SEBASTIAN — The city of Sebastian will host its annual Fourth of July Freedom Festival on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 9:45 p.m. at Riverview Park.
The Sebastian Lions Club, Sebastian Masonic Lodge #232, and the City of Sebastian are hosting the event, which promises patriotic pride, family-friendly fun, and cherished community traditions.
Schedule
- 8:30 am – 9:30 am Parade starts near the Community Center at Davis Street and Central Avenue. It proceeds down Indian River Drive to the park.
- 10:00 am – TBD: Opening Ceremony on the Band stage
- 10:00 am – 8:00 pm: Beer sales at the beer concession.
- 10:00 am – 11:00 am: Flag Relay (ages 3-6 teams of 2-4) Hula hoop contest.
- 11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Johnny and the Blaze perform.
- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Hot Potato Race & Ballon Toss (All ages welcome)
- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Kids Karaoke at the large pavilion (singers must be signed in by 1:45 pm)
- 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Watermelon Eating Contest (All ages welcome)
- 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm:Adult Karaoke (16 and up) contest held in the pavilion with Russ Gagnor – 1st place $50; second place receives $20 (Singers must be signed in by 2:45 pm)
- 4:00 pm – TBD: Chemistry The Ultimate 80’s Music Experience.
- 9:00 pm – TBD: Fireworks
Apply to Be in the Parade
Anyone interested in participating in the parade should complete this application and hold harmless agreement no later than June 29, 2026. Applications will be automatically submitted to the City of Sebastian for final review and approval.
Those who print the application should submit a copy to rpaul@cityofsebastian.org or bring it in person to City Hall. Participants should also bring a copy to the parade.
Tips for Enjoying Sebastian’s 4th of July Freedom Festival
Arrival and Parking
- Arrive early, especially if you want a good spot for the parade or to set up near the main activities. Parking lots will fill quickly.
- Be patient in the parking areas and do not block other vehicles. Organizers expect heavy traffic.
Traffic and Travel
- Use extra caution around U.S. 1 and S.R. 512. Large crowds will be walking and driving throughout the day.
- Give yourself plenty of extra time to reach the park and to leave after the fireworks.
What to Bring
- Plenty of water — stay hydrated in the Florida heat.
- Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and cooling fans.
- Lawn chairs or blankets for the music performances and fireworks viewing.
- Cash for water, food, beer, and other vendors.
Love of Paws
Love of Paws will be collecting cans and bags of dog and cat food along the parade route for its food pantry. They provide more than 10,000 pounds of free pet food each month to senior citizens and others in need by distributing it to local food banks and making home deliveries.
For more information on Love of Paws programs, go to www.pawsmealsonwheels.org or call (772)539-2417.
The free, family-friendly event offers residents and visitors a full day of patriotic celebrations in the heart of Sebastian. Organizers encourage everyone to arrive early, follow safety tips, stay hydrated in the heat, and enjoy the community traditions that make this annual festival special.
