On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, setting 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. While America’s largest cities are preparing to celebrate our country’s independence (New York City’s two-hour fireworks spectacular costs millions of dollars and draws more than three million visitors a year), you don’t have to travel far to watch a breathtaking fireworks extravaganza that will awe and inspire spectators of all ages.
In fact, you don’t have to travel out of town to celebrate the holiday. Plant City’s 17th Annual July 4th Celebration, will be held on July 4 at the Plant City Stadium (see details below).
“There’s no need to leave when you can experience the meaning of ‘preserving the past and embracing the future’ right here in Plant City,” said Special Events Coordinator Ivanna Ibarra. “The July 4th celebration is an event that our citizens have come to look forward to every year since 2002.”
Even though Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year, many local cities and towns are hosting their own hometown celebrations beginning July 1 and lasting until July 4 so there’ll be plenty of patriotism and pyrotechnics to entertain even the most die-hard patriots.
4th of July at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N. McKinley Dr.
Friday, June 30 – Tuesday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day at Busch Gardens during five days of festivities, complete with an evening fireworks show at 9:30 p.m., featuring a perfectly-choreographed arrangement of music, lights, fire and dancing fountains. The event is included with park admission.
8th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest and Fireworks, Zephyr Park
Saturday, July 1, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Not satisfied with just a fireworks show? Enjoy a day of food, fun and fireworks at the 8th Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest and Fireworks festival. This free event features a live DJ, a kids zone with bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, contests and raffles and more. A vendor market will also feature handmade goodies and treats. A 30-minute pyrotechnics display will light up the night sky to cap off the event.
Tampa’s Boom by the Bay 2023, Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
Saturday, July 1 at 4 p.m.
The City of Tampa event has activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a pickle ball tournament, live entertainment, kids games, food trucks, an Apple Pie Bake Off and a fireworks display. Admission is free and even four-legged family members are welcome to attend. Text BOOM to 888-777 to receive special notifications about Boom by the Bay.
Red, White + Kaboom Independence Day Celebration, Lake Mirror
Monday, July 3, 6 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
Join the crowd of folks celebrating the nation’s independence at Lake Mirror with entertainment by the soulful sounds of Andrew Luv & the Franchise Players before being wowed with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Food trucks will will be set up around the lake. This event serves double-duty as a food drive for Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) so organizers are asking attendees to bring at least one non-perishable food item.
Got a patriotic outfit? Share your flair because there will be prizes for the family, adult and child that celebrates the event in their most patriotic attire.
For more information, visit lakeland.gov.net.
Clearwater Celebrates America, Coachman Park
Tuesday, July 4, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Clearwater’s free daylong celebration begins with a fitness class at Baywalk Promenade at 8 a.m. followed by a classic car show featuring vintage cars and trucks, an outdoor vendor market with a DJ and children’s activities, food trucks, plenty of entertainment and a Coast Guard demonstration. End the evening with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
The Fourth Independence Day Celebration at The St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave., N.E.
Tuesday, July 4, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The third annual event is chock full of fun activities for all ages, including a St. Pete Pier Run, Craft Beer Garden, bustling marketplace of local artisans and food vendors (the smells of barbecue and kettle corn will fill the air), a family fun zone, live music, roaming entertainers and more. A fireworks show will light the night sky at 9 p.m. Tickets are needed for some activities. The grand opening of Coachman Park is really a week-long celebration that begins June 28. For more information visit thefourthstpete.com.
The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration at Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave.
Tuesday, July 4, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Enjoy a fourth of July celebration while supporting K9s for Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD. Festivities include a riverfront concert, fireworks display, boat parade, a hot dog eating competition and kids zone. VIP tickets are available. For more information visit armatureworks.com.
Star-Spangled Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Dr.
Tuesday, July 4, 4 p.m.
This family-friendly entertainment complex will feature a DJ, roaming entertainment, a water ski show, food and beverages. Enjoy a waterfront view of the fireworks show at 9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public but the venue will be limiting capacity so guests are encouraged to arrive early.
17th Annual July 4th Celebration, Plant City Stadium, 1810 East Park Rd.
Tuesday, July 4, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
This annual family-friendly event is a collaborative effort between the City of Plant City and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. From inflatables to face painting, balloon artist to live entertainment by the Double Barrel Band, there’ll be plenty of activities to entertain the young and the young-at-heart. A variety of food and beverage vendors will be selling their tasty treats, including Smitty’s hand-dipped buttermilk corndogs, Umami Smoke, Boss Lady Southern Eats, Taco Madre, Big Baby Bites, Mad Mango, T & D Aloha shaved ice, Corn goons, Piggy Palace and Citi Ice. The grand finale, $20,000 worth of Zambelli fireworks, will fill the sky starting at 9:15 p.m. No coolers or any glass or open containers of any beverages, including alcoholic beverages, are allowed in the stadium. Bags and backpacks are subject to search at the entrance. Admission to the event is free; parking costs $5 per car (parking lot gates open at 5:30 p.m.). In the event of a rainout, the fireworks-only event will be moved to Wednesday, July 5 with the gates opening at 8 p.m.