The Fourth of July and the days that follow bring a wide spectrum of festivities, cultural experiences, and family-friendly events to Vero Beach and surrounding areas, starting with a sunrise tradition in the water and ending with artistic enrichment through music and dance.
The annual Independence Day Swim to the Wreck begins at 7 a.m. Friday, July 4. The three-hour event gets participants to swim, paddle or kayak a quarter mile from the beach near Costa d’Este to the historic Breconshire Shipwreck. This community tradition is open to all, requiring no registration — just a willingness to show up and take part. Following the morning exertion, the Swim to the Wreck After Party serves up specialty beverages and snacks will be available for purchase on the beach, giving participants a well-deserved reward for their effort. Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is at 3244 Ocean Dr., Vero Beach. Call 772-562-9919 or visit Costadeste.com.
The City of Sebastian’s Freedom Festival starts at 8:30 a.m. July 4. Presented in collaboration with the Lions Club and Sebastian Masonic Lodge, the day-long patriotic celebration begins with an 8:30 a.m. parade through town, followed by a full-day festival at Riverview Park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. With local vendors, live entertainment, family activities and food offerings throughout the day, the event culminates with a vibrant 9 p.m. fireworks show over the water. Riverview Park is at U.S. 1 and County Road 512. For more information, visit SebastianChamber.com.
Riverside Park will be the site of Independence Day on the Indian River starting 5 p.m. July 4. Expect a spirited community gathering featuring bounce houses for kids, a range of food trucks, and beer and wine for adults. Live music by Johnny & the Blaze begins at 6 p.m., building energy toward the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing evening on the grass under the stars. Riverside Park is at 3001 Riverside Park Dr., Vero Beach. For more information visit VeroBeach.com.
The Vero Beach Book Center will help the little ones celebrate with a “Bubble Wrap Explosion” starting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 5. This delightfully unconventional event invites children of all ages to stomp, pop and revel in the excitement of a storewide bubble wrap celebration, and has become a beloved tradition for local families. No registration is needed, just enthusiasm. After the popping frenzy, children are invited to create American flag crafts, keeping the festive spirit alive a little longer. The Vero Beach Book Center is at 392 21st St. Call 772-569-2050 or visit VeroBeachBookCenter.com.
Mike Block String Camp runs July 7-12. The annual event brings together musicians from across the country for a weeklong deep dive into musical creativity and collaboration. Held at the First Presbyterian Church at 520 Royal Palm Blvd. in Vero Beach, the camp welcomes string players of all ages and skill levels. Unlike a classical conservatory setting, this camp emphasizes non-Classical traditions, encouraging students to learn by ear, experiment with improvisation, and work closely with faculty in small group bands. Each band prepares music throughout the week to be showcased in public performances. Tuition is $650, with an optional $200 food plan. Lodging is handled separately, and enrollment is capped at around 100 participants. The experience is designed to be immersive, collaborative and fun, giving students a taste of real-world musicianship in an encouraging environment. The Faculty Performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9. The students’ Culminating Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Tickets for each are a $25 suggested donation benefiting the camp’s scholarship fund. For more information, visit MikeBlockStringCamp.com.
