The BEST Family-Friendly July 4th Events in Tampa Bay

July 4th is nearly here, and that means it’s time to figure out how and where to celebrate and where to see the best July 4th fireworks shows in Tampa Bay.

This year, there are a number of cool Fourth of July events from parades, picnics, and of course, fireworks! Whether you’re looking to take advantage of the long weekend or just for the day, here’s a list of the best events with all the information you need to plan your Independence Day celebration.

We’ll continue to update this page as events are announced, so check back often to plan your best July 4th celebration ever!

FEATURED EVENT

Thursday, July 4, 2024, Gates at 1 pm, Patriotic Drone Show at 9 pm

New this year! Celebrate Independence Day at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds at its first annual Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America July 4th festival, proudly presented by Odiorne Insurance!

Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with fantastic food, exciting activities, engaging contests and live entertainment, culminating in a breathtaking patriotic drone show after sunset. Fun events include kids’ zone, pet parade, beer tents, food & craft vendors, antique car show & more.

Admission is free; Parking is $10/car.

Check out Our Top Picks for Fourth of July Events and Parades in Tampa Bay for 2024

(Listed in order of date.)

Friday, June 28-Sunday, June 30, plus Thursday, July 4, 2024

Busch Gardens’ biggest and brightest fireworks show is getting even bigger for July 4! Be sure to look to the sky at 9:15 pm each night for their Summer Celebration Firework Spectacular followed by an extended patriotic encore from June 30-July 4.

Before the fireworks go off, be sure to explore Summer Nights, including exciting shows, entertainment, and more throughout the park. Dance to the beat in their DJ Party Zones. Adults 21+ can also enjoy two complimentary 7 oz beers per day at Pantopia Drinks & Snacks.

• Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 12 pm-9 pm
• 38116 5th Ave, Zephyrhills

Summerfest is back strong with a day filled with FREE family-friendly fun at Zephyr Park! There will be live music, food eating contests, kids dance off, live music, market, bounce house and water slides, food trucks, and so much more.

• July 4, 2024 from 10 am – 1 pm
• Craig Park, 100 Library Ln, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

The City of Tarpon Springs’ annual Fourth of July Picnic will take place at Craig Park. Enjoy food, activities, games, music, water slides and food.

• Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 10 am
• 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Lutz

Kick of your July 4th morning with a one-mile fun run followed by a Flag Ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 12 and Civil Air Patrol. The parade begins at 10:00 with a cake auction fundraiser at the Lutz Civic Center just after the parade ends.

• Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 10 am
• Temple Terrace, FL

Head to Temple Terrace in the morning for a festive and fun Fourth of July parade at 10 am and then end it with a fireworks display at Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club at 9:15 pm.

• July 4, 2024 from 10 am-9 am
• Main Street, Safety Harbor

In the morning wear your red, white and blue to Main Street in Safety Harbor for a patriotic Independence Day parade hosted by the American Legion Post 238. At night, head over to the Safety Harbor marina for live entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors and more. And of course, you don’t want to miss the fireworks show at 9pm.

• July 4, 2024 from 11 am-9 pm
• Sparkman Wharf Tampa

Sparkman Wharf is celebrating Independence Day with its 6th annual Star Spangled Sparkman— a staple community event with entertainment for all ages. Guests will have a spectacular waterfront view of the riverfront fireworks show as one of Tampa Bay’s prime viewing locations. Guests will also have front-row viewing of the annual Blessing of the Fleet, followed by the Boat Parade and Water Ski Show presented by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk. At nightfall, a display of fireworks will light up the sky.

This year, guests will have the ability to reserve a premier viewing area located on the Wharf and beat the summer heat with a covered air-conditioned hydration station, cushioned bleacher seating, exclusive bar, two drink tickets and two food tickets and private restrooms. Advanced ticket purchases will be available soon starting at $100 per ticket for adults 21+ and $80 per ticket for guests under 21.

• July 4, 2024 from 3 pm-10 pm
• Armature Works, Tampa

Festivities include a large-scale riverfront concert, fireworks display overlooking downtown Tampa, Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade, Hot Dog Eating competition, and American-inspired art that will be auctioned off during the event. They will also have a Kids Zone complete with bounce houses, slides, an obstacle course, and free crafts. Face painting and glitter tattoos will be available for purchase. Free public access, general admission, and VIP access are all available. This event will benefit K9 for Warriors.

• Thursday, July 4th, 2024, 4pm to 9:30pm
• St. Pete Pier

The outdoor, family-friendly festivities at the Pier will include fun activities such as the annual St. Pete Pier run, a craft beer garden, food trucks, and local vendors. There will be live music roaming entertainers, and more! The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show, sponsored by the City of St. Pete, will be visible from the downtown waterfront, including Bayshore Dr, Straub Park, and Vinoy Park.

