2026 Sanford 4th of July Fireworks — Star Spangled Sanford

In the northeast part of Metro Orlando is Orlando’s other large fireworks show in Sanford, Florida that is called Star Spangled Sanford. Fireworks are launched over Lake Monroe from the marina in Downtown Sanford and can be seen all along the Lake Monroe Riverwalk and at Fort Mellon Park. The 2026 event runs Saturday, July 4 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (food vendors from 6:00 PM), with fireworks by Zambelli Fireworks at 9:15 PM synchronized to patriotic music. Festivities at Fort Mellon Park include cirque-style performers, an artisan marketplace, live music, K92.3 radio on-site, and a complimentary Ladies 327 Kids Zone. Free admission.

Click here for the official website.

For more detail, see our full Star Spangled Sanford guide on Orlando Local Guide.

Sanford Guide

Sanford’s historic downtown along First Street is one of Central Florida’s most underrated walkable areas — antique shops, local restaurants, craft breweries, and the Lake Monroe Riverwalk that becomes the main fireworks viewing corridor at 9:15 PM.

• Historic Downtown Sanford — First Street — The First Street corridor has a strong concentration of antique and vintage shops, local boutiques, and cafés within easy walking distance of each other. A morning or early afternoon browse here is one of the best ways to spend July 4th before the Riverwalk fills for the evening fireworks — and the scale is manageable compared to larger antique destinations like Mount Dora.
• Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café — A beloved German restaurant and Sanford institution on First Street, with authentic schnitzel, sauerbraten, and a lively biergarten atmosphere. A popular July 4th dinner destination — reservations strongly recommended. One of the most distinctive pre-fireworks dining experiences in the metro area.
• Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens — About five minutes from downtown Sanford, the Central Florida Zoo has 500+ animals on 116 acres, including a giraffe feeding experience, a splash ground, and a botanical garden. Open daily from 9:00 AM — a solid morning destination for families before heading downtown for the afternoon and evening events.
• Lake Monroe Riverwalk — The lakefront Riverwalk connects Fort Mellon Park to the marina and historic downtown, and it’s the prime fireworks viewing corridor for Star Spangled Sanford. Walk it in the afternoon to find your spot before the 7:00 PM festivities begin — the Riverwalk fills up well before the 9:15 PM fireworks launch.
• Sanford Brewing Company — A craft brewery in a restored historic building on First Street with a full lineup of craft beers and a kitchen serving pub food. A good afternoon stop between exploring the antique district and heading to the Riverwalk for the evening event.

Sanford Fireworks Video

Fort Mellon Park 4th of July Activities Video

Sanford Fireworks Map (Click on Map for Directions)