Skies above Port Canaveral will light up with color and sound on Sunday, July 2nd for the annual “Smoke on the Water & Fire in the Sky” fireworks celebration being hosted by the Cove Merchants Association at Port Canaveral and the Canaveral Port Authority. The festivities begin at 5:00 PM and the fireworks will launch after dark at 9:00 PM.

The event at Port Canaveral is the first of three area fireworks celebrations that are the hallmark of the Space Coast’s Independence Day events – July 3rd fireworks at Cocoa Beach, followed by July 4th fireworks at Cocoa Village.  

Public access for viewing the July 2nd fireworks at Port Canaveral will be available at the Cove District and the Port’s Exploration Tower Lawn. Free parking will be available at The Cove parking lot for patrons of The Cove restaurants until capacity is reached. Designated parking areas at Port Canaveral will be available for the fireworks event at $10 per vehicle, cash or credit cards are accepted. See the Parking Overview map below for designated lot locations.

There are no public viewing locations on the north side of Port Canaveral (“A” Cruise Terminals and North Cargo Operations) or on any portion of State Road 401.

Special Event Traffic Plan

A comprehensive special event parking and traffic flow plan was jointly developed by Brevard County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Canaveral Fire Rescue, and Canaveral Port Authority Public Safety to promote safe arrival at the Port before the event and exiting the Port once the fireworks display concludes. The traffic flow plan will have road closures in the Cove Restaurant District and utilize one-way directional exiting of Port roads following the event.

To help expedite traffic departure and flow, the parking lot that a guest chooses for their vehicle will determine what road may be used for exiting the lot. Guests planning to attend the event should review the parking and traffic flow maps prior to arrival, make their plans accordingly, and follow electronic signs to their desired lot.

Electronic and fixed signage will be located on roadways and intersections in the Port to direct motorists arriving for the festivities. Deputies, parking attendants, and staff will be located at key traffic intersections around the Port to assist motorists.

Visitors should select the parking lot that offers the most efficient exit to the roadway needed for their return trip. For example, a motorist who wants to return to Merritt Island should park in Lot A or B. Or a guest returning to beachside communities should park in Lot B, D or the Overflow Lot. Guests who park in The Cove dining and entertainment district may exit either way but should expect longer delays.