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5 Tampa Bay Fourth of July parties

Take your pick of celebrations across the Tampa Bay area, from a water ski show and baseball game to an apple pie-eating contest.

Orange and yellow fireworks burst over the water before two high rises, near a green shore with trees. Colorful lights from the city are reflected in the water.

Are there such things as Tampa Bay Lightning themed fireworks? Photo from Miguel Acosta via Pexels

The Fourth of July — i.e. the biggest birthday party in America for America — is here.

Here’s some of the boat parades and other Americana tomfoolery (like a water ski show and hot dog eating contest) going on today across Tampa Bay:

The Fourth: Celebrating 5 Years of ExPIERience | 4-10 p.m. | St. Pete Pier, St. Petersburg | Free | The fourth annual celebration featuring a craft beer garden, food trucks and vendors, live music by the 13th US Army Band, and fireworks illuminating the waterfront at 9 p.m.

Boom by the Bay | 4-10 p.m. | Multiple locations | Free | The Cigar City parties big, with The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration, Star Spangled Sparkman Wharf, and the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk July 4th Boat Parade.

Independence Day Celebration | 5-9 p.m. | Waterfront Park, Safety Harbor | Free | Tow the whole fam along for hot dogs to Mediterranean eats, a rock wall, inflatable activities, crafts, and carnival games, capped off by fireworks starting at 9 p.m.

July 4th Freedom Fest | 6-9:15 p.m. | American Victory Ship and Museum, Tampa | $13+ | Take in Tampa’s biggest fireworks show from a front-row perch on the Hillsborough River.

Independence Day Celebration presented by Seminole Hard Rock Tampa | 6:30 p.m. | George M. Steinbrenner Field | $8 | Head to the park early for free apple pie and autographs, then watch the Tampa Tarpons + enjoy games, inflatables, face painting, and the biggest post-game fireworks show of the year.

Find more events on our beefy calendar.

Events
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is asking for your help.
We’re giving a sneak peek into what the next ~18 months will look like inside the riverfront museum.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
Water Street Tampa and Sparkman Wharf are honoring the occasion with special deals.
We’re taking a peek at the Straz’s, freeFALL Theatre’s, and other TBAY performance venues’ lineups of showstopping performances.
The three-week event celebrates local culinary excellence, and offers a chance to reflect on those less fortunate.
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Tampa Bay.
The Bucs have announced several special events for the upcoming campaign, including the return of their creamsicle jerseys.
How well do you know Tampa Bay, FL? We’re bringing you some fun facts about the city and its history. If you’re a trivia master (or local enthusiast), give this a try.
July 15 is a fabled day in the Cigar City’s history.