Advertisement

Where to see July 4 fireworks in Tampa Bay

 
People gather at the harbor to watch the Fourth of July fireworks finale at Channelside Bay Plaza Friday July 4, 2014.
People gather at the harbor to watch the Fourth of July fireworks finale at Channelside Bay Plaza Friday July 4, 2014.
Published July 1, 2016

It's time to party, patriot style. Pull out your favorite stars and stripes beach towel, pop open a beverage, gather the family and settle in for fireworks, food, dancing and revelry galore at locations all around Tampa Bay.

America the Beautiful Patriotic Concert

Featuring the Chancel Choir, orchestra, soloists and others from the church in a patriotic concert. Free. Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W Fletcher Ave., Tampa. (813) 961-1254. 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Fourth of July Channelside

Celebrate Independence Day with live music, family activities, entertainment and a waterfront fireworks display. Free. Channelside Bay Plaza, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 345-5881. 6-10 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July Family Funfest at American Victory Ship

The AmVic holiday family festival features food trucks, DJ dancing, kids games, face painting, arts and crafts and fireworks viewing from the deck of the former WWII supply ship. Plan early; this usually sells out. $12, $7 ages 12 and younger, $10 military/veterans. SS American Victory, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Toll-free 1-866-468-7630. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the water with a three-hour cruise featuring an upscale American buffet, open bar, DJ dancing and a front-row view of the fireworks. $134.95, $89.95 children. Yacht StarShip, 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 223-7999. 6-9:30 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens celebrates July Fourth with a fireworks display and extended hours until 9 p.m. Regular admission: $99, $79 ages 3-9. Busch Gardens, 3605 Bougainvillea Ave., Tampa. Toll-free 1-888-800-5447. 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at Glazer

The museum celebrates Independence Day with $4 admission for everyone. Glazer Children's Museum, 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. (813) 443-3861. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at Whiskey Joe's

Whiskey Joe's throws an Independence Day beach party with live country music by Skyler Clark, drink specials and fireworks at dusk. $5 cover. Whiskey Joe's Bar and Grill, 7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. (813) 281-0770. 6-10 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at the Aquarium

The aquarium offers extended hours and a front-row seat for the fireworks, family entertainment and all-American-themed dinner options for purchase. Included with admission: $24.95, $22.95 seniors, $19.95 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. (813) 273-4000. 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at the History Center

The History Center celebrates Independence Day by offering $5 admission and extended hours on July 4. Costumed re-enactors will share hands-on displays of artifacts, uniforms, crafts and music representing the Civil War, Seminole War, Spanish American War and WWII-era soldiers, sailors and citizens. $5. Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa. (813) 228-0097. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July with the Tampa Yankees

Players and coaches wear custom jerseys to be auctioned off during the game. Stick around for post-game fireworks. $4-$6. George M. Steinbrenner Field (formerly Legends Field), 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa. (813) 673-3055. 7 p.m. Monday.

Let Freedom "Ring"

Gaspar's Grotto attempts to be named in the Guinness World Records for "World's Largest Tip Bell" at this Fourth of July party with special guests, live music, children's games, a face painter and giveaways. A donation to Shriners Hospital for Children earns you the right to ring the half-ton bell. No cover. Gaspar's Grotto, 1805 E Seventh Ave., Tampa. (813) 248-5900. Noon Monday.

Plant City Fourth of July

Plant City's family-style Fourth of July celebration features games, a rock-climbing wall, bungee jumps, airbrushing, balloon art, bounce houses, military salute, food vendors, a drawing, live music by Daniel Sprouse and the Barrel Band, and a fireworks finale. Free, $5 parking. Plant City Stadium & Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex, 1810 E Park Road, Plant City. (813) 659-4255. 6-10 p.m. Monday.

Red, White and Blue Fest

Tampa's Channel District celebrates the Fourth of July a day early with igloo drag racing, an LED sports kite demo, patriotic face painting, an All American food court, live music and a meet-and-greet with Miss National Patriot 2016 Ann Poonkansem. Free. Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water St., Tampa. (813) 447-8538. 5-10 p.m. Sunday.

