Are you looking for something to do this Fourth of July? Don't spend America's favorite holiday at home alone with sparklers and roman candles. Instead, rally the troops and enjoy a fun-filled evening with fellow fire-crazed patriots! We have listed all the best Fourth of July events taking place in Tampa Bay.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Museum of Science and Industry
From July 3-5 MOSI will celebrate Independence Day by offering FREE admission with a purchase of a full-priced general admission ticket.
4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa Independence Day Run
The Lutz Lizards Running Club presents this 5k and one-mile fun run with an awards ceremony.
98 First Ave. NW in Lutz, 8 a.m., $15 advance/$20 day-of 5K, $8 one-mile fun run 4th of July Parade
Greco Middle School will host a two-mile community parade through the streets of Temple Terrace that will end at Temple Terrace Elementary School.
6925 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa, 10 a.m. to noon, FREE! Brandon Blast
This two day family event will have bouncy houses, a kid’s fitness zone, punt and pass competitions, professional and amateur rib competition, fireworks (Saturday night) and more. It will take place in the field next to Sears.
459 Brandon Town Center in Brandon, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., FREE! Holiday Surprise from the History Center
Escape the heat while you're waiting for the holiday fireworks with free admission to the Tampa Bay History Center. The museum also will extend its hours so visitors can view the 9 p.m. launch of the Channelside fireworks from Cotanchobee Park. Galleries open until 8:30 p.m. Lykes Atrium and Columbia Cafe open until 10 p.m.
801 Old Water St. in Tampa, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., FREE! Benefit Concert at the Zoo
St. Francis Children's Day Care will sponsor a concert in Lowry Park Zoo's Bandshell that will benefit New Life Village.
1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Tampa, 12 noon to 8 p.m., Donations 4th at the Florida Aquarium
The Aquarium extends its hours until 9:30 p.m. for fireworks viewing and lowers the admission charge to $10 after 3 p.m.
701 Channelside Drive in Tampa, $19.95, $16.95 seniors, $14.95 ages 3-12 Channelside FunFest on a Boat
The former wartime cargo carrier SS American Victory offers a celebration including hamburgers, hotdogs, snacks and drinks, face painting, arts and crafts for kids, watermelon eating contest, hula hooping, life ring tossing and more. It will conclude with a panoramic view of the Channelside Fireworks.
705 Channelside Drive in Tampa, 5 p.m., $10, $5 ages 4-16 (includes food) Fireworks Spectacular
The Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club will host their annual fireworks display preceded by a performance from the Florida Wind Band.
200 Inverness Ave. in Temple Terrace, 8 p.m. concert, 9 p.m. fireworks, FREE! Fireworks at Channelside
Come watch the Downtown Tampa Attractions Association light up the sky! The 20-minute fireworks display will be launched from a barge in Garrison Channel and will be visible all along the waterfront. There will be live music vendors and kid's activities as well.
615 Channelside Drive in Tampa, 9 p.m., FREE! 3rd (or is it 4th?) of July Fireworks Show at Jackson's Bistro
Two areas of Top 40 and '80s and '90s music, food and fireworks from a barge in front of Jackson's Bistro. Fireworks go off at 1 a.m., when it's officially the Fourth of July!
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. in Tampa, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fri., $10, $25 at the door.
PINELLAS COUNTY Freedom Fest
Beginning on Friday, Town Square Plaza Park will have live Christian music, food, crafts, kid's activities, and a fireworks display. On Saturday, the Post 9/11 Foundation from New York City will visit to recognize the 8th anniversary of 9/11 and honor all the lost heroes.
5120 81st Ave. N in Pinellas Park, Fri-Sat, noon to 10 p.m., FREE! Concert and Fireworks
An Independence Day celebration with a Parrot Head Party twist. Music by the De Lei'ed Parrots; children's entertainer Shana Banana. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Tropical attire suggested.
373 Douglas Ave. in Dunedin, 6 p.m. Fri. FREE! Treasure Island Beach Blast
A two-day holiday festival featuring family events including beach blanket bingo, children's activities, kite flying demos, live music and a fireworks grand finale on Saturday. All events take place on the beach behind the Bilmar Beach Resort.
