4th of July Fireworks, Parades, Family Fun, and More—Let’s Make It a Red, White & Blue Day!
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays of the year! From the smell of BBQ to the sparkle of fireworks in the night sky, this is one day that screams celebration, sunshine, and good old-fashioned family fun.
Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for new traditions, I’ve gathered the most complete county-by-county guideto the best Fourth of July 2025 events happening across Tampa Bay, Pasco, Pinellas, and beyond. So grab your mini flags, matching family shirts, and a cooler full of snacks—let’s plan your Independence Day the mom-approved way!
Hillsborough County Events
1. Boom by the Bay
Tampa Riverfront – July 4, 4–10 EST
Tampa’s signature citywide celebration brings together Sparkman Wharf, Armature Works, the boat parade, and fireworks over the Hillsborough River for Boom by The Bay!
Start early with kid activities—bounce houses, kids’ craft tables, live stage performances—then grab dinner from food trucks offering everything from tacos to gelato. The fireworks at dusk package everything into a magical evening. Don’t miss the Hot Dog Eating Contest. (Armature Works @6 PM)
2. Star Spangled Sparkman
Sparkman Wharf – July 4, 5–9 PM
At this waterfront destination, expect games like ring toss and lawn checkers, plus live DJ sets on the main deck. The Star Spangled Sparkman event is a great viewing spot for the boat parade begin around 6–6:30 PM, followed by a water ski-acrobatic show. Fireworks burst around 9 PM. General entry is free; VIP options available.
Star Spangled Sparkman at Sparkman Wharf:
4:30–9:30 PM – Live DJs by Classic Entertainment
5:00 PM– Star Spangled Sparkman festivities begin
5:45 PM – Water Ski Show (Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk)
7:30 PM – Boat Parade arrives at Sparkman Wharf
9:00 PM– Fireworks show begins 🎆
3. Tampa Riverwalk July 4th Boat Parade
Tampa Riverwalk – 5:30–9:30 PM
Spectators along the Riverwalk can catch eye-popping decorated boats ranging from family crafts to decorated yachts. The parade theme, “A Salute to Service,” means expect blue/white/red lights, military tributes, and special awards for the most patriotic vessels. Sip lemonade and enjoy food trucks lining the docks.
4. Armature Works: Heights District Celebration
July 4, 4–10 PM
This Armature Works festival-style event features face painting, glitter tattoos, DIY patriotic crafts, a Kids Zone with inflatables and obstacle courses, and live regional bands on the riverfront stage. Grab sliders and shaved iced from food trucks and wrap the night up with fireworks viewed right over downtown.
5. Celebrate America 4th of July & Catch the Spirit Festival
Dover – July 4, 1–11 PM
Hosted at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds (215 Sydney Washer Rd), this event features a vintage car show, competitive food eating, bounce zones, pet parade, drone light show (~8:45 PM), then fireworks to conclude. Entry is free; parking is \$10. Bring lawn chairs, pop-up tents, and a picnic blanket for a full-day celebration.
6. Plant City Stadium Celebration
July 4, 5–9:30 PM
Visit the Plant City Stadium Stadium for family-friendly fun with lawn games, food vendors, and free music. Fireworks begin at 9 PM over the field—great for younger kids who might need a slightly quieter environment than city events. $5 Cash for parking.
7. Busch Gardens Celebration
July 4–7, daily after 9 PM
Celebrate Independence Day with 4 days of festivities at Busch Gardens. Included in park admission. Expect themed fireworks, summer-long DJ & dance shows, park-wide décor, and drink specials. Don’t miss a sunset coaster ride followed by fireworks—magical!
8. Brandon 4th of July Parade
10AM-12PM – 525 South Kings Avenue Brandon, FL 33511 – Free
Get ready for the most festive event of the summer! Join us for the 4th of July Parade filled with colorful floats, marching bands, and FUN. Bring your friends and family to celebrate Independence Day in style. Don’t forget to wear your best red, white, and blue outfit to show off your patriotic spirit! BRING YOUR chairs, drinks, snacks, sunscreen & hat.
Parade route starts on the intersection at Parsons Ave/Lumsden Rd and ends Eichenfeld Dr/Kings Ave at the Women’s Care center, attached is a map for reference.
