I love, love, love the Fourth of July. Here’s everything you need to know about the festivities happening here on St. John…
J’ouvert
The party begins at sunrise with J’ouvert, which is one big crazy street party. I’m not sure the exact route for this one but I believe it starts over near the National Park Visitor’s Center and winds through the streets of Cruz Bay. There’s live music and dancing, and shouldn’t be missed!
The Parade
The parade allegedly starts at 11 a.m. Last year it started around 12:30 p.m. It begins at the National Park Visitor’s Center, past Mongoose Junction and down toward Carnival Village. It goes past the village toward the beach and then past the gazebo and the park. The best performances happen over there because that’s where the governor and all the fancy people sit. From there it goes up towards Woodys and Quiet Mon and then toward the roundabout.
Good Places to Watch
Virgin Fire: They’re having a traditional brunch buffett for $25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with $5 Bloody Marys, $5 Painkillers and $5 Mimosas all day.
Along with their sister restaurant, the Sun Dog Cafe, they’ll have a grill going on the ground floor with hot dogs, brats and pulled pork sandwiches, fresh watermelon basil lemonade, really cold beer and more. Upstairs, enjoy some shade and relative quiet with the full menu at one of its umbrella tables.
Barefoot Cowboy Lounge: Great views and no sun – sounds good to me! $5 mimosas and drink specials all day.
Castaway’s: The upstairs deck is a good place to watch the parade. They’re having drink specials too – $2 Bud/Bud Lights, $3 Coronas, 2 for 1 bombs and $6 Jameson Pickel Back shots. They’re also unveiling their burger menu and it looks delish!
Woody’s or Across the Street: Lots of drink specials happening here – $3 Fireball shots, $2 Coors Lights, $3 Cruzan dark and light, $4 Cruzan flavors and $6 side street burgers. Jon Gazi and West Lindy will be playing too!
Quiet Mon: Not sure about any drink specials but great views!
The Fireworks – They allegedly start at 9 p.m. I think last year’s start was more like 10:30 p.m. You can see them throughout most of Cruz Bay, but here are our favorite spots…
DR!NK: It’s going to be catered by Sam & Jacks – Good old backyard food potato salad, pasta salad, sandwiches…. $40 food and drink included. The beach area will be roped off so you’ll have a great private viewing spot.
Cruz Bay Beach: The fireworks happen in the bay, so this will definitely be a good spot.
Live Music – Cool Session Brass will start around 8 p.m.