10650 Gulf Blvd. in Treasure Island, 5-9 p.m. Fri.; noon-9 p.m. Sat., FREE! Waterfront Fireworks Celebration
The Gulfport community holiday celebration includes a Kid's Fishing Derby, Family "Red, White and Blue" themed Sandcastle Contest, a car show, kid's activities, Community Parade, music by 60sGroove, arts/crafts/food vendors and the grand finale fireworks display.
Downtown Waterfront District of Gulfport, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., FREE! July 4th Parade
This community themed parade will include Sheriff's cars, fire engines, fancy convertibles and imaginative floats. It will begin at Addie Graham Park and end at Harold Radcliffe Park.
173rd Ave. in North Redington Beach, 9 a.m., FREE! Children's Fourth of July Parade
This community parade will feature the town's children on decorated bikes, trikes, baby buggies and more. The route runs from Second Avenue N to Ninth Avenue S.
Main Street in Safety Harbor, 10 a.m., FREE! Hometown Celebration at Seminole Mall
Radio Disney will be at this fun family event that will include amusements, games, slides, bounce houses, glow in the dark golf, children's activities, food and more.
11201 Park Blvd. in Seminole, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., FREE! Clearwater Aquarium Celebration
Come celebrate with the underwater life of Clearwater. The aquarium's Independence Day celebration offers food, live music, children's activities and special 4th of July themed dolphin shows.
249 Windward Passage in Clearwater, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $11, $9 seniors, $7.50 ages 3-12 Red, White, and Blue Picnic
Wine connoisseurs are invited to celebrate July 4th with red and white wines. A buffet of class American picnic cuisine is included with wine purchase and accompanied with live music.
The Castle Winery, 320 E. Tarpon Ave. in Tarpon Springs, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., FREE admission! Patriotic Rally and Fun Fest
Bring your flags and family to the Dock at Gators Cafe and Saloon as they host the Constitution Patriotic Rally. Children's activities include "What the Constitution Means to Me" drawing and essay contests, youth patriotic costume contest and a surprise appearance by George Washington who'll deliver a speech about America's Constitution.
12754 Kingfish Drive in Treasure Island, noon to 5:30 p.m., FREE! Celebration on the Pier
Come to the St. Petersburg Pier for live music, face painting, and a drum circle. Make your own music/dance CD with the Dance Heads. George Washington and friends will be present for the fireworks display!
800 Second Ave. NE in St. Petersburg, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., FREE! "I Heart History" Fair
The Museum of History will hold a family fun fair that will benefit the museum's renovations. There will be market style vendors, carnival games, face painting, scavenger hunts, kid’s activities, and live music by Seth Lynch and more.
335 Second Ave. NE in St. Petersburg, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., FREE admission (games extra) Clearwater Celebrates America
Come to the celebration at Coachman Park and enjoy live music by Mostly Pops Orchestra and John and Mary K. Wilson. There will be children's activities, food and drink concessions and fireworks.
301 Drew St. in Clearwater, 4 p.m., FREE! Rock N' Wings Concert
This 4th of July holiday concert headlines American Idol finalist Amanda Overmyer, Greg Billings Band and Drew Street Mary. Also, classic cars and aircrafts will be on display. Beach chairs and blankets welcome, but no coolers or pets.
Albert Whitted Airport, 107 Eighth Ave. SE in St. Petersburg, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., $10, $5 ages 6-12; $5 parking Safety Harbor July Fourth
This celebration will feature a family activities area with carnival games, inflatable’s, rock wall climbing and DJ music all on the lawn of Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, with fireworks a display at 9 p.m.
Along Bayshore Boulevard at the City Marina in Safety Harbor, 5 p.m., FREE! Largo Central Park
Largo's salute to Independence Day features DJ music, festival foods and fireworks spectacular. No alcohol, pets or personal fireworks.
101 Central Park Drive in Largo, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., FREE! Fireworks Cruise
Take a high-speed water sightseeing/thrill ride. Then, watch Clearwater's annual fireworks display from the deck of the Sea Screamer speedboat.
