Fourth of July in Tampa Bay: More than 50 ways to celebrate locally

The Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It marked the political separation of the North American colonies from Great Britain. Today, we celebrate that independence with fireworks, picnics and parties. Here is a list of more than 50 ways the Tampa Bay area is honoring the holiday.

Fourth of July Weekend: Five days of extended hours for live entertainment, seasonal food and fireworks. Included with admission. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday (June 30-July 2) and July 3-4. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10165 N McKinley Drive, Tampa. 813-884-4386.

Independence Day Dance: Celebrate Independence Day as you munch on hot dogs and dance to music by Mike Unwin. $12. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday (June 30). Tampa Bay Dance Club, 5601 Hanley Road, Tampa. 813-390-7160.

Nude Fourth of July Weekend: The clothing-optional camp rocks a weekend-long adult-only party with music by DJ’s Jordan Marshall and Jay Legend and the 732 Boys. Admission varies according to membership level. 8-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday (June 30-July 2) and July 3-4. Paradise Lakes Resort, 2001 Paradise Lakes Blvd, Lutz. 813-949-9327.

Fourth of July Boogie: A three-day barbecue with $25 jumps (Sunday (July 2), fireworks (July 3), music, games and a raffle. USPA membership required. No cover. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday-Monday (July 1-3). Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane, Zephyrhills. 800-888-5867.

Fourth of July Family and Friends Picnic: Gather at shelter two for a picnic with kickball, volleyball, badminton, baseball, dominoes, checkers, horseshoes, napping, lounging and chasing after kids. Bring a dish to share. Alcohol is not permitted. Free. Noon Saturday (July 1). John Chesnut Sr. Park, 2200 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor. 727-669-1951.

Fourth of July at the Sandbar: You need some sort of water transportation to join the John’s Pass Sandbar Day Drinkers for a patriotic party in the water off John’s Pass. Free (BYOB). Noon-5 p.m. Saturday (July 1). John’s Pass Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach.

Zephyrhills Summerfest: The eighth annual Independence Day celebration features a family festival, vendors and fireworks. Free. Noon-9:30 p.m. Saturday (July 1). Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills. 727-674-1464.

Fourth of Ju-Luau: Celebrate Independence Day and Canada Day Hawaiian style with a mixture of American and Canadian flags, luau style food and drinks and fun contests. No cover. Noon-11 p.m. Saturday (July 1). Dade City Brewhouse, 14323 Seventh St., Dade City. 352-218-3122.

Fourth of July Weekend Party: A four-day party marathon with music by Impulse (2-6 p.m. Saturday and 3-7 p.m. Sunday), Oak Lee Band (8 p.m.-midnight Saturday), DJ Just Frank (until 1 a.m. Saturday), DJ Deville (10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Saturday), K Luv and the United Funk Foundation (8 p.m.-midnight Sunday), DJ Blaze (10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Sunday), Tony Rook (3-7 p.m. Monday), The Side Effects (8 p.m.-midnight Monday), King Pin (3-7 p.m. Tuesday) and Cutty Jones with Jay Slay (8 p.m.-midnight Tuesday). Cover charge may apply. 2 p.m. Saturday (July 1), 3 p.m. Sunday (July 2) and July 3-4. Shephard’s Beach Resort, 619 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater. 727-442-5107.

Safety Harbor Independence Day Celebration: Bring the whole family out for a celebration with live entertainment, food vendors and children’s activities. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Free. 5-9 p.m. Saturday (July 1). Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. 727-724-1555.

July Fireworks VIP Celebration: Enjoy live music, a barbecue buffet, two-hour open bar and VIP seating on the waterfront terrace for an exclusive view of the fireworks show. $89, $59 children. 5:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday (July 1). Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor. 727-726-1161.

Indie Pendence BBQ: The second annual weekend of live music, art and mouth-watering barbecue. $5-$10, $15-$35 barbecue. 7-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (July 1-2). 2599 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

Pre-Fourth of July Celebration: A “Sophisticated, Grown and Sexy” Independence Day celebration with DJ dancing, buffet, swag bags and BYOB welcome. $25. 7-11 p.m. Saturday (July 1). Moore Eventful Event Hall, 11141 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. 727-914-8270.

4th of July Yacht Party: Step aboard a luxury yacht to dance the night way and watch Tampa’s fireworks. Includes food and drink. $250. 9 p.m. Saturday (July 1). The Dock, 306 E Jackson St., Tampa.

City of Largo Independence Day: Take the family to celebrate the holiday early with entertainment, activities, food and fireworks (9:15 p.m.). No cover. 6-9:15 p.m. Sunday (July 2). Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6740, ext. 5014.

Stars, Stripes and BBQ Celebration: Start the Independence Day celebrations early at this event featuring barbecued food items with all the fixins, music, dancing and one free drink, followed by cash bar. $20-$25. 5-8 p.m. July 3. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. 727-893-1244.

