Tampa July 4 Fireworks Shows: Waterfront, Red White & Blue Fest

TAMPA, FL — Tampa will celebrate the Fourth of July with a Boom by the Bay celebration on Thursday, July 4.

This all-American celebration will feature family-friendly activities, live entertainment and four fireworks displays spanning 2.5 miles along Tampa's waterfront.

With a 50/50 chance of rain and the unpredictability of weather in Florida in July, to be on the safe side, you'd better bring an umbrella if you're heading out to celebrate. Patch will provide update on any severe thunderstorms and event cancellations.

The celebration will take place at Armature Works, Riverfront Park, the Tampa Convention Center and Sparkman Wharf in downtown Tampa.

The patriotic event will feature four fireworks displays spanning 2.5 miles of the waterfront.

Shows will be visible at Armature Works, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, the Tampa Convention Center/The Sail and Sparkman Wharf.

At Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., the inaugural Heights Fourth of July Festival will run from 4 to 9 p.m. with a classic American car show, followed by a hot dog-eating contest, live music all afternoon on the Yuengling Riverfront Stage, a YMCA-sponsored family fun zone on the West Lawn, and ending with a 20-minute fireworks display over the Hillsborough River.

Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs, however, coolers and outside food and beverages will be prohibited. There will be a variety of food and drink options available from vendors at the Heights Public Market.

At Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 North Blvd., Tampa, the celebration will kick off at 4 p.m. with Rock the Park concert, featuring The Reality, Omari Dillard, Ivy Alex and more before the fireworks begin.

Meanwhile, at the Tampa Convention Center, there will be games, entertainment, a variety of food options and a prime fireworks viewing area in the circle drive near The Sail.

There will be more patriotic activities taking place at Tampa's newest waterfront venue, Sparkman Wharf at 615 Channelside Drive, where spectators will find food, drinks, entertainment and yet another fireworks show.

Red, White & Blue Festival

The Tampa Red, White & Blue Festival will take place Thursday, July 4 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Grand Central at Kennedy, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd.

Come dressed in patriotic colors and enter the Best-Dressed Adult and Patriotic Kid Contest. There will also be a Patriotic Paw Walk on Channelside Drive between Madison and Meridian streets. Dress your dog in patriotic attire and join the walk at 3 p.m. Afterward, there will be a Best-Dressed Dog Contest.

Also on tap will be food trucks, craft vendors, giveaways and an apple pie-eating contest.

Celebrate At Busch Gardens

Residents in North Tampa can enjoy their own fireworks show at Busch Gardens on Thursday, July 4.

The theme park will celebrate Independence Day with an extended fireworks show accompanied by a patriotic medley and thrill rides at night.

Prior to the fireworks show, visitors are invited to enjoy disc jockeys and Summer Nights dancers in the Stanleyville and Cheetah Hunt Plazas, try out Florida's tallest launch coaster, Tigris, and enjoy special Summer Nights cuisine including the BBQ Patty Melt, Funnel Cake Fries and Buffalo Pub Chips.

The Fourth of July activities are included with admission to the park. Click here for tickets.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Planning a celebration for the Fourth? Check out epic July Fourth essentials like red, white and blue swag, patriotic games and luminous LED lights to ensure your party is the best in the USA.

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