- just for finding coconuts!
And what could say 4th of July more than fireworks! Peacock Park is the location where thousands gather late in the day for the fireworks over the bay. The Boston Beer Company, Sam Adams, is once again the official beer for July 4th at Peacock Park and nothing goes better with beer than an assortment of some of Miami's top gourmet food trucks, including CheeseMe Mobile, Dim Ssam a gogo, Gastropod, Latin Burger and The Fish Box, plus Fireman Derek's World-Famous Pies and a Snow Caps stand. Soft Drinks, Cocktails and Zico Coconut Water will round out the menu.
There are live performances in the park, starting at 5 pm and leading up to the fireworks display at 9:30 pm. Free Entertainment includes performances by The Ramblers Band, Pit Bull of Blues and Joel Zoss. There will also be a Children's Fun Zone.
Downtown Miami
BAYFRONT PARK MIAMICelebrate the birth of the nation at America's Birthday Bash featuring a fireworks spectacular that can be seen from anywhere in the park plus food and beverages and a kids' zone; 3-9 p.m. Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; free admission. 305-358-7550.
Key Biscayne
July 4th parade on Key Biscayne featuring music, floats and fireworks. Parade begins along Crandon Boulevard at 11 a.m. and festivities conclude with fireworks at sunset. Village Green Park, 400 Crandon Blvd. Free.
Miami Beach
Bring beach chairs and towels and enjoy live music by Big Poppa E and the E Band and South Florida Jazz Orchestra accompanied by sultry songstress Nicole Henry. Shows start at 6:30 p.m. at Eighth St. and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach; free admission.
