This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Communities across the nation are celebrating year-round. Here is a list of upcoming events that are happening in Northwest Florida. This list will continue to be updated. Want to submit an event? Email news@wuwf.org.
Road to Revolution: Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the American War for Independence
This new permanent exhibit at the Pensacola Museum of History tells the story of how Pensacola played a part in the founding of America. For more information, click here.
June 12
History Sandwiched In – Drafting the Declaration
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso, will host this afternoon lecture with local historian Dr. Marie Hallion. Hallion will discuss how the Declaration of Independence came to be. This event is 12 p.m. Friday, June 12. Admission is free.
June 12
Patriotic Drone Show
Watch a patriotic drone show at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd., 6-10 p.m. with a community tailgate at Freedom Tech Center/Fairgrounds for the show.
Choctawhatchee Daughters of the Revolution Gala
The DAR gala will be held following the drone show on June 12 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center, 1958 Lewis Turner Blvd. Details at cbcdar.com.
June 13
Honor H.E.R. Foundation Announces 'We See You' Photo Exhibit
In celebration of 250 years of American independence, the Honor H.E.R. Foundation will unveil “We See You” Photo Exhibit on June 13 at the Pensacola VET Center, located at 4918 Mobile Hwy. This year’s reveal introduces 16 new portraits, each capturing the personality and resilience of women beyond the uniform. A reception will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 13.
June 13
Republican Club of Okaloosa County to Host “Grand Old Celebration” Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary
The Republican Club of Okaloosa County (RCOC) will host the Grand Old Celebration from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, June 13 at the Fort Walton Beach Landing, located at 139 SE Brooks Street in Fort Walton Beach. There will be food trucks, voter registration opportunities, meet-and-greets with candidates and more.
June 15
Lunch and Learn with Dr. Chris Levesque: The American Revolution as a Continuation of the English Civil War
This lecture will take place 12 p.m. Monday, June 15 at Pensacola State College (Pensacola campus), 1000 College Blvd., in Building 4 Room 401.
June 16-18
Pensacola State College student engagement will host patriotic events with trivia, crafts, and red, white, and blue popsicles. Dates and times include: 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 at the Milton campus outside of Building 4200, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 at the Pensacola Campus outside of Building 5, and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, June 18 at the Warrington Campus outside of Building 3600.
June 28
In God We Trust: A Community Celebration of Faith and Freedom
First Baptist Church Crestview, located at 171 Hickory Ave., will host a 250th celebration at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 28, with a 70-plus voice community choir, combined children’s choir, color guard, and video accompaniment. Admission is free.
June 30
America 250: The American Revolution Screening Reel
The Gulf Breeze Library, located at 1060 Shoreline Dr., will host a screening of part of the Ken Burns documentary "The American Revolution" 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 30. This screening will feature “Military History,” a selected clip reel with excerpts that explore the people, events, ideas, and lasting impact of America’s fight for independence.
June 30
America 250 Family Craft
The Milton Library, located at 5541 Alabama St., will host an Independence Day family craft 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 30.
July 3
Niceville Exchange Club America 250 Flag Display
The Niceville Exchange Club will display 250 flags at the Air Force Armament Museum from July 3-11, 2026. Opening ceremony for the field is planned for July 3 at 9:30 a.m.
July 4
Symphony Sparks & Stars
It's the 10th Anniversary of the Symphony Sparks & Stars concert and America's 250th birthday. Enjoy a free night out with your family, featuring live patriotic music and a waterfront fireworks show at the Hunter Amphitheater in downtown Pensacola. Tickets and details available here.
July 4
Milton Riverfest
Milton's Fourth of July celebration will be 3-9 p.m. at 5158 Willing St. in downtown Milton with food trucks, live music, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
July 4
Navarre Fireworks
A fireworks show will launch near the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier at 9 p.m.
July 4
Fort Walton Beach Fireworks
The City of Fort Walton Beach will host a Fourth of July celebration with live music and fireworks 5-9 p.m. at The Landing, 131 Brooks St. SE.
July 4
Freedom Festival
Fort Walton Beach First United Methodist Church, located at103 First Street SE, will host at Fourth of July celebration with a clear view of City of Fort Walton Beach Fireworks show 6-9 p.m.