Shriner Parade

A parade of Shriner mini-cars, clowns, bands and marching units takes place in Ybor's historic district. Fireworks at Channelside follows. Free. Downtown Ybor City, E Seventh Avenue and N 14th Street, Tampa. (314) 872-7837. 6 p.m. Monday.

Temple Terrace Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks

Temple Terrace's hometown parade salutes our country with numerous units including bands, fire trucks, police cars, horse units, rescue dogs, floats and marching units. It all starts at the corner of Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue, moves south to Druid Hills, west to Ridgedale and south to the Temple Terrace Little League Field. Free hot dogs will be served up at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church during the parade. Evening festivities kick off at 6 p.m. on the first fairway of the Temple Terrace golf course with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Free. Temple Terrace Elementary School, 124 Flotto Ave., Temple Terrace. (813) 506-6400. 10 a.m.-9:15 p.m. Monday.

Big, Bang, Boogie

It's the Swing Gang's Fourth of July dance with music by the seven-piece Juke Joint Kings and a cash bar with beer and wine. Red attire suggested for women. $15. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 822-1032. 7:30-11 p.m. Sunday

Celebrate America Kenneth City

A Fourth of July parade begins at 62nd Street and moves east on 54th Avenue, turns right on 58th Street and ends at community hall for a festival with food vendors, an arts and crafts show, games, children's activities, 3,000-square-foot shaded playground, a rock-climbing wall, bungee jump and a hula hoop contest. Free. Kenneth City Community Hall, 4600 58th St. N, Kenneth City. (727) 322-5217. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

Clearwater Celebrates America: Fourth of July

The city's annual Independence Day celebration features children's activities, mascot meet-and-greet parade, live music and the "Spark the Sky" fireworks display (9:30 p.m.). Free. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. (727) 562-4700. 4-9:30 p.m. Monday.

Clearwater Threshers

The Threshers celebrate Independence Day with two nights of fireworks. $6-$10. Bright House Field, 601 N Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. (727) 467-4457. 6:15 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.

Fourth of July Breakfast

Kids can play games while you enjoy a pancakes or pancakes and sausage breakfast. $4-$6. Church on the Bayou Presbyterian Church, 409 Whitcomb Blvd., Tarpon Springs. (727) 942-7316. 7-10 a.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at Great Explorations

Children can celebrate Independence Day with patriotic games, crafts, a dance party and activities including a "red, white and blue" relay, underwater fireworks and flag creations. Included with admission: $10, $9 seniors, 1 and younger free. Great Explorations Children's Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 821-8992. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July Picnic

The park will be filled with a waterslide, bounce house, games, a hot dog-eating contest and hits from the '60s to now by Rusty Trumpet. Free. Craig Park, 100 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs. (727) 942-5628. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July St. Pete Beach

The city will host its annual fireworks around 9 p.m., launched from Upham Beach. For safety reasons, parts of Upham Beach will be closed beginning at 6 p.m. Free. Upham Beach, Gulf Boulevard and 68th Street, St. Pete Beach. (727) 363-9245. 9 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at MFA

The Museum of Fine Arts opens its glass conservatory for air-conditioned fireworks viewing with open art galleries, live music by the Hummingbirds and a buffet dinner including smoked chicken, grilled salmon, a slider bar and "All American" hot dogs. $46, $23 ages 11 and younger. Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 822-1032. 6:30-9 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at Shephard's

Rapper Vanilla Ice returns to kick off the annual Fourth of July weekend party, which runs until 2 a.m. $12-$525. Shephard's Beach Resort, 619 S Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach. (727) 442-5107. 9 p.m. Saturday.

Fourth of July in Downtown St. Petersburg

This year's "Fireworks Across the Bay" is set to go off at 9 p.m. and can be seen from most of the city's waterfront parks. Weather conditions may bump up the start time for fireworks up to 30 minutes or delay the start time up to one hour. Free. Spa Beach at the Pier approach, 615 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 893-7441. 9 p.m. Monday.