25 Causeway Blvd. in Clearwater, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., $35, $25 children Fireworks on the Beach
Join the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce for a true Florida fireworks display on the beach. Bring your blankets and a picnic basket.
4600 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach, begins at dusk, FREE!
PASCO COUNTY Americana Music Fest
Come to the Angelus for live local music, food, drink, craft and art vendors with the largest fireworks display. Proceeds will go to Benefit the Angelus.
12413 Hudson Ave. in Hudson, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., $7.50, $2 parking Sparklebration
Pasco's old fashioned family holiday celebration at the Fairgrounds will include an Elvis Presley tribute, multiple food-eating contests, a magic show, pony rides, and petting zoo. Chairs and blankets are okay, but no personal fireworks, pets, alcohol, or coolers.
36722 SR 52 in Dade City, 4 p.m., $3, FREE for kids under 10, $5 parking Pasco County will have numerous holiday barbecues and picnics. They will all include food, games, prizes, and live music. Where: Eagles Aerie #4208
Address: 8517 Bolton Ave. in Hudson
When/Price: 11 a.m., $3 Where: VFW Randolph Ford Post #7845
Address: 6315 Stone Road in Port Richey
When/Price: noon, $6 Where: VFW Donald M. Michaels Memorial Post #6180
Address: 11551 Osceola Drive in New Port Richey
When/Price: noon to 5 p.m., $5.50 Where: American Legion Post #335
Address: 11421 Osceola Drive in New Port Richey
When/Price: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., $7 Where: Moose Lodge #2366
Address: 9125 Ridge Road in New Port Richey
When/Price: 1 p.m. to dusk, $2 Where: VFW Tawney-Rowe Memorial Post #4412
Address: 9734 Dick St. in Hudson
When/Price: 1 p.m., $8 advance, $10 at the door Where: VFW Post #7987
Address: 7445 Chester McKay Drive in New Port Richey
When/Price: 3 p.m., $3 Where: American Legion Paradise Post #79
Address: 5329 Legion Place in New Port Richey
When/Price: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., $6 Where: Moose Lodge #1429
Address: 1936 Abacus Road in Holiday
When/Price: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., $8 advance, $9 at the door
HERNANDO COUNTY Brooksville Parade
High Point Community will host a fun filled parade which that will have games, raffle, and tons of prizes.
For more info, call 352-597-9887, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE! Nature Coast Freedom Fest
This family event will include live music performances, a kid's fun zone, vendors, food, and drink. Bring chairs, but no coolers.
5360 Lockhart Road in Brooksville, 3 p.m., $5 admission, $5 parking Beach Club Blast
Come and celebrate the fourth at this barbecue dinner which will include games, prizes, and great music.
3145 Flamingo Blvd. in Hernando Beach, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., $10-$12 Weeki Wachee
Come out to Weeki Watchee to see this enormous display of fireworks.
For more info, call 352-596-2062, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., FREE!
MANATTEE COUNTY VIP at the win Dolphin Marina
Get pampered for the 4th with a buffet dinner, live music, dancing and your choice of air conditioned VIP or front row outdoor deck fireworks viewings.
1200 First Ave. W. in Bradenton, 6:30 p.m., $50 (includes dinner buffet) Island Parade
Anna Maria Island will host the privateer's annual Fourth of July parade along Holmes Beach.
Along Holmes Beach in Anna Maria, 10 a.m., FREE!
POLK COUNTY Carillon Concert
As part of the national "Let Freedom Ring 2009" festivities, the Singing Tower presents two patriotic Carillon concerts and will join bells across America in a simultaneous 13 bell toll at 2 p.m. Also, free admission to all active, retired and disabled veterans.
1151 Tower Blvd. in Lake Wales, 3 p.m., $10, $3 ages 5-12 SARASOTA COUNTY Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Tropical Fourth
The tropical celebration features a patriotic attire contest and viewing of community fireworks display along the bayfront. No coolers, food or beverages may be brought in.
811 S Palm Ave. in Sarasota, 6 p.m., $18, 12 and younger free; $15 members For even more Independence Day events, visit www.tampabay.com.
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