Fourth of July Pier Run: Join Running for Brews of St. Pete and Clearwater for a two-heat, 4-mile run along the downtown waterfront. The second heat is for walkers or slow runners. Registration is required at raceroster.com. 6 a.m.-noon July 4. St. Petersburg Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

Red, White and Lutz: The day starts with early-morning jazzercise and a 5K run (6:45-8:30 a.m.). It continues with a flag ceremony, National Anthem and a prayer (9 a.m.). The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. from the corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and Highway 41. Free. 6:45-10 a.m. July 4. Downtown Lutz, 101 W Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz. 813-240-5492.

Fourth of July Mingle: All skill levels are welcome to play three 16-frame games and mingle with other players. Includes your choice of hot dog or hamburger and chips. Vegetarian options available. $15. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Mirror Lake St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg. 727-822-2083.

Fourth of July Parade: The Temple Terrace Democrats invite Democrats, or friends of Democrats, for a patriotic street parade. Flags or patriotic attire are required. T-shirts will be available for purchase. Free. 9 a.m. July 4. Start Point, 6610 Whiteway Drive, Temple Terrace.

Fourth of July Paddle and Play: Celebrate the USA with a paddle, games, swimming, and more and help those in need. Free entry with your own paddle craft and a clothing donation for Hydrate the Homeless. Rental kayaks available. Free (reservations required). 9 a.m.-noon July 4. Whitesell Softball Complex, 12555 119th St., Largo. 727-336-9595.

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade: A patriotic salute to those who have served our country. Moves along Main Street. Free. 10 a.m.-noon July 4. Safety Harbor Main Street Parade Route, Main Street and Second Avenue N, Safety Harbor. 727-724-1555.

Fourth of July Picnic in the Park: The City of Tarpon Springs presents the 15th annual picnic with live music, water slides, food, drink and a hot dog eating contest. No cover. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4. Craig Park, 100 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs. 727-938-3711.

Clearwater Celebrates America: Start the holiday with a classic car show featuring vintage cars and trucks, as well as shop local at the farmers market, enjoy the sounds of buskers and street entertainers and let the kid’s burn off energy with family-friendly games and entertainment. As the day comes to a close, witness the grand finale – the largest fireworks display in Clearwater’s history accompanied by The Florida Orchestra. Stick around after the fireworks for a giant silent disco party. No cover (tickets are required from EventBrite.com). 10 a.m.-11 p.m. July 4. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-791-7400.

Fourth of July Grilling: Eat your fill of free hot dogs and hamburgers as you check out the latest motorcycles. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4. Tampa Bay Harley-Davidson, 9841 E Adamo Drive, Tampa. 813-797-6181.

Fourth of July Picnic: The picnic in the front lawn includes a barbecue, hot dogs, snow cones, lawn games, music and family activities. Donations of plates, napkins, forks and bottled water are appreciated. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 4. Limona Village Chapel United Methodist Church, 408 Limona Road, Brandon. 813-689-8385.

Fourth of July at Bayboro: All veterans get an open tab to honor them on the Fourth of July. No cover. Noon July 4. Bayboro Brewing, 2390 Fifth Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-767-9666.

All Airborne Fourth of July: All veterans and their families are invited to this cook out with live music by the Po Boys Band. No cover. Noon-6 p.m. July 4. American Legion Post 152, 11211 Sheldon Road, Tampa. 813-920-3282.

Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest: Watch as competitive eaters try to see who can eat the most hot dogs. Benefits the Safety Harbor Public Library building fund. $50, spectators free. 12:30 p.m. July 4. Gigglewaters Social Club and Screening Room, 737 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-669-7077.

Fourth of July Skate: Kids get free hot dogs and adults get free shrimp for the first 30 minutes. The party includes family skating, face paint, hair spray, inflatable bouncer and a dance room. Wear any Astro Skate shirt and get $1 off admission. Also taking place at Astro Skate in Pinellas Park and Tarpon Springs. $8 (skate rental additional). 1-5 p.m. July 4. Astro Skate Brandon, 750 W Robertson St., Brandon. 813-681-3635.

Fourth of July Family Picnic: The annual Independence Day celebration features food, games, prizes, camaraderie and support for veterans and their families. Food and drink additional. 2 p.m. July 4. VFW Post 4321, 2010 W Morrison Ave., Tampa. 813-374-2490.

City of Tampa Fourth of July: The City of Tampa celebrates Independence Day with a waterski show (only viewable from Sparkman Wharf), a boat parade in the waters near the Convention Center, Curtis Hixon Park, Armature Works, Davis Islands, Channel Drive and Sparkman Wharf, and a fireworks display at Sparkman Wharf (9 p.m.). Free; $50, $25 child (VIP). 2-9 p.m. July 4. Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-345-5881.

Rockin’ Fourth of July: An ‘80s rock holiday tribute with music by Scream Machine. Free. 3-6 p.m. July 4. Toasted Monkey Beach Bar and Sports Grill, 6100 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-5800.

The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration: A riverfront concert with a fireworks display, boat parade, hot dog eating competition, kids zone, and other activities. Free, $25 prime viewing. 3-10 p.m. July 4. Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa. 813-250-3725.

