A quarter millennium goes by so fast, doesn’t it? And even better, the 4th falls on a SATURDAY, so let the partying begin. BIG celebrations and fireworks are going on all over Tampa Bay. Let RTB be your guide to some of the best ways to spend Independence weekend.
Friday
JOYLAND: Benaiah Cusack Art Exhibition Opening
Morean Arts Center, St. Pete
Joyland is a state of mind guided by wonder and curiosity through the creative process of art making. Inspired by imaginary coastal spaces, ocean light, rhythmic movement, tropical color, the energy of street art, and a hint of the cosmic, this body of work explores environments that feel both vibrant and introspective. Through Joyland, viewers are invited into a vivid world where imagination, energy and emotion converge—a space that rekindles wonder and joy. Benaiah Cusack is an abstract landscape and mixed-media painter working in acrylic, ink, graphite, and collage.
Opens Friday, July 3rd – Augst 8th
Find more information HERE.
Saturday – Happy Birthday, America! 
Stars & Stripes in Grand Central
GC District, Central Ave., St. Pete
Celebrate America’s birthday at the Grand Central 4th of July Block Party, a free community street festival bringing together live entertainment, local vendors, food, drinks, shopping, family-friendly activities, and patriotic fun in the heart of the Grand Central District. As part of the nationwide celebration recognizing 250 years of America, this special event will feature a lively atmosphere filled with music, community spirit, and opportunities to support local businesses while enjoying an unforgettable Independence Day celebration. Open to all ages and free to attend.
Saturday, July 4th @12pm – 5pm
Find more information HERE.
Liberty by the Bay -Tampa’s 250th Independence Day Celebration
Julian B. Lane Park, Tampa
The City of Tampa is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with one of the largest Fourth of July events in Tampa Bay — Liberty by the Bay at Julian B. Lane Park. View map. This free, family-friendly waterfront celebration will feature a 250-drone light show honoring America’s 250th birthday, followed by a fireworks finale, along with an afternoon and evening full of activities, live entertainment, food, and fun for all ages.
What to Expect
Kids Zone with family-friendly activities ~Food trucks ~ Beer Garden ~ Kids’ Market Young Entrepreneurs and Community Partner Displays ~Live music
and DJ entertainment ~ Patriotic Pet Show ~ Water ski show on the Hillsborough River ~ Kids Liberty Procession ~ 250-drone light show ~ Fireworks finale
Saturday, July 4th @4pm – 9:30pm
Find more information HERE.
The Fourth
St. Pete Pier, DTSP
It’s the Quintessential celebration on the downtown waterfront!
Join in for the 6th annual “The Fourth” Independence Day Celebration at St. Pete Pier. This event is filled with fun activities for all, including the 4th annual St. Pete Pier Run, Craft Beer Garden, Uncle Sam’s Market, Family Fun Zone, Food Trucks & Vendors, Live Music on the Visit St. Pete Clearwater Main Stage, roaming entertainers, and so much more! The traditional Fourth of July fireworks show sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th, at 9 pm and will be visible from the entire Downtown waterfront, illuminating the sky with dazzling colors.
In celebration of our nation celebrating its 250th anniversary, this year’s fireworks will double in scale and splendor
Saturday, July 4th @4pm – 10pm
Find more information HERE.
Stars, Stripes & Science
MOSI, Tampa
Are you ready for one of the most exciting 4th of July events in Tampa? Celebrate Independence Day at MOSI with Stars, Stripes, & Science! Enjoy live music, planetarium shows, food & drinks, science demos, and more! Guests can discover crowd favorites like the rainbow fire demo, liquid nitrogen ice cream, baseball-themed activities, and games! In the Saunders Planetarium, families can experience special presentations on the dome screen, including a sensory-friendly fireworks experience at 4:30 PM, guided star tours, and additional on-screen fireworks shows that are not designated sensory friendly.
Best of all, your participation helps support MOSI’s mission to inspire curiosity and a love of science.
Saturday, July 4th @4pm – 10pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
July 4 VIP BBQ & FIREWORKS CELEBRATION 2026
Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Safety Harbor
It’s always an upscale experience at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Treat yourself to a once every quarter millennium party!
Your VIP TICKET INCLUDES:
Fireworks – 9PM
Potato salad | Cole slaw | Corn | Baked Beans | Corn Bread | Watermelon | Apple Pie | Pecan Pie | Cookies
Find tickets (children’s tickets available too) and more information HERE.
Indie*Pendence BBQ & Block Party
VFW Post 39, St. Pete
Find more information HERE.
July 4th Boat Parade – Friends of Tampa River Walk
Multiple Sites Along the Hillsborough River/Riverwalk
This year, Friends of the Riverwalk is proud to host the annual July 4th Boat Parade. Join the patriotic fun by decorating your boat and cruising alongside fellow participants in this festive waterfront tradition. Boat registration is required to participate, and this year’s special registration price is just $20.26 in honor of America’s upcoming semi quincentennial birthday celebration!
Saturday, July 4th @6:15pm
Find more information HERE.
Sunsets and Sparkles Above the Shore
Hyatt Regency, Clearwater Beach
An unobstructed vantage-point over the Gulf of Mexico, sounds like a perfect fireworks plan!
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday from THE best views on Clearwater Beach. Join us on the 16th Floor Sky Terrace at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Suites for an unforgettable evening filled with coastal views, live entertainment, chef-inspired bites, festive cocktails, and a front-row seat to the fireworks over the Gulf! Enjoy an elevated Fourth of July celebration featuring a BBQ-inspired culinary experience, live DJ entertainment, specialty cocktails, sweet treats, photo moments, surprise experiences, and patriotic takeaways before the sky lights up for the grand fireworks finale at 9:15pm. The event will conclude at 9:30pm after the fireworks.
Saturday, July 4th @7pm – 10pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
**Concert Corner**
Marlon Wayans
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Friday, July 3rd – Sunday, July 5th
Find tickets, performance times and more information HERE.
Florida Jazz Express: Fourth of July Big Band Concert
New Tampa Performing Arts Center, Tampa
Sunday, July 5th @3pm – 5pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
4th of July Pops Spectacular – Presented by St. Petersburg Opera
Duke Energy Center for the Arts @ The Mahaffey
Saturday, July 4th @6pm
Find tickets and more information HERE.
Have a Happy 4th, Everyone!
Cindy
Don’t forget to send your events to:cstovall5@gmail.com
Have a happy and SAFE 4th, everyone!
