Whether you’re looking for the traditional family experience or something a little different, Tampa Bay offers a wealth of choices when it comes to enjoying the Fourth of July. Here are 10 events to consider — some of them an integral part of Mayor Jane Castor's new Boom by the Bay — and all occur on July 4 unless otherwise noted.
4TH OF JULY FREE-4-ALL
Celebrate the Fourth with a locally stacked, multi-genre showcase of Tampa Bay musicians and DJs at The Blue Note. Indie bands Channel Drive, The Influence, and Dead.6 are set to play, while a plethora of rappers, including Spidey Jones and Jimbo Shrump, lead the showcase’s hip-hop lineup. With two stages for music , outdoor water activities for cooling off, a comedy showcase, fire dancers, food trucks and local vendors, The Blue Note is set to have the ultimate, entertainment-packed celebration, if fireworks aren’t exactly your thing. The Blue Note, 1510 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 7 p.m. Free.
4TH OF JULY PICNIC AT CRAIG PARK
Get your celebration started early in the day with Tarpon Springs Independence Day Picnic, where there are free hot dogs while supplies last (which might not be long). Escape the heat with waterslides, paddleboarding, and water inflatables, or enjoy the live music by Rusty Trumpet and his renditions of patriotic songs. Make sure you stick around for the main events — a hot dog eating contest at noon and fireworks at about 7:30 p.m. If you get there early, you’ll snag the best spot. 5 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
4TH OF JULY, SAFETY HARBOR STYLE
Safety Harbor hosts its own Independence Day celebration in a comforting and traditional way with live entertainment, activities to keep the kiddos occupied, food vendors, and of course, fireworks. This is the ultimate family-friendly event –– even the youngest member of the family will enjoy the face painting and games, while the oldest member will enjoy the live band’s Jimmy Buffet covers. Get here early and bring your blanket to reserve a good spot, as the waterfront area fills up quickly. The Tampa Bay fireworks start at 9 p.m. sharp. Safety Harbor Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane. 5:00- 9:00 p.m. Free.
AMERICAN VICTORY’S FREEDOM FEST
All aboard the historical WW2 steamship and national landmark for a family-friendly Fourth party with music by DJ Reko. Face-painting, arts, crafts, and activities will be available for the kids, while local vendors are serving up beer and wine for the parents. Kids, parents, and grandparents alike can enjoy a waterfront view of fireworks. Celebrate America’s birthday in an ultra-patriotic way — on one of the four functioning WW2 vessels in the country; A Fourth of July celebration to remember. 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa. 6:30-9:30 p.m. $13 adults/$7 youths 4-12/$10 active military and veterans.
CLEARWATER CELEBRATES AMERICA
The city of Clearwater claims to have the biggest fireworks show in the Tampa Bay Area, and that’s a statement you have to see to believe. The celebration takes place in Coachman Park, with gates opening at 6 p.m. This event is chock full of family-friendly activities, local vendors, a child’s play area, food and drinks available for purchase, and live music, courtesy of the Coachman Park Pops Orchestra and its patriotic tunes. This is an alcohol-free event, as well. 301 Drew St. 6-10 p.m. Free.
DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG WATERFRONT FIREWORKS
The city of St. Petersburg Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual fireworks showcase along downtown St Pete’s waterfront, starting as early as 8:30 p.m., and going on until about 10 p.m. This year’s showcase offers a new feature: synchronized music to go along with the fireworks, available through the free J&M Displays app. After the fireworks, head over to Ringside Cafe to enjoy a no-cover live music celebration featuring jam band Tropico Blvd. Bayshore Dr. NE. 8:30-10 p.m. Free.
BUSCH GARDENS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is letting thrill seekers mix fireworks with roller coasters for four straight nights. Starting Thursday, July 4, the park will offer live entertainment from groups like Mighty Mongo on the Festival Field, fireworks displays all weekend long, specialty food items like the Fireworks Ice Cream Slushy. Plus, on Independence Day, Busch Gardens will be open late till 11 p.m. 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, open till 11 p.m., Park admission is required
HEIGHTS 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL
Part of Jane Castor’s inaugural “Boom by the Bay” citywide Fourth celebration, this event at Armature Works is stacked with American-centric activities and entertainment for the whole family. Starting with an American classic car show at 10 a.m. followed by a hot dog eating contest, this all-day party also features live music on the Yuengling Stage and a YMCA Family FunZone. It will end with a bang, literally, with a 20-minute long waterfront fireworks show on the Hillsborough River, starting at 9 p.m. 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free.
LIGHT UP THE PARK
Although Dunedin is unable to host a traditional fireworks show at the Dunedin Stadium as they did last year, they are pursuing a new form of entertainment to celebrate the Fourth this year — a huge laser light show. On July 3, a spectacular laser display will light up Highlander Park. The light show will he accompanied by a live band and food and refreshments available for purchase, including beer and wine, of course. Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head to Dunedin. Highlander Park, 1937 Ed Eckert Dr. 7-10 p.m. Wed., July 3. Free.
MFA CAFE’S 12TH ANNUAL FIREWORKS BUFFET
For the past 12 years, The Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg has had its own Fourth of July party, adjacent to the city-run fireworks on the waterfront. Escape the summer heat and grass stuck to the back of your legs, and celebrate inside the MFA with a night filled with food, drinks, art, and fireworks. The buffet and specialty drinks will be accompanied by live music courtesy of beloved local Americana duo The Rebekah Pulley Twosome. Watch the waterfront fireworks at 9 p.m. from the MFA’s beautiful balcony after you enjoy their special buffet menu. Reservations are strongly recommended. 255 Beach Dr. NE. 6:30-9 p.m. $46 Adults/$23 Children under 12.
WATERFRONT FIREWORKS, BBQ & LIVE BANDS AT GODFREY HOTEL
Godfrey Hotel’s four-day extravaganza starts 11a.m. on July 4 with a barbecue buffet by executive chef Jose Garcia and fireworks at sunset. The party doesn’t stop on the Fourth; the Godfrey will be hosting róse specials, pool parties Thursday and Friday, a Saturday morning brunch, and live music by Tampa heavy-hitters Shevonne & The Force Saturday night. Why just celebrate one day when you can celebrate four days in a row? Reserve a cabana or hotel room now. 7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. July 4-7. Prices vary.
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This article appears in Jun 27 – Jul 4, 2019.