Tampa’s Boom by the Bay 2024

• July 4, 2024 from 4 pm-10 pm
• Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park

The annual Boom by the Bay Hard Rock Takeover of Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park returns! This year’s event will feature activities for the whole family to enjoy such as a pickleball tournament, apple pie bake-off, free concert, family zone activities, food trucks, and fireworks. The festivities will kick off at 4:00pm as fireworks light up the sky at dusk.

• July 4, 2024 from 4 pm-9:30 pm
• Sparkman Wharf

Celebrate July 4th with Friends of the Riverwalk with a Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf. The parade route will be similar to their holiday light boat parade but will include a Water Ski Show to kick off the celebration, a poker run and a blessing station. There will also be a game zone, 360 photo station, DJ, Uncle Sam, and more.

Boats will be decorated in red, white and blue and compete for most patriotic boat! There will be prize bags for all registered boaters. Check into all our Poker Run stops to be eligible for various raffle prizes!

Registration is required to participate in the boat parade. Spectators are free. VIP is available for purchase to view the parade with seating, drinks and food!

Starkey Market Fourth of July Famliy Fun Night

• Thursday, July 4 from 5 pm-10 pm
• 3460 Starkey Blvd., Odessa

Starkey Market in New Party Richey is celebrating July 4th with family-friendly fun including a water balloon fight and games, lawn games like cornhole, a popcorn booth, delicious food truck eats, drink specials at The Barn, coffee, ice cream, and more.

• Thursday, July 4 from 6 pm-9 pm
• 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa

Join the American Victory Ship for the ultimate Independence Day bash! Savor delicious refreshments and tasty food trucks, enjoy a Kids Zone, All-American photo ops, live DJ entertainment, and silent auction. You’ll also have spectacular views of fireworks and the July 4th Boat Parade.

• July 4, 2024 from 5 pm – 11 pm
• 4035 W. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa, Florida 33614

Enjoy yourselves with a LIVE DJ, FOOD, GAMES, VENDORS, RAFFLES, GIVEAWAYS, FIREWORKS, and more. They didn’t forget the kiddies either, with Face Painting, Balloon Twisters, Glow In The Dark DIY, and Games all wrapped up in a KID ZONE. Jump in the competition to see who’s Tampa’s Heavy Hitter in the first competition of its kind (PUNCHING MACHINE). Check out the Red, White, & Blue SPACE CAKE, as they light up ALL 36 chambers at one time to celebrate the 4th Of July. Once the sunsets, watch a spectacular Fire Performance brought to you by Smokey Jones.

• July 4, 2024 from 5 pm-9 pm
• 4424 Friendly Way, Wesley Chapel

For a celebration including food trucks, a patriotic bakeoff, community performances, bike parades, contests, bounce park and much more, head to Avalon Park West! This event is free to the public. There will also be a fireworks show at 9pm for you to enjoy!

• July 4, 2024 from 5-11 pm
• 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater

Starting at 5 pm, enjoy local vendors and food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music, and buskers throughout the park. As the day comes to a close, witness the grand finale – the largest fireworks display in Clearwater’s history accompanied by The Florida Orchestra. Following the fireworks, stick around for an immersive silent disco party to keep the celebration going!

• July 4, 2024 from 6 pm-9 pm
• 101 Central Park Dr., Largo

Gather up the family, grab your blankets or chairs and head to Largo Central Park for music and an amazing fireworks display. There will be limited on-site parking for $10. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site. Fireworks will begin shortly after 9 pm.

• July 4, 2024
• LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven

Celebrate America’s Independence Day as the skies above Lake Eloise fill with colorful fireworks. Watch as the skies fill with the biggest fireworks show of the year in the only place that transforms fireworks into LEGO bricks before your eyes.​

How to watch July 4th Fireworks ON the Water

• July 4, 2024 at 7 pm
• Tampa and Clearwater

Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water with a spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise! They have several different cruise options that allow you to enjoy a delicious meal, drink from an open bar that’s free at sea, and dance on the top deck with a spectacular fireworks finale. All ages are welcome.

• July 4, 2024 at 8:15 pm
• Tampa Riverwalk

Celebrate our nation’s independence with a bang! Hop on the Pirate Water Taxi for an hour-long cruise where you’ll view Tampa’s city fireworks right above your head. Fireworks start at approximately 9pm. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Water taxi rides are $59.95 per adult and $49.95 per child.