Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, commemorates the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified July 4, 1776, and established the United States of America. These days, we celebrate with barbecues, baseball and fireworks. The following is a list of many ways the Tampa Bay is marking the holiday.
Fourth of July Beach Fest: 11 days of live music, DJ dancing and beach vibes to honor our country. 21 and older only. No cover. 5-9 p.m. Thursday (June 27), 6-9 p.m. Friday (June 28), 1-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (June 29-30). Postcard Inn, 6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-367-2711.
Zephyrhills Summerfest: Fourth of July: Zephyrhills celebrates the Fourth of July early with a family festival including children’s activities, food and fireworks. Free. Noon-9 p.m. Saturday (June 29). Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills.
Fourth of Ju-Luau: Wear luau-style clothing or beach attire to celebrate America, and get a jump on Canada Day, at this party with new beer releases, Hawaiian-themed food, a taco cart, prizes for best Hawaiian/beach attire and island music. No cover. Noon-11 p.m. Saturday (June 29). Dade City Brew House, 14323 Seventh St., Dade City. 352-218-3122.
Fourth of July Hometown Extravaganza: The City of New Port Richey Centennial and Fourth of July Celebration with live music, food, bounce house and a fireworks display. Free. 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday (June 29). Sims Park, 5547 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-841-4560.
Indie*Pendence III: Celebrate your independence at this barbecue with music by The Suns of Hispaniola and DJs Nostalgia and Swankadelic. No cover. 4-11:30 p.m. Saturday (June 29). Event Venue, 2599 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Fourth of July Mac and Cheese Cook-Off: A cheesy showdown of one of America’s most popular dishes. No cover. 5:30 p.m. Saturday (June 29). BRU Florida Growler Bar, 8729 Gunn Highway, Odessa. 813-926-8335.
Happy Birthday America: Dance Party: Bring a dish to share and dress in red, white and blue for this potluck/dance party. $15. 7 p.m. Saturday (June 29). The Way 2 Dance Studio, 6520 U.S. 301, Riverview. 813-966-4788.
Stars and Stripes Celebration: Start celebrating Independence Day early at this community barbecue with food, fixings, DJ dancing and a cash bar. Benefits the Gulfport Senior Center Building Fund. $25-$30. 5 p.m. July 1. Historic Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1244.
Fourth of July Beach Fest: 11 days of live music, DJ dancing and beach vibes to honor our country. 21 and older only. No cover. 5-9 p.m. July 1-2, 1-9 p.m. July 3-4, 6-9 p.m. July 5, 1-9 p.m. July 6-7. Postcard Inn, 6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-367-2711.
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Explore all your optionsFourth of July Concert: Celebrate America through patriotic music by the Florida Jazz Express big band. $15. 7:30-9:30 p.m. July 2. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. 813-829-2760.
Madeira Beach Independence Day Celebration: Enjoy live music by the Street Spirit Band at 7 p.m. before a fireworks display at 9. Blankets and chairs recommended. Free. 6-9:30 p.m. July 3. Madeira Beach Recreation Complex, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. 727-392-0665.
Hometown USA: This event kicks off with the Dunedin Goes Carting patriotic golf cart parade through downtown Dunedin to TD Ballpark. The celebration continues at the ballpark with a live band, outdoor movie, games, face painting and a grand fireworks show. The band will play in the third base concourse area. Grandstand seating will be open to watch the movie and fireworks. No field access. Free. 6-9:30 p.m. July 3. TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-812-4530.
Clearwater Threshers: The Threshers come up against the Dunedin Blue Jays. The team celebrates Independence Day Wednesday. $7-$12. 6:30 p.m. July 3. BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. 727-467-4457.
Fourth of July Swing: Swing Time presents a pre-Fourth of July swing dance with live music by Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings. Dress in red, white and blue for free ice cream. Dance lesson begins at 7 p.m. with open dancing at 8 p.m. $12. 6:45 p.m. July 3. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1070.
Independence Day Golf Cart Parade: Members of the Riviera Bay Civic Association deck out their golf carts in red, white and blue for the fourth annual Light Up the Night golf cart parade. Free. 7 p.m. July 3. Riviera Bay Community Playground, 9400-9598 Second St. N., St. Petersburg.
July Fourth Circle of Heroes/Veterans Dive: Celebrate the Fourth of July with Narcosis Scuba Center and dive The Circle of Heroes and Veteran’s Reef. Includes refreshments and snacks. Does not include tanks, gratuity and postdive adult beverage. $129, $20 Nitrox upgrade. 7 a.m. July 4. Narcosis Scuba Center, 528 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727-934-3483.
Lutz Independence Day Run: A chip timed 5K and a 1-mile family fun run. A parade follows. $15-$30. 7:30 a.m. July 4. Lutz Civic Center, 98 First Ave. NW, Lutz. 813-264-3805.
