Liberty by The Bay: Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Family Friendly Fun for 2026
Tampa is once again going BIG this year for the Fourth of July with Liberty by The Bay (previously Boom by the Bay) on July 4th!
What to expect from Liberty by the Bay 2026
This year, this awesome family-friendly event will feature food, live entertainment, fun activities for all ages, a 250-drone light show, and a fireworks finale. The best part? These events are each along the riverwalk, all within walking distance and viewing distance, so you can decide to bounce from event to event if you wish!
Pets, personal fireworks, cooking and grilling, or outside food and drink are not allowed for these events. Certain places allow you to ring your own chairs and blankets so be sure to read below!
You can check out MORE awesome July 4th fireworks displays in Tampa Bay here.
2026 Fourth of July Liberty by the Bay Celebration Details
Celebrate our Semiquincentennial along the Riverwalk with a patriotic boat parade, an epic water ski show, and so much more!
- Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Time: 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
- Location: Julian B. Lane Park
2026 Liberty by The Bay Schedule of events:
- 4 p.m.-4:30 p.m., DJ
- 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Kids Zone
- 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Food Trucks
- 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Beer Garden
- 4:30 p.m.-5:15, Live Band Performance
- 5:15 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Patriotic Pet Show
- 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m., Live Band Performance
- 6:15 p.m.-7 p.m., Water Ski Show
- 6:45 p.m.-7:15 p.m., kids Liberty Procession
- 7 p.m.-7:45 p.m., Live Band Performance
- 7:45 p.m.-8 p.m., DJ
- 8 p.m.-8:45 p.m., Live Band Performance
- 8:45 p.m.-9 p.m., Closing Remarks, National Anthem, Mayor's Proclamation
- 9 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Drone Show and Fireworks Display
This event is free to the public; however, there are multiple viewing options. VIP tickets are available for purchase for ages 21+. This VIP ticket includes reserved seating at Jackson's Bistro, a private bar and private bathroom, one free signature cocktail, and premier viewing of the fireworks display.
Liberty by The Bay VIP Ticketholder Timeline:
- 4:30 p.m., VIP Opens
- 5 p.m., Water Ski Show in front of Jackson's Bistro
- 7:15 p.m., Boat Parade passes Jackson's Bistro
- 9 p.m., Firework Show
- 9:30 p.m., VIP Closes
There is free prime viewing on the West Lawn which is offered on a first come, first serve basis, and guests are allowed to bring blankets and chairs.
Free pulic access is first come first serve with access available throughout the event area. There are kids Zone wrist bands are available for purchase the day of the event for $25 per child, let them play their heart out!
Friends of the Tampa RiverWalk July 4th Boat Parade
Don't miss the festive boat parade, water ski show, and fireworks along the Hillsborough River! For guests looking to upgrade their experience, there are VIP tickets available for with indoor and outdoor access, with the best views of the parade and the water ski show!
VIP access includes a private AC area inside Jackson's Bistro Waterfront Room with seating, heavy appetizers, and three drink tickets. There is also a private section outside on the balcony above Jackson's Bistro where VIP guests can also watch the parade and water ski show.
Pro tip: Parking is available at a discounted rate for VIP.
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. Boats will be decorated in red, white, and blue and compete for the most patriotic boat!
Where to park for the 2026 Liberty by The Bay Celebration
All of the city's parking garages will be open for parking. There will be limited on-site parking at Julian B. Lane Park, as well as at the Bob Buckhorn River Center.
You can also park at the following parking garages:
- Channelside Garage: 369 South 12th Street, Tampa, FL 33602
- Garrison Lot: 651 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
- East Cumberland Garage: 1045 East Cumberland Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
You also have the option to park in Ybor City and take the TECO Line Streetcar into downtown for free! The streetcar will operate every 15 minutes. Other ways to get around include the Pirate Water Taxi and rideshare options like Dash, Lyft, or Uber!
Other 2026 July 4 events to check out in downtown Tampa:
51st Annual Temple Terrace Independence Day Parade and Celebration
- Saturday, July 4, at 10 a.m.
- Temple Terrace, FL
Head to Temple Terrace in the morning for a festive and fun Fourth of July parade at 10 a.m. and then end it with a fireworks display at Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club at 9:15 p.m.
Note: The parade route travels south to Druid Hills, then west to Ridgedale, and finally south to the Temple Terrace Little League fields.