The BEST places to watch July 4th fireworks in Tampa Bay with the kids

July 4th is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to figure out how and where to celebrate. This year, there are a number of cool Fourth of July events in Tampa including some amazing fireworks displays!

Whether you’re looking to take advantage of the long weekend or just for the day, here’s a list of the best events with all the information you need to plan your July 4th celebration.

We’ll continue to update this page as events are announced, so check back often to plan your best July 4th celebration ever!

Check out these Fourth of July Events in Tampa Bay for 2022

Tampa’s Boom by the Bay 2022 | Monday, July 4

Tampa is going BIG for this year’s Boom by the Bay celebration with the largest fireworks display yet! There will be family-friendly activities and events at several downtown area locations, so you’ll have plenty of options. But, first things first… let’s talk about WHERE to see fireworks in Tampa!

Tampa’s Boom by the Bay fireworks viewing locations

Fireworks will be launched into the sky once it gets dark from three barges in the river (right around 9:15 pm), but there are four spots to get the best views while enjoying extras like food trucks and entertainment:

Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works – Starting at 3pm. Enjoy live music, a hot dog eating competition, kid zone, food, drinks, and fireworks along the waterfront.
Star Spangled at Sparkman – Starting at 4pm. Enjoy a water ski show, live music, food, drinks, and fireworks along the waterfront at Sparkman Wharf.
Bayshore Boulevard (South of Davis Islands Bridge) – Starting at 7pm. Enjoy trucks, live entertainment, and waterfront views. This is where to spot the largest fireworks display of the night! There will be a Sensory Zone here too.
Water Works Park: Starting at 4pm. There will be food trucks here and waterfront views of the fireworks.

Here’s what to expect at the biggest Boom by the Bay special event locations:

Star-Spangled Sparkman in Tampa at 4pm (Sparkman Wharf opens at 11am)

The festivities kick off at 4:00 p.m. with family-friendly activities including live entertainment, a game zone on the Wharf by Busch Gardens, roaming entertainment, food and beverage specials, and more. Guests can also enjoy optimal viewing of the annual Blessing of the Fleet, followed by the Friends of Tampa Riverwalk’s Boat Parade and Water Ski Show, and of course, fireworks.

This event is free, but Sparkman is limiting capacity so get there early since Sparkman Wharf opens at 11 am! Outside food, beverages, personal chairs, or fireworks are not permitted.

The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works 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.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 4 pm-8:30 pm

This is a great spot to celebrate before the fireworks shows, so make sure you give yourselves time to move to a fireworks viewing location since you won’t see them from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The daytime event will have food trucks, a Boom Bar, and a family-friendly activity area.

Boom by the Bay at the Straz featuring Jennifer and the For Reals | Monday, July 4 from 5pm-9pm

The Straz is joining in on the Boom by the Bay festivities with a free musical event! Indulge in fresh libations at SIP and party with powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Real at The Straz’s Riverwalk.

Celebrate July 4th AND the Tampa Bay Lightning during the Boat Parade!

Mayor Jane Castor announced that the Jully 4th Boat Parade will also celebrate the Tampa Bay Lightning’s amazing season, so be sure to wear your Bolts Blue to cheer on our amazing hockey team! Expect to see boats decked out in their red, white and BOLTS blue! There will also be a giant ‘Thank You’ card placed at Curtis Hixon Park for hockey fans across the Bay Area to sign for the team.

How to view Boom by the Bay fireworks ON the water:

Fourth of July Cruises on Yacht Starship from 7pm-10:30pm

Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water with a spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise! They have several different cruise options that allow you to enjoy a delicious meal, drink from an open bar that’s free at sea, and dance on the top deck with a spectacular fireworks finale. All ages are welcome.

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise at Pirate Water Taxi from 8:45pm-9:45pm

Celebrate our nation’s independence with a bang! Hop on the Pirate Water Taxi for an hour-long cruise where you’ll view Tampa’s city fireworks right above your head. Fireworks start at approximately 9pm. Water taxi rides are $50 per person. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Water taxi rides are $50 per person.

July 4th Boat Parade in Tampa Bay:

Annual July 4th Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet in Tampa

The Boat Parade, presented by Freedom Boat Club, will feature imaginatively decorated vessels that will start at the southern tip of Harbour Island and sail 7.5 miles on the Hillsborough River. During the Parade, boaters will participate in Friends of the Riverwalk’s inaugural Valley Bank Digital Poker Run. Boaters can scan QR codes located at several locations along the Hillsborough River.

Participants who successfully check into each location will be entered into a random drawing for several prizes, including a grand prize. At Sparkman Wharf, boats in the parade will be able to take part in the Blessing of the Fleet. This centuries-old tradition draws its heritage from Mediterranean fishing communities and is celebrated around the globe. Local clergy will bless the vessels to help ensure a safe and bountiful season.

For public viewing of the boat parade, guests can visit these locations and designated times:

6:15 p.m. – Tampa Convention Center
6:30 p.m. – Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
6:45 p.m. – Armature Works
7:15 p.m. – Davis Islands and Channel Drive
7:30 p.m. – Sparkman Wharf

MORE Awesome July 4th Fireworks and Events in Tampa Bay!