City of Gulfport Fourth of July Celebration: Gulfport starts celebrating with a kids fishing derby from 8-10:30 a.m. on the seawall outside the Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex. The fun continues with a Red, White and Blue-themed family sand sculpting contest from 10 a.m.-noon on Gulfport Beach. There’s also a parade on Beach Boulevard at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1118.
Independence Day Golf Tournament: Tee off for freedom in this shotgun start four-person scramble with greens fees, cart, lunch, a drink ticket, range balls and prizes. $89, $49 full golf members. 8:30 a.m. July 4. Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. 813-996-4653.
July Fourth Zumba: Wear red, white and blue and dance for the freedom of our country. Free. 8:30-9:30 a.m. July 4. Esporta Fitness, 7635 113th St., Seminole. 727-440-8065.
Fourth of July Mingle: A mingles shuffleboard tournament with three 16-frame games. Includes choice of burger or hot dog and chips. Cash prize for best Fourth of July outfit. $15. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Mirror Lake St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Drive N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-2083.
Kenneth City Fourth of July: Join Kenneth City Mayor Megan Zemaitis for a parade starting at 66th Street and 46th Avenue N., through town to Ernst Park for a festival with food, bounce houses, live music and Kona Ice. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Old Time Pottery, 4701 66th St. N., Kenneth City.
Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade: Wear red, white and blue and join the American Legion Auxiliary for a parade down Main Street. Stick around after the parade for a patriotic ceremony at the Gazebo at approximately 11:30 a.m. Free. 10 a.m.-noon July 4. Safety Harbor Main Street Parade Route, Main Street and Second Avenue N., Safety Harbor. 727-726-9601.
Brandon Fourth of July Parade: The parade of marching units, vehicles and floats starts at the corner of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue, heads north to Robertson Street, turns west and finishes at Buckingham Place. Free. 10 a.m.-noon July 4. Parade Start Point, Corner of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue, Brandon.
Fourth of July Picnic in the Park: The 16th annual picnic with live music by Oysterbone (10-11:45 a.m. and 12:30-1 p.m.), waterslides, food, drinks and a hot dog eating contest (16 and older only for eating contest). No cover. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Craig Park, 100 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs.
Independence Day Brunch: Take in a view of the beach as you indulge in a buffet featuring dishes including burgers, guava-seared pork loin, shrimp skewers, loaded baked potato salads, apple pie cream puffs, and grilled red and blue berry shortcake. $90, $40 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. July 4. Don CeSar Hotel, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-1881.
Fourth of July Beach Party: Beachside co*cktails, food, DJ dancing and live music by The Difference (July 4), The Supply Chain (July 5), Crossfire Creek (July 6) and Chas Collins (July 7). No cover. 11 a.m.-midnight July 4-7. Shephard’s Beach Resort, 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater. 727-442-5107.
Red, White and Bluey: Celebrate the Fourth of July at this roller skating party with indoor safe fireworks, games and meet-and-greets with Bluey the mascot. $11, $5 skate rental. Noon-4 p.m. July 4. Skateworld of Tampa, 7510 Paula Drive, Tampa. 813-884-7688.
Fourth of July Skate: Three hours of red, white and blue skating with an all-you-can-eat hot dog-a-thon for the first hour. Also taking place at Astro Skate in Tarpon Springs. $8, skate rental additional. 1-4 p.m. July 4. Astro Skate Pinellas Park, 10001 66th St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-546-0018.
Catch the Spirit and Celebrate America: The family festival features food, activities, live entertainment and a patriotic drone show (9 p.m.). Free, $10 parking. 1-10 p.m. July 4. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Brandon. 813-737-3247.
Fourth of July Celebration: A family-friendly, alcohol-free festival with a scavenger hunt, outdoor water games, food, snow cones, bounce house and live music. Free. 2-5 p.m. July 4. Criminon Florida, 45 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater.
Family Fun: Fourth of July Celebration: Play family-friendly games while you listen to music by the Highway 41 Band. No cover. 2-6 p.m. July 4. Krate at the Grove, 5817 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 813-406-5819.
Fourth of July: Bring blankets and lawn chairs to the second annual Independence Day celebration with music, food by Sea Dog Cantina and fireworks. No cover, $75 VIP upgrade. 3-9 p.m. July 4. Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post 138, 5535 W. Prescott St., Tampa. 813-839-5119.
Fourth of July: A day filled with a farmers market (4-8 p.m.), live music, food trucks, family activities and a giant fireworks display. No cover. 4 p.m. July 4. Event Location, 1540 Little Road, Trinity.