9. City of Temple Terrace Fourth of July Parade Celebration
9:30am – Family Recreation Complex, 6610 Whiteway Drive, Temple Terrace, FL – Free
Come out and cheer on the Temple Terrace Independence Day Parade—a vibrant celebration of American pride and community spirit!
Each float, group, and performer will be decked out in red, white, and blue, showcasing patriotic themes that honor our nation’s independence. From beautifully decorated entries to inspiring displays from local military, law enforcement, and fire rescue units, this parade is all about celebrating the heart and soul of America—right here in our hometown.
10. Freedom Fest Above The American Victory Ship
Friday, July 4, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:15 PM at 705 Channelside Drive in Tampa
Celebrate Independence Day aboard the American Victory Ship at the Fourth of July Freedom Fest on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:15 PM at 705 Channelside Drive in Tampa. Get your tickets and enjoy tasty food trucks, a fun Kids Zone, patriotic photo ops, live DJ entertainment, and a silent auction—all with unbeatable waterfront views of the July 4th Boat Parade and Tampa’s fireworks show. Be sure to check the event page for parking info and prohibited items. It’s a festive, family-friendly way to enjoy the Fourth! 🇺🇸🎆
11. Yacht StarShip
Tampa & Clearwater – 7–10 PM
Dinner cruise with open bar, DJ, dancing, fireworks from onboard vantage—tickets vary, all ages welcomed.
12. Pirate Water Taxi
Downtown Tampa – 8:30 PM cruise
Celebrate the red, white, and blue with the annual July 4th boat parade and blessing of the fleet aboard Pirate Water Taxi. Learn more.
13. Brandon Elks Lodge Annual Independence Day
Come check out our beautiful lodge and take a tour! Enjoy $5 hot dog, hamburgers, and chicken baskets with all the sides, as well as combo baskets.
Pinellas County Events
1. St. Pete Pier “The Fourth”
St. Petersburg, FL, July 4, 4–9:30 PM
On the Pier grounds, anticipate a 5K Pier Run in the morning (register ahead), midday family zone with inflatables, craft vendors, face painters, and local artisans. Fireworks light the sky around 9 PM. Bring beach chairs and let the kids enjoy the splash pad until showtime.
2. Clearwater Celebrates America
Coachman Park, July 4th, 5:00 – 9:45 PM
Clearwater Celebrates America – July 4 at Coachman Park. Kick off the fun at 5 PM with food trucks, local vendors, live music, and family activities throughout the park. Enjoy patriotic performances by the Coachman Pops Orchestra, a silent disco from 6–11 PM, and a stunning **fireworks show at 9:15 PM.
Travel Tip: Memorial Causeway Bridge closes at 9 PM—expect delays. Fireworks can be viewed by boat, but docking is restricted at Clearwater Harbor Marina from 5–10 PM.
3. Madeira Beach Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 6-9PM at Madeira Beach Rec Complex
Celebrate America’s birthday with an evening of fun, food, and fireworks at the Madeira Beach Recreation Complex on Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach, FL.
This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, delicious food trucks, and a fireworks finale to light up the night. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a comfy spot to enjoy the show—just remember, no pets or personal fireworks are allowed. Free parking and free entry make it an easy choice for a festive family night out!
4. Safety Harbor Parade & Evening Celebration
Morning parade on Main Street celebrates local bands, scout troops, and decorated bikes.
The evening shifts to Waterfront Park around 5 PM for live music and vendors—fireworks blast at 9 PM from the marina. Great walkable street layout makes it easy for parents with strollers.
5. 4th of July Fireworks at Largo Central Park
Largo Central Park,– 6–9 PM
The City of Largo traditionally hosts a vibrant Independence Day celebration at Largo Central Park, featuring live music, food vendors, a market, activities for all ages, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9 pm. On-site parking is available for $10 (credit cards only). Additional parking is also available at Largo Middle School (free) and Largo High School ($5). Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for seating.