November 11
Veterans Day Programs
Okaloosa County will hold its Veterans Day program at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island, 1250 Miracle Strip Pkwy. From 9-11 a.m. A Veterans Day Parade will be at 1 p.m. in Mary Esther. In Pensacola, a Veterans Day ceremony will take place at the Veterans Memorial Park, 200 S. 10th Ave. Parades will take place in downtown Pensacola and on Pensacola Beach.
Previous events:
March 5
Rome in Philadelphia: Polybius and the Roman Republic at the American Founding
Dr. Carl E. “Tripp” Young III will explore how the political thought of Ancient Rome influenced the ideas and institutions of the American Founding. This lecture is 12 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at the UWF Auditorium in the University Commons, 11000 University Pkwy. All are welcome. Register here to attend in person. Sign up for the Zoom link here.
March 7
“Cleanest City on the Emerald Coast” Neighborhood Cleanup
As part of Keep America Beautiful’s Greatest American Cleanup, the City of Fort Walton Beach will have a neighborhood cleanup on First Street. Volunteers will meet up at 8 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 134 Beal Pkwy. Buckets, gloves, and trash pickers will be available. For questions, call Devon Ravine at (850) 586-7855.
March 11
Rights, Responsibilities, and the Social Contract
Pensacola State College will host a faculty panel in honor of America’s 250th 2 p.m. March 11 on the Pensacola Campus, 1000 College Blvd. Bldg. 4 Rm. 401.
March 21
United for a Good Cause: America250! International Festival
Visit The Landing, 139 SE Brooks St. in Fort Walton Beach for a day celebrating the rich culture of America with more than 60 nations represented through music, food, art, and folklore. Event is 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, March 21.
March 23-26
My American Dream Flag Project
Mobile poetry stations will be set up around the Pensacola State College Campus from March 23-26 for students to write their own original poetry on their dreams for the country. The poems will be written on cloth flags to be displayed outside the Chadbourne Library. Stations will be set up at Bldg. 4 from March 24-26 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Bldg. 15 March 23 from 9-11 a.m., Bldg. 14 March 23 from 9-11 a.m., Bldg. 10 March 24 from 9-11 a.m. and Bldg. 1 March 25 from 9-11 a.m.
March 26
Lunch and Learn with Dr. Tom Barber: The Revolutionary War in the South
Dr. Tom Barber will present an informal history lecture 12 p.m. March 26 in Bldg. 4 Room 401 on the Pensacola Campus, 1000 College Blvd. Lunch is provided for students.
March 27
Flag Raising at PSC Milton Campus
A patriotic flag raising event will take place 7:45 a.m. March 27 at the Milton Campus flag pole. Located at 5988 US-90.
March 30
89th Annual Dinner with Margo StringfieldPensacola and The American Revolution: A 1776 Sampler
Join the UWF Historic Trust as we welcome back Margo Stringfield to present, Pensacola and the American Revolution: A 1776 Sampler, at our 89th Annual Dinner on Monday, March 30 at the Museum of Commerce, 201 Zaragoza St. The dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. March 30. Tickets are $45-$50. Purchase tickets here.
April 14
Duty Before Glory: Washington's Enduring Legacy of Leadership
Join UWF Librarian Travis Souther for a compelling discussion exploring the life and influence of America's first president, George Washington 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14 at the John C. Pace Library, Multipurpose Room (215) on the UWF Pensacola campus. This event dives into the core principles and character traits that forged his extraordinary leadership, and that still inspire others today. All are welcome to attend.
April 16
Land of Hope
Save the date for a lecture featuring Dr. Bill McClay, author of the textbook, "Land of Hope" 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16 in the Multipurpose Room, Usha Kundu College of Health, Darrell Gooden Center at UWF's Pensacola Campus. The event is open to the public. Register here.
April 17
Bernardo de Gálvez and Spain's Role in the American Revolution
Join the President's Office and the UWF Historic Trust for a lecture featuring Dr. Gonzalo M. Quintero Saravia, noted author and Galvez historian. Dr. Galvez will explore Bernardo de Galvez's leadership and Spain's decisive role in the Battle of Pensacola during the American Revolution. Event is 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Friday, April 17 at Old Christ Church, 405 S. Adams St. All are welcome, but please register to attend in person.
May 9
Patriots Day Parade in Crestview
The grand parade is 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9 in downtown Crestview with celebrations continuing after the parade with food trucks, vendors, performers, and more.