Coconut Grove comes alive this July 4th weekend with a host of events for the whole
family to enjoy including Miami’s largest busking event, music, food, a coconut scavenger hunt, a hot dog eating contest and, of course, a spectacular fireworks show.

The festivities begin on Saturday, July 2 as the popular two-day “Cirque du Grove: A Busker’s Carnival” returns to the streets of Coconut Grove. Over a dozen performers will present unique fire routines containing baton twirling and rope lassos during the Saturday evening show, and Sunday’s shows which begin at 1 p.m. will offer free performances by trapeze artists, wire walkers, jugglers, acrobats, clowns, mimes, and balloon artists.

Before and after the sizzling Saturday evening spectacle, the Grove Gallery Walk will celebrate taking artistic “liberties” during the popular patriotic weekend. Ten galleries will host a night of art, wine and fun including opening exhibitions such as “American Icons” at Cristina Chacon Gallery.

Special to this month’s Grove Gallery Walk are living, travelling sculptures. Making its way throughout the Grove will be a spontaneously moving six-person figure, created by modern dance elements and inspired by an accompanied musician and narrator. The performance art is directed by Out of Africa store owner Trina Collins and begins at 7 p.m. in the Mayfair Promenade.

The festivities begin at 11 a.m. on Independence Day with an old-fashioned picnic at The Barnacle Historical Park. Activities will include lawn games, board games, kite making and crafts and live music from Joel Zoss. Bring a picnic or treat yourself to hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and burgers, popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream available for purchase. Admission to The Barnacle is $5 per person; $2 for children ages 6-12.

For those who can “mustard” the courage, a gourmet hot dog eating contest will begin at 3 p.m. at CocoWalk. The competitor who eats the most hot dogs in 10 minutes will capture the title of Hot Dog Champion and receive a prize package that includes gift certificates from various CocoWalk merchants. Last year’s winner, who consumed 11 hot dogs, is expected to defend his title.

A Coconut Scavenger Hunt begins immediately after the Hot Dog Competition with participants scouring the Grove in search of painted coconuts. It is sponsored by the Coconut Grove Merchants Association.

The festivities continue in Peacock Park at 5 p.m. with food and beverages, photos with a live Lady Liberty statuette and culminate with a stunning fireworks display over Biscayne Bay at sundown (9 p.m.) under the coordination of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce.
The Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove commercial core. The BID enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events. For more information on the Coconut Grove BID, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.