Red, White and BOOM at LEGOLAND Florida Resort | Saturday, July 2 – Monday, July 4

Celebrate America’s Independence Day as the skies above Lake Eloise fill with colorful fireworks. Watch as the skies fill with the biggest fireworks show of the year in the only place that transform fireworks display into LEGO bricks before your eyes.

7th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest and Fireworks | Saturday, July 2 from 12pm-9pm

Summerfest is back strong with a day filled with FREE family-friendly fun at Zephyr Park! There will be live music, food eating contests, kids dance off, live music, market, bounce house and water slides, food trucks, and so much more.

Madiera Beach Independence Day Fireworks Celebration | Sunday, July 3 from 9 pm-9:30 pm

Get a head start on your July 4th celebration with and view this annual fireworks display from the Madiera Beach Recreation Center and ROC Park!

Lutz Fourth of July Celebration and Parade | Monday, July 4 at 8am

Kick of your July 4th morning with a one-mile fun run followed by a Flag Ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 12 and Civil Air Patrol. The parade begins at 10:00 with a cake auction fundraiser at the Lutz Civic Center just after the parade ends.

The Fourth St. Pete at The Pier | Monday, July 4, 4pm-10pm

The outdoor, family-friendly festivities at the Pier will include fun activities such as the second annual St. Pete Pier run, a craft beer garden, food trucks, and local vendors. There will be live music on the Visit St. Pete Clearwater main stage from Nighttrain, a Guns N Roses tribute band, roaming entertainers, and more! The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show, sponsored by the City of St. Pete, will be visible from the downtown waterfront, incluiding Bayshore Dr, Straub Park, and Vinoy Park. Prior to the show, the 13th US Army Band will be performing patriotic opera music. Fireworks will begin at 9pm.

4th of July Fireworks at Largo Central Park | Monday, July 4 at 6pm

Gather up the family, grab your blankets or chairs and head to Largo Central Park for music and an amazing fireworks display presented by Indian Rocks Baptist Church. There will be limited on-site parking for $10 or you may park and walk from Largo High or Largo Middle School for $5. Food and beverage vendors will be on-site.

Treasure Island Celebrate America Fireworks Show | Monday, July 4 at 9 pm

Watch a stunning display of patriotic fireworks from the beach at Gulf Front Park located at 10400 Gulf Blvd. Bring your beach towel and chairs to sit back, relax and enjoy the show! You’ll want to arrive a bit early to ensure you get a parking spot. .

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade and Celebration | Monday, July 4, 2022 from 10am-noon and 5-9pm

In the morning wear your red, white and blue to Main Street in Safety Harbor for a patriotic Independence Day parade hosted by the American Legion Post 238. At night, head over to the Safety Harbor marina for live entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors and more. And of course, you don’t want to miss the fireworks show at 9pm.

Tarpon Springs Annual Fourth of July Picnic | Monday, July 4, 2022 from 10am-2pm

The City of Tarpon Springs’ annual Fourth of July Picnic will take place at Craig Park. Enjoy food, activities, games, music, water slides and food.

Starkey Market Fourth of July Extravaganza in New Port Richey | Monday, July 4 from 5 pm-10 pm

Starkey Market in New Party Richey is celebrating July 4th with family-friendly fun, plenty of food, music and of course, fireworks! Tickets range from $10-$25 when purchased in advance. Children 6 and younger are free.

Clearwater Celebrates America at the Ball Park | Monday, July 4 at 6 pm-Fireworks at 9:15 pm

Celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks show at the BayCare Ballpark stadium! This year’s event is ticketed, so you’ll need to buy your $5 ticket in advance. The fireworks display is being relocated from Coachman Park due to construction of the new the Imagine Clearwater. You can expect live music, popcorn, family-friendly activities and more!

47th Annual Temple Terrace Independence Day Celebration | Monday, July 4 at 10am and 6pm

Head to Temple Terrace in the morning for a festive and fun Fourth of July parade at 10am. At 6pm, the celebration will continue with food vendors, music, live entertainment and a fireworks show at 9:15pm.

Fourth of July Celebration at Avalon Park West | Monday, July 4, 5pm-9pm

For a celebration including food trucks, community performances, bike parades, contests, bounce park and much more, head to Avalon Park West! This event is free to the public. There will also be a fireworks show for you to enjoy!

Fourth of July Weekend at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay | Friday, July 1-Monday, July 4

Busch Gardens’ biggest and brightest fireworks show is getting even bigger for July 4! Be sure to look to the sky at 9:15pm each night for their Summer Celebration Firework Spectacular followed by an extended patriotic encore from July 1-4. Before the fireworks go off, be sure to explore the best of Summer Celebration, including exciting shows, entertainment, and more throughout the park. Dance to the beat in their DJ Party Zones. Adults 21+ can also enjoy two complimentary 7 oz beers per day at Pantopia Drinks & Snacks.

Through July 10, U.S. Veterans can get free admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for themselves and up to three friends or family members. In order to receive your tickets, military status must be verified through ID.me.

July 4th Weekend Getaway Ideas:

Take 2 Package at AC Hotel Tampa

Make it a date night at the AC Hotel Tampa with our Take 2 Package, which includes 2 tapas & 2 cocktails in our AC Lounge and a 2pm check-out! Explore 4th of July festivities around Tampa and then relax in our luxurious guest rooms, soak up the sun at our pristine outdoor pool and unwind by the fire pit to complete your stay. Book your romantic getaway today! *Available through 12/31/22