There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than right here in Tampa Bay. Featuring delicious food, fantastic firework displays, live music and more fun for the family, check out the following events where you can enjoy the 4th of July.
All events below will be held on Mon., July 4 unless otherwise noted. To add a Fourth of July event to this list, email Kathryn.Deen@tampamagazines.com.
In Tampa
Boom by the Bay
Fireworks at dusk, festivities at a variety of times
Several locations along the Tampa Riverwalk
This is Tampa’s main Independence Day celebration, which includes a line-up of several festivities at locations spread throughout Tampa and three firework displays. This event is free to the public. View the map here. Three events affiliated with Boom are listed below. In addition, Boom on Bayshore starts at 7 p.m. with food trucks, live entertainment and the largest-ever fireworks display along Tampa’s iconic Bayshore Boulevard; Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park will have food trucks, a bar and family fun area from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (not a firework viewing area); and Water Works Park will have food trucks and a firework viewing area starting at 4 p.m. Catch the free shuttle from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Star Spangled Sparkman
Starting at 11 a.m., 6 pm. water ski show
Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive
Family friendly entertainment, games, dining specials and more. Also, a great waterfront view of Tampa’s fireworks. Don’t miss the water ski show with viewing only at Sparkman Wharf.
Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet
6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Viewing locations along the Tampa Riverwalk
Friends of the Riverwalk hosts its annual boat parade, including a poker run and a blessing station. Boats will be decorated, pass through blessing stations, and compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the small/motorboat and large/sailboat competition. The most patriotic boat will also receive a prize. The parade will start at the southern tip of Harbour Island, travel the Riverwalk, turn around at Armature Works, pass by the eastern shores of Davis Islands and end at Sparkman Wharf. Fireworks will follow the parade in multiple locations.
The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration
3 to 10 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave.
Celebrate Independence Day with a riverfront concert on the pier and fireworks that will light up Downtown Tampa. This event is free to the public and guests can bring their own blankets and chairs. There will be a hot dog eating competition and food and drink options. You can also purchase exclusive 21+ VIP tickets for $100 each that include special fireworks viewing on the pier, limited VIP seating and tables, a private bar and restroom, access to a hydration station and more. Kid Zone wristbands are also available for purchase the day of the event for $25 per child.
Summer Celebration Fireworks Spectacular
9:15 p.m.
Busch Gardens, 10165 McKinley Drive
A part of Busch Gardens Summer Celebration, catch the show filled with fireworks, fountains and special effects every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, including the 4th of July) at 9:15 p.m. on the Festival Field.
July 4th Fireworks Cruises on Yacht StarShip
times vary
Channelside Bay Plaza, 603 Channelside Drive
Choose from a variety of Yacht StarShip sunset cruises and catch the city’s fireworks in style on the water. All include an open bar and DJ entertainment. The VIP Dinner Cruise runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., while the regular Dinner Cruise runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m., and both include a buffet dinner. The Viewing Only Cruise runs from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and provides snacks.
Elsewhere in the Bay Area
Tarpon Springs’ 4th of July Picnic
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
100 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs
Bring the family to Craig Park for water slides, games, music, food and more for the City of Tarpon Springs’ annual festivities.
Temple Terrace’s 47th Annual Independence Day Celebration
10 a.m. parade, 6 p.m. festivities, 9:15 p.m. fireworks
Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, 600 Inverness Ave.
A traditional parade at 10 a.m. starts at Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue. Festivities resume at 6 p.m. on the club’s first fairway. Catch Charlie Imes & the Sundogs, featuring Roger Bartlett, Jimmy Buffett’s original lead guitarist. There will be a variety of food trucks and entertainment for the kids, including Magician Cory Van Valin’s strolling close-up magic from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fireworks kick off at 9:15 p.m.
Safety Harbor’s 4th of July Parade & Patriotic Ceremony
10 a.m. to noon
200 Main St., Safety Harbor
A patriotic parade in Downtown Safety Harbor with decorative floats and cars. Free, family friendly event giving out complimentary snow cones, water, juice, cookies and popcorn. Immediately following the parade, catch a patriotic ceremony at the gazebo at John Wilson Park.
