Enjoy Big Celebrations Across Vero Beach in July

VBMA Children’s Activities

If you’re trying to keep little ones occupied this summer, you’ll find plenty to do at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Every Wednesday, Museum Stories takes place in the Art Zone: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. for babies 2 years old and under, and 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for children aged 2 to 4. They’ll enjoy stories, songs, dancing, and creating art. On the first Tuesday of the month, July 7, Museum Babies & Toddlers is a chance to view art, explore various sensory experiences, and enjoy playful learning in the galleries from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Preregistration is required for both of these programs, which cost $5 per family and are free for VBMA members. On Free Admission Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., all ages are welcome on a free, drop-in basis for themed, docent-lead mini-tours of the exhibitions followed by a related art project in the museum’s educational studios. For more information, call 772-231-0707, ext. 116 or see vbmuseum.org.

250th Birthday

The City of Vero Beach is planning an all-out, all-American Fourth of July celebration for our nation’s 250th birthday! The parade will roll down 14th Avenue from 10 a.m. to noon, and the American Antique Car Association will be displaying some of Detroit’s finest at the old railroad station. The festivities will move to Riverside Park for the evening, with food trucks and children’s activities, including bounce houses, beginning at 4 p.m. At 4:30, the “Respect to Colors” ceremony will honor our veterans. The band Riptide will kick off at 6 p.m. Throughout the evening, prizes will be awarded to the winners of pie-eating, hot dog–eating, and Hula-Hoop contests. The celebration will wrap up with the spectacular fireworks at 9 p.m. For more information, check covb.org or call 772-978-5151. Come on out, because we’re only 250 once!

Swim to the Wreck

This event has become an integral part of our local Fourth of July celebrations. All are invited to gather at Sexton Plaza with their inner tubes, flippers, paddleboards, snorkels, kayaks, and/or pool noodles for the annual quarter-mile journey out to the American flag marking the wreck of the SS Breconshire, where many revelers enjoy a sip of champagne. The British cargo ship went down in 1894 after striking the reef. All hands made it safely to shore, so we needn’t feel guilty frolicking above the remains of their ship—though the captain did have some explaining to do upon his return to London. The “official” start time is 8 a.m., but some people arrive in time to catch a breathtaking sunrise.

Community Days

In honor of the centennial of its founding, McKee Botanical Garden is thanking the local community by offering $5 admission for Indian River County residents on four weekends in 2026. July 18–19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., $5 (ID required)

Frozen Kids

Despite its title, this event does not involve cold children! It is the youngest iteration of the stage version of the Disney film. This Riverside Theatre show is performed by actors aged 6 to 11, so audience members may well be enjoying performances by youngsters in their debut show. The 30-minute length is perfect for little attention spans. July 22–25; Wednesday–Thursday 1 and 7 p.m., Friday–Saturday 1 p.m.; $5

Youth Circus

Young gymnasts who have been honing their skills at the Centerstage Acrobatic Complex are looking forward to the annual Aerial Antics Youth Circus on July 30. This year’s theme is “2016 Takeover,” so they will be harking back 10 years and performing to songs from 2016. Also July 31 and August 1; 7 p.m.; $8 adults, $7 children and seniors, free for children under 5

Ongoing Events

Through July 31

Turtle Walks & Digs

July is the only month during which both turtle walks and digs are available, so use the information below to find out everything you need to know to get in on the action.

Coastal Connections at Costa d’Este (3244 Ocean Drive); Sebastian Inlet State Park at Sebastian Fishing Museum (14251 Hwy. A1A)

Recurring Events

Every Saturday: Farmers Market

Browse produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, and more at the Vero Beach Farmers Market, at the corner of Ocean Drive and Dahlia Lane. 8 a.m.–noon

Every First Friday: First Friday Gallery Stroll

Enjoy a summer stroll through downtown, meeting artists and friends as you visit the art galleries, restaurants, and cafés along 14th Avenue. July 3 and August 7, 5–8 p.m.

Every Second Saturday: VBMA Free Admission

On the second Saturday of each month, the museum offers free admission. July 11, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Every Third Friday: Art Alley Walk

Several galleries in the 900 Building behind Chili’s, representing multiple artists, host a monthly art walk with food, drink, and sometimes live music. July 17, 5–8 p.m.