Celebrate America’s 250th in Indian River County

There is something about the Fourth of July here that you can't get enough of. Maybe it's the way the fireworks reflect off the Indian River, or the smell of sunscreen and ocean air drifting through parade crowds, or the moment you realize your whole family is having fun at the same time. From Sebastian to Vero Beach, the whole county is decked out in red, white, and blue and ready to celebrate in the only way we know how, outdoors, together, with great food and the lagoon as the perfect backdrop.

The Main Events

Indian River County has a few distinctly wonderful Independence Day celebrations, one in the heart of historic Vero Beach, one in the charming waterfront city of Sebastian, and probably one of the most unique 4th of July celebrations located at the S.S Breconshire Wreck off the coast of Vero Beach. You truly can't go wrong with any option, but here's what each has in store.

Swim to the Wreck - The Original

Kick off your Fourth of July with one of the most unique holiday traditions on the Treasure Coast by swimming to the wreck. Every year, swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders gather at 8 AM at Sexton Plaza to make the quarter-mile trip out to the S.S Breconshire, a 300-foot British cargo steamer that struck a reef just off Vero Beach in 1894 and never left. There's nothing quite like floating above a 130-year-old shipwreck with a glass of champagne in hand as the sun rises on the Fourth of July. It's the kind of morning you find yourself telling people about for years.

The Breconshire sits in just 15 to 20 feet of water, and is located about 150 yards off the shoreline, close enough to reach by swim and shallow enough to explore with just a mask and snorkel. The hull has become a thriving reef alive with sea turtles, snapper, stingrays, and the occasional tarpon, and on the Fourth of July, an American flag flies from the bow, marking the spot. Not up for the swim? Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available through Paddles By The Sea and a few other local companies to get you out there in style.

Independence Day on the Indian River

This is Vero Beach's marquee Independence Day experience. The Morning kicks off with a beloved downtown parade and antique car show, filling 14th Avenue with patriotic floats, marching bands, and beautifully restored classic cars. From there, the party shifts to Riverside Park for a full afternoon of live music, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly contests, with the RipTide Band taking the stage at 6 PM as the evening heats up. The grand finale is a spectacular fireworks show taking off from Veterans Memorial Island, reflecting over the Indian River, one of the most scenic spots in all of Florida to watch the sky light up.

Sebastian's 55th Annual Freedom Festival

Sebastian knows how to throw a Fourth of July party; they've been doing it for 55 years. This beloved freedom festival is exactly the kind of all-day celebration that makes Sebastian such a special place to visit. It opens with a morning parade departing from Davis Street and Central Avenue, winding down Indian River Drive to Riverview Park with the river shimmering in the background. The festival runs all day with live music, craft and food vendors, games, a karaoke contest in the pavilion, and the kind of easy, joyful community vibe that makes Sebastian so special. Fireworks light up the Indian River Lagoon at 9 PM sharp.

Make It a Full Holiday Weekend

The Fourth of July is just the centerpiece. Indian River County in summer is bursting with ways to extend the fun before and after the big day. Here are some local experiences that turn a holiday into a real Indian River getaway.