Blasting off in July!
Jun 29, 2026 08:00AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan
Celebrate with a Blast!
This is the 250th year of the birth of the nation, and Downtown Fort Myers is going to celebrate in a big way on the 4th of July and throughout the weekend.
Lisa Sbuttoni, president & CEO, River District Alliance, explains just how: “The annual Freedom Fest and Independence Day Celebration starts Friday night on July 3 with the monthly Art Walk event from 5 to 9 pm; featuring Americana Arts and Crafts; a free concert at Caloosa Sound Amphitheater with the local School of Rock students opening for two national tribute bands.”
The tribute bands include Listen to her Heart: The Tom Petty Experience and To the Limit: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute. And the fun doesn’t end there because on Saturday night, July 4, the celebrations begin again at 7 pm with an All Veteran’s Memorial dedication in Centennial Park, followed by an opening ceremony. Then, at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater, the ever-fabulous Deb & the Dynamics take the stage from 7:30 pm to 9:15. Right after, get ready for a fireworks and drone show over the Caloosahatchee River! (Times may vary due to weather and wind conditions). Families will find plenty of fun, food trucks, and entertainment over the 4th of July weekend! Find out more at myriverdistrict.com.
“The Mayor of Fort Myers, Kevin Anderson, the Mayor’s America 250 Celebration Committee, the River District Alliance, city staff and community members have been working together for months to bring the best celebration of America to our downtown for tens of thousands to celebrate,” adds Sbuttoni.
Cool off with a Blast!
July is a great time to cool down from the summer heat with splash pads and swimming pools. Veterans Park and Recreation Center offers a splash pad, and the splash pad at Lakes Park in Fort Myers is set to reopen this summer. Splashpads offer the little ones the opportunity to enjoy interactive water play all in a zero-depth environment for plenty of cool, blasting fun.
In addition to splash pads, Lee County Parks & Recreation offers various public swimming pools that are great for the whole family. The pools include:
- Lehigh Acres Community Pool, 1400 W. 5th Street, 239-369-8277
- North Fort Myers Community Pool: 5170 Orange Grove Blvd, North Fort Myers, 239-652-4520
- Pine Island Community Pool: 5675 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia, 239- 283-2220
- San Carlos Community Pool: 8208 Sanibel Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-267-6002
- Tice Community Pool: 4515 Glenwood Ave., Fort Myers, 239-533-7476.
So, get out and have a blast with some summer fun!
