Independence Day Weekend 2022: Forgotten Coast Festivities

If you plan to be on the Forgotten Coast this Independence Day weekend, you are in for loads of fun and lots of opportunities to celebrate across Franklin County! We’ve put together a list of need-to-know information to assist you in an exciting and safe celebration weekend.

Friday, July 1 – Eastpoint

The Eastpoint Civic Association will host the inaugural Freedom Festival with a firework display over the bay at dark-thirty.

Saturday, July 2 – Carrabelle

Join in on the second annual “Unofficial” cart/bike/scooter parade. Line up begins at 5 pm. Decorate your “vehicle” and celebrate! The night’s finale features fireworks along the riverfront at dark-thirty, provided by the City of Carrabelle.

Sunday, July 3 – Apalachicola

The 18th annual Red, White, and Blue parade sponsored by Franklin’s Promise Coalition and the Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast begins at 6:30 pm at Lafayette Park. Streamers, decorations, and placards for participants to display the name of a veteran they would like to honor are provided. The parade ends at Riverfront Park, just in time for Apalachicola Main Street’s Independence Eve Celebration. You can enjoy live music, food trucks, a veterans’ tribute, and a performance of the National Anthem. You’ll want to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on to watch the fireworks display.

Monday, July 4 – St. George Island

Cool off in the St. George Island Business Association’s Wet and Wild Golf Cart Parade. Enter your boat, golf cart, or bicycle, and be prepared to get wet! Line up begins at 10:30 am. End the day with a stunning firework display on the beach in front of the Blue Parrot. Keep in mind that you can see the fireworks for miles down the beach if you don’t want to huddle close.

More Things to Do on the Forgotten Coast this Weekend

Live Music – Check our events calendar for a live music schedule. Most of our outdoor restaurants and bars will be featuring live music all weekend, and all of our bars and restaurants will be lively and full this weekend. Like the rest of the country, we are experiencing an overall shortage of restaurant staff. Please be kind and generous to those choosing to work this busy holiday weekend.

Beach, Beach, Beach – If you are wondering about specific rules for the beach, here they are. Remember, this is one of the busiest weekends of the summer. Please follow our laws, and we can all safely and happily co-exist on the beaches.

• Follow the beach safety flag warnings—do not swim with red or double red flags.
• Regarding parking, make sure you are not parked in front of someone’s home or private property. You must park in a designated parking area only.
• Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• You will be expected to pack in and pack out. Franklin County strictly enforces the Leave No Trace ordinance.

There is no better place to be for summer’s biggest holiday than on the Forgotten Coast. Ready to plan your Franklin County getaway? Book your trip today!