Star Spangled Sparkman: Sparkman Wharf hosts the sixth annual event in collaboration with Tampa’s Boom by the Bay. This free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, game zones, face painting and roaming performers. There’s also the Blessing of the Fleet, a boat parade, a water ski show and waterfront views of the Boom by the Bay fireworks display. No cover. 4-9 p.m. July 4. Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-345-5881.
The Fourth: St. Pete Pier: The city of St. Petersburg’s official Fourth of July celebration at the Pier. Activities include a run, family fun zone, craft beer garden, food trucks, vendors, live music and fireworks (9 p.m.). Free. 4-9:30 p.m. July 4. Spa Beach at the Pier approach, 615 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 813-464-1657.
Boom by the Bay: Boom by the Bay, powered by TECO at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is Tampa’s Independence Day celebration, featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment, Apple Pie Throwdown and a fireworks display. Free. 4-10 p.m. July 4. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Boulevard, Tampa. 813-259-1610.
The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration: Festivities include a riverfront concert, fireworks, Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade viewing, hot dog eating competition, kids zone and family-friendly fun. Benefits K9s for Warriors. $50-$75. 4-10 p.m. July 4. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 813-250-3725.
Independence Day Celebration: Bring the whole family out for an Independence Day celebration with live entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities and fireworks (9 p.m.). Free. 5-9 p.m. July 4. Water Front Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. 727-724-1555.
4th of July Celebration: Bring the family for bounce houses, food trucks, a bake-off, bike parade, community performances and fireworks (9 p.m.). No cover. 5-9 p.m. July 4. Avalon Park, 4424 Friendly Way, Wesley Chapel. 813-783-1515.
Fourth of July Bash: Nine holes of golf followed by an optional buffet and fireworks. $17-$50. 5-9 p.m. July 4. Wentworth Golf Club, 2990 Wentworth Way, Tarpon Springs. 727-942-4760.
Fourth of July Beach Party: Party in the sand as you listen to live music by Full Throttle Band starting at 5 p.m. and resuming after the fireworks. No cover. 5-10 p.m. July 4. Thunderbird Resort, 10700 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island. 727-367-1961.
Fourth of July Celebration: A community-wide picnic featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, a celebration service and fireworks. Registration required at revival.lpages.co/event. Free. 5-10 p.m. July 4. The River at Tampa Bay Church, 3738 River International Drive, Tampa. 813-971-9999.
Burn and Boom Tampa Bay: Get patriotic with fireworks, DJ dancing, food, vendors, raffles and giveaways. No cover. 5-11 p.m. July 4. Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop, 4035 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. 813-533-3798.
Clearwater Celebrates America: Clearwater celebrates with local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music, buskers throughout the park and fireworks over Clearwater Harbor (9:30 p.m.). Free. 5-11 p.m. July 4. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-562-4800.
July Fourth Boat Parade on Craft: Celebrate the Fourth of July on the water with a memorable river dining experience aboard Craft. Craft will participate in the annual July 4 boat parade during this dinner journey. The two-hour cruise includes a three-course dinner, views of downtown Tampa’s waterways and craft co*cktails available for purchase. $99.95. 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 4. Craft, 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-223-7999.
July Fourth Independence Day Fireworks & VIP Celebration: Includes live music by Heart and Soul, two hours of open bar, a barbecue buffet and up-close seating for the Safety Harbor fireworks. $89. 5:30-10:30 p.m. July 4. Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor. 727-724-7706.
Fireworks Cruise: Enjoy drinks, music and a great view of fireworks from the deck of the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest, Dolphin Quest or Shark Boat. Price varies by boat. 6 p.m. July 4. Sunshine Scenic Tours, 140 Boardwalk Place W., Madeira Beach. 727-423-7824.
Fourth of July Bash: DJ Blink provides the music for karaoke with food, drinks, games and activities. No cover (RSVP required). 6 p.m. July 4. Whiskey on Park, 6501 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. 727-273-1459.
Glizzy Gobble Off: Fourth of July: A hot dog eating competition with cash prizes and free tea for winners. No cover. 6 p.m. July 4. Low Tide Kava Bar, 2902A Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-202-6824.
Largo Fourth of July: Celebrate Independence Day with the city of Largo with live music from the 727s Band, food from local vendors and trucks, shopping from local vendors, activities and fireworks (shortly after 9 p.m.). Free. 6-9 p.m. July 4. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-586-7415.
Freedom Fest: Board the American Victory Ship for a night of refreshments, food trucks, a kid zone, All American photos, DJ dancing and great views of the boat parade and fireworks. $11-$16, 3 and younger free. 6-9:15 p.m. July 4. SS American Victory, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-228-8766.
