4th Of July Fireworks, Parades 2021 In Tampa

TAMPA, FL — Coronavirus cases continue to drop across the country while the number of those who are fully vaccinated continues to rise, which means there is even more reason to celebrate this Independence Day.

July 4 is almost here, so it's time to find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near you.

We have all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Tampa, so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4 in 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.

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.

Here's what's happening in surrounding areas:

Independence Day Celebration At St. Pete Pier

Where: St. Pete Pier, 800 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg

When: July 2-4 (check link above for all times)

What: This three-day event is filled includes the inaugural St. Pete Pier Run, Silent Disco, Gulp Coast Craft Beer Garden, food trucks and vendors, a pie=eating contest, live music on the Visit St. Pete Clearwater Main Stage, karaoke, the "Independence Day" movie, roaming entertainers and more.

The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show sponsored by the city of St. Pete is scheduled for Sunday, July 4, at 9 p.m., and will be visible from the entire downtown waterfront, including Bayshore Drive, Straub Parks and Vinoy Park.

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade

Where: 200 Main St., Safety Harbor

When: Sunday, July 4 at 10 a.m.

What: Bring the family to downtown Safety Harbor and see decorative floats and cars drive along Main Street. This event is hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. Remember to wear your red, white and blue. If you want to enter a float in the parade, call 727-726-9601.

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Fireworks

Where: Veterans Park at the Safety Harbor Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor

When: Sunday, July 4, from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

What: There will be children’s activities, live entertainment and food vendors. The fireworks display is scheduled for 9 p.m.

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