Your guide to celebrating the Fourth of July in Polk County

The countdown to the Fourth of July marking America's 250th birthday is on.

The celebrations kick off July 1 with a unique event to mark Polk's heritage as the Polk County Cattlemen's Association holds a drive and Cow Camp rededication at Circle B Bar Reserve.

For those who prefer a slice of Americana, there are two days of fireworks, baseball, live music and special celebrations and more on July 3 and 4.

Here's the comprehensive list The Ledger has compiled sorted by date and city, to help you find a way to celebrate the Fourth of July like never before:

Celebrating America's 250th

Mark America's 250th by celebrating a part of Polk County's ranching heritage that shaped the region. The Polk County Cattlemen's Association and Polk County staff will host a special cattle drive and Cow Camp rededication ceremony starting 9 a.m. July 1 at Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland. It's a free, family-friendly event.

"Florida has one of the longest histories of ranching in the United States, and with this event we're able to celebrate the connection between that early way of life and preservation of our natural lands," said Tabitha Biehl, Polk's parks and natural resources director.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. to secure parking and a viewing location before road closures take effect. Access to the park via Discovery Drive and Windmill Whisper will be limited from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. After the cattle drive, Mason Gravley, host of "Florida Uncut" will host a live podcast panel and there will be cattle-themed Nature Fun Day activities until 1 p.m.

• Plan to attend, register in advance on Eventbrite
• Map of Circle B Bar Reserve

Fourth of July celebrations in Polk (for free)

July 3

LAKELAND

Celebrate America's 250th in Downtown Lakeland as the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority hosts as special Picnic in the Park at Lake Mirror from 6 to 9 p.m. It's everything you've come to love about Lakeland's First Fridays - local vendors, great food, live music - on one of Lakeland's biggest nights of the year. Swansemble will bring patriotic sounds of big band swing and jazz to Munn Park as part of the celebration.

LAKELAND

The T. Mims Corp. sponsors Lakeland's annual 2026 Red, White and Kaboom Independence Celebration on July 3 from 6 to 9:15 p.m. Musical group Bully For You will perform live. Fireworks go off over Lake Mirror at 9 p.m. Guests are asked to bring canned and non-perishable food items for the nonprofit Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, known as VISTE.

• Navigate like a pro for road closures, bathrooms: Event Map
• Outside food and beverages welcome, no grills or glass containers
• Handheld umbrellas allowed in case of rain, no tents, pop-ups or beach umbrellas
• Pets must be on a leash at all times
• No personal fireworks allowed, this ban includes sparklers

WINTER HAVEN

There's nothing like a party on the water as Winter Haven's 2026 Rockin' Freedom Fest will be held July 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 275 S. Lake Silver Drive. The celebration features a show from the Cypress Gardens Ski team, music by Bay Kings Band, food trucks and more. Fireworks at sunset. Attendees should bring towels or chairs to sit on.

July 4

DAVENPORT

Davenport will throw a Fourth of July celebration on July 4, starting at 4 p.m. at the Lewis Matthews Sports Complex, 400 E. Palm St. A ribbon cutting for the complex will be held to celebrate the new complex at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m. There will be live music from the Josh Blevins band with a kid zone and more. No personal fireworks are allowed, but attendees are advised to bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.

DUNDEE

The Town of Dundee will celebrate America's 250th starting at 5 p.m. July 4 at Dundee Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Blvd. Parking opens at 4 p.m. as the event will feature live music, games, bounce houses, food and vendors. Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

FORT MEADE

The Historical Society of Fort Meade presents the Fourth of July, Celebrating American's 250th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There's a presentation of colors, live reading of the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence, Mr. & Miss Firecracker pageant and a tribute to American Heroes at 11:30 a.m The event will be held at the museum, 1 N. Tecumseh Ave.

FROSTPROOF

Join the City of Frostproof for Lights on the Lake starting 10 a.m. July 4 with a performance of the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team on Lake Clinch. The evening festivities start at 6 p.m. with live music from Outta Hand Band from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. including a Toby Keith Tribute, food trucks and fireworks over the lake. HAINES CITY

Celebrate Independence day with Thunder on the Ridge at Haines City's Lake Eva Park, 555 Ledwith Ave., starting at 4 p.m. July 4. The event features live music, vendors and food trucks, a beer garden, kids activities and more. Fireworks are at 9 p.m. Attendees are advised to bring blankets or chairs.

LAKE WALES

It's time to get Rockin' on the Ridge at Lake Wales' annual Fourth of July event from 3 to 9 p.m. at Lake Wailes Park, 33 N Lake Shore Blvd. The celebration features a watermelon eating contest, best dressed (most patriotic) contest, train rides, stilt walkers, live music, food trucks and games sponsored by AdventHealth.

Ticketed Fourth of July celebrations

LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS

The Lakeland Flying Tigers will host a 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd. on July 4. Gates open at 4 p.m. with game against the Palm Beach Cardinals at 5 p.m. Fireworks to follow the game. Tickets are available online at mlb.tickets.com starting at $13.

LEGOLAND FLORIDA

Legoland Florida in Winter Haven will hold a Red, White & Boom in July featuring extended park hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., a DJ dance party and a 9 p.m. firework show that includes 3D Lego bricks. All special activities are included with the purchase of park admission.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Your guide to celebrating the Fourth of July in Polk County

Reporting by Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 10:41 AM.