St. Pete Beach Fourth of July: Nicknaming itself the Sunset Capital of Florida, St. Pete Beach celebrates with food, drinks, live ‘80s pop rock by Smokin Renegade (7-9 p.m.) and fireworks (9 p.m.). Free. 6-9:30 p.m. July 4. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. 727-363-9245.
July Fourth Boat Parade: Dress in red, white and blue and board the Pirate Water Taxi to take part in the Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet. The 90-minute cruise includes prizes for best dressed and beer and wine available for purchase. Starting at $25. 6:15 p.m. July 4. Pirate Water Taxi, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-390-3711.
Fourth of July with the Blue Jays: Watch the Dunedin Blue Jays take on the Clearwater Threshers with a specialty jersey auction and post game fireworks to salute our country. $4. 6:30 p.m. July 4. TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-733-9302.
Independence Day Party: Harry’s celebrates with $4 red, white and blue Jello shots, or two for $7. No cover. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. July 4-7. Hammered Harry’s, 6807 E. Adamo Drive, Tampa. 813-620-3866.
Stars and Cars Fourth of July: Celebrate the Fourth of July at a smashing demolition derby with bounce houses, camel rides, paintball games, monster truck rides, live music, food trucks, karaoke, games and fireworks. $15-$20, $10-$12 ages 4-12, 3 and younger free (derby); Free (fireworks and activities); $10 parking. 7 p.m. July 4. Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. 352-796-4552.
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water. This two-hour cruise includes an open bar, buffet dinner, DJ dancing and a spectacular view of the fireworks finale. Starting at $139.95, $99.95 ages 2-12. 7:30-10 p.m. July 4. Yacht Starship Sensation Dock, 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater. 813-223-7999.
R&B on the Fourth of July: Women ages 25 and older and men ages 30 and older dress to impress for a nonsmoking night of R&B music. Free (registration on Eventbrite required before 11 p.m.). 10 p.m. July 4. Status Night Club, 4235 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. 813-405-7436.
After the Fourth Cleanup: Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful to clean up the park after the Fourth of July festivities. Free. 8 a.m. July 5. Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. 727-533-0402.
After the Fourth Cleanup: Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful and Treasure Island Adopt-a-Beach in cleaning up our coastline. Free. 8-10 a.m. July 5. Treasure Island Municipal Beach, 11260 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island. 727-360-3278.
After the Fourth Cleanup: Join Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful to clean up the waterway. All supplies provided. Free. 8-11 a.m. July 5. Courtney Campbell Causeway Walking Trail, 8614 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. 813-221-8733.
Lealman Independence Day Celebration: A family-style celebration with free food by the Lealman Fire Department, drinks, music, bounce house, games and a water slide. No cover. 5-8 p.m. July 5. Lealman Park, 3875 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg.
After the Fourth Cleanup: Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful and the town of Indian Shores for a cleanup to ensure the community looks beautiful after the Fourth of July celebrations. Free. 8-11 a.m. July 5. Indian Shores Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. 727-533-0402.
Independence Day Pickleball: Dress in patriotic attire for a free, friendly pickleball match. All skill levels welcome. Free. 8-11 a.m. July 6. Southwest Recreation Complex, 13120 Vonn Road, Largo. 727-518-3125.
Sixth of July Beach Party: Hennessey’s holds their Fourth of July party on the weekend after the holiday. Wear luau-themed attire to kick off summer with 32-ounce bucket co*cktails, patio games, a cookout and a hot dog eating contest. No cover. Noon July 6. Hennessy’s Bar and Grill, 3980 Tampa Road, Oldsmar. 813-854-2255.
Family Backyard Barbecue: A barbecue menu all day with a patriotic bike decorating contest, concert by School of Rock House Band, mini-golf, lawn games, ice cream and beer. $5 mini-golf, $1 ice cream, $5 contest entry. 4-8 p.m. July 6. Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. 813-996-4653.
Red, White and Sing Ya Heart Out: Get dressed up to party with music by Jazzy Jeff, Dreesey Baby and DJ MT. Free-$100. 5-9:30 p.m. July 6. 7th + Grove, 1930 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-649-8422.
Postponed: Fourth of July Weekend Bash: Performers expected to appear include Gucci Mane, Rob 49, Yung Miami, Plies, Ball Greezy, Tom G, Manny G and Soulja K. Acts are subject to change. $75-$225. Rescheduled for 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-3111.
Independence Island Party: Join Wandering Adventures Kayak Tours for a guided tour to Shell Key Island. $65. 8:45 a.m. July 7. Departure Point, 2828 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. 850-252-2481.
Red, White and Neon: Wear body paint and dance in black lights at this rave-style laser light show and dance party with CO2 blasts. Registration required on Eventbrite. Free. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. July 7. Hogg Daddy’s Beach Bar and Grill, 752 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater. 727-877-3733.
