Fireworks Over the Matanzas: This classic show starts at 6 p.m. with the All-Star Orchestra performing in the gazebo in the Plaza de la Constitución. It’s a two-hour show with big band, swing hits and patriotic favorites. Bring a chair, nonalcoholic beverages and a picnic basket — or check out one of the local restaurants.
St. Augustine’s fireworks show: This spectacular display begins at 9:30 p.m. Fireworks are shot off a barge anchored in the Intracoastal Waterway. The fireworks can be viewed from downtown St. Augustine, the Bridge of Lions, the Davis Shores neighborhood and Vilano Beach. It is suggested you arrive early to find parking and a seat.
Music and dancing: Oakfest begins Monday at the Colonial Oak Music Park on St. George Street. Local artists perform from 5 to 8 p.m. Then, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Chillula, a popular local dance band, performs at the Colonial Oak Music Park. The music is a blend of R&B, funk, hip- hop, soul, rock, reggae and jazz. Music pauses at 9:30 p.m. so everyone can enjoy the fireworks. Chillula returns to the stage to close out the evening with more dance hits. This is a free event.
Beach shuttles: St. Johns County offers two free beach shuttles to help reduce congestion and make travel to the beach safe and convenient. The St. Johns County Ocean and Fishing Pier shuttle picks-up beachgoers at the St. Augustine Beach City Hall, 2200 A1A South, and drops-off at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. The second covers northern St. Johns County, departing from Cornerstone Park, 1046 A1A North, for Mickler’s Landing. Both shuttles run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Saturday, July 1, and running through Tuesday, July 4.
Beach driving: Those wanting to drive and park on the beach may do so from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in permitted areas. Drivers must stay in the designated lanes and be attentive to pedestrians and beach-goers. Driving conditions on the beach can change multiple times each day. Follow the St. Johns County-area beaches on Facebook and Twitter @SJCBeaches, downloading the Reach the Beach mobile app, or checking the St. Johns County Beach Services website for the most up-to-date driving and weather conditions.
Independence Night Paddle: Guana Lake’s bioluminescence is an unusual phenomenon, viewable nightly, thanks to the protection of the dam. A large population of comb jellies create sparkling lights and whirling orbs in the water. Both sit-inside and sit-on-top kayaks are available for single and tandem paddlers. The tour will explore the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve where the group will experience a stunning sunset, ethereal bioluminescence and the fireworks show, seen from a marsh cove. Excursions launch at 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for two to two-and-a-half hours. Rates begin at $60 per person.
Painting with a Twist in Ponte Vedra is offering a cool way to kick off the holiday with their Blacklight Night! Their studio has a full suite of black lights that make glow and neon paints come alive. Be sure to wear your brightest neon outfits. Participants can enjoy a traditional painting or add on a DIY candle. Arrive early to get a drink and get smocked up. Blacklight Night is from 4 to 6 p.m. and begins at $42 per person.
