TAMPA, Fla. — Independence Day is just around the corner and we're bringing you a list of local festivals and firework displays where you can celebrate with the whole family.
Fireworks in Florida: How to legally celebrate the Fourth of July
Pinellas County
- Safety Harbor Celebration
- Make sure you grab a seat at the marina or a spot on the water before the fireworks start at 9 p.m.
- At 5 p.m. there will be children's activities, live entertainment and food vendors.
- There will be a parade down Main Street from 10 a.m. to noon.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Treasure Island Fireworks
- The fireworks will start at 9 p.m.
- Parking off-site available at Treasure Island Park — $15 per vehicle.
- Parking available at Treasure Island Community Center — $10 per vehicle.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Largo Celebration
- The celebration starts at 6 p.m. — enjoy food, entertainment and activities for all ages.
- Including a pie eating contest, $5 t-shirt decoration, inflatables and more.
- The firework show starts at 9:15 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Gulfport Celebration
- You can start your day with the Gulfport Marina's Fishing Derby or the free Family Sand Sculpture contest — both happen first thing in the morning.
- Starting at 6 p.m. you can watch the Independence Day Parade.
- Finish the night with the fireworks show that starts at 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Tarpon Springs
- Head to Craig Park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for a picnic.
- Enjoy complimentary hot dogs — while supplies last — a waterslide, paddle boards, inflatables, lawn games and live entertainment.
- If you're 16 and older you can center the hot dog eating contest that takes place at noon.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Clearwater Celebrates America
- Starting at 4 p.m. at Coachman Park enjoy free and family-friendly events like music, local vendors and more.
- The fireworks show starts at 9:15 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Opal Sands Resort & Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach
- Guests can enjoy Independence Day events leading up to the holiday at both resorts, like lawn games and magic shows.
- For more information visit sandpearl.com or opalsands.com
- Redington Shores
- Fireworks will go off at dusk — the beach can be accessed at 182nd Ave and Gulf Blvd.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Downtown St. Pete Waterfront Fireworks
- CANCELED DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES
Due to technical difficulties, we unfortunately have to cancel our fireworks show tonight. We hope everyone enjoyed their #4thofJuly2018 festivities throughout the day.
— St. Petersburg, FL (@StPeteFL) July 5, 2018
- You can view them at:
- Albert Whitted Park
- North Straub Park
- South Straub Park
- North Shore Park
- Elva Rouse Park
- Flora Wylie Park
- Wednesday, July 4
- Dunedin Blue Jay's Hometown Event
- Celebrate by watching the Dunedin Blue Jay's take on the Tarpons at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
- There will be a fireworks show post-game.
- Tuesday, July 3
- Threshers take on the Flying Tigers
- Gates open at 5 p.m. Tuesday as the Threshers take on the Flying Tigers at the Spectrum Field in Clearwater.
- There will be a fireworks show post-game.
- Tuesday, July 3
Hillsborough County
- Downtown Tampa Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
- The fireworks will go off at 9 p.m.
- The Tampa Riverwalk is hosting the event — you can view them from anywhere along the Riverwalk.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Tampa Red White & Blue Festival
- The free event starts at 2 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m.
- Enjoy family-friendly events including a Best Dressed in Red, White and Blue contest — parents, kids and dogs can enter.
- Live entertainment, local vendors, food and more.
- This is a free family-friendly festival, not a firework event.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Fireworks at The Sail
- Enjoy food, drinks, music and fireworks.
- The Sail is a 360-degree waterfront restaurant and bar along Riverwalk.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Pirate Water Taxi Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
- Enjoy a one-hour cruise with a front-row view of the Tampa Riverwalk fireworks display starting at 8:30 p.m.
- Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children
- You can buy them here.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events Fourth of July Fireworks Cruises
- The cruise boards at 7 p.m. and ends after the 9 p.m. fireworks show.
- There will be a buffet with upscale American favorites, an open bar and live entertainment leading up to the fireworks.
- Tickets are $129.95 for adults and $89.95 for children.
- You can purchase tickets for the cruise here.
- Wednesday, July 4
- American Victory Museum & Ship
- Celebrate aboard the S/S American Victory with music, games, food, contests and giveaways.
- A firework show will end the night.
- Tickets can be purchased here.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Temple Terrace Parade and Fireworks
- The parade begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until noon.
- The route begins at Whiteway and Gillette Runs south to Druid Hills, west to Ridgedale and south to the Temple Terrace Little League fields.
- There will be evening festivities from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at 1st Fairway of Temple Terrace Golf Course, 200 Inverness Ave.
- FIREWORKS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER. WILL NOT BE RESCHEDULED.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Brandon Fourth of July Parade
- Starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m.
