In a change from last year, Tampa will hold fireworks on July 4

Crowds gathered on the Tampa Riverwalk last July 4 to watch the city’s annual Boom by the Bay fireworks show, but the skies were quiet. Independence Day fell on a Tuesday that year, and the city and the Downtown Partnership moved its annual Boom By the Bay fireworks show to the previous Saturday, July 1.

“Not everyone can stay out late on a school day,” said Rachel Radawec of the Downtown Partnership.

Chastened by the grumpy crowd that expected fireworks on the actual holiday, the city this year will hold its fireworks show on July 4, even though the holiday falls on a Thursday. The other change that started last year is shooting off blasts from Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park instead of a barge off Bayshore Boulevard.

Considering that Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works will also be setting off fireworks that night, if you put yourself in the right position on a high perch, you could catch all three shows that night.

“We are excited to be back on July 4th and to be able to connect with other spaces downtown,” said Radawec, who is director of public space operations and programming for the Downtown Partnership.

The city will also host a Pickle Ball Tournament in the park and close to a dozen vendors have signed up for the Apple Pie Throw-Down, a competition for the best interpretation of the All-American dessert, from a macaroon to a cocktail. The park will also have family activities including face painting, bounce houses, corn hole and food trucks before the fireworks show just after sundown.

If you go to July 4 fireworks in Tampa

Tampa’s July 4 celebration Boom By the Bay will be at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 North Blvd., starting at 4 p.m. with family activities and live entertainment all day and fireworks just after sunset, weather permitting. Free.