Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, so it will be a big one, folks. If you're hoping to do it up big this year, here are some fireworks, concerts, festivals, parades and other fun stuff to add extra bang to your holiday weekend …
4th of July Channelside 2015 One of the biggest celebrations in Tampa Bay, the big annual event offers food vendors and live entertainment starting at 5 p.m., leading up to the always-impressive fireworks show over the water at 9 p.m. Parking is available at the garage across from the complex and in open lots between the Amalie Arena and Channelside. Sat., July 4, 5 p.m. Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-233-4250. channelsidebayplaza.com.
America the Beautiful Free Concert The Lake Magdalene UMC Worship Arts Ministry sings patriotic tunes and other favorites 6:30 p.m. Sunday at 2902 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa; 813-961-1254.
American Songbook Enjoy an original patriotic musical revue featuring the singing voices of Carrollwood Players Theatre. $10 general admission. Sat., July 4, 3-5 p.m.; Sun., July 5, 3-5 p.m. Carrollwood Players Theatre, 4333-5 Gunn Highway, Tampa. 813-265-4000. carrollwoodplayers.org/american-songbook.
Brandon Blast Fireworks Celebration Head to Brandon’s big mall as they celebrate Independence Day with live music, food, family fun and fireworks at dusk, plus a chance to win a Westfield Shopping Spree. In partnership with QYK 99.5 and Tampa Bay Moms Group. Sat., July 4, 6-9 p.m. Westfield Brandon, 459 Brandon Town Center Drive, Brandon. 813-661-6255. westfield.com.
Burlesque Bless America Nilla Bean hosts a patriotic show full of “babe goodness” at the Barley Mow. Entertainers include blonde beauty Tila Topaz; the saucy but sweet Mayven Missbehavin’, raven-haired goddess Ruby Vesper and special guest Vita Devoid. $20-$30. Sat., July 4, 9-11 p.m. Barley Mow Brewing Company, 518 West Bay Drive, Largo. 727-584-7772. Event Page on Facebook.
Busch Gardens Fourth Tampa's biggest theme park stays open after dark Sat., July 4, with live entertainment and a fireworks show. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. (best view from Gwazi Park) and the park remains open until midnight; $87; Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Drive., Tampa; buschgardens.com.
Clearwater Celebrates America & After Party The family fun starts in the afternoon with children’s activities, a mascot dance off, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the Coachman Parks Pop’s Orchestra in concert and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. The event starts at 4 p.m. on Sat., July 4. Also, wait out the traffic and enjoy a brewski or bite in the Cleveland Street District, which will have a drink and food specials, along with live music. Sat., July 4, 9:30 p.m.-midnight. Saturday; free; Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater; 727-562-4700. myclearwater.com.
Dali’s Cult Classics:Top Gun A kitschy but patriotic way to kick off the weekend, the Dali Museum selected the 1986 Tom Cruise/Val Kilmer action drama (the designation "cult" is debatable) for its themes of American heroism, with hopes the the film will inspire attendees to grab the nearest pair of aviator sunglasses and challenge each other to a game of volleyball. Set in The Dali’s backyard (one would hope with flying balls and all), the Cult Classics celebration will also feature food trucks, garden games, and local and regional craft beers. Event starts at 7 p.m. with food and beer vendors; films starts at sunset, around 8:30. Arrive early to visit the museum for reduced admission of $10 on Thursday nights after 5. thedali.org.
Fourth of July Dollar Splash Day Celebrate the 4th of July by the pool with Dollar Splash Day, brought to you by St. Petersburg Parks and Recreations. Pools will also be open July 5 with new admission prices of $2/age 3-12 and $3/13 & up. Pool locations: Walter Fuller, 7883 26th Ave. N., 727-893-7636; Northwest, 2331 60th St. N., 727-893-7723; Childs Park, 1227 43rd St. S., 727-893-7730; E.H. McLin, 602 14th St. S., 727-893-7635; Fossil Park 6739 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., 727-893-7440; Jennie Hall, 1025 26th St. S., 727-893-7725; Lake Vista, 1450 60th Ave. S., 727-893-7745; Shore Acres, 4142 Shore Acres Blvd. NE., 727-893-7752. Sat., July 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. City of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation, 3130 31st Street South, St. Petersburg. stpeteparksrec.org.
Fourth of July at MFA Bay area favorite the Applebutter Express Band and an “All-American” barbecue buffet" will be provided along with prime viewing of the St. Petersburg fireworks; 6:30 p.m. Sat., July 4. $17-$46; reservations required; Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-822-1032. fine-arts.org.