- The parade starts at 101 E Lumsden Rd.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Plant City's July Fourth Celebration
- Stop by the Plant City Stadium for food vendors, raffles, free activities and fireworks.
- Admission is free and parking is $5 per car.
- Parking opens at 5:45 p.m.
- Fireworks are set to go off at 9:15 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful: After the Fireworks Cleanup
- Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful is hosting a clean-up effort after the celebrations
- 9 a.m. Thursday at multiple locations, sign up to volunteer here.
- Thursday, July 5.
Polk County
- Red White and Bew 5K
- FITniche in Lakeland is celebrating with a 5K.
- All participants will get a tech t-shirt, patriotic bottle-opener, finisher's medal, complimentary pancakes, complimentary root beers, and buy 1 get 1 brews from the Brass Tap bar.
- 200-yard "Firecracker Fun Run" for kids.
- Tickets cost $35 for adults and $10 for the kids fun run.
- You can buy tickets here.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Red, White & Kaboom
- Enjoy a firework show in downtown Lakeland along the Frances Langford Promenade on Tuesday.
- The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 9:15 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 3
- Flying Tigers Game and Fireworks Show
- The Flying Tigers will play the Jupiter Hammerheads at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium to celebrate the holiday.
- Doors open at 4 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
- Following the game, there will be a brief concert and a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
- You can buy tickets here.
- Wednesday, July 4
Pasco County
- Avalon Park West Celebration
- Enjoy food trucks, bounce houses, vendors and community performances.
- Fireworks will be at 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Dade City Sparklebration
- Stop by the Pasco County Fairgrounds to enjoy live entertainment, food, contests and more.
- The fireworks show will be at 9:15 p.m.
- Admission is $6 — kids 12 and under get in free.
- Parking is $5
- Wednesday, July 4
Hernando County
- Firecracker Smash 'M Up
- Stop by the Hernando County Fairgrounds for music, games, contests and a Demolition Derby.
- It beings at 4 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m.
- Parking is $5
- Wednesday, July 4
Sarasota County
- Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay
- You can view them from anywhere in downtown Sarasota.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Fireworks at Nathan Benderson Park
- The event will feature a variety of musical groups including The Greg Billings Band and Albert Castilga.
- Gates open at 4 p.m.
- Fireworks will go off at 9:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Siesta Key Community Fireworks
- The annual event starts at 6 p.m.
- The fireworks will go off at dusk.
- Wednesday, July 4
Manatee County
- PrivateersParade
- The Anna Maria Privateers is a nonprofit group dedicated to helping area youth programs.
- They will be hosting their annual 4th of July parade.
- The parade will start at the south of the island at Coquina Beach in Bradenton then it passes through Holmes Beach and ends at the north end of the island on Pine Ave.
- Following the parade, they will announce the recipients of over $17,000 in scholarships at AMI Beach Café.
- The parade is free to attend and open to anyone who would like to join it — if you're interested you can register here.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Palmetto Fourth of July festival
- Stop by Sutton Park for a free event featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Charlie Daniels Band.
- The park with open at 4 p.m.
- Charlie Daniels Band will play at 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Fireworks on the Manatee River
- Visit the Bradenton Riverwalk and watch fireworks as they're launched from a barge at 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
Attractions
- Walt Disney World Paints the Sky Red, WhiteandBlue with Independence Day Fireworks
- Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
- Fireworks will soar above Magic Kingdom while patriotic melodies are played.
- The show is only two-nights and starts at 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4.
- DJs will also be in the park hosting dance parties in Frontierland and Tomorrowland on both days.
- The Muppets will be on hand to reenact famous moments in history live in Liberty Square.
- IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
- Epcot will feature a special fireworks finale on Wednesday, July 4
- The Voice of Liberty a capella group will perform at the America Gardens Theatre stage at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.
- Disney characters will be dressed in Independence Day attire.
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
- Fireworks, projection effects, dynamic lighting and lasers will transport guests to iconic scenes from the Star Wars saga.
- Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky
- Busch GardensFireworks Show
- All guests can get two complimentary beers if they visit the Garden Gate Café — a promotion that has been running since May 1 and will last until August 5
- Veterans can get in free with up to three guests
- Enjoy live entertainment, extended hours, party zones and a firework show.
- LEGOLAND Red, White & BOOM
- Guests get to wear special glasses to watch LEGO bricks explode from the sky during the fireworks spectacular over Lake Eloise.
- There will be special events like stilt walker, a DJ dance party and building competitions.
- Park hours are 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Sea World Orlando
- Their nightly fireworks and laser show will feature a special patriotic theme for the holiday.
- The show beings at 9:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
- Universal Orlando
- You can experience a special patriotic version of their "Universal 360: A Cinesphere Spectacular."
- It will feature highlights and music from some of Universal's most popular films.
- The fireworks still start at 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 4