Gulfport's Fourth of July

The day starts early with a kids fishing derby casting off from the sea wall adjacent to the recreation center at 8 a.m. Plan on sticking around the beach for the sand sculpting contest (10 a.m.-noon). Parents can take the children to unwind in the Kidzone (noon-5 p.m.). A craft area opens at 2 p.m., and the event's official live music kicks off at 5 p.m. Clear the street for a parade on Beach Boulevard at 6 p.m., but stick around the area for the fireworks finale at 9 p.m. Times are tentative, please check mygulfport.us for updates. Free. Gulfport, Beach Boulevard, Gulfport. (727) 893-1118. 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday.

Hometown USA at Dunedin Stadium

What a better American way to celebrate the holiday than doing it all at a baseball stadium? Cheer on the Dunedin Blue Jays as they face Tampa in this game with live music and a fireworks finale. Free. Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 812-4530. 5 p.m. Sunday.

Largo Fourth of July Celebration

Largo gets set to "Light Up the Park" with this Independence Day celebration including a pie-eating contest, T-shirt decorating ($5), inflatables ($10 wristband), food vendors and fireworks. Free, $5-$10 some activities. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. (727) 587-6740. 6-9:15 p.m. Monday.

Madeira Beach Fourth of July

Madeira Beach celebrates Independence Day a day early with fireworks near ROC Park. Free. ROC (Remember Our Children) Park, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach. (727) 392-0665. 9 p.m. Sunday.

Poolside Holiday Picnic

Pack a picnic basket and bring the family for a poolside Fourth of July party. $12 with card, $23 without card (group of five). Highland Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center, 400 Highland Ave. NE, Largo. (727) 518-3016. Noon-4 p.m. Monday.

Rowdies Opening Night and Fourth of July Party

Join the Rowdies for opening night and a Fourth of July party. They take on the Jacksonville Armada at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks light up the sky immediately after the game followed by an onfield concert by Flo Rida. $15-$80. Al Lang Stadium, 230 First St. SE, St. Petersburg. (727) 222-2000. 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Night Festival

Find a good seat at the Marina or the back lawn of the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa and enjoy a day of children's activities, live entertainment, food vendors and fireworks. Free. Safety Harbor City Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. (727) 724-1545. 5-9:30 p.m. Monday.

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade

Wear your red, white and blue and join the American Legion Auxilliary for a 50-unit parade down Main Street. Free. Safety Harbor Main Street Parade Route, Main Street and Second Avenue N, Safety Harbor. (727) 726-9601. 10 a.m.-noon Monday.

Stars, Stripes and Wings

WingHouse shows its national pride with a corporation-wide "Stars and Stripes" campaign in which servers at each location compete for most patriotic attire. Cast your vote for your favorite to win. Voting closes at 1 a.m. No cover. WingHouse of Clearwater, 2640 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., Clearwater. (727) 724-9464. 11 a.m. Friday.

Tarpon Springs Fourth of July Fireworks

The fireworks will be launched from Sunset Beach, but the City of Tarpon Springs says the best viewing spot is Howard Park. They're set to go off at "dusk," which is estimated to be 9 p.m. For security reasons, Sunset Beach will be closed at 11 a.m. Free. Fred Howard Park, 1700 Sunset Drive, Tarpon Springs. (727) 938-3711. 9 p.m. Monday.

Treasure Island Rockin' Red Glare: Fourth of July

Come out to the beach and join Treasure Island's salute to the holiday with a giant fireworks extravaganza. Free. Treasure Island Beach Trail Park, 10400 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. (727) 547-4575. 9 p.m. Monday.

Fire Cracker Smash'em Up: Brooksville Fourth of July

Hernando County literally smashes up things for the holiday with a demolition derby, live music, food vendors, games, a kids zone, roping and fireworks. $10 per carload (festival); $10, $5 ages 4-11, 3 and younger free (derby). Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. (352) 796-4552. 4-9:30 p.m. Monday.