Fourth of July Extravaganza: A day of live music by the Shakes Society, food trucks, dancing, lawn games, face painting, an obstacle course and fireworks. Free. 4-10 p.m. July 4. Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., New Port Richey.

Veterans Fourth of July Celebration: Veterans and their families are invited to bring a chair or blanket for this festival with music, the Sea Dog Cantina Food Truck and a view of the “Light Up the Sky” fireworks display. Free. 4-10 p.m. July 4. American Legion Post 138, 5535 W Prescott St., Tampa. 813-839-5119.

Gulfport Fourth of July Parade: Area residents deck out their golf carts in patriotic flare for a street parade around the waterfront town. Free. 4:30 p.m. July 4. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport. 727-893-1074.

Red, White and Boom!: Tired of fighting for a good spot to see fireworks? Bring a blanket, or grab a seat, as the museum provides private viewing of the fireworks across the Manatee River. Food trucks will be on site. $25, 4 and younger free. 5-10 p.m. July 4. Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. W, Bradenton. 941-746-4131.

July 4th Rooftop Terrace Celebration: A rooftop party with all-you-can-eat barbecue, red, white and blue inspired cocktails and fireworks viewing. $40. 6 p.m. July 4. Fusion Resort, 290 107th Ave., Treasure Island. 727-300-6866.

Freedom Fest: Features spectacular views of Tampa’s “Boom by the Bay” fireworks and the July 4th boat parade and Blessing of the Fleet. Includes food trucks, DJ dancing, refreshments, a kid zone and photo opportunities. The ship remains docked for the entire event. $14, $11 military, $7 ages 4-12, 3 and younger free. 6-9:15 p.m. July 4. SS American Victory, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-228-8766.

Plant City Fourth of July Celebration: Plant City Parks and Recreation joins with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce for a family style celebration with a military salute, face painting, corn hole, inflatables, rock wall, vendors and fireworks. Free, $5 parking. 6-9:30 p.m. July 4. Plant City Stadium & Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex, 1810 E Park Road, Plant City. 813-659-4255.

Fourth of July Viewing Party: Watch all the firework shows in St. Petersburg while enjoying live music, crafted cocktails and food. $75, $400 table for four. 7-11 p.m. July 4. Tierra Verde Residence Inn Vista at the Top, 214 Madonna Blvd., Tierra Verde. 727-273-7970.

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise: Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water with a 2.5-hour cruise including an open bar, buffet, DJ entertainment and a fireworks finale choreographed to patriotic music. $139.95-$189.95, $99.95-$149.95 ages 2-12. 7:30 p.m. July 4. Yacht Starship Sensation Dock, 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater. 813-223-7999.

Fourth of July Fireworks Adventure: Launch from Demens Landing as the sun sets and stay our to watch the St. Pete Pier fireworks display from the water. Includes kayak rental, guide and safety equipment. $50, $100 tandem. 8 p.m. July 4. Demens Landing, 100 First Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. 850-252-2481.

Bay Rocket: Fourth of July: Wear patriotic attire and blast off on the Bay for a speed boat ride and a front row seat of Tampa’s Fourth of July fireworks display. Starting at $34.95, $29.95 children. 8-9:15 p.m. July 4. Bay Rocket, 333 S Franklin St., Tampa. 813-223-7999.

City of St. Petersburg Fourth of July: Come early to enjoy live musical performances by Cassie Jean and The Fireflies, Phoenix 5 LIVE, and DJ Ketone, while indulging an array of food and drink from St. Pete Concessions, Main Street Empanada, Sweet Island Snow, and more. Suggested viewing spots for the fireworks include Albert Whitted Park, North Straub Park, South Straub Park, North Shore Park, Elva Rouse Park and Flora Wylie Park. Free. 9 p.m. July 4. St. Petersburg Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441.

City of Bartow Fourth of July: Music by The Jump Kings, The Lariot Band and Psalm 101 with family activities, food trucks and the “Boom, Boom, Boom at Dark” fireworks show. Free. 2:30-9:30 p.m. July 4. Mosaic Park, 2250 S Floral Ave., Bartow. 863-534-0100.

After the 4th Clean Up: Join Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful in partnership with Freedom Boat Club for the After the 4th Cleanup to help pick up after the fireworks. Free. 8-11 a.m. July 5. Davis Islands Boat Ramp, 801-1399 Severn Avenue, Tampa. 813-221-8733.

Fifth of July Beach Clean Up: Fourth of July is the busiest beach day of the year. Spend the fifth picking up trash and filling in holes to prevent accidents for turtles and humans. No cover. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. July 5. Pinellas County Beach Access Park, between 17th and 18th Avenues on Gulf Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach. 904-383-0984.

After the Fourth Clean-Up: Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful for a cleanup at Pass-A-Grille Beach and help ensure our coastline looks beautiful after the Fourth of July celebrations. All cleanup supplies are provided, including reusable gloves, trash bags, trash pickers, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and bug spray. Restrooms are available on site. Free. 9 a.m.-noon July 5. Pass-a-Grille Beach Art Mart, 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach. 727-533-0402.