Gulfport’s July 4th Celebration The City of Gulfport invites everyone to celebrate this 4th of July celebration all day long with a full lineup of activities in the city’s downtown waterfront district. Starts at 8 a.m. with the Kids’ Fishing Derby (bring your own pole) and ends with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. In between, enjoy live music by Maggio and Friends, a patriotic-themed sand sculpture contest, fun Kidzone activities, and a parade at 5 p.m. Sat., July 4, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Gulfport Beach, Beach Boulevard, Gulfport. mygulfport.us/july-4th.
Hot Dog Party 9: In Hot Water, Don’t Grill Me Dog! Party down with Wolf-Face, Great Peacock, Brother Cephus, Hotbox, Rising Down, Fri., July 3, 6 p.m. doors, Crowbar, Ybor City, $8. More details here.
Tampa Bay History Center's $5 for the 4th All visitors will receive $5 admission to the History Center's exhibit galleries on Saturday, with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Costumed reenactors representing several eras of American military history perform, telling stories, interpreting events and sharing artifacts from the Civil-War, Seminole War, Spanish American War, and World War II. Also included with admission is the Smithsonian exhibition Patios, Pools, and the Invention of the American Backyard, which is on exhibit through Aug. 30. Enjoy a beverage at the Columbia Cafe, explore the downtown Riverwalk, or bring a blanket and spread out in Cotanchobee Park to enjoy the Channelside fireworks display. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Parking is not included. $5. Sat., July 4, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa. tampabayhistorycenter.org.
Independence Day Celebrations at The Florida Aquarium The view on the Bay Spirit II offer the best seats for a sunset cruise. The boat will depart at 7:30 each night, returning to the channel in time to catch a spectacular fireworks display. A cruise ticket includes a ticket for one drink and hors d’oeuvres as well as admission to the aquarium. $69 General Admission, $59 Aquarium Members. Fri., July 3, 7 p.m.; Sat., July 4, 7 p.m. Fri., July 3, 7 p.m.; Sat., July 4, 7 p.m. The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-273-4000. flaquarium.org/event-calendar.aspx.
Jazz in July Tampa 2015 Celebrate America in vintage hollywood fashion with live entertainment, art, DJ and dance. Sounds from the Roaring 20s, Motown 60s, to the New Millennium can be heard. $45 at the door. Dress to impress. A portion of the proceeds is benefiting the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival. 35. Fri., July 3, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel-West Shore, 700 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa. 813-447-8538. JazzInJulyTampa.eventbrite.com.
July 4th Fireworks on Treasure Island Fireworks start at 9 p.m., Sat. July 4, on the beach behind Gulf Front Park at 10400 Gulf Boulevard (across from Publix). Public parking is available all day at Allied Specialty Insurance and Treasure Island Community Center Park, 104th Avenue & Gulf Boulevard, for $15. Metered parking is available at: Gulf Front Park (104th & Gulf Boulevard); Community Center (104th & Gulf Boulevard), and St. Pete Municipal Parking (112th & Gulf Boulevard). mytreasureisland.org.
Largo Celebration Take the kids for DJ music, a pie-eating contest, military tribute, food vendors, Largo Teen Idol performances and fireworks; 6 p.m. Sat., July 4; free; Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo; 727-587-6740. largo.com.
Lutz Independence Day Gather once again for a parade, vendor booths, a 5K and family run, cake auction and more; 10 a.m. Sat., July 4; free; Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road, Lutz; 813-949-1937.
Lazydays Independence Day Family Fun Weekend Lazydays celebrates the 4th of July weekend at their newly expanded and upgraded 300-site Lazydays RV Resort. The weekend consists of an ice cream social ($2/person), a hamster ball race, Reptile Discovery, a poolside movie and party, crafts, a slip and slide, capture the flag, and a fireworks show. All the activities are included in the Lazydays RV Resort stay, except for the ice cream social. July 3-4, 1 p.m. Lazydays RV Resort, 6210 County Road 579, Seffner. lazydays.com.
Madeira Beach Roc N the Park Music Festival & Fireworks Spectacular Festivities include a pizza-eating contest! Vendors, entertainment and more. Starts at noon; fireworks at 9 p.m. Click here for more details.
Patriotic Pets If you're looking to make a furry addition to your family, you can name your own adoption price for “ready to go,” dogs and cats in red, white and blue crates. Includes license tag, microchip, spay/neuter and vaccinations. Music will entertain and an all-American barbecue food will be on sale to benefit medically needy shelter pets. Adoption fees will be waived for active and retired military; 10 a.m. Saturday; free; Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, 440 Falkenburg Road N., Tampa; 813-744-5660
Tarpon Springs Patriotic Picnic in the Park If you're looking for something scenic and lovely to do in the daytime, head to Tarpon Springs' Craig Park for music and more. See fireworks shot from Sunset Beach at dusk, best viewed from Fred Howard Park. Sat., July 4; free; Craig Park, 100 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs; 727-942-5628
Plant City Independence Day Celebration The family-style Fourth of July celebration features games on the stadium turf, a drawing, live music by the Double Barrel Band, military salute and a 20-minute fireworks finale; 6 p.m. Saturday; free ($5 parking); Plant City Stadium and Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex, 1810 E. Park Road, Plant City; (813) 659-4255 and www.plantcitygov.com
Red, White and Brew at Vintage Wine Cellars Attend a vintage wine and beer tasting that includes a range of microbrews, from crisp IPAS to American ales. Twelve craft beers, four red wines and two white wines will be featured; all are domestic, of course. 7 p.m.; reservations required. $10. Vintage Wine Cellars, 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. 813-879-2931.