Freedom Fest

Event includes food truck rally, car show, music and vendors. Free. Masaryktown Community Center, 539 Lincoln Ave., Masaryktown. (352) 345-4818. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

High Point Community's Fourth of July Parade

Lineup starts at 8:30 a.m. at the bus stop opposite the guard house. Parade ends at the community center, where there will be a flag-raising ceremony with American Legion Post 186. Complimentary refreshments served. Free. High Point Community Center, 12249 Club House Road, High Point. (352) 596-6006. 9 a.m. Monday.

Kiafest Main Street Blast: Fourth of July

Greater New Port Richey Main Street hometown Independence Day celebration with music, food, drinks, a beer garden, military vehicles, kids games, a trolley pull and fireworks. Free. Sims Park, 5547 Main St., New Port Richey. (727) 842-8066. 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday.

'Patriotic Evening' Fourth of July Celebration

The old-fashioned hometown festival in Liberty Park includes live music by area bands, entertainment, food vendors and a fireworks extravaganza over Lake Henderson. Free. Liberty Park, 286 N Apopka Ave., Inverness. (352) 726-2611. 5-10 p.m. Sunday.

Patriotic Family Fun Day

A hometown festival with family-style activities includes ongoing games, contests, live music by the Barking Dogs, hand-cranked ice cream and a pet parade. Free. Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, 7200 County Road 603, Bushnell. (352) 793-4781. 4-8 p.m. Sunday.

All American Barbecue

Salute the Fourth of July as you enjoy American-inspired cuisine in the tropical gardens. Includes fireworks over Sarasota Bay, live music from the Lauren Mitchell Band and custom-crafted cocktails. $35, $25 members, $10 ages 4 to 11, 3 and younger free; $150 VIP. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave., Sarasota. (941) 366-5731. 6-10 p.m. Monday.

Pier 22 Fourth of July Celebration

Dine directly under the fireworks at Pier 22's Fourth of July celebration with live music, a pig roast, carved prime rib, sushi, peel-and-eat shrimp, raw oysters, barbecue chicken, numerous salads and an optional open bar. Reservations required. $69.95, $19.95 ages 11 and younger; $30 additional open bar. Pier 22 Restaurant, 1200 First Ave. W, Bradenton. (941) 748-8087. 6 p.m. Monday.

Brick-tacular: Legoland Fourth of July

Legoland Fourth of July features a Lego scavenger hunt, DJ glow dance party, character meet-and-greets, mural building and a fireworks spectacular featuring Lego Ninjago. $75, $65 seniors/ages 3-12. Legoland Florida, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven. Toll-free 1-877-350-5346. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at Epcot

Epcot gets into the holiday spirit with meet-and-greets with characters decked out in patriotic garb and performances by the Voices of Liberty throughout the day. A special patriotic finale, the Heartbeat of Freedom, is tacked on to the IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth lagoon show (10 p.m.). Regular admission: $97-$114, $91-$108 ages 3-9 (price based by season). Epcot at Walt Disney World, 1515 N Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. (407) 934-7639. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at SeaWorld

SeaWorld adds to the usual fun with concerts by Lee Greenwood (Saturday and Sunday only), extended holiday hours and a fireworks display accompanied by the 13th Army Band and the National Guard (Monday only). Included with admission: $99, $94 ages 3-9. SeaWorld, 7007 SeaWorld Drive (Interstate 4, Exit 71), Orlando. Toll-free 1-800-327-2424. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday.

Fourth of July at the Magic Kingdom

Fourth of July in the Magic Kingdom extends to two days with two installments of the popular Festival of Fantasy parade at noon and 3:30 p.m. and a 14-minute 360-degree Celebrate America: Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show at approximately 9 p.m. nightly. $105, $99 ages 3-9, 2 and younger free. Walt Disney World, 1515 N Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. (407) 934-7639. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Monday.

Compiled by Kelly A. Stefani, Times Staff Writer