Boom by the Bay Tampa July 4th events

Boom by the Bay Returns to Tampa with Family Friendly Fun for 2024

By Last Updated

Tampa is once again going BIG this year for the Fourth of July with the return of Boom by the Bay! In addition to an incredible fireworks display, there will also be several activities and events that the whole family can enjoy.

This year, this awesome event, Boom by the Bay will be held at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park on Thursday, July 4. Keep reading to learn all about what you can expect this year! You can check out MORE awesome July 4th fireworks displays in Tampa Bay here.

What to expect at Boom by the Bay 2024

“While fireworks will grace the sky, Boom by the Bay is about so much more than that,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “It's a chance for our community to gather, connect, and appreciate the beauty of our city and the spirit of togetherness. This will be a highlight of the summer.”

This year’s event will feature activities for the whole family to enjoy such as a pickleball tournament, apple pie bake-off, free concert, family zone activities (including face painting, bounce houses, sack races, corn hole) food trucks, and fireworks.

The festivities will kick off at 4:00 pm and fireworks will light up the sky at dusk (est. 9:15 pm).

What's NEW at Boom by the Bay 2024

Get ready for some tasty competition. The Apple Pie Throwdown will challenge vendors from far and wide to cook up a creative twist on an American classic. A field of vendors will compete to deliver the most delicious and unique version of an “apple pie” to claim the top prize, and visitors get to taste their hard work! Members of the public can purchase a tasting pass that lets them sample all the entries in the competition from 4 pm–7 pm.

America’s classic pastime may be baseball, but its newest obsession is pickleball. The Tampa Pickleball Crew will be hosting the second annual Boom by the Bay Pickleball Tournament. Grab your paddles and register your duo today here!

Watch artists capture our country's history in imaginative ways. Visitors can watch M.A. Art create a live work of art during Boom by the Bay, painting a scene that will grow throughout the day and into the evening.

Where to park for Boom by the Bay

All of the city's parking garages will be open for parking for $10. See the interactive map here. You also have the option to take a FREE shuttle service to Bayshore Boulevard which is where the night's largest fireworks show will be. The free shuttle by Jolley Trolley will run from 3:30 pm to 10:30 pm in a continuous loop.

Jolley Trolley shuttle stop locations include:

  • Fort Brooke Garage (intersection of Whiting St & Franklin St)
  • Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park – Doyle Carlton & Laurel St. (riders will have to cross over the Fortune Taylor Bridge)
  • Poe Parking Garage – Gasparilla Plaza

Scooter rentals are also available through Bird, Lime, and Spin (not permitted on the Tampa Riverwalk or along Bayshore Boulevard).

Other ways to get around include parking in the Ybor City garage and hopping on the TECO Line Streetcar. You can even get around by boat on the Pirate Water Taxi!

Additional Info: 

  • A Sensory Relief Zone will be located near the south entrance of the park (Cypress Street) near the pavilions.
  • The event is free to attend. There will be a charge for food and drink purchases. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.
  • Lawn chairs, blankets, and small coolers will be allowed. Large umbrellas or tents will not be permitted.
  • Outside alcohol, grilling, and other cooking is prohibited.
  • Well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome.
  • You are welcome to bring chairs, blankets, and small coolers. Umbrellas and tents are prohibited.
  • For safety reasons, no outside fireworks or sparklers are allowed.
  • There will be a sensory relief zone located at Julian B. Lane Park.

Other July 4 events to check out in downtown Tampa:

 

Star Spangled at Sparkman – July 4, 2024, from 4 pm – 9:30 pm

Head to Sparkmak Wharf for live entertainment, a game zone, face painting, roaming performers, and tasty food and drink specials. You will also be able to see the Blessing of the Fleet, Boat Parade, and Water Ski Show from this waterfront property before the fireworks grand finale.   The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so come early!

The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Work – July 4, 2024, from 4 pm – 10 pm

Festivities include a large-scale riverfront concert, a fireworks display overlooking downtown Tampa, Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade, Hot Dog Eating competition, and American-inspired art that will be auctioned off during the event. They will also have a Kids Zone complete with bounce houses, slides, an obstacle course, and free crafts. Face painting and glitter tattoos will be available for purchase. Free public access, general admission, and VIP access are all available.

Annual July 4th Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet in Tampa – Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 4 pm-9:30 pm

Celebrate July 4th with Friends of the Riverwalk with a Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing of the Fleet, and fireworks as part of the Star Spangled Banner festivities at Sparkman Wharf. The parade route will be similar to their holiday light boat parade but will include a Water Ski Show to kick off the celebration, a poker run and a blessing station.

Click here for even MORE Fourth of July FUN in Tampa Bay!