6. Dunedin’s Hometown USA
TD Ballpark – 6–10 PM
Kick off the evening with the Dunedin Goes Carting patriotic golf cart parade through downtown at 6 PM, ending at TD Ballpark. Festivities continue with live music by Something Major (7 PM), a showing of The Rookie at 7:15 PM, family games, face painting, and photo ops. The night wraps up with fireworks at 9:30 PM (weather permitting). Grandstand seating is available—field access is closed.
7. Treasure Island Beach Bomb Show
Gulf Front Park, 9 PM
Spread blankets on Gulf Front Park to take in beachfront fireworks. Event is walk-up, first-come. Expect local bands earlier in the day; beach showers nearby.
Pasco County Events
1. Zephyrhills Summerfest
June 28, 2–9:30 PM
Early Fourth celebration in Zephyr Park. Expect craft vendors, kid zone, live bands, food trucks, raffles, and birch-lit fireworks over Zephyr Lake.
2. Dade City Farms
June 28, 2–9 PM
Giant water slides, pony rides, wildlife barn, pony demos, gem mining, local food vendors, live country & rock music, and fireworks. Tickets vary; under-2 is free.
3. Avalon Park Freedom Fest
Wesley Chapel, July 4, 5–9 PM
Avalon Park’s 10th Annual Fourth of July Festival runs 5–9 p.m. on Monday, July 4. Enjoy a bounce park, live entertainment (Thomas E. Weightman Middle School Marching Band at 5:30 p.m. and Wesley Chapel Theater Group), an Apple Pie Bake-Off (entries 5–6 p.m., winners announced 8 p.m.), and a patriotic bike/stroller/wagon parade at 6 p.m. (line-up 5:45 p.m.). The night caps off with fireworks at 9 p.m.
4. Lutz Annual Independence Day Parade
The Lutz Independence Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, held annually on July 4th in Lutz, FL, features a 5K race at 7:30 am and a 1-Mile Fun Run at 8:15 am, and an awards ceremony at 8:30 am. The event precedes the Lutz Independence Day Parade
Lutz Parade Route
- Enter staging lane on Crooked Lane from Crystal Lake Road starting at
9am. - Road will be numbered with your space number
- This route is closed for motor vehicle traffic from 7:00am-9:00am for 5K race
- Lutz Lake Fern Road is closed at HWY. 41, and east of Crooked Lane at 7:00 am.
- Parade Route is in red and starts at 10am from corner of Crooked Lane and Lutz Lake Fern Rd.
5. 4th of July Picnic in the Park
10 AM – 1 PM – Craig Park: 100 Library Ln, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
The City of Tarpon Springs presents the annual Fourth of July Picnic in the Park on Thursday, July 4, 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm at Craig Park. Enjoy live music from Oysterbone, waterslides, food, drinks, and a hot dog eating contest. Fireworks are set off from Sunset Beach, best viewed from Fred Howard Park.
4th of Family Fun Day Events & Fireworks
1. Fourth of July All-American Cookout
July 4, 2025: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Downtown Sarasota campus
Don’t miss one of Selby Gardens’ most beloved summer traditions! Celebrate Independence Day at our annual Fourth of July All-American Cookout. Enjoy family-friendly activities, barbecue, desserts, Kona Ice, and games on the Great Lawn, marvel at the magic of Spheres Bubble Show by Blaise Rhynds, then take in the spectacular fireworks display over Sarasota Bay!
This is a rain or shine event. General Admission guests should bring their own lawn chairs and bug spray.
10 AM – 9 PM – One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Break out your red, white, and bricks because Red, White & BOOM! is back at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort on July 4th! Enjoy special activities, a DJ Dance Party, and a firework display with LEGO® bricks through 3D glasses. Don’t miss the limited-time Red, White & Blueberry Sundae!
5:00 – 11:00pm – 1810 S Park Rd, Plant City, FL 33563 – Free
Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly Fourth of July celebration with food, games, and fireworks for all ages! Bring your loved ones and enjoy an evening of community, laughter, and patriotic spirit. Parking will be $5 (Cash Only) with FREE admission.
5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m -1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
Cost varies from $10.00 to $35.00
Join us for Selby Gardens’ annual Fourth of July All-American Cookout, a beloved summer tradition! Enjoy family-friendly activities and games on the Great Lawn, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over Sarasota Bay. Rain or shine, don’t miss this Independence Day celebration!
