Boom by the Bay Returns to Tampa with a New Date, New Location, and MORE!

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Tampa is once again going BIG this year for 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, the event stands on its own with a NEW location and NEW date. Unlike previous years, Boom by the Bay will be held at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park on Saturday, July 1st before the rest of the city’s festivities take place on July 4th. 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 2023

“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.

Shaun Drinkard, Interim President of the Tampa Downtown Partnership added, “We’re looking forward to an all-day, family-friendly party on July 1st. Whether it’s with the classic all-American favorite apple pie or the new all-American obsession of pickleball, you’ll find activities for everyone.”

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

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 3:30pm to 10:30pm 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 the hopping on the TECO Line Streetcar. You can even get around by boat on the Pirate Water Taxi!

Additional Info: 

The event is free to attend. There will be a charge for food and drink purchases. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.

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:

Annual July 4th Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet in Tampa – Tuesday, July 4 from 4pm-6pm

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.

The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works – Tuesday, July 4 from 3pm-10pm

Festivities include a large-scale riverfront concert, 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.

Star Spangled Sparkman – Tuesday, July 4 at 4pm

Sparkman Wharf is celebrating Independence Day with its 5th annual Star Spangled Sparkman— a staple community event with entertainment for all ages. Guests will have a spectacular waterfront view of the fireworks show as one of Tampa Bay’s prime viewing locations. Guests will also have front row viewing of the annual Blessing of the Fleet, followed by the Boat Parade and Water Ski Show presented by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk. Family-friendly activities for all ages will include DJ performances and roaming entertainment, festive food, drinks and photo-ops, of course!

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