Staying local for the Fourth of July? Here's what you can look forward to in Tampa Bay

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Thursday, making it difficult for many to go on vacation until the weekend, but the kids are out of school and may still be expecting sparklers — or something more explosive!

In addition to live music, food and parades, locals and visitors across the Tampa Bay area can expect nothing short of magnificent firework displays and Fourth of July celebrations.

Cities like Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa have all prepared events to make the Fourth of July memorable, even if they are only a block from your house.

Hillsborough County

Boom by the Bay

• Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607
• 5-11 p.m., July 4, 2024
• Includes family-friendly activities, live entertainment and music, an "Apple Pie Throwdown" and fireworks

Manatee County

Fireworks on the Manatee River

• Can be viewed by both the Palmetto and Bradenton sides of the river
• 9:30-10 p.m., July 4, 2024
• 30-minute firework display

Pasco County

9th annual Zephyrhills Summerfest and Fireworks

• Zephyr Park, 38116 5th Ave, Zephyrhills, FL 33542
• Noon-9 p.m. June 29, 2024
• Free admission, $10 parking
• Includes live music, food-eating contests, kids' dance-off, a bounce house, water slides and food trucks, amongst a nightcap firework display

Pinellas County

Clearwater Celebrates America

• Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St, Clearwater, FL 33756
• 4-11 p.m., July 4, 2024
• Free admission
• Includes live music, local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, buskers, fireworks and an immersive silent disco party

Fourth of July Picnic in Craig Park

• Craig Park, 100 Library Ln, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 4, 2024
• Free admission
• Includes a water slide, paddle boarding, inflatables, lawn games, free hot dogs, live music and a hot dog eating contest
• A firework show will take place after sunset from Sunset Beach, which the city recommends residents view from Fred Howard Park

The Fourth - St. Pete Pier

• Spa Beach Park & Family Park on the St. Pete Pier, 615 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
• 4-10 p.m., July 4, 2024
• Free admission
• Includes live music, concessions, food trucks, ice cream and fireworks

Sarasota County

Annual July 4 Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular

• Sarasota Bayfront Park and Marina Jack, 5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
• 9-9:30 p.m., July 4, 2024
• 20 minute firework display

Siesta Key Community Fireworks 

• Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242
• 8-9:30 p.m., July 4, 2024
• Fireworks will be launched at dusk