Rowdies Fourth of July Match The season opener pits the Tampa Bay Rowdies against the Atlanta Silverbacks, and the big event includes a Rowdies 4th of July Block Party. The pregame tailgate party, hosted by Budweiser, features games and prizes hosted by HOT 101.5, live post-game music by The Super Stars feat. Ronnie Day, and the city of St. Pete’s annual fireworks extravaganza. The first 750 fans through the gates will receive a Rowdies Rally Towel presented by Budweiser. Tickets available through ticketmaster and by telephone. $21-$75. Sat., July 4, 6 p.m. Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-222-2000. rowdiessoccer.com.
Safety Harbor 4th of July Parade & Celebration The Auxiliary Unit of American Legion Post 238 brings the Americana on the Fourth. The good ol’ fashioned parade will proceed down Main Street from 10 a.m. to noon. Come back at 5 p.m. for one of the Bay area’s most festive parties and scenic fireworks displays. Children’s activities, live entertainment, food vendors and more. The parade route will promenade down Main Street from Philippe Pkwy/BayShore Drive to 9th Ave. S. Step-off is scheduled for 10 a.m. Free. Sat., July 4. City of Safety Harbor, 750 Main St., Safety Harbor. 813-380-4825.
Sparklebration Celebrate in hilly Dade City with a hot-dog eating contest, a watermelon-eating contest, pony rides and a petting zoo, bounce houses, fireworks and more; 3 p.m. Saturday; $5 and $5 for parking; Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 S.R. 52, Dade City; pascocountyfair.com.
St. Pete Fourth of July Celebration The city of St. Petersburg celebrates Independence Day with its annual fireworks display on Sat., July 4. The lavish light display, sponsored by HCA West Florida Pinellas County Hospitals, is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., weather permitting. Fireworks start as early as 8:30 p.m. or as late as 10 p.m. depending on weather conditions. The display will be visible all along the St. Petersburg waterfront with prime viewing from Vinoy, Albert Whitted, North Straub, Spa Beach and South Straub Parks, which are all on Bayshore Drive. For more information call 727-893-7441 or visit stpeteparksrec.org.
Teddy Bear Picnic/Red, White & Zoo Lowry Park Zoo invites kids to bring their stuffed friend for a special party. The picnic occurs during the Red, White, and Zoo Military free admission weekend, so families can bring their bears. Sat., July 4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. 813-935-8552. lowryparkzoo.com.
Temple Terrace Independence Day Parade & Fireworks The annual all-American parade takes place 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, starting at the corner of Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue and heading south on Gillette, west on Druid Hills, then south on Ridgedale Road to the Ridgedale Sports Complex near Temple Terrace Elementary School. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. and can be viewed from the first fairway of the golf course. Click here for more info.
TradeWinds 11th Annual Patriotic “Terry Cloth Tribute” In a show of symbolic support of our troops and the Fourth of July holiday, TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach will use 975 colored towels to create a giant 13-star flag mosaic of the original Betsy Ross flag along the beachfront behind the resort. Guests will lay down the towels to form a mosaic of the original flag, while 13 of TradeWinds younger guests will pose as the stars on the flag, representing the original 13 colonies. TradeWinds is also offering guests the opportunity to write a message to World War II Veterans by signing a giant banner, which will be set up on the beach adjacent to the flag. TradeWinds is working with Honor Flight of West Central Florida, an organization that provides all expense paid flights for World War II Veterans to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. The TradeWinds banner will be displayed at the airport when the next group departs on Sept. 22. A representative from Honor Flight will be on-hand July 4th to provide additional information. Sat., July 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727) 367-6461. justletgo.com.
Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival Enjoy and/or take part in a bicycle-decorating contest, a watermelon-eating contest, Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker Pageant and fireworks; 4 p.m. Friday; free; The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel; 813-994-2242.
Ybor City Food Tour Holiday Event If you're extra-hungry this weekend and consider yourself something of a foodie, join a "three-hour historical adventure" tour that takes you to five-to-seven restaurants while learning about the culture of Ybor City. Usually $59, including a private tour guide and all meals, this weekend the tour will be discounted to $40 per person, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Ybor City Food Tours, 1600 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa. 813-408-1078. yborcityfoodtours.com.
This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2015.