Tampa July 4 Fireworks, Parades and More: 2018 Guide

TAMPA, FL -- Looking for a way to celebrate America's independence. There are plenty of activities taking place in Tampa.

Tampa Fireworks Celebration

Friends of the Riverwalk, in partnership with the city of Tampa, will produce the Downtown Tampa Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on Wednesday, July 4 at 9 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa.

Firework viewing will be available along the Tampa Riverwalk adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center as well as from other venues in the vicinity that offer a direct view of the harbor. Come out early to places like The Sail, Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi, American Social Tampa, Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina and Yacht StarShip Cruises & Events to enjoy food, entertainment and fun while getting a good spot to view the fireworks.

Note: This July 4 fireworks display has been traditionally held at Channelside Bay Plaza. However, due to the current construction occurring on the waterfront park, a new location was selected to play host to the 2018 celebration.

This event is made possible through the support of our community partners including Water Street Tampa, Tampa General Hospital, Yacht Starship Cruises & Events, American Social, Jackson’s Bistro and the Marriott Waterside.

Tampa Red, White And Blue Fest

Dress in red, white and blue and bring the family for an evening of entertainment at the Tampa Red, White and Blue Festival by the Tampa Riverwalk in Channelside at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water St., Tampa, Wednesday, July 4 from 2 to 7 p.m.

Celebrity guest magician and former child actor Raushan (Thud Butt) Hammond from the Spielberg movie, “Hook!” will entertain. And there will be live jazz and funk performances by Ari & the Alibis, RnB and jazz soul by The Beatdown Band and live country music with Americana and the F & R Music Project.

This year will also feature:

Color guard welcome with the Shriners Hospitals

Meet & Greet Stewie Griffin

Meet Guinness World Record Holder of the World's Tallest Hat, Odilion Ozare

Family Foodie Contest sponsored by Jets Pizza

All-American Food Court including hot dogs, barbecue and surf and turf

Most Patriotic Dressed Kid, Dog and Adult Contest

Laser Tag Battlefield

Giveaways and raffles every hour to win prizes including family vacations and Sunpass and Walmart gift cards

Tampa Kids CEO Zone

Family Feud contest

Exhibits from local artists, jewelers and craft designers

Additionally, Sunstate Greyhounds Adoptions will be on hand with adoptable greyhounds. Admission is free and the event is pet friendly.

Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta

Celebrate Independence Day at the Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta Wednesday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lykes Gaslight Square Park, 263 E. Madison St. Tampa.

Food trucks on hand include:

Anju Korean Gastrotruck

Just Smokin’ BBQ

Tree Dog Roots

Sushi Motion

Williamsburg Cucina

King’s Bistro

Open

The Surly Mermaid

Wicked Chicken’s Deviled Eggs

FroYo To Go

Cantina Grill

All Aboard For Fabulous Fourth

The American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum will host a Fourth of July Family FunFest Wednesday, July 4 at 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, behind the Florida Aquarium.

Celebrate the nation's birthday with familyaboard a WWII ship from 6:30 a.m. to midnight.

There will be arts and crafts face painting, food, music and the best seats for the Channelside fireworks display.

Tickets are $7 to $12. Click here for tickets.

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise

Enjoy Tampa’s giant fireworks display from aboard the Yacht StarShip Dining Cruise. The cruise will begin boarding at 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa, at 7 p.m.

It runs from 7: 30 to 10 p.m. and includes a buffet with upscale American favorites, an open bar, DJ entertainment and a chance to watch the fireworks display to choreographed patriotic music.

The cost is $129.95 for adults and $89.95 for children. Call (813) 223-7999 for reservations.

July 4 At Busch Gardens

Busch Gardens will host its Independence Day festivities all day July 4. With the price of admission, residents can enjoy all the animal exhibits and thrill rides throughout the day. That evening, the theme park will celebrate with live entertainment and dancing along with an extended fireworks show set to patriotic music.

Image via city of Tampa

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