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FOURTH FEST 2026

Laishley Park, Punta Gorda

FOURTH FEST In LAISHLEY PARK, Punta Gorda’s Annual Independence Celebration, is scheduled to take place Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Laishley Park,
Punta Gorda. This year we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday!

Fourth-Fest is a celebration of the 250th Birthday of the United States with nonstop entertainment for the entire family. This year’s event features The United Way Kid’s Fun Zone! A large variety of family fun with slides, giant game inflatables, a foam carwash, bubble station, face painting and more. All sponsored by United Way with plenty to keep the young ones excited throughout the day and evening! (There will be no continuous running waterslides due to water restrictions in place.)

Vendors, displays, and unique shopping opportunities await as the park will be filled with booths just waiting for attendees to visit. There will also be plenty of fun festival food, cold beer, and beverages with live music throughout the day.

What would an Independence celebration be without fireworks? This year’s fireworks display is sure not to disappoint with what organizers are calling the most spectacular fireworks display in the event’s history scheduled to kick off at 9:00pm lighting up the sky over the Peace River. The fireworks will be launched from twin barges located in front of Laishley Park! In all, it is sure to be an enjoyable day to remember for the entire family.

  • Gates open at 3:00pm for Fourth Fest 2026 on Saturday, July 4th.
  • For 2026 there will be FREE GENERAL ADMISSION.
  • (Donations are appreciated at the gate – 100% of donations go towards the fireworks fund)
  • Preferred Seating Area & VIP Tickets are also available.

Kids Zone Sponsored by United Way

FOURTH FEST

Gates open 3pm

FOURTH FEST EVENT SCHEDULE

Time Event
3:00 pmGates Open, Food and Beverage available, Kids Area Open, Shopping Area Open
4:30 pmKid's Watermelon Contests presented by The Desoto Watermelon Associationwatermelon eating contest
5:30 pmNashville Singer/Songwriter - Jason BrownieJason Brownie
7:00 pmNational Anthem & Color Guard
7:15 pmThe Mike Riley Community award presented by Smugglers Foundation
7:30 pmClearwater Records Recording artists - CountyWide Band from KentuckyCountry Wide Band
9:00 pmFIREWORKS OVER THE PEACE RIVER!!!
9:30 pmEvent Ends

Location Information

Address

Laishley Park, 150 Laishley Ct., Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Gates Open

3 pm -10 pm

Admission

General admission is FREE for 2026! We appreciate donations to help offset the expense of the fireworks, which are entirely funded by public donations and sponsorships. Limited VIP tickets available.

DONATIONS NEEDED!

Please help support this community event by making a donation online or by mail to The Punta Gorda Fireworks Fund. The fireworks are 100% funded by sponsors and donations. No municipal funds are used.