Fourth on Flagler goes big for America’s 250th

Fireworks light up the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront during last year's Fourth on Flagler celebration. [Photo by the City of West Palm Beach]

West Palm Beach's signature Independence Day celebration, Fourth on Flagler, returns for its 38th year this week under the new theme, "One Epic Fourth on Flagler," bringing an expanded patriotic experience featuring fireworks, live music and a new laser light show. 

Community Events Manager Angela Poco says this year’s celebration carries added meaning as the nation marks its 250th anniversary. 

“This is our 38th Fourth on Flagler, which we’re super-excited about,” Poco says.

“But to be part of something even bigger — 250 years as a country — is just incredible. So for us, we felt we had to elevate the experience a little bit.” 

Friends show off their patriotic spirit during last year's Fourth on Flagler celebration along the West Palm Beach waterfront. [Photo by the City of West Palm Beach]

The free event typically draws 75,000 to 100,000 people to the West Palm Beach waterfront. The major addition this year to the nighttime spectacle is a laser show synchronized with the fireworks. 

Fireworks will be launched from two barges instead of one, and lasers will be projected from four locations. Organizers say the goal is to create a more immersive, multidirectional experience. 

“You have 18 minutes of head turning, wanting to just see what’s happening next,” Poco says. “It’s going to be incredible — epic, epic.” 

A spectacular fireworks display caps last year's Fourth on Flagler celebration along the West Palm Beach waterfront. [Photo by the City of West Palm Beach]

Organizers opted for lasers instead of a drone show because of visibility concerns and the waterfront environment. The lasers will move across smoke-filled skies at multiple angles, creating what Poco describes as a layered, three-dimensional effect. 

“You will actually see a circumference of where those lasers are going through,” she says, “so you’re really getting a three-dimensional or four-dimensional view.” 

Live entertainment was a highlight of last year's Fourth on Flagler celebration along the West Palm Beach waterfront. [Photo by the City of West Palm Beach]

In addition to the main show, Fourth on Flagler will feature multiple entertainment zones from North Clematis to Fern Street. Families can expect three stages of programming offering live music, a patriotic theatrical ceremony and interactive children’s activities.

The children’s area will include bounce houses, face painting and rides, accessible with a $5 wristband.

“We’ve got a DJ that plays live from there as well,” Poco says. “Parents love it, and we want to keep entertainment going in there too.” 

A country-themed area will feature line-dancing lessons, a mechanical bull and photo opportunities. 

Fireworks burst over the Intracoastal Waterway during last year's Fourth on Flagler. [Photo by the City of West Palm Beach]

Poco says the event is designed to be inclusive and spread out, allowing attendees to enjoy the festivities without overcrowding. 

A patriotic ceremony will feature figures such as Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam and George Washington, along with swing dancers inspired by World War II-era USO entertainment. 

Organizers encourage residents to take advantage of broadcast coverage if they can’t be there in person. WPBF Channel 25 will air a special segment of the celebration, and radio broadcasts will sync with the fireworks soundtrack. 

“If you can’t get out to see the fireworks, you can tune in live and never miss it at all,” Poco says. “They can still be part of Fourth on Flagler.”

The planning for the semiquincentennial celebration began in January. The goal, Poco says, is to create a shared community experience rooted in patriotism, reflection and connection. 

“I hope that people walk away feeling like they had a day that they could reflect,” she says. “It’s about feeling like we’re all united in the same space.” 

Fourth on Flagler will take place Saturday, July 4, from 5 to 10 p.m., rain or shine, along the West Palm Beach waterfront. The event is free and open to all, with optional $5 wristbands for children’s activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring sunscreen and leave coolers at home. 

For more information about the Fourth on Flagler festivities, visit www.wpb.org.