Boom by the Bay Returns to Tampa with Family Friendly Fun for 2025
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 Friday, 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 2025
“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 p.m. and fireworks will light up the sky at dusk (est. 9:15 pm).
What's NEW at Boom by the Bay 2025
Last year saw the debut of fun additions to Boom by the Bay. The Apple Pie Throwdown challenged vendors from far and wide to cook up a creative twist on an American classic. A field of vendors competed to deliver the most delicious and unique version of an “apple pie” to claim the top prize, and visitors got to taste their hard work! Stay tuned for 2025 details.
America’s classic pastime may be baseball, but its newest obsession is pickleball. Last year the Tampa Pickleball Crew hosted a Boom by the Bay Pickleball Tournament. No details have been released for this year's tournament.
Visitors were also able to watch artists capture our country's history in imaginative ways last year! They were able 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. Check back later for details about this year!
Where to park for Boom by the Bay
All of the city's parking garages will be open for parking for $10. 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: Check back later for an updated list for 2025.
- 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:
Hometown USA at TD Ballpark
- July 4, 2025 from 6 pm-9:30 pm
- TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin
The event kicks off with Dunedin Goes Carting patriotic golf cart parade through downtown Dunedin to TD Ballpark. The celebration continues at the ballpark with a live band, outdoor movie showing of The Little Rascals, games, face painting, and ending the night with a grand fireworks show. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm (weather permitting). This is a free event. Concessions will be available for purchase.
50th Annual Temple Terrace Independence Day Parade and Celebration
- Friday, July 4, at 10 am
- Temple Terrace, FL
Head to Temple Terrace in the morning for a festive and fun Fourth of July parade at 10 am and then end it with a fireworks display at Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club at 9:15 pm.
Note: The parade route travels south to Druid Hills, then west to Ridgedale, and finally south to the Temple Terrace Little League fields.