Fireworks Near Me: Tampa July 4th Events 2023

TAMPA, FL — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that grill and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Tampa in 2023.

Patch pulled together a list of all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Tampa.

Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Tampa:

Busch Gardens Fireworks Spectacular

Residents can get a jump on the July 4 festivities at Busch Gardens' Summer Nights, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa. Park hours are extended to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Summer Nights include themed party zones throughout, culminating in a fireworks show set to music on the Festival Field every Friday and Saturday, plus July 2, 3 and 4 at 9 p.m.

To celebrate the summer season, annual pass members over the age of 21 can enjoy two complimentary 7-ounce beers and all others can get one 7-ounce beer.

Summer Nights are free with park admission.

Patriotic Pups, Pinot & Pints

Patriotic Pups, Pinot & Pints will take place Monday, July 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Keel Farms, 5210 Thonotosassa Road in Plant City.

The family- and pet-friendly event will include adoptable pets, raffles, food and drinks. Reservations are recommended in advance.

Ten percent of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Raining Cats and Dogs Shelter and Sanctuary Inc.

5th Annual Star-Spangled Sparkman

Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, is celebrating Independence Day with its fifth annual Star-Spangled Sparkman on Tuesday, July 4, starting at 4 p.m.

The celebration will include live entertainment, a game zone on the wharf, roaming entertainers, food and beverage specials from Sparkman Wharf's array of eateries and photo opportunities.

Outside food, beverages, personal fireworks and chairs are not permitted.

Those attending will enjoy optimal viewing of the water ski show, Blessing of the Fleet and patriotic boat parade.

Sparkman Wharf will be limiting capacity, so families are encouraged to arrive early.

Parking will be available at:

• The Garrison Lot, 651 Channelside Drive.
• The Channelside Parking Garage, 369 S 12th St.
• The Cumberland Parking Garage, 1045 E Cumberland Ave.

4th Of July At Armature Works

Armature Works and The Heights District, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, will celebrate the Fourth of July Tuesday, July 4, from 3 to 10 p.m.

Festivities include a large-scale riverfront concert from 4:30 to 10 p.m., the Boom By the Bay fireworks display, the Friends of the Riverwalk boat parade, the annual hot dog-eating competition at 4 p.m., a kids zone from noon to 9 p.m. with bounce houses and other activities.

Kids zone armbands will be available to purchase for $25 per child. Click here.

The event is free but VIP tickets include front-row stage access, premier viewing of the fireworks show, a private bathroom, a signature cocktail and access to a private bar and reserved seating. Click here for tickets.

Event parking is $20 all day in any of the Armature Works lots and $10 in the Heights Parking Garage above Sprouts.

The event will benefit K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries or military sexual trauma.

Tampa July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show, Blessing Of The Fleet

The annual Tampa July 4th Boat Parade, Water Ski Show and Blessing of the Fleet will take place Tuesday, July 4 from 6 t0 9 p.m. at Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, and along the Tampa Riverwalk in downtown Tampa.

Hosted by the Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk, the festivities will kick off the city's Independence Day celebration.

The water ski show will begin at 6 p.m. and can be viewed only from Sparkman Wharf.

The show will be followed at 6:15 p.m. at the wharf at the Tampa Convention Center by a poker run and the Blessing of the Fleet of boats participating in the annual boat parade, a tradition that began years ago but is still practiced in many fishing and boating communities around the world to ensure a safe and bountiful season.

This year's boat parade will feature vessels of all sizes decorated with patriotic flags, lights and bunting, including the popular Jose Gaspar Pirate Ship. The boats will set sail from the convention center around 6:30 p.m. and head up the Hillsborough River, past Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, arriving at Armature Works around 6:45 p.m.

The parade will reverse course and return to Davis Islands and Channelside Drive, arriving around 7:15 p.m. The wharf at the Tampa Convention Center will open to boaters and spectators at 5:45 p.m.

The events are free to spectators, but those attending have the option of purchasing tickets in the VIP section at Sparkman Wharf for $50 for adults and $25 for children age 12 and under.

Tickets include seating in a private section of the wharf, heavy appetizers, three drink tickets and a premium view of the parade and fireworks show. VIP tickets are nonrefundable. Click here.

Boaters must register in advance to participate in the parade. The cost is $50.

Pirate Taxi July 4th Fireworks Cruise

The Pirate Water Taxi, stationed at the dock at the Tampa Convention Center, will host a July 4th Fireworks Cruise on Tuesday, July 4 at 8:15 p.m. along the Hillsborough River.

Those attending are invited to dress in their most patriotic attire and enjoy an hour-long cruise with front-row seats to downtown fireworks shows. All ages are welcome. The cruise will include a cash bar and prizes for the most patriotic passengers.

Click here for reservations.

Temple Terrace's 48th Annual Independence Celebration

Tampa isn't the only community in Hillsborough County to celebrate America's freedom.

The city of Temple Terrace will host its 48th annual Temple Terrace Independence Celebration on Tuesday, July 4, starting with the traditional parade through the city, featuring floats sponsored by community groups, businesses, civic organizations and elected officials, as well as a special appearance by the C. Leon King High School Marching Lions.

New this year is a Resident Golf Cart Brigade.

The parade begins at Whiteway Drive and Gillette Avenue, just around the corner from the Temple Terrace Family Recreation Complex. It will run south to Druid Hills Road, west to Ridgedale Road and south to the Temple Terrace Little League fields.

Parking is allowed on any side street that doesn't have "No Parking" signs.

Registration to participate in the parade closes June 30. Organizations or businesses that would like to have a float in the parade or those wishing to be part of the Golf Cart Brigade can find applications on the city's website or call 813-506-6600.

The festivities will resume at 6 p.m. on the first fairway of the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, 200 Inverness Ave.

Families are invited to enjoy live music by local favorites Charlie Imes and the Sundogs, and 2020 Best of the Bay winner, magician Cory Van Valin. There also will be food trucks and children's activities including giant versions of classic games like Jenga, checkers and Connect Four.

These activities will lead up to the city's annual fireworks extravaganza at 9:15 p.m.

Brandon 4th Of July Parade

Brandon will host its 66th annual Fourth of July parade on Tuesday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The parade will begin at 101 E Lumsden Road and continue north on Parsons Avenue and then west on Robertson Street.

The winner of the honorary mayor's race, the person who raised the most funds for charity between June 1 and July 4, will be a guest of honor in the parade.

Plant City Celebrates Independence Day

Plant City Celebrates Independence Day with its annual festival and fireworks at Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Road, on Tuesday, July 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

It will include a climbing wall, face painting, corn hole and live music.

Tampa's Freedom 4-Miler Run

Tampa’s Freedom 4 Miler Run will take place at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N Himes Ave., Tampa, with proceeds going to Believe With Me’s families of fallen soldiers.

4th Of July Cookout

Tampa Bay Harley-Davidson at 9841 E Adamo Drive, Tampa, will host its annual Fourth of July Cookout on Tuesday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free burgers and hot dogs.