Fireworks Near Me: New Tampa’s 4th Of July 2021

NEW TAMPA, FL — As coronavirus cases continue to drop across the country while the number of those who are fully vaccinated continues to rise, residents are emerging from their cocoons and resuming their traditional celebrations including Fourth of July festivities.

Here's what's in store this July 4 around New Tampa:

Boom By The Bay

Where: Multiple locations along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa

When: Sunday, July 4 starting at 5 p.m.

What: The event begins at 5 p.m. on July 4 with a boat parade and Blessing of the Fleet, which is presented by Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk. The parade will take a similar route as the holiday light boat parade but will have three blessing stations.

The parade will begin in the Tampa Convention Center basin, travel to the Heights and end at Sparkman Wharf. Public viewing locations include the Armature Works, Channelside Drive, the Tampa Convention Center, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Davis Islands, Harbour Island, Sparkman Wharf and Water Works Park.

Following the boat parade, Boom by the Bay programming will begin at 7 p.m. with family-friendly activities spanning six waterfront locations, including two new locations. Each site will feature activities for all ages, food vendors, entertainment, and fireworks, which will be choreographed together and launched simultaneously at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.).

The six locations this year include: Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, presented by the Hard Rock; Armature Works; Tampa Convention Center; Sparkman Wharf; Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, presented by Tampa Downtown Partnership; and Bayshore Boulevard, presented by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida.

The event is free and open to the public. Event goers are reminded to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines and take advantage of sanitation stations at each location.

Freedom Fest

Where: The American Victory Ship and Museum, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa

When: Sunday, July 4 from 6 to 9:15 p.m.

What: The American Victory Ship and Museum will host Freedom Fest Sunday, July 4 from 6 to 9:15 p.m., a celebration of America's birthday aboard the WWII ship. Freedom Fest attendees will have a prime view of Tampa's Boom by the Bay fireworks display along with the July 4 boat parade and Blessing of the Fleet.

From 6 to 9:15 p.m., enjoy adult refreshments provided by Spunky Spirits and festive food trucks.
Activities will include a kids zone, musical entertainment from DJ Reko, festive characters, All-American photo ops, dancing and games. A silent auction with military collectibles and Champa Bay sports memorabilia will be available to bid on.

The cost is $14 for adults, $7 for children age 4 to 12, $11 for military, veterans and first responders and free for children age 3 and under. Click here for tickets.

Independence Day Bike-Decorating Contest And Parade

Where: Rivercrest Park, 4802 North Boulevard, Tampa

When: Saturday, July 3 from 4 to 6 p.m.

What: The South Seminole Heights Civic Association will host a bike-decorating contest and parade for kids and adults.

The bike-decorating contest will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. and the parade from 5 to 5:30 p.m. Voting and the winners will be announced from 5:30 to 6 p.m. There will also be snacks, drinks and crafts.

All American BBQ Festival

Where: TPepin's Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., Tampa

When: Saturday, July 3 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

What: Ten barbecue vendors from the Bay area will participate in barbecue competition. Additionally, there will be cocktails, live entertainment, porch games, a corn hole tournament, giveaways and more. The festival, sponsored by Budweiser, will take place rain or shine. Tickets range from $10 to $90. Click here.

Busch Gardens' Extended Fireworks Show

Where: Busch Gardens Tampa, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa

When: 9:15 p.m. July 1-4

What: "Spark! A Nighttime Spectacular" is the park's newest fireworks show, complete with lasers, water elements and pyrotechnics. The show begins at 9:15 p.m. In celebration of Independence Day, there will be extra presentations. The cost is included with regular park admission.

Independence Day Concert At The Heights

Where: Armature Works, 1910 Ola Ave., Tampa

When: Sunday, July 4 from 5 to 11 p.m.

What: Armature Works is among six official viewing sites for the city of Tampa's Boom by the Bay fireworks show and the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk boat parade.

In addition, Armature Works will host a live concert. Guests are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs; however, coolers and outside food and beverages will be prohibited.
This event is free and open to the public.

VIP tickets for those age 21 and up are $75 and feature exclusive stage and fireworks viewing on the Armature Works Pier, a private bar and restroom, access to a hydration station and a swag bag with an Uber ride pass. Click here for tickets.

46th Annual Temple Terrace Independence Day Celebration

Where: Whiteway Drive and at the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, 600 Inverness Ave.

When: Saturday, July 3, at 10 a.m. for the parade and 6 p.m. for the fireworks.

What: The city of Temple Terrace will host its 46th Annual Temple Terrace Independence Day Celebration on July 3.

The celebration will begin with the traditional parade at 10 a.m. starting at Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue. It will then run south to Druid Hills Road, west to Ridgedale Road and south to the Temple Terrace Little League fields. Parking is allowed on any side street that doesn't have "No Parking" signs.

The festivities resume at 6 p.m. on the 1st fairway of Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, 600 Inverness Ave., with live music by Charlie Imes & the Sundogs, featuring Roger Bartlett, Jimmy Buffett's original lead guitarist. The band will play tunes by Jackson Browne, Tom Petty and James Taylor to Nat King Cole, Keb Mo, the Beatles and Jimmy Buffett.

There will be a variety of food trucks and entertainment for the kids, including magician Cory Van Valin, Best of the Bay winner for 2020, who will provide his strolling close-up magic from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fireworks kick off at 9:15 p.m. (weather permitting). Note that there will be no golf carts permitted on the fairway. Limited golf cart parking will be available nearby. Vehicle parking will be available on side streets not marked with "No Parking" signs.

Independence Day Festival

Where: The Grove at Wesley Chapel, 6033 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

When: Sunday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What: There will be craft vendors, food trucks, inflatables, axe throwing, games, batting cages, music and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $10 for adults. A free kids' ticket comes with each adult ticket purchase.

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Related: How To Keep People And Pets Safe During 4th Of July Fireworks