5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 4th Events, Fireworks

1.) Fireworks Show: Let's start with the big events: the city's annual fireworks dispplay. It will light up the night sky near the Pier starting at 9 p.m., if the weather holds out. If skies look ominous, the fireworks could start as early as 8:30 or be delayed until 10 p.m. There are many spots to view the fireworks; some of the best are the parks that border the waterfront: North Shore, Flora Wylie, Vinoy, Spa Beach and Albert Whitted. For details on finding parking and avoiding traffic jams, see our guide to going to the fireworks.

2.) Museum of Fine Arts Barbecue: If you don't want to fight the crowds, the Museum of Fine Arts has a nice deck, with limited seating. The party starts at 6 p.m. with a gourmet barbecue, champagne and live entertainment by the Motel Funk band. The cost for musuem members is $34 and $44 for nonmembers. For details, call 727-896-2667, ext. 258, or 727-822-1032 for reservations.

3.) Pier Festival: The city of St. Pete will have nonstop activities on the Fourth of July, with most of the action at the Pier. The Pier will open at 10 a.m. Holiday activities start at 11:30 a.m. and go until 11 p.m. There will be live music and entertainment through the day that includes Sunrise Performing Arts dancers, River City Banjo Band, Fritzy Bros. One Man Circus, face painters, Power Skippers and caricature artists. Jonny Reno's Waterside Grille has its soft opening at the Pier, too. For a complete list of Pier activities, see our Events calendar.

4.) FC Tampa Bay Soccer: FC Tampa Bay and the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers face off at Al Lang Stadium/Progress Energy Park, 230 First St. S. Game time is 6 p.m. Stick around after the game to watch the fireworks. Fans will be allowed on to the field to enjoy the light show. Reserve tickets: 813-287-1539.

5.) Children's Parade: The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood's annual Fourth of July Children's Parade starts at 10 a.m., at 3001 First St. NE. The old-fashioned parade includes firetrucks and the American Spirit Fife and Drum Corps. Rainy? Call HONNA's hotline at 727-269-5521.