There’s no better way to celebrate Independence Day than in Tampa Bay. Featuring delicious foods, live entertainment, fun competitions, luminescent fireworks and drone shows, check out these local events to help kick off the holiday weekend.
4th of July Celebration Brunch
The Don CeSar
Thursday, July 4 10:30a.m. – 1:30p.m.
The Don CeSar Hotel on St. Pete Beach will be hosting a celebratory brunch for the holiday. Enjoy gorgeous Gulf views from the Rowe Pavilion as you indulge in an expansive buffet, including ahi tuna, bratwurst, BBQ, key lime pie and more.
Innisbrook Resort
Thursday, July 4 – Sunday, July 7
The Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor will be hosting a July 4th golf tournament on their Copperhead Course, teeing off with a Hole-in-One contest and a Bloody Mary Bar. That night, dress in your best reds, whites and blues at the Stars and Stripes Ball. Throughout the weekend, swing by the Loch Ness Pool for family fun activities like face painting, ice cream sandwich contests, golf cart parades and a Friday night fireworks display over the resort.
Boom by the Bay
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Thursday, July 4, starting at 4 p.m.
The annual Boom by the Bay is considered Tampa Bay’s premier July 4th celebration. Featuring pickleball tournaments, apple pie throwdowns, food trucks and a live concert, the celebration concludes with a fantastic display of fireworks over the waterfront.
Star Spangled Sparkman
Sparkman Wharf
Thursday, July 4, 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Check out Sparkman Wharf’s 6th annual Independence Day celebration, sitting right along the waterfront with live entertainment and game zones. Enjoy delicious food and drink specials at spots like Gallito Taqueria, Lighthaus Beer Garden and Dang Dude. You’ll have a great view of the festivities on the river, starting with a Water Ski Show and Boat Parade at 6 p.m. The Blessing of the Fleet, a long-held tradition to ensure a safe and bountiful season, will be held at the finish line. Afterward, sit back and enjoy the fireworks starting at 9 p.m.
The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration
Armature Works
Thursday, July 4, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Over at Armature Works, take some time to join family-friendly fun like the Hot Dog Eating competition, Kid Zone and live music on their main stage. Heights Public Market will be open for sweet treats from Chill Bros., street eats from Empamamas, dumplings from Ling’s and more. Here, you’ll have a perfect view of the Boat Parade and the fireworks show.
Event parking is $20 all day in any of the Armature Works lots and in the Heights Parking Garage
Freedom Fest Aboard the American Victory
American Victory Ship & Museum
Thursday, July 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Want to watch fireworks from a WWII naval ship? Look no further than the SS American Victory, which will be docked at Channelside for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. Enjoy live DJ entertainment, All-American photo opportunities and a silent auction aboard one of three fully functioning ships in the country.
Busch Gardens 4th of July Celebration
Sunday, June 30 – Thursday, July 4
As part of their Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular, Busch Gardens will feature a choreographed arrangement of fireworks and music over their Festival Field.
“The Fourth” Independence Day Celebration at St. Pete Pier
St. Pete Pier
Thursday, July 4, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday on the other side of the Bay, look no further than “The Fourth” Independence Day Celebration at Spa Beach Park & Family Park. Kick off the holiday with the St. Pete Pier Run, a 4-mile run or walk showcasing the beauty of St. Pete’s waterfront. Entertainment spans from live music on the main stage to roaming entertainers throughout the park. Try out delicious bites from food trucks, Uncle Sam’s market and a craft beer garden. To end the night, the gorgeous fireworks show will be visible from the entire downtown waterfront.
Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America July 4th Festival
Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Thursday, July 4, 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.
At the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, celebrate the holiday at the first annual Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America July 4th Festival. Alongside food and live entertainment, the festival will hold an array of unique activities, such as a pet parade, a costume contest and their Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker competition. Family fun spans from the inflatable slides at the Kids’ Zone to the antique car show. At night, gather to watch a patriotic SkyElements drone show light up the sky.
Parking is $10 per car
Clearwater Rooftop Fireworks
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